Nevada Jack

I just downloaded the 2008 SUV Brochure from the MBUSA site. I went to the Option page for the GL and copied it as shown below. Note that the ADSII is shown as an option ONLY with the ORP package and marked as only available on the GL450. The ORP package is not available on the GL550. There is NO entry showing the ADSII as a line item by itself for the GL550.

GL Fahrer I am sure has rock solid information but this again raises a question in my mind. Is the Code 214 on the Netstar listing a special addition for the GL550 (V8+) and a late decision or is it just there...

nantucketsleigh

Given the widespread confusion on this issue in the car mags and among MB salesmen, it is really pretty discouraging that MB continues to be so obscure about the availability.

Nevada Jack

yeah...it is sad how screwed up MB is in communicating their products to the public. The premier automobile builder in the world and they can't introduce it with a high level, comprehensive web site that fully informs the buyers about their product. Dealers are confused as well as the buyers.

The 214 Code on the Netstar probably means it will be on the car, but I want confirmation. We will see what I get from MBUSA when they respond to my email.

Waiting-4-550

NJ I'd stick with GL and believe that ADSII is included.... He's full of accurate info.. Probably a MB mole (either corporate guy or salesman)

sraj

I agree. GL seems to have information that only an insider would know. Also, the fact that ADS was included on the NetStar full feature printout for my order, downloaded on Monday, makes me feel better. I'm still waiting for official confirmation, though. I've been a BMW guy for the past 13 years, and I've never experienced this kind of confusion about equipment levels.

NJ, hypothetically speaking, would you still go for the 550 if ADS is NOT included?

jpeardm

Who ever he is, he seems like a very nice mole.

Nevada Jack

It would be a tough decision but I think I would opt out. I almost canceled my 320 order early when I found out it was not on that model. It is the top of the line model and I feel the ride would be better with it.

One other thing that bothers me is the use of "blue glass" rather than the IR Glass for the windows. This is nothing more than a cost cutting move in my estimation, but is not a deal breaker for me.

Can Drive 55

If I may insert a comment, I would like to point out one thing that I haven't seen mentioned. On the MBUSA web site, it indicates that a Drive Dynamic Seat is standard equipment (from the web site - [Drive-Dynamic multicontour driver's seat and multicontour front passenger seat]). I find it disappointing that it is not available on the passenger side as well. As far as I am concerned, this would be a near perfect vehicle if it had the dynamic seat on the passenger side, ventilated front seats, and distronic. I do believe I would run down and get one if those things were available.

oknish

Me and you both would be running instead of typing.

sraj

On my NetStar printout it lists multi-contour driver's and passenger seats with no mention of drive dynamic seats. GL Fahrer, any insight for us?

Nevada Jack

I don't think the GL multicontour seats are Drive Dynamic. That means (at least on my S) that the side boltsters will inflate when in curves (depending on the force of the turn) to support the body. It is great but I don't think this was ever a feature in the GL seat option.

More confusion from the MBUSA web site...LOL

Nevada Jack

This is a shot of the dash of the GL550 shot at the NY show (at least that is what the C & D site indicates.) If you note the 2nd button from the left shows a logo of a little shock absorber which is the switch to control the ADS features. All well an good. However, it appears that this show GL550 (really a mule) also has the full ORP installed shown by the little control panel below the button line. I was ready to say well ADSII is in the GL550 since the button is not blank, but what we have is a repeat of the confusion with the release of the GL450 and reviews talking about the Sport/Comfort mode.

I still think the ADSII will be on the GL550 based on the Netstar Code 214, but there is that nagging concern based on past history on this matter. I hope I hear from MBUSA today and get clarification.

Can Drive 55

Jack, et al

This is a direct copy and paste from the MBUSA web site - GL550, Specifications, Interior Features, Seating & Trim (Second bullet item)

I am not claiming that they are actually available, I am just repeating what I read on the screen. It surely looks loke at least one drive dynamic seat is available. I have them in my E55 and I agree, they are a great feature to have.

Can Drive 55

I just checked the eBrochure and it lists the Drive Dynamic driver's seat as standard on the GL 550. This agrees with the specifications as I stated earlier. I am assuming that it is available, unless the info Cza,r GL Fahrer says differently.

Also, it lists Distronic as available on the GL 320 and the GL 450 and all of the MLs. My money is riding on the possibility of it showing up sometime for the 550. I really wish MB thought as much about the ventilated seats as I do.

Nevada Jack

I hear ya...:-) But, I am not familiar with any ML/R or GL have Drive Dyanamic seats if they are referring to the ones I have and you have in your E55. If it is there and not a typical MBUSA misprint, I would be happy just with the drivers seat...just let the passenger hang-on...:-)

Can Drive 55

Since it appears in both the specifications and the eBrochure, I am inclined to think it is actually going to be there. I agree that it is more important to have it where the one who buys the thing sits, but it is nice to be able to show off capabilities to the non-MB crowd every now and then.

Nevada Jack

This is from the '08 SUV Brochure which I downloaded yesterday from the MBUSA site. It has no mention of "Drive Dynamic" in the description and the seat controls look just like the standard R/ML and GL multicontour seat control. ?????

Can Drive 55

More evidence that MB should be given the master confusion award.

Look on Page 69, the second item under Seating, just above Heated Front Seats.

Nevada Jack

It really is sad. I read the Spec pages today again and found a host of errors and intermixed GL450/550 specs. There is apparently no one in charge and they copy and paste at random to get something on their lousy site. That Option page for the GL550 is absolutely a mess. No prices for some and "all available packages" is a laugh... They should have full size flash pages for showing exterior and interior colors. Special features should be linked to detailed images...oh what the hell...it does no good...:-)

Can Drive 55

And the saga continues. At least they build the cars that we all have come to know and love.

Nevada Jack

I'll drink to that!

GL Fahrer

1 The Multi-Contour seats in the V8+ are NOT Driver-Dynamic. If "Driver-Dynamic" is written then it is wrong.

2 Distronic IS available on the V6 and V8, but not the V8+ (the developement of this U.S. only variant is not yet complete)

3 The interior shot of NYAS car is NOT a production car, but a show car. Notice the Off Road package, the Bright-Birch wood and ventilated seats; all not available with the V8+

4 ADS is standard on the V8+, optional on the V8 and n/a on the V6

Waiting-4-550

GL you know your stuff... Yes the brochure does say driver -dynamic at end but I'll believe you when you say its not "dynamic".... You'd be a good MB public relations guy if that infact is not your current employment.. Hmmmmm!

Nevada Jack

Thanks. "Driver Dynamic" is printed on page 69 of the brochure.

Have they hired a new webmaster yet...I know they just got a new marketing director...:-)

Jlight

UGH, why can't MB USA offer ALL the options for the GL across the entire line? Come on... I really want the 420 bluetec but will go with the 320CDI however like many, I want EVERY option... As the car comes down the line everything should be available?!

I live in S.FL and we REALLY need and LOVE our vent. seats

MB USA are you listening?! Please offer all options on a premium vehicle like the GL!!!!

I think the GL is a fantastic vehicle but I won't buy until I can get it exactly the way I want it!