GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Gl550

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 06-19-2007, 07:18 PM
  #101  
Newbie
 
GL Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Your talking about "serious" off-roading

The GL550 has no wheel options, just the standard: 21" AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels with (295/40) tires.

Would you REALLY take those lower-profile tires in conditions that require a 2-speed transfer case, and 2 locking differentials?

If you did, how long do you think they would last without damage?

At least ADS is standard.
Old 06-19-2007, 11:47 PM
  #102  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
oknish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by GL Driver
The GL550 has no wheel options, just the standard: 21" AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels with (295/40) tires.
Old 06-20-2007, 12:52 AM
  #103  
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
 
Stumblefoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Originally Posted by GL Driver
Your talking about "serious" off-roading
I should have known you would know all about off-roading in Colorado too.
Old 06-20-2007, 11:19 AM
  #104  
Senior Member
 
BeanCounter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
GL450 (Alabaster White/Black Interior)
Been following this post for a while and figured I would through in my two cents. I am in the camp that thinks that the GL550 is going to be the bling/hot rod model of the GL series. From what I am reading on this site and the other site that in addition to the bigger engine it will have the bigger (21 inch) wheels, aggressive grill, etc. Assuming all of this is correct it would make sense to me that it would not have the off road package. There is a trade off for everything. If you want more "sport" you are likely to sacrifice some "utility". I am not sure where GLDriver is getting his information but my personal opinion is that his information is correct. In the end, to me, I am not really sure I would pay the extra $20,000 plus to get 50 more horsepower, bigger wheels, and a different grill. That's me and I guess that's why there is chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
Old 06-20-2007, 11:59 AM
  #105  
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
 
Stumblefoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Originally Posted by BeanCounter
I guess that's why there is chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
Throw a little strawberry into the mix and make mine Neapolitan.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the 550.
Old 06-20-2007, 12:35 PM
  #106  
Senior Member
 
jpeardm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
I'm sure this 550 will be a sharp looking and high performance boulevard Panzer and appeal to many but with limited use in the winter climates and non availability of Distronic for highway cruising and a big premium cost it sure would seem that sales will be fairly low. Maybe that's all MB is expecting? The mystery continues.
Old 06-20-2007, 01:23 PM
  #107  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
oknish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
I do agree that 550 is supposed to add more "bling" to the 450 at the cost of some off road capabilities. But, no Distronic??? I find that hard to believe. I mean you are building an upper end model and you won't fit it one of the most expensive options.

But then again, like NJ says, it's impossible to outguess guys and gals in Montvale.
Old 06-20-2007, 02:02 PM
  #108  
Member
 
grussell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2024 GLE53
Originally Posted by oknish
I do agree that 550 is supposed to add more "bling" to the 450 at the cost of some off road capabilities. But, no Distronic??? I find that hard to believe. I mean you are building an upper end model and you won't fit it one of the most expensive options.

But then again, like NJ says, it's impossible to outguess guys and gals in Montvale.
How do you know Distronic isn't standard on the 550? All of PII is.
Old 06-20-2007, 02:06 PM
  #109  
Senior Member
 
jpeardm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
Originally Posted by GL Driver
U.S. Vehicles only:

For 2008, the GL550 does not come equipped with the Off-Road package and it CANNOT be ordered.

For 2008, the GL550 does not come equipped with Distronic and it CANNOT be ordered.

For 2008, the GL550 DOES come equipped with Multi-Contour front seats; Standard.
According to this, it's not available??
Old 06-20-2007, 02:09 PM
  #110  
Member
 
grussell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2024 GLE53
Originally Posted by jpeardm
According to this, it's not available??
where did it come from? Dealers have no info yet.
Old 06-20-2007, 02:11 PM
  #111  
Senior Member
 
jpeardm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
No one knows except GL Driver but he seems to know.
Old 06-20-2007, 02:16 PM
  #112  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Nevada Jack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 6 Posts
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Originally Posted by jpeardm
No one knows except GL Driver but he seems to know.
Maybe GL Driver is PeeJ's brother...remember PeeJ...:-)
Old 06-20-2007, 02:20 PM
  #113  
Member
 
grussell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
2024 GLE53
We will all know soon but based upon the options listed on Netstar it will be fully loaded.
Old 06-20-2007, 03:14 PM
  #114  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
oknish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by grussell
We will all know soon but based upon the options listed on Netstar it will be fully loaded.
What do you see in Netstar? Any updates? Last I saw there were no packages listed at all for 550 and only a very few options were listed.
Old 06-20-2007, 04:28 PM
  #115  
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
 
Stumblefoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Originally Posted by Nevada Jack
Maybe GL Driver is PeeJ's brother...remember PeeJ...:-)
You are one heck of a sleuth!
Old 06-20-2007, 07:42 PM
  #116  
Newbie
 
GL Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by oknish
I do agree that 550 is supposed to add more "bling" to the 450 at the cost of some off road capabilities. But, no Distronic??? I find that hard to believe. I mean you are building an upper end model and you won't fit it one of the most expensive options.

