My 2013 GL350 is in and I'll be picking it up tomorrow. Looking forward to this treat and not a trick!

Can't wait!

 

WOW! looking forward to your comments, Jim!

 

Great awesome! Looking forward to your insights as well.

 

BOO! to all!!!

 

Post the pics and thoughts ASAP!!! Look forward to hearing about it.

 

OK, I now have the new Gl350 in the garage!!

I will be a little brief tonight since I'm typing on my tablet instead of my laptop.

If I was going to keep it to a word I would have to call it AWESOME! For those of you that don't know I'm coming off being an early adopter of a 2007 GL450. It was loaded for the time, leather, heated everything, P2, lighting, RSE, parktronic, etc. So I have been spoiled before. Admittedly some of my initial impressions could be swayed by having a 5 year old vs a new car. I haven't had my 07 for a couple months as I waited for my new ride.

I first just looked over the vehicle. The dealer installed a clear bra, so inspected that as well. I really like the obsidian black. The black leather interior with a gray stitching was gorgeous. The walnut and chrome accents set it off beautifully. I felt it was so much more than my 2007.

From there it was a quick intro to the electronics. I paired my android phone and quite quickly saw my contacts for the first time since I abandoned my blackberry. Its going to take some time learning the new COMAND system. It's better than what I had but I found myself wanting to touch the screen like we do on our 2013 Kia Soul. But, I found it attractive and believe it will be pleasurable, but not leading edge.

Next was the drive home. It is about 65 miles to our house. I could try distronic, active lane assist, blind spot, etc. Those features take a little getting used to but are impressive. I tried drifting over the white line on the right and it brought me back. Drifting over the yellow line on the left did the same thing. Drifting over a dashed passing line without a blinker gave a vibration. So cool. I tried distronic as well and found that pretty neat as well, slowing down as I approached a semi, speeding up as I switched lanes. I can see where I might slow down some for a car and not realize I am going slower than I had planned. Blind spot was working but I didn't try to switch lanes with someone there to feel the experience.

That's it for now. I know I need to post photoes and will do so soon.

Feel free to ask questions.

 

Thanks for the comments on the lane assist and distronic.... I have ordered those and was wondering what that's really going to be like! Isn't that Obsidian Black beautiful!? My 2011 is that color but I switched to the cinnabar red for the ordered 2013......i have this thing about not ordering the very same color I already have!

 

Jim

Congrats on your purchase! And thanks for providing your initial impressions. You need to post some pictures - would love to see it.

Kind regards

 

I did post a few on the picture thread.

 

Jim, I'm planning to replace my '09 320 with a '13 or '14 350 optioned very much like yours. Would you care to comment on the handling of your '13 vs your 07? How do you like the 20" wheels? Are the tires runflats?

About the only negative comments I've read in the press were regarding the steering now being very light at lower speeds. I think Car and Driver also thought the car wandered from a straight line at higher speeds more than the x164 did.

How do you like the suspension setup vs the x164?

What do you think of the acceleration of the 350? I've seen some reviews that said there is no turbo lag, others that said there is.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

I am not an owner yet unfortunately so will let the owners weigh in on most. However people have confirmed the 350 is non-run flats now. Also I believe the standard wheels on the 350 are 19"s?

 

Well I've been hunting whitetail deer the past few days so I haven't been in it too much. I was starting to get some withdrawal issues. ;-)

They are definitely not run flat tires. I had the 19" wheels on my 07. I haven't really noticed any issues with the 20's so far, they seem to handle very similarly. Suspension seems softer than my 07, but then I haven't had a GL for a couple months and maybe forgot?

Going from a gasoline to a diesel does seem to be a change in acceleration. I haven't punched the pedal too much yet since I'm in the break in period. At my age I don't really need off the line acceleration in my SUV, but I'll keep testing it.

 

Gee's - none of the GL's have run flats anymore - which is especially good news - on GL350 the AdBlue tank has been moved to side position to allow spare mounting. 20's on the GL350 are a good investment., 19's do run fine. the 21's on the 550 are a different ball game since handling goes to low profile.

Yes - low speed handling, and tight turns at low speed are a massive change due to the programmed electrical steering - a dream come true actually. Sure different, but sure better for experience - and no more hydraulic noise at all !

The GL350 pulls amazingly well - with the V8 feel of the earlier GL550 actually - never a hint of under-powered at all.

If you are a diesel guy, or are going to two big boats or trailers in/out of spots (especially lake side slopes) or horse trailers, or can benefit from increased fuel economy - then the GL350 is a good bet.

However the smoothness and quietness of the GL450/550 are quite similar to the current S-Class sedan - so if you drive a new 450/550 then drive a GL350 - you will notice the increase noise - not overwhelming at all in comparison to other SUV's, but noticeable to 450/550 for sure.

Keep the beat !

 

I test rode a 13 450 since I am going to the gas model from my 07 Diesel 320. The steering is remarkably easier and smoother. The interior is a step up. The standard wheels are 19 inches, but I have heard from the car reviews that the 20 inch options do not track as well on the highway. Perhaps someone could comment. There are no longer run flats, thank goodness. The storage lockers in the rear left and right are no longer present. The 450 is definately pepier than the diesel, especially from 30 to 70 mph. (passing and getting on the interstate)
Initial offers are $ 1900-2500 off MRSP.
Any other comments and pricing data would be welcomed !