I'm about to purchase one of them and am wondering the differences between the 09 and the 10 models.

 

Interested in this too...currently researching the forum though.

 

The main differences are minor exterior cosmetic changes. The 2010 received new lower front and lower rear bumpers. The front bumpers on the 2010 have LED strips if you purchase the lighting package or two round fog lights on either side if you don't. The rear bumper has exhaust tips that are integrated into the bumper. There is also a change in the design of the rear view mirrors. The 20" wheels also undergo a design change for 2010. 20" wheels are standard on both model years.

The navigation system/command was changed for the 2009 model year so no change there. I frequently hear people say it was changed in 2010, it wasn't.

The auto press noticed that window stickers showed a change from 398 lbft of torque to 400 for 2010. My 2009 however shows 400 lbft in the engine spec section of the owners manual, so I don't think there were any changes to the engine or exhaust system. The Urea system was added in 2009.

What you should watch out for if you are comparing the two model years is comparing the packages. The premium packages include fewer items on later model gls. So, a 2010 with a P2 package might have fewer options than a 2009 with a P1. The 2010 - 12 models tend to have more items added al la carte. The 2009 for instance has the Harmon Kardon stereo and front passenger seat memory and lumbar adjustment included in the P1. You had to get the P2 in 2010 to have premium stereo. Be sure you know what you are buying and don't trust the sales person to know. I've seen the options on many GL's misrepresented on sites like Ebay. I don't think the salespeople are necessarily trying to be deceptive, it's just confusing.

Also keep in mind that most 320/350/450s are typically going to have MB-Tex upholstery instead of leather. This could be a good thing if you are buying used because it tends to hold up better than leather. It is very difficult to tell leather from MB Tex. You may or may not care but again, don't trust the salesperson to know the difference.

 

Was there any change in mpg?

 

No

 

When shopping for a X164 pay close attention to the "a la carte" options. These options can sway a vehicles price by 15k MSRP and the dealers typically just use MSRP and it leaves out some options.

Make sure you carfax any potential purchase..

 

What options would I be looking at?

 

IMO the critical options to have:

Xenon headlights/ enhanced lighting package (description varies by year)

Premium #1 package (Nav, rearview camera, memory seats & mirrors, Distronic, also varies by year)

Trailer hitch

 

Is leather standard in both 09/10?

 

No.

 

What is standard and what would I want to look for interms of getting real leather?

 

You are going to drastically reduce the field of vehicles you have to choose from if you only want leather.

Put it this way, my current GL has MB Tex. I want leather on my next one, but with three kids I think I'm probably making a foolish decision. The MB Tex holds up extremely well.

If you see seats that look like leather but have very little wear, they are probably MB Tex.

On a 2009, you will know if it has the P1 package if it has the Harmon Kardon logos on the front door speakers but the grey plastic framed round fog lights. The P2 package in 2009 had oval chrome framed fog lights that are corner illuminating lights. The P2 will have three zone HVAC and the lighting package in addition to all the stuff included in the P1. If you get a 2009 with the p2 package it will be very well optioned but will probably be hard to find.

 

What about the 10 350's?