just to let people know.. MBUSA has at least two options that you cannot find in any literature or web pages..

1. is a two-tone interior that basically consists of a black headliner, carpet, dash, and the top parts of the door panels... the rest of the interior can be either ASH or the Cashmere (tan) colors.

it is a very very sharp combo.

2. an off road package that basically give you the off road capability of a Range Rover..

it consists of locking differentials and a high / low range...also it might have some extra guards underneath.... the option is $2800

Here is the reference to the operation in the UK version's handbook..

www4.mercedes-benz.com/manual-cars/ba/cars/x164/en/in-depth/d10e24183.shtml

 

Are you sure these are available in the US?

 

I looked at a special order gray with black headliner and dash back in December 2009 here in Connecticut.

 

I was at Manhattan Mercedes Benz this last Tuesday looking at the order sheet with my sales person.....

 

So it leaks oil constantly and breaks down every 1500 miles instead of every 3000?

Seriously, though, did you note if it's available on the 350?

 

IF it's still available, the off-road package is only available on GL450 in USA.

 

lkcrhis...

dude.. I was just at the dealership (here in Manhattan USA) last week...and went over the order sheet on the MB system... it is def available for the 2011 GL550... (and most likely for all of the GLs).. and as I pointed out in an earlier post.. their are 9 2010 GL550s in the national dealer network with the off road package installed available for sale.

why would you make a statement like that?

 

Well, gee, because EVERY different drivetrain to be sold in the USA requires the complete EPA certification, which among other things requires a 50K mile road test and is very expensive.

If MBUSA intends to sell 2010 GL550s (first year if so) with this package, it's owners will pay lots for it. In fact, I bet "9" will be the full year's production.

 

the drivelines and motors are made in Europe and then sent to South Carolina (or wherever as I don't know exactly)... the fact is that most of the GLs for export probably come standard with the off road package or as a highly ordered option.

as you know, most of the people who buy these vehicles here in the states never leave the pavement... but clearly, MB realizes that some of us actually might use the off road package.

You might be correct about the need for certification... but that is not big sweat for MB.. also, it is a known fact the system was offered a couple of years ago for GL450 (and probably the rest of the line too)...

I don't know why MBUSA doesn't advertise anywhere either option (the two-tone interior or the off road package)... but they are readily available for order or purchase.. I am simply the messenger of the good news

so I know of at least one GL550 being built in the 2011 model year .. Steel Grey with cashmere two tone interior and the off road package.

CU on the beach

ps.. be sure to swap those AMG 21inch wheels for something a little more suitable for the off road activities.

 

I just ordered a new iridium silver GL 350 today to replace my (now wrecked) 2008 GL 320. I have been waiting to see if it would have Distronic - because this option has been off the list for 2009 & 2010 models - we had it on our old one and do not want to live without it - and it is BACK! Some interesting new options for 2011 US GL 350 diesels: (not yet shown anywhere on MB website):

Distronic 2
blind spot system
black headliner and two-tone interiors (black trim, ash or cashmere seats and door panel inserts)
multi-contour seats (separate options for driver & passenger @ $650/each). The standard seats no longer have lumbar support, but the new option has two movable lumbar supports per seat, and a massage function - and can be ordered with the ventilated/heated seat option.

I have a fully optioned 2011 GL 350 on the way, with two-tone interior, and all the options except RSE, as our kids are grown. Should be in by August.

 

I almost forgot - it also has the offroad option AND there's a new option for suspension settings in 2011.

 

forgive my ignorance- but what exactly does the offroad option consist of...? Thanks

 

Okay, wait ... ORP, suspension, disctronic (2!), blind spot ... AND the diesel?!

 

EASY, easy ... Don't everyone order at once!!

 

can't get the distronic on the GL550 apparently the grill emblem is too big for the sensor...

 

I was told "not available" when I ordered my '10 GL450.
I miss the extra capability & ride control options my ORP equipped '07 had.
Low range, locking front/rear transfer box, locking differentials (side to side), and adaptive air suspension. I always set mine to "Comfort" mode, made the vehicle feel more like an ML.

One of the coolest features was the ability to raise the vehicle to 3 different heights. In the blizzard of '10 I drove through depths of snow the raised 4x4 trucks were struggling with, no problems.

 

your dealer fell down on you....

they def had the option in 10 and also 2011.. if you talk to 5 sales people.. 4 of them will tell you that it isn't avail.. they are idiots... it happened to me at Manhattan Mercedes and they are owned by MB of Germany (the only factory owned dealer in the country)