sraza

Thank GOD 550 came in late last week..
Definitely a difference in ride compared to 1st gen GL, though i still like the 1st gen as well.
The lighter steering, i wasn't sure before using it, but once you do you'll understand exactly why they did it!
Design and lines- pretty aggressive
I'm quite impressed with exhaust note
Though lacquer, designo and burlwood look great, I have to say the satin ash seems alot more natural, different and has a unique feel to it.
Weather radar is nice
arctic white/beige/satin
options i did not get- distronic, night vision, b&o
updated H&K system sounds a little different than the 1st gen, though with the right settings the previous one is pretty good too.
Not sure if they'l be able to get a shade for 3rd pano roof, honestly i think its a little darker tint than the front, i'm thinking of just putting a rolling sun shade on it.

cold weather and snow hasnt allowed a long drive yet- need to test the massage feature...

One thing i didnt know, and now i do, but dont quite understand, there's no way of simply turning off the lights, i mean its auto or manual on, or parking lights on, is there a way to turn them off, i know you can turn off drls but how can you do that with the headlights, i really do like leds but i also like the fact that you can turn them off; i personally dont like too much attention from oncoming traffic as any xenon/led attracts attention. any thoughts? i'm thinkin the answer is you cant do it..

blittle

Enjoy the new ride!! I too will be interested in the feel of the steering....more days to wait!

Concerning your last item.... the simple answer is that you are right! Essentially, the lighting system is always "on" to one degree or another. I ran into the same issue with my 2011 ( which does have an OFF position on the dial.... the 2013 does not ) and finally had to get an answer from the tech guy at the dealership. Bottom line was "if you have activated the DRL system, then the lighting system is always on, even if you turn the switch to OFF! It appears that for 2013 ( don't know what they did on the 2012) they have removed the OFF option completely.

Steve Maislin

Honestly, the more I light things up the better chance I will been seen. Being seen is good. I want to be seen. So, lights are good and having them on is A-OK. Cost to run them is insignificant. And, yes they do look very nice.

By the way, I am an avid road cyclist and the concept of being seen is a big deal to me.

South Ocean1

Sraza

Congratulations you lucky dog!!! You are happily leaving behind those of us "still waiting".

Please post some photos inside and out when you have a chance. Did you get the Active Curve System as well? Just curious.

sam9187

Congratulations. Please post pictures.

sraza

thanks!
ordered last year, october, production dec, build date jan 2nd decade, expected mid feb- was told by my dealer that theyr comin in 20 days ahead of sched, they called me on the 1st..

will def try to post pics, never done it before on the forum..

good luck to all of you and hope you guys get your toys soon!
Of course, its for the kids and the wife right? (with just a lil somethin in it to keep us entertained i guess....)

blittle

So far haven't heard from anyone with the active curve system.......I did not order it on mine.....only one reason.... seemed like a lot of money for something that I probably would never know was working!!! Yes...guess that's a vanity thing....would like to actually SEE it functioning!

dave_550

I ordered the active curve after test driving a 450 that did not have it. The 550 I ordered will be in next week, so will have some feedback on how it is....

Dalema

Congrats!

A white 550 past me on the freeway on the weekend. We both checked each other out!

I think they were checking me out (450) as I was towing a trailer with a massive wine cellar in it and I was checking out the looks of the 550. Exhaust looks awesome - really great looking.

sraza

2nd gen def has aggressive lines.
interestingly, though it is a little bigger in size the 1st gen looks a little wider because of the fenders being a little more arched (even 450s). the new ones are 'straighter' and the fenders dont have that arching and dont stick out as much.
imho they all look about the same- the exposed exhausts change the look a little bit, i wonder why MB covered them with the newer MLs and GLs- dont get me wrong, the new designs are sweet, but i think the exposed exhausts would have added a little more sportier/aggressive look

sraza

something i noticed today- the lumbar support button settings, which should be on the side of the seat arent there... the only way i could set it is through the command system.
strange as even the manual shows that setting on the side..
thoughts?

