Spied - Mercedes GL Class facelift starts testing

The second generation Mercedes GL Class was launched in 2012 and it's about time for the mid-life refresh. The first test mule of the Mercedes GL Class facelift was spotted testing in the U.S.

Only the front grille and bumper of the test mule is camouflaged, suggesting that the full-sized SUV would undergo only minor visual changes. The same is expected for the interior as well.

The powertrain options would be retained. The India-spec GL 350 CDI would continue to employ the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that puts out 254.3 bhp (258 PS) and 619 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-G Tronic Plus automatic transmission. The GL 63 AMG packs a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine which pushes out 549.8 bhp (557 PS) and 760 Nm of torque, paired to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-G automatic gearbox.

The GL 350 CDI for the Indian market is assembled at the automaker's plant at Chakan, Pune, with the kits being shipped from the GL's mother plant at Tuscaloosa, U.S.

The 2015 GL Class is expected to premiere sometime next year. The refreshed SUV should reach India a few months after its world debut.

You can see the spyshots of the Mercedes GL Class facelift here.

Competitors: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery

Expected Price: INR 75 - 80 lakhs, ex-Showroom