Curious to know what you drove before your ML550 and others considered. After 3 ML's 1-430 & 2-ML55's over 7 years, MBZ really has presented something that I would consider replacing my ML55. I look at the new 550 is a great replacement to my 55. Contrary to popular belief, I have had very very little problems with any of these and the ML55 is still quite a sleeper with that MBZ torque that is very addicting! Have really enjoyed this vehicle.
Frankly there are very few to compare to the new 550. Not impressed with BMW and the Audi style does not impress. I am considering a Touareg V10 TDI or possibly the new V8. The Touareg V8 cannot match the 550 power, but it's quite a nice vehicle. The TDI's torque is over the top. I believe the ML will probably hold value a little better.
Would appreciate any input regarding your experience and decision process.
Thks

 

before I have my 550, i have a C32, nice car, great power, but winter time with Blizzard snows on all 4, my porsche killing (some models of course) became a tasty lunch for WRX or even Civics......not that i am driving crazy every time but once you get used to how the C32 accelerates, you could never go back! Not even in winter!

Anyway, totally different car (truck I should say), still plenty fast, lost all the "what are you looking at" attitude and I found myself driving slower and slower on the 550....

was looking @ the E550 4matic, but knowing that it is due for a changeover....

should have go for the ML63 but not going to pay a $4k penalty here in Canada.....

also considered a GS450H, but it has no TRUNK at all...can't even put snow tires in there to bring it to change over, same as IS350...

RX350 also has been considered but changeover is coming soon so no...

MDX is another option but knowing how those Acura kiddie techs handle cars like they have never driven before, no thanks..... too bad or else MDX is 2nd on my list..

 

You can click on my fotki album in my signature to view some of the vehicles I've driven, (including several various AMG benzes) and I have to say I love my ML!! Sure, it doesn't have the power or the looks of a CL/S/or E55, but it has alot of utility and seems reasonably reliable (knock on wood). I think they look great in black! It also gets pretty good gas mileage considering it has a V8. I give it a great big thumbs up.

 

Drove a 2004 MDX before my 550. Considered the X5, MDX, and Audi when shopping this time around. MDX was too much plastic both interior and exterior, and V6 performed well but nothing like a V8. Tech wise, the MDX is far ahead of the ML, but I was willing to trade that for the beautiful engine in the 550. Audi looked like a cross between a school bus and a van, didn't even have to test drive it as both my wife and I couldn't get past the looks of it. We test drove an X5 and it felt heavy compared to the ML. The interior didn't feel as luxurious. It had less cargo space as well which was important to us.

When it came down to making a decision, nothing could compare with the power/luxury combination of the 550, so I had to have one I haven't regretted my decision at all.

 

Currently, my wife drive a Lexus GX470. She likes the GX470, it perfect for her (seat is small and the ride is high). For me, I like the exterior look but I find the drive/ride very boring. I have no interest driving her Lexus truck. Before the Lexus, she had a 2002 ML500. We both loved the power, but I hated the seat. Everytime I make a turn, I slided all over the seat. The ML500 had minor reliability problems. Before the ML500, she had the 1999 ML430. It was a first year model with no reliability problem and we loved the power.

Her Lexus' lease is ending on 1/31/08. She test drove the ML550 last Friday and she liked it. According to her, it is lower then the GX470, less bouncy, better road feel than the Lexus and LOVE the power. I was seating in the back seat and I could feel and hear the power of the 550.

As of Friday, I negotiated the following information with the dealer before I walked out.

MSRP: $60720
Cap Cost: $54650 (10% off MSRP - about $1800 below invoice)
Residual: 61%
MF: .0021 (5.04%)
7500K/35 month
Monthly w/ tax: $744.42

Since Friday, I received at least 1 call everyday (except Sunday) from the dealer.

The other choice is the 2008 GX470. But the lease is not that favorable (high MF & very low residual). MSRP: $52500, Monthly w/ tax: $650. The funny thing about the Lexus dealer, they have not call me about the new lease since we last spoke 11/28/07).

If I could get the ML550 to $700 per month (with no cap cost reduction), then I'll go with the ML550.

By the way, the base price of ML550 went up $350 from '07 to '08 and dest. charge went up $50. Total increase of $400.00. I believe this new price is for ML that was built in 2008. The ML I negotiated does not have the increase, it was built in 2007.

 

CK530 - Looks like you neg. a pretty darn good deal on the 550!!