JimBarnhart

That's 2X what a GL350 Bluetek would cost. We don't get the 450 CDI in the US.

BlownV8

The GL 350 is around 60% more expensive in Germany than the US. Looks like the 450 CDI is no longer offered. A 550 in Germany, labeled as a 500, would be $126,000 US dollars or around 48% more expensive.

Trimmer2

MB FLL has a wait list because I wanted a '13 GL63 and I was the first to inquire and wished to order one. If the car does come, I'm first. If it doesn't, then no harm no foul and I'll have to decide what to buy. I doubt the GL550 will have the nice Designio interior like the ML63 which, as I already mentioned, is a HUGE upgrade. If I end up with the 550, the next stop will be West Palm Beach for a Renntech ECU flash...and maybe a radar detector install. The ECU flash looks to be the best bang for the buck adding about 70hp and 80lbft of torque!

Trimmer2

I believe price is a factor but, my guess is CAFE Law requirements may send the GL off shore. They can build the 63 to order so, there shouldn't be much excess inventory in theory. If they do build to order and have limited production, could this cure the AMG depreciation blues? They could offset the low production 63's with a few more SMART cars to keep the corporate ratio? I also understand the sales of the GL were not particularly impressive compared to the Q7 and X5 so, maybe the model needs a spark and some buzz to boost sales of the 550 and 450? I think the 63 would come in over the top of their competitor's performance SUV's which would gain some headlines and buzz.

BlownV8

Yes, the 550 with the Renntech ECU tune will be a hoot!

South Ocean1

Trimmer2:

Thanks for clarifying what you meant by the wait list at MB FLL. I guess we will just have to wait and see whether a GL63 will be offered in the U.S. You are probably right that it is some combination of cost and CAFE requirements that may prevent us from being able to spend too much on a great vehicle here in the U.S.

If MBUSA doesn't offer a GL63 here, I would think they would want to offer the full designo leather option on the GL given that the GL550 and ML63 would be quite close in starting price and given that they are already likely putting that interior in the GL63s being sent offshore. I am also currious if they will finally offer a captain's chair option in the second row. But again, we will see. I am going to the NYC auto show and can't wait to see the finished product.

By the way, your SL600 sounds like a monster. The new SL that has just launched may be the least attractive new MB I have seen to-date (in my opinion), so I am thinking you have a long-term keeper with your SL.

I would also consider a Renntech tune if I were to buy the GL550. I have what may be a dumb question for you about your Renntech tune. When you take your SL into the dealership for service, how do you know they don't re-flash the ECU back to stock??? Is that something you worry about? Do you tell the dealership about your tune and instruct them not to fiddle with it. I guess you would eventually notice the power difference (I am assuming it is noticeable on your SL).

Thanks!

firstgl

When is GL63 expected build and delivery? Thanks

justthebest

Will anyone take a bet on a GL63 in the US?

South Ocean1

Are you betting they will or they will not. Sadly, I am betting they will not offer it in the U.S.

I recall your post that you think it would be excessive to have an AMG version of the GL. Fair point. But with an ML63 on order (very nice addition, BTW), you are already accepting of a 5,000 plus lbs heavyweight wearing the AMG treatment. I think a GL63 would be more fun to drive and own than a GL550. I have the same view on an ML63 over a ML550. For me, that's enough of a reason to offer an AMG version. Heck, even an S63 at 4,900 lbs is too heavy to be anything but a very fast cruiser.

BlownV8

Using some of the arguments posted here I've compiled a list of cars MB cars that should not be in the US due to CAFE requirements, cost, ETC, ETC.....

SLS AMG, SLR, SLR 722, SL65, SL65 AMG Black, CLK63 Black, ML63 AMG, and G55 AMG. Please let me know if I've missed any high performance Mercedes that should not be in the US or any that were not imported for the reasons stated in the thread?

