GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Thoughts on 2010 GL

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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 04:01 PM
  #1  
Franman's Avatar
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From: Little Rock, AR
2009 GL550
Thoughts on 2010 GL

Like:

-Redesigned bumper on 320CDI/450 - can't really notice much difference on 550 based on pics (IMO, the 320/450 looks a little more aggressive as the car appears to be "frowning" now instead of "smiling"

-Chrome Fins - thinking about purcashing these for my '09

-what appears to be an improved Rearview camera with guiding lines that aren't available on previous years

-adjustable head restraints - although I rarely actually rest my head on the restraint while driving, still a cool feature

-ambient lighting in cabin

-UPDATED TPS THAT ACTUALLY SHOWS PRESSURE FOR EACH TIRE - this was needed in previous models!!

Dont care for:

-the daytime LEDs that replaced the fog lights

-new 550 rims - think the 09's look better
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 04:41 PM
  #2  
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09 GL 550, 08 BMW X5 4.8, 05 C55 AMG, 05 GSX-R1000 (sold), Denali XL (sold)
Originally Posted by Franman
Like:

-Redesigned bumper on 320CDI/450 - can't really notice much difference on 550 based on pics (IMO, the 320/450 looks a little more aggressive as the car appears to be "frowning" now instead of "smiling"

-Chrome Fins - thinking about purcashing these for my '09

-what appears to be an improved Rearview camera with guiding lines that aren't available on previous years

-adjustable head restraints - although I rarely actually rest my head on the restraint while driving, still a cool feature

-ambient lighting in cabin

-UPDATED TPS THAT ACTUALLY SHOWS PRESSURE FOR EACH TIRE - this was needed in previous models!!

Dont care for:

-the daytime LEDs that replaced the fog lights

-new 550 rims - think the 09's look better

I agree with the "don't care for" items. The fogs, if someone wishes, can be upgraded, e.g. bulbs, HID's. Also, the 2010 wheels have no lip. Just my thoughts.
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Old Aug 10, 2009 | 09:49 PM
  #3  
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2007 GL320 CDI, 2001 TJ Rockcrawler, 2005 Scoobie STI
Originally Posted by Franman
-adjustable head restraints - although I rarely actually rest my head on the restraint while driving, still a cool feature

-ambient lighting in cabin
I have the ambient lighting on my 07...


The ambient lighting is hard to see but when you are on the road at night take a look...
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Old Aug 11, 2009 | 11:44 AM
  #4  
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Originally Posted by Franman
-Chrome Fins - thinking about purcashing these for my '09
Oh, I love mine. They make the engine run smoother, my truck's faster, and I get better mileage. Plus my breath smells better. (Well, at least they look pretty slick!)

Originally Posted by Franman
-adjustable head restraints - although I rarely actually rest my head on the restraint while driving, still a cool feature
By "adjustable," you mean ... what? My head rests on my '07 adjust up and down electronically, and you can pull out and push in the headrest itself (two piece, with the slightly larger part the head rests on sliding in and out on the slightly smaller part that's attached to the up/dow rails).

Originally Posted by Franman
-UPDATED TPS THAT ACTUALLY SHOWS PRESSURE FOR EACH TIRE - this was needed in previous models!!
Mother F....

Every model year seems to have different stuff, some that folks love and some that folks don't. I can tell you that outside of appearance, this would be my "ideal" truck;

- 320CDI (not BT) (420's reviews have been less than impressive).
- Multi-adjustable (what's the "correct" term?) ventilated MB-Tech seats with a Renntech-chipped turbo on the fan and A/C to make them actually work. (You'd float two inches above the seat!)
- Touch-screen COMAND with modern 3-D routing, lane-assist, hard drive for both NAV database (which should be continuously updated via either cellular or RF) and music (which should be used both for HD radio and XM, who have about three times the ground repeaters of Sirius and none of the dropout problems, and the hard drive should be available for rewind, playback, and downloading selected songs someone likes through 3G or other cell service). Integrated BlueTooth, version 3.0 and updatable via wireless or USB key. Heck, there's a lot that can be done with the head unit that's not being done. All are capabilities (other than BlueTooth 3.0) currently available on high-end units.
- Backup camera with distance lines and a split-screen trailer monitor option when towing.
- Next generation active cruise control.
- Next generation active suspension with ORP.
- Front, rear, and center auto-diff locks with ORP.
- Lane assist.
- Blind spot assist. (Larger mirrors are assumed at this point, ones which someone would be comfortable using for towing purposes.)
- Standard 20 inch rims with tire sizes commonly available in the US.
- Tow hitch with 7, 5 and 4 plugs. Integrated brake controller with variable adjustments through COMAND and/or dash info unit.

