my quick review
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
MBs
my quick review
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..
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..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
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..
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..
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
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.
By the way, I am an avid road cyclist and the concept of being seen is a big deal to me.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
MBs
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....)
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....)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
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!
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
GL550
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
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MBs
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
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
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
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MBs
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?
strange as even the manual shows that setting on the side..
thoughts?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
MBs
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!
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!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
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MBs
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?
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?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
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.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
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!
Thread Starter
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MBs
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.
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.
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 481
From: Reading PA
26 EQS 400 SUV, 23 EQS 580 SUV (sold), 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold), 13 GL550 (sold)
Ordered a GL550
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 481
From: Reading PA
26 EQS 400 SUV, 23 EQS 580 SUV (sold), 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold), 13 GL550 (sold)
Thanks for the warm welcome
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
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
Last edited by JoeMa; Feb 27, 2013 at 05:22 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 7
From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
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
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