Other than for emissions reason on diesel engines or US crash standards, what Mercedes models are not imported to the US?

justthebest

I'm betting they will bring it here if it is produced, since AMGs sell best in the USA. I do agree that the styling of the spied model is what a GL AMG should be, but I still believe it's over the "reasonable" line. The S class is just as excessive, but there's some precedent for that type of vehicle (ultra-high performance sedan). I just can't bring myself to get excited / admire a GL AMG.

BlownV8

Why did you purchase a GL550 and not the 450 or 320/350?

South Ocean1

YYZ-E55:

I have also now heard from another "well placed" little birdie that strongly hinted that a GL63 is coming to the U.S. . . . Wow. As usual, you are right on!

Blown V8: I guess your logic at the end of the day was spot on as well and may have carried the day.

Assuming it does come, I am now very curious to see how the GL63 will be priced and when it will be available (i.e., at launch or with a delay as was the case with the new ML63 and ML550). I am hoping it is not priced so high (i.e., $150s per Trimmer2) that I will have to wrestle with waiting for a used example rather than order a new one which would be my preference (albeit financially foolish). YYZ-E55, any thoughts on pricing???

BlownV8

I'm guessing they will be between $115K to $135K.

Trimmer2

I hope so but, my guess is $125-145...and most of all, I hope they produce and sell it here!

jdmmbz

I'd be interested in the GL63. Love what MB has done to the ML63 interior. If the decision is a no go, I'll also look at the revised Q7 since I'm hearing it will shed 600+ lbs during it's next revision.

Trimmer2

Yes, it looks like they're shedding some weight but, also shedding hp and only minor design changes. From the very few pics I've seen, it looks like just a mid cycle refresh as opposed to a 7 year new car.

izzitintime

So why no GL63 in the U.S., when it will be made in good old Alabama.

This will not be home-grown, it will be an import. The first German/Indian production vehicle to enter the US...this may be the issue. Hopefully, the quality will not suffer as well.

Trimmer2

According to the buzz/internet postings/rumors from the NY Auto Show, the 550 arrives in September and a 63 possibly 1st quarter/January '13.

So, I think I'll build a 550, take delivery in September, then trade it for the 63.

I can't tell which engine the 550 is getting as they've played around with the 2013 hp offerings. I read somewhere the 550 comes with 429hp so, I'm having a hard time determining what a simple ECU flash from RennTech will get me up to. I read the 550's hp is up 47 from '12 so, obviously, MB did a little tuning themselves.

BlownV8

I would wait. It's going to be a huge hit if you buy it in September and trade in January.

The 550's engine is going to be a twin-turbo. Will be huge fun with the Renntech tune: 500+ hp. The 63 will be even more fun with a 600+ hp tune.

xxGenericSNxx

The 550 will be the same engine as the S550 right now, 4.6 (or is it 4.7?) liter V8 TT. Look up the Renntech upgrades for the S550 MY2012 and you'll see that with a chip, it has more power than the 5.5L V8 TT 63. If you chip the 63 TT you'll have more power than a stock 65.

dbtk

The Designo option on the new GL (166) looks amazing. It has quilted stitching like the 65s.

South Ocean1

Trimmer2:

It's been all quiet on the GL63 front with the launch of the GL350 to 550s. I am glad to hear your news about possible timing for delivery of a GL63 in the U.S. of the 1st Q 2013. Like you, I have my name at the top of my Chicagoland dealer's list for their first allocation of a GL63 - assuming they get one. Has your dealer done any more to turn your "first in line" spot into an order yet??

I posed a question about your Renntech tune that you may have missed in an earlier post. When you take your SL into the dealership for service, how do you know they don't re-flash the ECU back to stock??? Is that something you worry about? Do you tell the dealership about your tune and instruct them not to fiddle with it. I guess you would eventually notice the power difference (I am assuming it is noticeable on your SL).

Thanks

xxGenericSNxx

@South Ocean, my dealer is "mod friendly" and were the ones that installed Renntech parts on my cars in the past so I don't have to worry about it when I take it in. I don't know of Trimmer's situation but that's how mine works.

BlownV8

Renntech will reflash at no charge if a dealer wipes out the tuning.