2012 Mercedes GL63 AMG spied ripping up the 'Ring

Mercedes is set to schedule a performance-orientated large SUV for 2013, to directly rival the BMW X5 M. Cue the GL63 AMG; the most noticeable features on this prototype are the 20” alloy wheels and huge front air-intakes, behind the extensive cladding.

While the overall shape of the upcoming GL remains similar to the outgoing model, despite the taped cardboard placed above the rear windscreen, the new model will steer towards the new design language of sharp, edgy lines.

The bases of the upcoming GL will come from the yet-launched M-Class. Up front, LED daytime running lights will sit on the bumper, while behind the black mesh grille one can see two chrome grille louvres illuminating with the Mercedes' three-pointed star sitting proudly in-between. At the rear, despite the bolt-on lights, production models will feature LED tail-lights that are integrated into the bootlid.



 

Strangely, the early prototype is missing a pair of

twin exhaust pipes at the rear, in addition to

lower reflector lights. Expect a price-tag of

£90,000 (€102,000/$147,000).

 The regular GL line-up will carry over the current engine line-up, including the 3.0 litre V6 CDI, the GL AMG variant is likely to arrive with a 570bhp (562PS/425kW) twin-turbo MoVe V8 petrol engine.

Expect to see the vehicle debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, with assembly commencing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico.

Via SecretNewCars.com