2019 G550 why I returned it after a week
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2019 G550
2019 G550 why I returned it after a week
I waited for over two years for my 2019 G550 and thought it was going to be an amazing improvement over the out going model.
And I can say that the new one is indeed improved in every aspect from a tech/engineering point of view. However,
as soon as I started driving it, I realized that all the faults of the previous one are actually what make it great.
The new one felt way too wide. I can appreciate the improved room inside the cabin but I missed the narrow go anywhere feel.
And the increased dimensions of the exterior, along with the edges now rounded, just make it seem like the proportions are off.
My biggest complaint for the interior would be the rear seat design and head rests. I imagine it was for cost savings to throw in rear seats from a GLS/GLE that no longer have three proper seats, and the ugliest head rest design; you can't sit in the seat if they are down, and they look weird when they are up.
The interior now feels like an S class which does not make you feel like you want to go drive up a mountain. When you climb into the previous one, you feel like you are ready to go off road. This one just lacks that utilitarian feel.
The ride is also S class compared to the previous model. Which again, does not give you the feeling that you want to go off road. I really missed the heavy steering feel, that made it seem like you were driving a tank.
My dealer took the truck back for a full refund, even though I put over 300 miles on it.
Now I'm looking for a 2018....550 or 63 and I will keep it for a very long time.
I imagine I'm not the only one, that was a big fan of the previous version and was disappointed that the "new" one seems like it lost its character.
---
And I can say that the new one is indeed improved in every aspect from a tech/engineering point of view. However,
as soon as I started driving it, I realized that all the faults of the previous one are actually what make it great.
The new one felt way too wide. I can appreciate the improved room inside the cabin but I missed the narrow go anywhere feel.
And the increased dimensions of the exterior, along with the edges now rounded, just make it seem like the proportions are off.
My biggest complaint for the interior would be the rear seat design and head rests. I imagine it was for cost savings to throw in rear seats from a GLS/GLE that no longer have three proper seats, and the ugliest head rest design; you can't sit in the seat if they are down, and they look weird when they are up.
The interior now feels like an S class which does not make you feel like you want to go drive up a mountain. When you climb into the previous one, you feel like you are ready to go off road. This one just lacks that utilitarian feel.
The ride is also S class compared to the previous model. Which again, does not give you the feeling that you want to go off road. I really missed the heavy steering feel, that made it seem like you were driving a tank.
My dealer took the truck back for a full refund, even though I put over 300 miles on it.
Now I'm looking for a 2018....550 or 63 and I will keep it for a very long time.
I imagine I'm not the only one, that was a big fan of the previous version and was disappointed that the "new" one seems like it lost its character.
---
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
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No more MB:(
Wow, very interesting. My dealer had offered me a 2019 at MSRP but I passed. The one thing I remember was the doors felt lighter and lost that heavy sound when I shut them. I agree that the new G is probably better in almost every way but lose that "truck" feel that made it so attractive to some. Curious to hear others with 2019's reply.
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'19 G63 Ed 1,'18 M5, '16 G63,'12 458 , '11 E63, Brabus SL55-K8, '10 S63, '94 E500 "Wolf", '91 560SEC
I waited for over two years for my 2019 G550 and thought it was going to be an amazing improvement over the out going model.
And I can say that the new one is indeed improved in every aspect from a tech/engineering point of view. However,
as soon as I started driving it, I realized that all the faults of the previous one are actually what make it great.
The new one felt way too wide. I can appreciate the improved room inside the cabin but I missed the narrow go anywhere feel.
And the increased dimensions of the exterior, along with the edges now rounded, just make it seem like the proportions are off.
My biggest complaint for the interior would be the rear seat design and head rests. I imagine it was for cost savings to throw in rear seats from a GLS/GLE that no longer have three proper seats, and the ugliest head rest design; you can't sit in the seat if they are down, and they look weird when they are up.
The interior now feels like an S class which does not make you feel like you want to go drive up a mountain. When you climb into the previous one, you feel like you are ready to go off road. This one just lacks that utilitarian feel.