But then again, like NJ says, it's impossible to outguess guys and gals in Montvale.

GL550 has an all-new grille and star which requires all-new development for Distronic.
GL550 will only be available in the U.S. & Canada (nowhere else in the world).
And lastly, Distronic is one of the least popular options on SUV's

Last edited by GL Driver; 06-20-2007 at 07:44 PM.
Old 06-20-2007, 07:52 PM
  #117  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
oknish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by GL Driver
I was told that Distronic wasn't completely developed for the (model year 2008) GL550
Would you mind sharing who told you that?

Originally Posted by GL Driver
GL550 has an all-new grille and star which requires all-new development for Distronic.
In looking at Distronic on my 450, it's simply a radar transmitter behind the Star. So I am not sure how developing for a new grill/star would be too tough. Unless MB is changing the technology behind Distronic in 550 then that is a different matter.
Old 06-20-2007, 08:39 PM
  #118  
Newbie
 
GL Driver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I would guess that if the 550 had the same grille as the 450, then Distronic would be offered in 2008

Design, testing and certification would have to be completed not just on the transmitter, but also on the star and covering in order to allow this in this U.S. variant. (where distronic is especially unpopular)
Old 06-20-2007, 08:48 PM
  #119  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
blittle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Central Pa.
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
You are so right. I realize that I'm probably the only knucklehead that would take this thing off road, but when you live in the mountains like we do, it is so much fun seeking out old mining roads that lead you to some of the most beautiful places on this earth. I'll just be sick to my stomach if the 550 can't do what my little old Trailblazer can do capably.

C'mon MBUSA... release the complete details on this vehicle soon.

Absolutely, absolutely...............My 2007 450 is the most comfortable and yet totaly capable 4wd vehicle I have ever owned............I can drive from my home in Pa. to my vacation home in Vermont anytime and under any conditions........! MB does not need to screw this up!
Old 06-20-2007, 10:44 PM
  #120  
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
 
Stumblefoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
GL550 Web-Site Availability

I thought you all might get a kick out of the response I received to the following email message I sent to MB on Saturday where I asked, "When will specs and pricing information for the '08 GL550 be available?"

MB's response:
Thank you for your e-mail to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center.

Information for the 2008 GL is not yet available. The vehicle is tentatively expected to be released later this summer. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not know when specs and pricing will be posted on our site.

We apologize we could not be of more help and encourage you to frequent our website as this would be the best source for this information and will be updated promptly as soon as this data is available.


Man, have they ever got the canned stuff down. They could certainly learn a thing or two about marketing from Apple don't you think?
Old 06-21-2007, 07:16 AM
  #121  
Senior Member
 
jpeardm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
Man, have they ever got the canned stuff down. They could certainly learn a thing or two about marketing from Apple don't you think?
"encourage you to frequent our website as this would be the best source for this information"

("Yes, and please don't bother us with any more emails regarding the 2008 GL")
Old 06-21-2007, 08:50 AM
  #122  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Nevada Jack's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 6 Posts
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
I thought you all might get a kick out of the response I received to the following email message I sent to MB on Saturday where I asked, "When will specs and pricing information for the '08 GL550 be available?"

MB's response:
Thank you for your e-mail to the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Center.

Information for the 2008 GL is not yet available. The vehicle is tentatively expected to be released later this summer. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not know when specs and pricing will be posted on our site.

We apologize we could not be of more help and encourage you to frequent our website as this would be the best source for this information and will be updated promptly as soon as this data is available.


Man, have they ever got the canned stuff down. They could certainly learn a thing or two about marketing from Apple don't you think?
I see where MBUSA has appointed a new maketing boss...I sure hope he is a live one and fires the web master and a few others.

The MBUSA site is "never" up to date and is a pitiful expression of MB products. Compare it to the BMW, Range Rover or Porsche sites and it looks like an amateur did it. Small images you cannot see well, terrible color shots for exterior and interior evaluation, no really impressive features detail and most of all out of date information.

I guess you get my drift...:-)
Old 06-26-2007, 10:34 PM
  #123  
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
 
Stumblefoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Pricing & Options

Just got home from an all afternoon client meeting and had a message from my MB rep stating that he has the spec and option info along with pricing for me. He was already gone for the evening, so I left him a VM to send me the details tomorrow via email.

I'm tied up in meetings all day tomorrow (), so bear with me until I can get the details posted.

Maybe I'll be like Peej and never post them.

Just kidding of course.
Old 06-27-2007, 12:43 AM
  #124  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
oknish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
Maybe I'll be like Peej and never post them.
OK, StumblePeej.

Funny how I talked to my rep today and he also told me that he will call me tomorrow AM with 550 details.
Old 06-27-2007, 02:53 PM
  #125  
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
 
Stumblefoot's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
Had a message from my MB rep stating that he has the spec and option info along with pricing for me.
False alarm.

During lunch break found out that there are a few options listed with pricing (RSE, Trailer Hitch, etc.), but not a complete list. There is also no package information yet, nor details on specs or base MSRP.

Oknish... any different news from your end?


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Gl550



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:56 PM.