sraza

lumbar, seat sides and seat fromt setting IS in command system only-
also if u want lights off while driving keep the knob turned to park lights, left or right (not parking lights). these are euro standard for parallel parking, but do not turn on when the car is on-- this for those of us who want headlights off when they turn on automatically.. but please dont do it when u need them on!

sraza

for some reason today it said 'key not detected' - only happened twice- once while on the freeway- took it out of my pocket- key was cold- i'd been walking outside for a lil bit prior to getting back in the car- (pretty cold today) anyway- no more warning on that- no cell phone was in the pocket but yes an id card with a swipe was close-
do u think i need a battery for the key fob? i think its just cuz it was cold- would be strange to change battery fo the key fob in 3 weeks-

thoughts?

Steve Maislin

This happened to me once and my key is only two months old. The temperature outside was -2F. So that is cold. However, my key was warm. So, I needed to pop off the button and start the GL by inserting the key. It has never happened again and it did not even happen later that evening when the temperature was -6F. No idea why it happened and I wonder if it will ever happen again.

JimBarnhart

I have had this happen two times. It was cold. In both cases I didn't have to pop off the button to use the key to start. All I did was touch a button (unlock is preferred) and the key woke up and the car started normally.

sraza

since i was on the freeway i didnt pop the button, really didnt wanna do that at 70mph- lol;
but yea i pressed the lock and unlock button to 'wake the key' up--

blittle

An "inside source" has warned me to go on Amazon and order Maxell CR2025 batteries..... there have been many issues of the batteries in the fobs dying quickly!!!! Apparently there is a bad batch from Indonesia being used! I have already ordered mine and I don't have the car yet!

Steve Maislin

Great advice on waking up the key and having these batteries on hand. Thanks to all.

sraza

just noticed, after my detail job that the front chrome wasnt clipped in to the black vents behind it, in the middle area- my dealer took care of it- took like 2 mins.
but for those getting 550s, 63s or anything with the amg package make sure all lines are straight and its clipped in the front as well- i didnt get a chance to do it earlier with all the snow here in the midwest-
sunny today - we'll have another 10inches by tomm.

JoeMa

I order a GL550 two weeks ago. This is surreal for me because I have been a devoted Lexus customer for more than a decade andcurrently own a 2011 LX570. I never pictured myself buying a MB. I have test-driven a number of MB’s in the past but none ever appealed to me. When I started reading all of the positive reviews about the 2013 GL class I just had to visit my local dealer to take a look at one. They didn’t have any in stock so I drove to the next nearest dealer and they had two 450’s in stock. So I went on my first test drive and was very impressed with a number things. I like options and the GL offers just about every option you could want in a luxury SUV. A few things that really impressed me was the seating position, ease of entry into the drivers position, car-like ride height compared to my LX, and the smooth ride.

For the record I ordered my GL 550 in Artic White with Almond Beige Leather. I added the Panorama roof, Driver Assistance Package, and power folding second row seats. The dealer originally told me this would not be available until the 2014 model year but when he logged into the MB system to order the car, that option was available. It is scheduled to be built in April so I’m hoping it will be delivered in May.

sraza

congrats! same color combo- you'l love it- its worth the wait.

JimBarnhart

Congrats! They are great SUVs. This forum will help you learn about your vehicle and help you with the wait.

blittle

I am taking delivery of my 3rd GL tomorrow...... I have never owned a better vehicle! I don't think you will regret your choice! Welcome to the group!

JoeMa

Thanks guys for the warm welcome. I look forward to getting to my new GL when it arrives. I will be reading over these message boards and learning what I can.

One question to any 2013 GL550 owners: do the 21" AMG wheels provide a similar ride as compared to the 20" GL 450 wheels? Or is the ride a bit stiffer?


Thanks

cookstar

stiffer , dealer told me 5% harsher ride