str8line

We have a black on black GL with the 3rd row climate control option(which includes the UV/insulated windows) and it's pretty incredible how well this thing cools down. It has been over 100 degrees almost every day here. First of all the car doesn't seem like it gets too hot when sitting in the sun, and second the AC absolutely rocks-amazingly so for such a large space to cool.

Has anyone experienced a better AC system in another vehicle?

In comparison my 03 Crew Cab GMC Sierra does pretty well but our 00 BMW 5 series wagon is lousy.

jpeardm

Yes, it is very powerful. I have the IR glass also and I too can tell the difference after it has sat outside while at work compared to my old Denali. I would say my wifes RR HSE is pretty close in cooling power but does not have the IR glass and whenever I drive it I can feel a big difference in the heat hitting me through the side windows. I set the GL to 72 deg. in auto and forget it.

Nevada Jack

The glass on the GL550 was a concern to me but not a deal breaker. The blue glass has some properties better than regular car glass but it is not the IR glass in the other models. GL Fahrer says the blue add to the sport concept of the 550. I still say it adds to the profit of MB since the IR is a better glass and more expensive.

abcdef

I agree that the a/c is exceptional when combined with the 3-zone control and IR glass. The car stays so cool with the glass, that sometimes the kids do not turn on the rear a/c unit. The other day we went through the cental valley in CA when it has 110+ . . . the G/L kept us nice and cool.

BeanCounter

This car has by far the best air conditioning I have ever had. Jack I would not worry about not having IR glass. I have the standard glass and the standard system and it has cooled it down fast even above 110. My black interior is a little toasty when I get in but not a big deal after the A/C gets going........

Nevada Jack

I was not really concerned about the heat as much as the IR/UV blocking with the IR Glass Option, as well as the sound reduction with the laminated glass. My 2003 W211 had the blue sport glass and I never tinted them and it was fine.

oknish

I think I posted this elsewhere too but it seems like that the IR/UV insulation is actually a film applied to the glass. If you roll the windows down and look towards the upper edge you can see the edge of the film. Wonder if that can be confirmed and where that film can be bought aftermarket.

rafi155

This is my first post and I too have the IR glass. The film is embedded inside the glass. I found out when I took it in for quotes on tinting. If you run you finger nail over it you can tell.

oknish

Welcome to the board................and your explanation makes sense. So did you get your windows tinted?

jpeardm

The glass is a laminate with the noise reduction coming from a deadening film in the center along with a low E film to reflect UV and heat (IR). The quality of the glass itself also reduces noise. The IR film will keep heat in as well making the the ac more efficient. Glass of this type will become more common in the future as costs drop.

oknish

No wonder NJ wants the IR/UV glass instead of the "BLUE" glass.

Nevada Jack

My S550 has the IR glass and it is one of the things I did not think I would lose, but MB bean counters and so called marketing experts think Blue Glass is more sporty. I would like to bet the first thing most buyers of the GL550 will do is tint the windows the front windows and windshield. Good thinking MB...you saved a few bucks.

Rant completed...:-)