Gl550
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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.
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.
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
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From: Las Vegas, NV
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.
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
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From: MA
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.
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From: LA LA Land
'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.
But then again, like NJ says, it's impossible to outguess guys and gals in Montvale.
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From: Denver, CO
2024 GLE53
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.
But then again, like NJ says, it's impossible to outguess guys and gals in Montvale.
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From: MA
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
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.
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.
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From: LA LA Land
'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.
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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.
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; Jun 20, 2007 at 07:44 PM.
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From: LA LA Land
'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
Originally Posted by GL Driver
GL550 has an all-new grille and star which requires all-new development for Distronic.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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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)
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)
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
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.
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!
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'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?
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?
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From: MA
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
("Yes, and please don't bother us with any more emails regarding the 2008 GL")
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
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?
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?
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...:-)
Thread Starter
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'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.
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.
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Posts: 2,548
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From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
Maybe I'll be like Peej and never post them.
Funny how I talked to my rep today and he also told me that he will call me tomorrow AM with 550 details.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 1,046
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
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?
