JoeMa

My son was driving that 550 and using DISTRONIC and he had the cruise set to 65 mph. After a few miles we came into a section of traffic lights. He was following a large truck and when it came to a stop, the GL stopped on its own about 8 feet behind. My son never touched the brake or the accelerator. It was so perfect that I had ask my son if he was doing the braking. When the light turned green and the truck in front of us started to pull away, my son only needed to press the accelerator to re-engage DISTRONIC. We were both very impressed. The Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist were also equally impressive. I cannot wait to get my GL.

patekfan88

Sounds terrific-- can't wait either. I've had active lane keeping assist and active blind spot assist on my other MBs, they are great.

JoeMa

I've been a Lexus buyer for the past decade so the GL will be my first MB. I currently own a 2011 Lexus LX 570. This is their largest 3-row SUV. I traded a LS460 on it because my wife wanted an SUV. It is a good truck and is well made but lacks some of the luxury I was used too in the LS. When I saw that Motor Trend selected the 2013 GL as the SUV of the Year, I was curious so I stopped by my local dealer to see one. It is small dealership compared to my Lexus dealership and it turned out they didn't have a single GL on the lot. So I drove a little further to the next MB dealer and it was brand new and much similar to the Lexus showroom in terms of what I would expect to see. They had two GL450's on the lot. When I drove the new GL for the first time I was immediately impressed with how much more car like this truck handled compared to my LX. And it had options my LX does not offer like soft-close doors, power headrests, lower drive height, and on and on. So after some research I decided I wanted a well-equipped 550 but quickly discovered these are not just sitting around for the taking. So I ordered one of my own. I haven't ordered a car in more than 20 years but I have to admit it is exciting knowing the exact car I want will be coming in about 6 more weeks.

patekfan88

I also very rarely order a car-- but there are no GL550s that are not pre-sold that we wanted. I hope for both of us it's under 6 weeks until delivery.

1stGL

Received an update today. Our build date (GL 550) was moved up from 4/15/13 to 4/12/13. Should take delivery before the EOM.

JoeMa

Great news! I'll call the dealer tomorrow and ask for an update on mine. The last date he gave me was 4/17/13.

I'll ask him to slot mine in right behind yours.

patekfan88

I'm still waiting for an update...should be this week. Let us know, JoeMa!

JoeMa

I just received an update from the dealership and my 550 is currently scheduled to be manufactured on 4/17/13.

JoeMa

I received an update today that my 550 was built last week (4/12/13) and is awaiting final inspection and release. It will be loaded onto a Rail Car and taken to the distribution site, where it will be wholesaled to the dealer and then released to the carrier.

They expect that process to take the rest of the month and think the beginning of May is a realistic ETA.

patekfan88

I am hoping that my car is likewise pulled into production a bit early and can get the car soon! But I also have an order for new S550 once I get the GL my attention can turn to waiting for the sedan that I've never seen before ...

JoeMa

Do you mean a 2013 S-Class or the yet to be release 2014 S-Class? If you mean 2014, are dealers taking orders for it already?

JoeMa

Have you seen the photo's for the GLA concept?

http://www.carscoops.com/2013/04/mercedes-benz-gla-concept-first.html

sraza

not sure how many of you have experienced the crosswind stabilization- but it is truly impressive- my GOD, this feature is a game changer for SUVs this size...
Past few days been pretty up here and at pretty much any speed on the freeway- it really helps pull and keep the car as stable as can be- its scary impressive.......

blittle

Agreed..... I know I have experienced it because I've been in some wind that would have moved my 2011 around but in the new 2013, all I felt was just some light buffeting! Very nice!

JoeMa

Is Crosswind Stabilization standard on the 550 or part of a package? Active Curve is something different, correct?

cookstar

crosswind stabilization is standard on all models, active curve is different.

JoeMa

Thanks. I just read about both on the MB web site and they appear to be similar technologies with Active Curve being a more advanced technology. But it appears both systems use the air springs to level the vehicle. Is my thinking correct or is there more to Active Curve?

cookstar

http://www.autopressnews.com/2011/07...it_works.shtml

blittle

Excellent info!! Clearly describes what is in play!

patekfan88

JoeMa, sorry for the delay. The 2014 S-Class...and yes, they are taking orders. I was told today that my GL finished production and is awaiting a train to my area.
You have any update on yours?

sam9187

How are they taking orders for the 2014 S-Class when there is no information in the order banks? Do you mean they are putting names on a list so that when order banks open they can place an order?

patekfan88

Sorry for the lack of clarity-- yes, they are putting names on a list...and when the allocations open up, you are given X slot because you were X on the list...

JoeMa

Same here, my GL550 was manufactured on 4/12/13 and is waiting delivery.

sam9187

Thank you. I am waiting for the S-class as well. Launch is on May 15th. Order banks should open around that date. Keep us posted if you learn of anything new.

JoeMa

Please, additional posts about the S-Class should be made elsewhere since this is a GL550 owners thread. Thanks.