dougpark714

I was planning to stick to the standard audio. How good is the standard audio on the GL450? I know it's totally subjective but is it good enough? Or is the HK systems significantly better? We have 3 kids so we're not going to crank up the music.

Seems like a big premium to upgrade to HK which requires the P2 package.

The HK system on my C really sucks -- I regret getting it. The Premium audio in my previous 5 series was good. The standard system on our current X5 is great.

jcbutta

I have the p2 package and the hk system is pretty good but it does lack low end bass. dont know about the standard system though. i purchased the p2 package for the hk system but the best feature of the p2 is, by far, the keyless go. i didnt want it and didnt think i would need or use it, but it is the best feature of my gl. from now on all of my future vehicles will have the keyless go.

eugkim

Don't know how helpful it is, but I've heard reports that the standard system isn't great.

dougpark714

Thx. Any others with feedback -- especially those that have the standard audio?

I am placing my order today or monday, and getting P2 or not is the only open item.

EWT

I haven't heard the standard system, but unless it is awful, I wouldn't spend a lot to upgrade to the HK system. It isn't very good. You'd probably get a lot bigger bang for the buck from just upgrading the front speakers with the standard system (if that is doable).

dougpark714

That's a good point. Speakers are usually the weak point (and easiest to upgrade) in most car audio systems. Does anyone know what the Watt difference is between Standard and HK? Also, are there more speakers in the HK system?

newyorktoLA

HK sounds like any other stereo system to me, and keyless go is a nice feature. i had no keyless go on my 08 GL450 and i managed just fine, but keyless go makes life easier. but, i definitely could have saved 2,000 dollars by not getting p2 and getting leather package instead or 3 zone auto climate control, which is a better buy than p2.

Dougpark, what options have you come down to overall? Congrats

Max Blast

Unless you're an audiophile, the standard will do just fine. IMHO not worth getting P2 just for the HK upgrade.

dougpark714

Thanks guys. I am waiting until Monday to decide on P2 which includes both HK Audio and Keyless Go. Please continue to send your comments.

Final options list:
- Diamond White exterior (I finally saw the GL in Diamond White -- subtle but very nice paint)
- P1 Package (Memory passenger seat is nice touch in 2011)
- Appearance Package (I noticed some are now coming with Bridgestone Run-flats instead of Goodyear. Second supplier should reduce tire price)
- 3 Zone AC (Nice to have for 3rd row and Black interior)
- Infrared-Glass (Special order but again nice option for Black interior. Makes a big difference in heat transfer in front row)
- Parktronics (A must)
- Blind spot assist (Why not for $600)
- Lighting (Should be standard feature like on the X5)
- Trailer Hitch (For bike rack)
- Black MB-Tex (At the end, best option for family with kids).

I was set on Black/Beige Two-tone leather but decided against it when I visited the dealer today. Plus, I compared leather and MB-Tex side by side in Black and could not tell the difference. Not even the smell test. MB-Tex is very good. Even the dealer suggested I go with MB-Tex since we have 3 little kids. But I will miss the ambient lighting which I can hopefully retrofit.

eugkim

I'm with you on a lot of your options. I think that the Tow, Lighting, and Parktronic packages should almost be included on all, definitely the last 2 anyway. Frankly, I wouldn't get any SUV without them.

I'm going with the Diamond White as well, seems to really shine when in the sun. I think that white is the best GL color, but unfortunately, I see a ton of them around. Hopefully the metallic sparkles will set it apart.

The 3 zone is on the bubble for me, and the Blind Assist is a "why not while I'm at it" option for me. I'm not going for the Infrared glass.

As I've said elsewhere, I'm ordering the ADS II option, for me a necessity.

I'm going for the P2, as I don't have an interest in any aftermarket stereo upgrades. I don't get super critical about car stereo, so I've not had any complaints about the upgraded systems I've had in the past (Bose, Infinity). For me it's an automatic, and, with the Keyless Go, the P2's a no brainer.

dougpark714

You should go to the dealer when it's hot and try both 2-zone and 3-zone. There's a big difference in how quickly 3-zone cools down the large cabin. But if you're not occupying the 3rd row much and are getting a lighter interior color, 2-zone should suffice. IR glass is standard on the S550 and I noticed it keeps the cabin much cooler in the sun. You're already incurring the special ordering charge, so it's only $510 more

I'm still on the fence on P2.

dougpark714

I decided to go with P2. Keyless go was not on my radar but this forum convinced to reconsider. Thanks for your feedback guys.

