Mercedes-Benz will reveal its new seven-seat SUV GL-class at this year’s North American International Auto Show in January.

The seven-seater includes a 320 CDI diesel six (224bhp), a 420CDI diesel eight (306bhp), a 4.6-litre 340bhp and a 5.5-litre 388bhp.

All GL-class engine variants come with ‘7G-TRONIC’ seven-speed automatic transmission with ‘direct select’.

Safety features include three-point pre-tensioned seat belts, ABS, ESP stability control the controversial BAS brake assist system.

Off-road capability includes standard AIRMATIC height-adjustable suspension with adaptive dampers, 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and the DSR electronically controlled hill-descent system.

The GL-class also features downhill speed regulation (DSR) and hill-start assist. An off-road pro engineering package is available on UK models as standard.

UK deliveries start towards the end of 2006. UK model and engine details will be confirmed nearer the launch.