Of course, lighted sills and chrome fins are the most important performance items, as they both make your car work much better. Having a reliable manufacture of all parts would be a nice thing as well, but as MB owners we just have to keep on praying.
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Old Aug 26, 2009 | 07:25 PM
  #5  
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09 GL550, 04 SL55, 01 SL500, 01 Jaguar XJR, 02 Escalade, 87 IROC Conv, 87 Z-28 Conv, 86 IROC, 85 Eld
I just got my gl550 with chrome fins

The chrome fins look great. - I had those installed on delivery. I agree with comments about the 09 vs 2010 wheels. Capri Blue with Ash, all options including premium leather - had to fly to Boston to get it as it was the only Capri Blue with Ash with all options in stock (there was one in Alaska though).

Anyone get the trailer hitch? I thought I would get an adapter to plug into the receptacle under the rear bumper.
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 03:41 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by Danno4x4
I have the ambient lighting on my 07...


The ambient lighting is hard to see but when you are on the road at night take a look...
Obviously his 09 has ambient lighting too. The 2010 GL has ambient lighting that cascades down the door panel from the AL strips on the door a'la S-class.
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 09:08 AM
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2010 GL450 Steel Grey on black, P2, lighting, rear entmt, running boards, trailer hitch. Great car so far. Moved over from the E board. Today is one week.
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 10:49 AM
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2013 ML350
Anyone ordered a 2010 ?

Has anyone out there ORDERED their 2010 GL-450?? If so can you tell me how long you waited for it. I ordered a 2010 on July 27 to replace my 2007 GL. Dealer tells me it will be built on Sept 12 and they expect delivery early in October. Anyone got one they Ordered yet? I had to order it because I wanted the Iridium Silver with the Ash interior just like I have, but it seems that there are none with that combination anywhere nearby.
Thanks
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 11:53 AM
  #9  
gator430's Avatar
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rx330
adnybenz1,

Do you mind posting how much you paid for the car?

Thanks
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 03:46 PM
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From: Oakville, ON
'12 ML350
Originally Posted by czcz
Has anyone out there ORDERED their 2010 GL-450?? If so can you tell me how long you waited for it. I ordered a 2010 on July 27 to replace my 2007 GL. Dealer tells me it will be built on Sept 12 and they expect delivery early in October. Anyone got one they Ordered yet? I had to order it because I wanted the Iridium Silver with the Ash interior just like I have, but it seems that there are none with that combination anywhere nearby.
Thanks
I didn't order one but have my name on a B4 status 2010 GL450 with build date of 9/3 and expect to be at the dealer in NJ in 15-20 days after that.

It's not final yet until MB Financial releases the September loyalty program as right now they are pulling ahead 5 lease payments and the dealer will pay the other 2 to get me out of my E63. If the car was in the inventory now I'd be home free with 8 payments (next payment due Sep 3rd) pulled ahead but with the September delivery of the car, I'll have to wait...
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 04:13 PM
  #11  
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2021 E63S
I will check the agreement tonight. 73,915 was the sticker. i am thinking it was 64500. but not 100% sure right now.
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 07:04 PM
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From: Nanticoke, PA
2013 ML350
rkao,
Thanks for the reply, I suppose the transit time from final assembly to dealer delivery does sound true. I must wonder however, why the plant went to a four day work week when the retail customer must wait two months+ for a vehicle that he orders. I also wonder why they wouldn't give precedence to a retail customer order and run those ahead of the orders from dealers who just want them for stock. Thanks again.
czcz
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by adnybenz1
2010 GL450 Steel Grey on black, P2, lighting, rear entmt, running boards, trailer hitch. Great car so far. Moved over from the E board. Today is one week.
Would you mind posting pics of the ambient lighting, like Kar don described? I'd be interested in seeing how this is in the GL.
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Old Aug 27, 2009 | 10:48 PM
  #14  
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From: Oakville, ON
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Originally Posted by czcz
rkao,
Thanks for the reply, I suppose the transit time from final assembly to dealer delivery does sound true. I must wonder however, why the plant went to a four day work week when the retail customer must wait two months+ for a vehicle that he orders. I also wonder why they wouldn't give precedence to a retail customer order and run those ahead of the orders from dealers who just want them for stock. Thanks again.
czcz
I understand your frustration, but having ordered cars built to my spec or taken a production slot to my spec, I appreciate how complex production planning is for a manufacturer like MB and how the allocation of units to dealers across the country - or to other foreign markets - can limit the flexibility of customer ordered units.

It'll be worth the wait...
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 02:40 AM
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Originally Posted by QuadBenz
Would you mind posting pics of the ambient lighting, like Kar don described? I'd be interested in seeing how this is in the GL.


Looks unique and nice!
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Old Aug 28, 2009 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by rayleiwu


Looks unique and nice!
Very nice!
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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 07:42 PM
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I like the LED DRLs vs the fogs.
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