2011 GL550
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,097
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From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
2011 GL550
Finally, the 2011 GL550 is on MBUSA.com. The new front styling is slightly better than in previous year's but the grille is still too large and not as well integrated as in the other GLs. I am surprised that the online builder states that Parktronic as well as wood steering wheel are optional. And, that premium leather is no longer available (perhaps as a special order option).
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Joined: Aug 2010
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2011 GL350 Bluetech, 2000 Porsche 911 C2, 2005 Honda S2000
I'm new to the forum and just picked up a 2011 GL350 Bluetech. Not nearly as fast as my 750i (which I gave up the other day since the lease ended) but I love the ride and the MPG. The only complaint I have is the sound system. The stock sound system is horrible. I had to turn the base all the way down and increase the treble a few notches and it still sounds muffled with loose bass. I never heard the Harman Kardon system but I expected a better sounding stock system in a Mercedes. Does anyone know if these speakers can be replaced with aftermarket ones or are they one of those non-standard impedence loaded Bose-type speakers?
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2010
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GL550, Range Rover Sport, Ferrari 430 Scuderia
the premium leather is still an option - i ordered it on my incoming 550 - it shoudl be here in a few weeks or less.
i have not personally seen this option before - has anyone here? is it worth it?
i have not personally seen this option before - has anyone here? is it worth it?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 68
From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
I heard that the Premium leather option includes similar material on the dashboard and door inserts versus Artico/MB-tex on those same surfaces. Congratulations on your GL550!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
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15 GL550
... The only complaint I have is the sound system. The stock sound system is horrible. I had to turn the base all the way down and increase the treble a few notches and it still sounds muffled with loose bass. I never heard the Harman Kardon system but I expected a better sounding stock system in a Mercedes...
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 59
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2011 GL350 Bluetech, 2000 Porsche 911 C2, 2005 Honda S2000
Are you an audiophile? If so, then I understand your criticism. If not, then there might be something wrong with your system. It has been discussed on other threads that the sound quality isn't quite what BMW and Lexus have in comparably priced vehicles. You would think that with a 600 Watt system they could do a little better. Having said that, it still isn't all that bad. Are you sure they put the Harmon Kardon unit in your GL? I think it was 2010 that you had to get the P2 package to get the HK system.
