NY_SG

Just wondering I've been waiting forever.

Germancar1

GL550 arrives this summer, there will be no GL63 AMG.

M

metalica_23

Might want to talk to a local dealer as well. Here in MA, the dealer I spoke to yesterday said that he had already taken 6 "pre" orders on GL 550s along with $2k deposits.

Danno4x4

Here you go Dude....

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...enz-gl550.html

Hot off the press from the New York Auto show...

Taz0369

I'm loving the wheels on that GL550! I like those better than the PE wheels...which were my favorites. It looks really good in Verde Brook...but crossing my fingers that the gorgeous slate blue on the Vision GL420 makes it to production. I've seen the pix of the new grille mentioned...I'm hoping the larger emblem isn't to blingalicious in person.

oknish

That makes 2 of us. Those solid spokes are just so uderstated.......

Germancar1

They really did it, the GL550 has the look of the PE edition with lots of standards! Somebody in Jersey must be actually listening.

M

Nevada Jack

What makes you think all those goodies are standard...except for the new grille? It shows the Off Road Package and wood wheel, bigger rims, running boards, etc. but I would guess all are options. Loaded model will probably be $75-80K (or more.)

Germancar1

The press release and the C&D article:

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Apr07/0...US_Market.html

http://www.caranddriver.com/autoshow...enz-gl550.html

M

Nevada Jack

Thanks, I stand corrected...had not seen those articles. Remains to be seen about pricing...the $65K figure in the one article seems to me to be low if they make "nearly all" of the optional features standard. There is no way it will sell for less than a loaded GL450 or GL320CDI.

x-ALI-x

Here's some more news and a pic of the front grill:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/blog...html?series=16



It looks like the front bumper is mroe bubbly...but the flairs are the same. Man, I'm loving those rims.

So NJ and the rest of my April 26 build buddies, do we cancel our orders and get the GL550 instead?

Nevada Jack

Not for me...for what they will charge for this you can buy a S Class and really take advantage of the engine/tranny combination...and I have been that route already. Just give me the 320CDI on schedule and I will be happy...

boxboss

Given the option, I would probably go with the 420 instead. I like the hp/torque numbers of that diesel. I've waited too long, though not as long as others, to change now.

Nevada Jack

We agree...the better choice of a power laden GL is the 420CDI...if I was looking for performance (and I am not), then I would wait for the 420CDI.

mbslk350

Same here. I have the SLK350 for performance. I just need the GL to be "fast enough" and the GL320 fits the bill.

blittle

Agree....and I am an April 27 build by the way......wonder how long it will take to haul it to Pa.?

oknish

You guys have me thinking again.........and I hate to do that

I am seriously thinking about getting a 550 but your guys's opinion have me reconsidering that.

And, BTW, I still remember when the SLK came out. I wanted one so bad but was just out of college and couldn't afford it. Now when i can afford it, I needed a bigger car.

Maybe I will just get a 6'er

Germancar1

Now you're right about that Jack. Either it won't be truly "loaded" for that price or they're way off on the price. Loaded, truly loaded I'd say at least 75-80K, but maybe 70K if there are like 10K in options. Just a guess. It looks great though.

M

Germancar1

Look for an announcement about the GL320 and GL420 Bluetecs at Detroit in Jan 2008 or even possibly November of this year in L.A.

I just thought about this though, there was nothing on the S450 at New York. Hmmm....looks like they're going to really hold out on this one for the U.S. market. No R550 either yet.

M

Taz0369

YIKES...that MB emblem looks a little too Flava Flav!

But I love the vehicle otherwise!