Back with GL 420 Bluetec
If someone sees a smouldering hulk of a motorhome somewhere on I-80 between Reno and West Springfield, MA in the next three days, please feed and care for the dogs. I fly out to pick it up this afternoon.
<NOT>
Monday at the local BMW dealer a sales guy said 2009 for diesels. Previously it was mid 2008 (for MY2009?). Even with the diesel as a great selling point the X5 is too small. The 335d and 535d would be very nice, but I was told the 535d is not on the list for the US.
I've been dragging my feet to replace my wifes (trouble free) 04 E320 4matic while waiting for word on the 420 and 550. And based on the hose issue I'm glad I've waited. Hopefully the Q3 and factory MY2008 fix makes this issue go away for good. From what is being discussed the 420 and 550 will be quite expensive - especially when the 320 and 450 are perfectly adequate, and can also get very expensive. Sounds like the GL class could get too crowded. Yet choices are good.
Will the 2008 GL CDI be a Bluetec or "standard" diesel? I'm sure we'll learn more very soon as many 2008 models are posted at mbusa.com - S, E, CL, etc.
Last weekend I drove the GL 320 CDI and WOW!!! I absolutely loved it, fantastic MPG, great power... The thing with power is that we always want more!! Like a v8 diesel!
My thought is that the trend will be more diesels for the US, people are realizing quickly that diesels are the way to go...
I absolutely feel people will pay for the 420 diesel here in the US, I would pay for one tonight if I could and the more I talk to GL owners the more I hear just how interested they are in a GL Diesel V8 here in the US.
I hope MB is 1st to market with a V8 Diesel in the lux SUV segment. The automotive press would be all over it, owners would love it and all said it would create some major new buzz to drive people to check out both the v6 and the v8 diesels...
Any more news?!?!?!?!??!
At the end of the day - any GL is a fantastic ride!
M
Thanks for the thoughts - by the way like your CLK 430! Good lines on that car for sure.
Hopefully the GL 420 Bluetec will be here ASAP I am all over that!!!
J
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
There are NO plans to bring a V8 diesel to the U.S.
Good Idea, yes. But the V6 gives the GL acceptable performance and 7500lb towing. The GL320 CDI is the hottest selling M-B SUV. There is just not enough missing to to add another variant.
M-B only tracks the competition: Escalade, Navigator, LX470/570, QX56 and to a lesser extent the Range Rover HSE.
This group provides no compelling reason to change strategy.
Good Idea, yes. But the V6 gives the GL acceptable performance and 7500lb towing. The GL320 CDI is the hottest selling M-B SUV. There is just not enough missing to to add another variant.
M-B only tracks the competition: Escalade, Navigator, LX470/570, QX56 and to a lesser extent the Range Rover HSE.
This group provides no compelling reason to change strategy.
M







