Official pictures of the Mercedes GL hit the web before the car reaches the stage at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. The new GL stays loyal to the current car dimension-wise, but it comes with new styling touches that make it classier and all-around nicer to look at. It is certainly more of a looker than the current ML.

The 2013 Mercedes GL features the same sort of headlights you see on the new Mercedes SL. It also gets revised grille, front and rear bumper, underbody protection parts and side steps in chrome and new side mirrors on the line with other new Mercedes models.

Engine-wise, the GL550 now features the same turbocharged V8 found in the SL500, with 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This unit is not only more powerful than the outgoing V8, it’s also lighter on fuel. There is also a GL450 version with less power, but even better fuel economy.

If economy is your concern, however, then go for the GL350 BlueTEC  powered by a revised 3.5-liter diesel V6 developing 240 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. It’s not that gutsy, but it makes the GL350 one of the most fuel efficient seven-seater SUVs in the market.

Seven-speed transmission and 4Matic is standard across the range, while the improved interior now features a Range Rover-like terrain response unit for the four-wheel-drive system.