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MERCEDES-BENZ ANNOUNCES 2016 MODEL YEAR PRICING AND PRODUCT UPDATES (June 12, 2015)
My interpretation of the press release is that for the GL model year 2016: No name change, No refresh. Given all the rumors, I still wonder about an early 2017 model GLS with refresh (spring/summer 2016).
GL350-4M BlueTec - early August - $64,550
GL450-4M - early August - $66,200
GL550-4M - early August - $91,300
GL63 AMG - early August - $121,100
With my 2013 GL350BT lease due in October, I might consider downsizing to the GLE300d. I did not like the ride quality of the current ML. Maybe it will be more GL-like with the AIRMATIC option. I don't need 3rd row (I have actually never used it). I do on occasion use all the cargo space of the GL, so I prefer to have it but could live without it. My choice for the GL was mostly ride quality.
So went out and drove a few of these for comparisons sake:
- Cadillac Escalade: wife (and kids) LOVED the interior and the size. Drove rough like a truck (bumpy) and felt very heavy, even with the trick suspension. I'd need to join the NFL for my wife to drive it. And pricey.
- Range Rover and RR Sport: such a big vehicle, but doesn't seem to transition into interior room. The supercharged engine is a hoot, undeniable off-road prowess. Drove a bit top heavy and noisier in the cabin than the GL. Interior nicely appointed but I don't like the steering wheel. Strong contender just to have had one for a while.
- Cayenne GTS: oh baby, does this thing perform, it's all about performance! Looks sweet in the GTS configuration. I enjoy the interior but that maybe just due to its familiarity. It is smaller too. Best handling out of them all, but that comes with more road noise in the cabin with tire noise and is firmer.
- Volvo XC90: this put the cat amongst the pigeons. Brand new, very fresh design inside and out. Wife initially didn't want to drive it, which was pretty funny in front of the SA. Then we did and it is very nice inside - the center screen is just like an iPad and clear winner, the std panorama roof is beautiful. It also has 2 seats in the third row. It just comes across as smaller. We parked it next to the GL and it isn't that different. Here's the problem - the engine. It's a supercharged, turbo charged 4 cylinder. Sounds like a sewing machine. I just can't get my head around it! Kind of trying to though. There is a hybrid coming out that bolts on an electric driving motor to the back that takes it up to 400hp, and gives you 20miles of pure EV driving. At the end I pointed out to my wife it was half the cost of the Caddy. She couldn't believe it.
- Audi Q7: new model, I need to drive it.
Conclusion: confused!
How did the Volvo drive? Aside from the engine, was the ride smooth and compliant like the GL? Did the tested model have the air suspension option?
How did the Volvo drive? Aside from the engine, was the ride smooth and compliant like the GL? Did the tested model have the air suspension option?
--JC
Just watched the video on the new Volvo. That is no GL by a long shot. And those tail lights are just gaudy looking. The interior looks a bit on the cheap side. Its an improvement over the previous model but doesn't really match up to a GL.
Take a look at the Acura MDX if you want to save a little cash. This is a nice SUV with generous leg room in the second row. They're popping up everywhere in my area.
Just watched the video on the new Volvo. That is no GL by a long shot. And those tail lights are just gaudy looking. The interior looks a bit on the cheap side. Its an improvement over the previous model but doesn't really match up to a GL.
Take a look at the Acura MDX if you want to save a little cash. This is a nice SUV with generous leg room in the second row. They're popping up everywhere in my area.
It is not - on the inside it (the Volvo) is much more modern, very fresh, particularly airy aesthetics which are helped by the exceptional pano roof, outstanding central dash display, customizable driver's dash, every type of safety feature you could imagine.
Agree on the tail lights.
The only reason it feels tighter inside is the way they pull it in above the belt line (contributing to the ugly tail lights).
I'd suggest driving one - inside really is nice with good craftsmanship.
Can't get past the engine though. And it's a Volvo.
So when is the educated decision on when this refresh is coming (Fab) ??
Drove a GL550 with Active Curve today - completely different vehicle compared to our 450 - exceptional. I will stop hijacking this thread and post on another thread looking for advice!
Just watched the video on the new Volvo. That is no GL by a long shot. And those tail lights are just gaudy looking. The interior looks a bit on the cheap side. Its an improvement over the previous model but doesn't really match up to a GL.
Take a look at the Acura MDX if you want to save a little cash. This is a nice SUV with generous leg room in the second row. They're popping up everywhere in my area.
Are you sure you didn't watch the video of the old interior? The new XC 90, interior and infotainment is much more modern and visually appealing than the current GL.
It has no where the presence of a GL exterior wise but it will take some share from the current ML and X5. Possibly the GL too as the 3rd row of the XC is not bad. Definitely better than what the X5 has to offer for 3 rows.
Are you sure you didn't watch the video of the old interior? The new XC 90, interior and infotainment is much more modern and visually appealing than the current GL.
It has no where the presence of a GL exterior wise but it will take some share from the current ML and X5. Possibly the GL too as the 3rd row of the XC is not bad. Definitely better than what the X5 has to offer for 3 rows.
The 2017 GLS will be shown at the Frankfurt auto show in Sept, that means it will be here in the U.S. next Spring as an early 2017 model. There is always a 6 month lag time between introduction and the one sale date.
The theories here are hilarious. Mercedes isn't dragging their feet. The GL came out for 2013, the ML for 2012 so of course the GL would get a facelift after the ML. Come on guys aren't you MB enthusiasts?
[QUOTE=JoeMa;6468173]More views of the expected changes to the dash of the upcoming GLS:
Drove a GLA yesterday (Service Loaner) and whatever that hanging pad it had in center was awful waste, the screen quality was worst and crappy or may be it was crappy because it was in GLA ..
I was just thinking if 4-7 year old kids gets in and try to take that pad off with force it might come out easy.
The screen in my sons new C-400 looks quite nice, nothing cheap about it. And the images look much better than the current screens and its easier to read.
A number of manufacturers are doing a floating screens above the dash so this is nothing new. Congrats to MB for making such a change to a mid-cycle refresh. Most American builders would never dream of such changes for a mid-cycle refresh.
The screen in my sons new C-400 looks quite nice, nothing cheap about it. And the images look much better than the current screens and its easier to read.
A number of manufacturers are doing a floating screens above the dash so this is nothing new. Congrats to MB for making such a change to a mid-cycle refresh. Most American builders would never dream of such changes for a mid-cycle refresh.
If we are talking about screens AUDI is the one who had it for long and the way they have designed sleek crisp and in dash thats called a screen, this MB screen engineer need to learn some skils from Audi guys. And I have spoken to many people and they vouch for AUDI screens even my SA.
I like the approach MB took with the entire screen displayed. I don't like the halfway popup screen Audi and BMW use. It looks like its stuck on the way up.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
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