Originally Posted by stickygreen

All diesel vehicles from 2007 on up are required to have diesel particulate filters (not sure about commercial vehicles) by the EPA, so your '07 did have one. Perhaps MB changed the tuning between '07 and '08...

Originally Posted by neodoc

I think I could chime in with some varied options, having recently driven everything that's available in large and mid-sized SUVs, while shopping for a replacement for my parents' GL450 PE. Initially, I thought the GL might be too big for my dad (80 years young) so I looked at the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q5. My dad drove the Cayenne and liked it. My mom (85) found it easy to get in and out because of its lower step-in height. I liked the Cayenne S, with its 8 cyl engine, finding the 6 cyl version a bit weak. In order to get any performance out of it, coming from an 8 cyl, I had to stomp on it, which only made it louder. Had we bought a Cayenne, it would have been an S and likely would have been a short-term lease, as the newly restyled Cayenne is due out in a couple of years.

Next came the Audi Q5. It was well built and quite pretty in S-Line trim, but it's 6 cyl engine, while very powerful, it's a bit loud. I found that the electronics would have been quite complicated for my parents to figure out. Even though they're highly educated, their age makes the learning curve quite steep. The other factor that steered me away from the Q5 (and the Q7 which I also drove) was the wow factor that they both lacked. Call me a snob, but arriving in a Mercedes says something about its driver. Audis, although fine automobiles, are quite plain looking (except the R8) and blend in more easily. This, of course, is my own opinion and I welcome differing points of view. One last note about the Q7 is that the 8 cyl version is not that much better than the V6, except perhaps a tiny bit quieter.

Moving on, I drove the BMW X3, and found it quite acceptable, if dated. As with most BMWs, the interior is somewhat stark, but nicer than that in the GLK. Power is adequate and it's fairly quiet, with a supple ride. Apparently, this issue has been corrected, as most reviews of older X3's always had something to say about the harsh ride. I found it very forgiving. One thing it lacked, and in my case was a deal-breaker, was the trailer hitch. None is offered from the factory and aftermarket hitches require disassembly of half the rear of the vehicle with cutting of the rear diffuser for installation. That translates into about $1200 parts/labor. No deal.

For kicks, I drove the VW Touareg 6 cyl. I found it to be quieter than its Cayanne counterpart (whose engine is a rebadged VW VR6), with more supple suspension and a nicer interior in full-on trim. Compared directly with the Cayenne twin, it's a much better deal if the snob in you (or me) can get past the VW vs Porsche logos. In its price range, it's a good buy. I can't comment on its reliability, but at least the maintenance is included while under warranty. It's worth a second look.

I drove the previous generation Lexus RX 350 gas and Hybrid versions. Both were nicely finished and attractive, but not very quiet. There was too much road noise carried into the passenger compartment at highway speeds and some of the interior parts looked like they were lifted right out of a Camry. I frankly would take a second look at the Venza before plopping down so much money for a Lexus. We passed on the Lexus, and didn't look at the other Japanese competitors from Infiniti and Mazda.

Finally, we arrive at Mercedes. I've had the pleasure of owning a Premier Edition GL450, and because of that, the bar was set pretty high when finding a replacement. I've driven and liked the ML350, but found that the design is getting a bit dated. The new Hybrid version seems promising, but I'd wait until a diesel/electric version became available, and that the MB hybrid technology is more proven before spending money on it. The GLK is very polarizing; either you like it or you don't. I don't. The exterior reminds me of a Subaru and the interior in very angular and plasticky. Not what I would expect from a Mercedes, even an entry level model. After much deliberation and asking my father what he wanted, we decided on the GL550. I can tell you that I don't miss the GL450 at all. The 550 is quieter and has a better ride than the 450 did, and it looks stunning in silver. Power is impresive, with launches invoking traction control to keep the front tires from spinning. It can be a bit too soft on twisty roads (the few that exist in South Florida), but at the push of a button, setting the suspension control to Sport fixes that instantly. It really is that noticeable. This is not a sports car, and should not be treated like one, but it delivers the ride and comfort of an S-Class with the versatility of an SUV.

I don't know if this very subjective review will help you in your decision, but I hope it will at least serve as a jumping off point for further discussion. Good luck in your quest for a new truck.

Originally Posted by grover432

You're a snob. You asked for it. Arriving in a Mercedes says something about it's driver to you and those whose value sets are a bit upside down, don't you think?

Assuming your father had you when he was 30, you should have figured it out by now....

Originally Posted by neodoc

I may be a snob, but I have worked very hard to get where I am.

Originally Posted by StevethePilot

Joe, you're a senior member - you should know you don't have to respond to those types of comments, clearly made with the ignorance that is afforded to those looking no more closely at you than their own keyboard. I think all of us who perhaps wanted to comment on the appropriateness of the statement (or lack thereof) just let it lie because we all recognize it simply didn't deserve a response. That said, I admire you and your family for living the American dream that's so under attack lately and bringing yourselves up by your own bootstraps, rather than by climbing the coat tails of others. You have my respect.

Originally Posted by neodoc

I may be a snob, but I have worked very hard to get where I am. My father came to this country in his late thirties, before I was born, escaping communism and he too worked very hard. With a Doctoral degree, he worked washing dishes, sweeping floors, etc., alongside my mother, who also had a Doctoral degree. Both of them eventually went back to school, in English, and were able to work in their chosen careers as teachers for many years. They encouraged me and put me through school. Now, as an M.D., I get a chance to give something back to him. I bought him his first Mercedes three years ago and his second one month ago. If I'm a snob, so be it, but my father deserves this vehicle and deserves to be seen in it. He lost everything as most everybody did when coming to this country, and he worked hard, never going on welfare or any public assistance. If I now can afford this vehicle (one of three Benzes in my garage) it's thanks to him and my mother. At 80, I don't know how much longer he'll be able to safely drive. So, this snob, as you call me, who works with the poor in a public hospital and is loved and respected by his patients and his peers, put him in the vehicle he liked. Have a nice day.

Originally Posted by LEOSOPHIE

However, I do regret not going back to a diesel truck. I am, at heart, a truck man. My next car will probably be the new Dodge Ram 1500 Diesel 4 door 4x4 Laramie. They are very luxurious inside, extremely roomy, safe, practical, have all the bells and whistles the MZB's have, and the best part...it's a Cummins diesel!
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An endorsement for the new Obama Chrysler Fiat Motors!

Originally Posted by MB500

Everyone,

Thank you for all your feedback. I am happy to report that I am back to 2007 GL450 which I picked up yesterday. The car has 33500 miles and is completely loaded. It boasts leather package, keyless go, distronic, parktronic, linguatronic, bluethooth, rear entertainment, bi-xenon, hitch, rear camera, navigation, harman kardon, folding side mirrors, memory package, heated steering wheel, front and rear heated seats, etc. The only thing that is missing is the climate control. In the next couple of weeks I will be working on outfitting the car with MB running boards, front and rear skid plates, chrome pedals, chrome handle inserts and chrome bumper plate in the rear. As soon as I get everything done I will post pictures of the new ride. The only dilemma I have now is whether I should replace my heated steering wheel with a wooden one. I live in CA and heated steering wheel is not critical here. What do you guys think?