uscdoc

I have been reading the posts on this web site for a while and now have decided to join in. I am a native Californian transplanted in the Lone Star state. I enjoy driving on the weekend with my two kids and wife around town. I had lost complete faith in Mercedes after a lot of problems with the redesigned E class but have returned to Mercedes. My garage has a 06 E55, 06 SLK 350 and awaiting 08 GL 550 (traded 04 GX470). I had recently placed an order for a 07 GL 450 but when I read on this website about the GL550 I cancelled my order and await options list. I looking forward to many a pleasant nights of reading in the forum.

boxboss

Welcome. You are the first 550 guy, so congrats! Keep us informed of the highs and lows of the experience.

mbslk350

How do you like the SLK350? I think it's a blast. It makes the daily commute much more tolerable and even fun with the top down. I just took it out of winter hibernation a couple of weeks ago and it's like having a new car again after being without it for four months.

It occurs to me that you and I will soon own the largest vehicle MB sells in the U.S. and the smallest, too. We'll have both extremes.

Welcome to the "waiting for my GL" club.

oknish

Welcome aboard doc. I am guessing you are a USC alum My sister is in USC.

What are the expected delivery dates for 550s?

uscdoc

Oknish; yes I am a USC med alum (go trojans) and the expected delivery date varies from July to September of this year. I just came back from Southern Cal this weekend and was told by one dealer delivery in S. Cal August for sure but still no options or price list?

mbslk350; Yes the SLK 350 is nice and soon experience the GL 550. Both of my current MB's are iridium silver and I really like the GL look in the same but I can't bring myself to having the same color in all three. Pewter is what I am ordering; any other suggestions and why? Like the way black looks but again would go nuts trying to keep it clean and scratches/swirls will cause a lot of frustration. GL 550 engine may not be much different in performance but the extras (wheels, bumper etc) sure does make it worthwhile to me. It's just something about having the latest toy on the block.

Nevada Jack

Welcome Doc...the 550 engine is a sweet one and coupled with the 7 speed tranny is a match made in heaven. It runs quiet and provides great mileage in the S...I imagine it will also enhance the mileage in the GL. I also am looking forward to my GL320 due to be built the 26th of this month.

USC for two year Navy program in 1963-65...Go Trojan's!

LindaAZ

We have a Gl450 in the pewter and it is the best color in my opinion. There are quite a few GL450s that I see at our children's school. The black and dark blue always look dirty. The pewter is really gorgeous. You will like it.
(We also have a Lexus in silver and a Toyota Rav4 (son's car) in silver - so we know what you mean about not getting another car in silver!)

uscdoc

Nevada Jack; Are you planning on buying it or leasing? I am thinking of buying as hopefully the current body style will not change for next 4-5 yrs.

Linda AZ; I think you are right. Especially after washing the car I see the imperfections under the garage flourescent light. Plan on Pewter with Cashmere.

mbslk350

It looks like we have the same thought process. My SLK is Iridium Silver and I also like it but wanted something a bit different. So...I ordered the GL in Pewter. I saw a GL450 with Pewter / Ash Grey on the dealer's showroom floor and it looked great. The only other color I considered is barolo red, but it's a bit darker than I'd like and would be hard to keep clean. And I understand you can't get it anymore anyway.

oknish

Pewter was my first choice too but couldn't find one that had all the options I wanted and I had to have black interior. So I ended up going with Black on Black. For some reasons, all SoCal dealers think that if you want a loaded GL then you must want it in Black

Stoneseller

I have pewter & black. I really like the combo. My wife's ML is silver & ash, which is nice as well, but not my style of color combos.

I'm sure you will be happy with your choice.


My favorite MB color is the Granite Gray of my E550. It changes hue somewhat according to lighting conditions. It has the same engine / tranny combo as the upcoming GL550. Sweeeet engine

Nevada Jack

I have had enough of leasing and stopped several years back. I want the freedom to do as I want with the car and if I get a bug for something different I don't want to be bothering with leasing companies rules to get rid of it.

I think the body style is pretty well set (except for the grille and treatments on the 550 and 420CDI) since it was just released as a new model last year.