The ride is also S class compared to the previous model. Which again, does not give you the feeling that you want to go off road. I really missed the heavy steering feel, that made it seem like you were driving a tank.
My dealer took the truck back for a full refund, even though I put over 300 miles on it.
Now I'm looking for a 2018....550 or 63 and I will keep it for a very long time.
I imagine I'm not the only one, that was a big fan of the previous version and was disappointed that the "new" one seems like it lost its character.
---
And I can say that the new one is indeed improved in every aspect from a tech/engineering point of view. However,
as soon as I started driving it, I realized that all the faults of the previous one are actually what make it great.
The new one felt way too wide. I can appreciate the improved room inside the cabin but I missed the narrow go anywhere feel.
And the increased dimensions of the exterior, along with the edges now rounded, just make it seem like the proportions are off.
My biggest complaint for the interior would be the rear seat design and head rests. I imagine it was for cost savings to throw in rear seats from a GLS/GLE that no longer have three proper seats, and the ugliest head rest design; you can't sit in the seat if they are down, and they look weird when they are up.
The interior now feels like an S class which does not make you feel like you want to go drive up a mountain. When you climb into the previous one, you feel like you are ready to go off road. This one just lacks that utilitarian feel.
The ride is also S class compared to the previous model. Which again, does not give you the feeling that you want to go off road. I really missed the heavy steering feel, that made it seem like you were driving a tank.
My dealer took the truck back for a full refund, even though I put over 300 miles on it.
Now I'm looking for a 2018....550 or 63 and I will keep it for a very long time.
I imagine I'm not the only one, that was a big fan of the previous version and was disappointed that the "new" one seems like it lost its character.
---
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Joined: Feb 2009
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993 TT
Suspect we will see many of these posts over the coming months and years. No doubt there will be many in this pre-19 camp. Overall, I think the car will appeal to a wider audience. Wait till the new Defender comes out. Should be interesting to read the reviews there. The pre-19s will always hold a special spot in automotive history and in the hearts of those who truly drove them and appreciated their quirks.
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G550
Funny as we're now buying our first one for the better driving experience. We live in Vail Colorado and go off road quite a bit but usually in a dedicated off road vehicle. Was going to buy a 2018 but after researching both, decided to go with the 2019. Ours will be used more as a family car or a daily driver for short commutes so in this case, the 19 makes sense for us. But I do undrestand if you want the 18 for the reasons mentioned above, probably from previous owners.
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2020 AMG GLC63
You always see these posts when a new generation of a car comes out. Me? I tossed my ‘17 G63 out and can’t wait until my 2019 comes in. I for one welcome the 21st century. Loved the look of the ‘17 but looking forward to having a daily driver that doesn’t cause early onset fatigue. 
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Cape Cod
E450 wagon, C43 AMG Cpe, GLE AMG 63S
It is interesting to see the negative posts regarding the new model. I experienced the very same reactions with Porsche as the 911 morphed over the years. I have owned various 911 variants since 1971 through 2016. From a small, nimble sports car to a mid size luxury tourer. From air cooled to water cooled. Things change, technology changes, market demands change and the manufacturers struggle to keep their market niche and remain completive. Having said all this...look what's happened to the value of air cooled 911's. The prices have gone into the stratosphere. Will this happen with the outgoing G? I don't know but seriously doubt it. As for me, the complaints about the MY 19 G are the reasons I have an order in for a new one. Yes, I like my MY 16 but don't like the overall driving experience. It is fun around town but a chore on a long trip. I have never had my G offload and probably never will.To each his own, as they say. That's what makes life interesting.
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From: Calabasas, CA
2018 G63 AMG x2, 2017 BMW M6
When I first saw the rear head rests in the new G, I said right away....NO!! I had them in my GL550 and a past ML/GLE63. They are beyond dismal and are a total pain in *** and look beyond cheap!!! When down, you cannot sit on the rear seats, and you have to push them up sky high to use the back seat and then they look absolutely ridiculous. 2018 and older G -Class rear seat design is leaps and bounds better and fits a car of this price!
And...it is UNHEARD of getting a full refund on a car you signed paperwork on and put 300 miles. They will now not be able to sell or lease it as new.
