Nevada Jack

I stopped by FJ MB today and asked about the GL550. After hunting for it they located it in the basement pre-delivery area fully detailed. It is sold.

I saw it from about 50' away and WOW...I was blown away! As I approached it I noticed the grille and how well it was so well proportioned to the rest of the front detail. The grille and star do not look out of place and blend beautifully into the front of the truck. I noticed the flares and how well they were attached...excellent match of edges. The rear end was likewise well proportioned and and the exhaust exits look "kewl" if this old guy can use such a word...

The star of the show are the 21" AMG Wheels...absolutely great looking.. They will be easy to keep clean and they just set the truck off so well.

The interior was black and I am pleased with it. Having not been a fan of black interiors I am now converted...

I asked if I could shoot some pictures and he said " a couple." He was the floor salesman so he wanted to get back upstairs. I took out my little Canon S230 and shot two images. I can't wait to let my Canon SLR loose on this thing....

Waiting-4-550

NJ, glad you got a peak at one... It seems like it was good for you.. I had same reaction when I saw one at NY auto show.. It was like love at first site.. From that day I was convinced that I would wait for this truck.. It really threw me for a spin... Only a couple weeks more of waiting...

Nevada Jack

Yeah...it really is impressive in person.

I think this thing is going to set Range Rover and Cadillac on their ears. The RR is equally priced and some of their gadgets may hold some sway, but ride and looks is far above it. The Cad it not in the same class!

Greg told me today mine is still B4 (in production) with a VIN and once it gets to D5 which is Carrier Assigned (could be by Friday), it will be 10-14 days to Denver. Looks like the first week of September....

sraj

Great job, Nevada Jack. I think that's Iridium, but if I squint it looks a little Pewter-ish, so that way I can get a preview our 550. I'm liking it!

cjh.

Wow, that looks great. Thanks for the pics NJ! Sraj, yup that is Iridium.

oknish

Thanks for the pics and 1st hand report. Please excuse me now while I go beat my head against the wall.

Nevada Jack

Thanks nish... You don't have to do anything other than admire that good looking GL450 you have in your garage....:-)

Waiting-4-550

I feel same way when I see a 750 LI with sport package... Should have added the 3K option... Mistake, yes... Wonder if most people even understand these points?

oknish

I know, NJ. But that 550 is fast becoming "my precious" I am sure I will survive.

MKW

The Cad is also not in the same price class. I hear they sell starting at invoice down , even the '08s just coming in already have $1000 " trunk " money so one can be had for , at most , $61K for the short one and $64K for the long ESV one - a good $20K below the GL550 . And if you wait a few months on these '08s , probably get 0/0 financing , which all leftover '07s have right now , to boot. GM has to do this on their trucks every qtr it seems to move the metal .

I'd love to buy ANY car for 0/0 instead of tying up all that cash up front in a depreciating asset! I thought MBUSA should have done that to get rid of the piles of R classes the past two years .

Stumblefoot

Hang in there until they re-engineer distronic for that big star. By then, you can trade in that great 450 for the 550 and not take too big of a bath. And, your head won't hurt as much.

Newbie_2_MB

Thanks for the pics, NJ. I looked on the lot at my MB dealership last night when I went to pick up my GL and all they had were 450's. Not a 550 to be seen. Looking forward to seeing yours in person in October.

oknish

Thanks, Stumble.

StevethePilot

I almost got tempted into an R320 CDI instead of the GL because they were offering (I think it was) 2%. But I just couldn't wrap my head around the styling, both inside and out, and after riding in the GL I REALLY didn't like the R.

Unfortunately, with luxury car lines, there's a certain attitude of "if you don't buy it the guy behind you will," and though things have changed on the customer end, they're slow to change on the dealer's side of the equation.

sraj

More Iridium/black pics, courtesy of MB of Sugar Land, Texas. The visual presence is quite striking. Combine that with the performance, comfort, luxury, and utility...is there a better package for the price?

http://mb-sugar-land.ebizautos.com/s...BizAutos&pid=2

Nevada Jack

Great shots raj...the more I see of this truck the more impressed I am with it.

You are so right about "is there a better package for the price?" $83K MSRP fully loaded is not cheap but it sure is worth it....

Newbie_2_MB

Great pics sraj! Thanks for posting them. I'm going to take another look at my dealership on Saturday to see if they have any 500's. I didn't see any, but my husband said he thought he saw one as he was pulling away from the dealership.

Germancar1

At the moment I'd say no. The Range Rover still has a better, more luxurious interior, but it is too small compared to the GL. The GL550 pretty much clobbers it in anything else other than off-roading, but who really does that! The only thing I see coming is the Lexus LX570. Nothing visually compared to the GL, but it will have the same hp and all leather/wood/gadgets you can stuff into it.

M

Nevada Jack

From what I remember of the early images of the LX570, the seating arrangement is a disaster, mostly the fold up to the sides. It will be loaded with gadgets and glitz but as you say the GL "clobbers" it.

Stumblefoot

Thanks for the pics raj! I didn't know how the AMG wheels would look against the light color of Iridium and I've got to say, they look very good.

I really like the work the detailer did on the carpet. Looks pretty cool.

Dodson

Nice job NJ!!! Great pictures! Its nice to finally see some photos of an Iridium 550. Thanks.

Nevada Jack

I noticed that carpet treatment also and wondered if they had added something different. But I think you are right and that detailer has the great patience to put in those stripes. They are almost too perfect.

Dodson

Nice job to you too, raj! Man, that dealer must have realy spent some time with the vacuum! Maybe I will have to try that in my ride, next time I give it a wash.
Thanks.

Waiting-4-550

The detailer should be given an award for the carpet design!!!

Stumblefoot

Dodson, are you and your father going to be able to bring those two 550's down to Vegas for the meet in October? The more the merrier!