Mercedes GL-Class by Brabus

Brabus has introduced their new tuning program for the Mercedes GL-Class at the Essen Motor Show. Starting with the exterior, the model can be equipped with an air suspension module (which lowers the ride height by up to 30mm) and variety of wheels ranging in sizes from 18- to 23-inches. Customers can also order a stainless-steel sports exhaust system and high-performance brakes. While the exterior accessories are limited at the moment, Brabus offers a multitude of interior options. Choices include Mastik leather and Alcantara upholstery as well as exotic wood and carbon fiber trim. There's also illuminated door sill plates and a speedometer that tops out at 320 km/h (200 mph). Under the hood, the GL 350 BlueTEC can be equipped with the ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit which enables the engine to develop 310 HP (228 kW) and 690 Nm (509 lb-ft) of torque. Thanks to the extra oomph, the crossover runs from 0–100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and can hit a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph). Likewise, the GL 500 can be outfitted with the B50-520 performance kit that allows the 4.7-liter V8 to churn out 521 HP (383 kW) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the luxury barge to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and hit a top speed of 275 km/h (171 mph) with the optional Vmax unit.

Source: Brabus

Mercedes GL by MKB

Mercedes GL with a V12 engine, tuned by MKB.

Designed for owners who want exclusivity and performance, the V12 conversion "is not easy" - because it requires modifications to the gearbox, electronic control system and four-wheel drive system - but rewards drivers with 668 PS (491 kW / 658 hp) and 1,200 Nm (885 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

The engine swap takes six months and costs a staggering €217,568 ($294,030 / £190,070) which doesn't include the price of the original vehicle.

Kicherer GL 42 Sport Black based on Mercedes GL-Class

German tuner Kicherer has announced the GL 42 Sport Black - based on the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 420 CDI.

Kicherer takes the massive SUV, currently in the X164 generation, and try to add some finesse to the beast.

They begin with a power boost on the 4.2 liter CDI diesel which dials output on the V8 to 380 PS (280 kW / 375 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) from the series' 306 PS (225 kW / 302 bhp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft).

The Kicherer PowerConverter also refines the response curve of the electronic gas pedal for a more springing acceleration.

The tuning kit also features a sport exhaust system with twin pipes at each corner of the rear and a sharpening of the Airmatic suspension.

Wheel set is the Vogue 10 x 22-inch rims wrapped in 295/35R22 tires.

On the outside is also a matte black foil finish and the grille and Mercedes-Benz badges all re-done in black.

A new sport steering wheel is also added.