And...it is UNHEARD of getting a full refund on a car you signed paperwork on and put 300 miles. They will now not be able to sell or lease it as new.
Last edited by Deutsch100; Jan 31, 2019 at 11:49 PM.
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19 X3, 24 Tacoma Trailhunter, 25 CLE53
Wow, very interesting. My dealer had offered me a 2019 at MSRP but I passed. The one thing I remember was the doors felt lighter and lost that heavy sound when I shut them. I agree that the new G is probably better in almost every way but lose that "truck" feel that made it so attractive to some. Curious to hear others with 2019's reply.
P.S. I also like the electronic dash. Having a close-up view of the NAV on the dash and a wider view on the center display means there's no need to zoom in/out.
Last edited by dunderhi; Feb 2, 2019 at 08:08 PM. Reason: P.S.
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2023 G550
, also has LKA, and you can definitely manually defeat it, on a one-off basis. But, just like the G, as soon as the driver restarts the motor, boom, its back into the LKA On mode. You have to manually turn LKA Off, each and every time you start the motor. My guess is FCA lawyers are way ahead of me, and are simply covering their bases here.
Last edited by JetRanger; Feb 2, 2019 at 07:40 PM.
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2019 G550
My dealer agreed to take it back and reverse the transaction 100% as they had a customer on a wait list that agreed to take my truck as a “new” car. Here in Canada the allocation of G’s per dealer is very small so for this customer it meant getting my truck now and not waiting another ten months. And almost all the dealers here are corporate stores so perhaps they have more flexibility than the independent dealers.
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From: Calabasas, CA
2018 G63 AMG x2, 2017 BMW M6
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 412
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2023 G550
Yup, in the US, that car would absolutely have to be sold as a used vehicle. No matter how low the mileage might be, even if it had like only 3 miles on its odometer, it makes zero difference. Once the car dealer sells it to the original buyer, that’s it, you have a title transfer. When the dealer turns around even just hours later (makes absolutely no difference as to how short or long of a time interval is involved), right after the first buyer “gets a refund,” and proceeds to then sell that same car to a second buyer, that creates yet a second title transfer. And, this time around, it is associated with a USED car. Full stop. End of story. My guess is it is the same thing in Canada. No idea why on earth this fellow didn’t lose any money. The first buyer would have paid a lot of miscellaneous fees, too, which may not be refundable. Also, if the second buyer finances this car, the lender would have to base the loan rates on a used car, which are higher than for a new car.
Last edited by JetRanger; Feb 3, 2019 at 09:35 PM.
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From: NYC
2021 G63, 2020 Tesla Model S, 2020 Ford Raptor
Only one is Mercedes of Manhattan - "Mercedes-Benz Manhattan is your premier Mercedes-Benz dealership, proudly located in New York City. We are the only Mercedes-Benz dealership in the United States owned and directly operated by Mercedes-Benz."
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2014 ML63 2015 G550 2016 G550 & (2) 2019 G550s
Not true, it would happen for sure here in the States. These new Gwags are in high demand and 300 miles is nothing.
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2014 ML63 2015 G550 2016 G550 & (2) 2019 G550s
As far at the old vs new comments. Each version has it's +s and -s. We have both generations, a 2015 and two 2019s. The 2015 sits in Idaho as my wife's "grocery getter" because the older version is absolutely not a highway vehicle. The narrow stance and that horrible recirculating ball steering is exhautsting , and, at time, down right frightening (especially at any speeds). The new Gwag has updated steering and also an independent front suspension that replaces the old live-axle (rear is still live). Also, as an option, the suspension can further be enhanced by multi-mode adaptive dampers. Night and day handling upgrade from the previous generation, however, if you're not doing a lot of miles, then the older version is fine.
With regards to the width and more interior room, that's a huge plus for me, as I am a big person. If I was normal height and weight, the roomer cabin would have zero benefit.
Anyway, it's nice that both model year options are available.
With regards to the width and more interior room, that's a huge plus for me, as I am a big person. If I was normal height and weight, the roomer cabin would have zero benefit.
Anyway, it's nice that both model year options are available.