Plus, the HK system (although not fabulous) will sound better than the standard audio.

I am dropping the leather interior so the price equals out anyways.

dougpark714

Someone posted this link to HK which was helpful in setting expectations. You can check the technical specs for the various MB cars. The new C, E, M, R, CLS all have similar components. The S and CL seem to get better components. But I am assuming the cabin size also makes a big difference in sound quality.

http://mercedes.harmankardon.com/en/...technical.aspx

blee911

I picked up my 2011 GL350 August 27 and have been so disappointed by the stock sound system. By the way, ADS has been great. I would highly recommend this option if you are sensitive to the ride on different road conditions. It's a relatively inexpensive option because the car comes standard with air springs. I didn't upgrade to the HK system because I think it's way too much to pay for that brand. Instead, I'm changing out the tweeters with Hertz HT28s (wanted Dynaudios but they're too big to fit in the stock enclosure). You can get them for ~250-275. Installation is easy but you can probably get them installed for ~80 or less. They're silk dome 28mm tweeters that will sound way better than the stocks. I saw the stock tweeters and they look like $10 tweeters from Corolla or Civic. I've had to turn the bass all the way down and the treble several notches up just to try and get away from the muffled sound. The installation is being done today. I'll know how it works out in 2 hours or so... probably too late for your decision deadline. Sorry. My way is the inexpensive route. Changing out the entire speaker system would be the way to go but then the stock head unit wouldn't have enough power for most decent aftermarket speakers. You'd then have to get some aftermarket amps too.

I previously had a 750i and the sound system sounded fine. Not great but well beyond any need to change anything. I've heard similar complaints about stock MB sound systems.

Good luck!

dougpark714

blee911, let us know how your upgrade turns out.

blee911

The highs definitely sound better but that stock woofer is still bugging me with all the loose bass so I still have the bass turned way down. I plan on staying with this for a month or two and see how it goes. The tweeters need to be broken in anyway.

dougpark714

Thx for the update. Sounds like the HK upgrade is not a bad deal if upgrading the stock system will cost upwards to $1000 anyways after speaker/amp.

I just hope I don't experience the static that I have on my C's HK system.

blee911

Good luck! I've actually never heard the HK system, something I should've done when I was choosing options. I was too busy test driving other cars and completely forgot about the sound system. I also didn't realize that the upgrade cost was essentially $1000 considering the keyless go is included. I agree. Not a bad deal if HK sounds decent. Too bad Mercedes doesnt go with something like Dynaudio or Mark Levinson.

dougpark714

P2 which includes keyless go and HK audio is $2K. The HK portion is ~$1K. So don't feel bad about spending the $1000 to upgrade your existing system -- it will ultimately sounds better than the $1000 HK system anyways.

blee911

I can't take it anymore so I've decided to change the front stock woofers. The entire stock front mid/woofer weighs something like 5oz! I can't believe how small the magnet is and the speaker is made out of low quality speaker paper. Here's a picture of the backside. Amazing how cheap they can go on a car like this!

B200Turbo

I had HK in B200 Turbo 2006 and 2009 version as well in GL 2008 and now GLK350.

It sounds amazing to me.

You cannot forget that GL cabin is much bigger than 750 or other sedans.

In B200 it was amazing sound in 2009 louder and better sound as well more bass.

GLK 2011 amazing sound bass shakes windows and mirrors music from iphone sounds amazing and clear.
Best upgrade for the money.

ordered new GL and I know it has now more bass and more better sound as well.

You cannot do same after market for the same price.

dougpark714

Completely agree. HK system is awesome in the GL and well worth the price. It's a no brainer since it's bundled with keyless go which has become my favorite feature in the car.

But the HK system I had in our C class was horrible.

mdadgar

Agreed - they did a very nice job with it.

- Mark