LOVE my new 550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Ventilated seats option
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
Just filled up for the first time since picking it up and averaged 15.6 mpg (15.1 L/100KM) with 40% city, 40% rural and 20% highway driving. Pretty light on the throttle for the most part.
Not too bad for the first tank, was expecting worse actually!
Once its broken in I will expect to use a lot more fuel as I put my foot further to the floor pretty often.
Not too bad for the first tank, was expecting worse actually!
Once its broken in I will expect to use a lot more fuel as I put my foot further to the floor pretty often.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
I've had a 2010 E550 coupe and a 2011 ML 550, and drove the 2012 ML 550 today. The transmission needs a sport button to force first gear launches, but otherwise it's a blast to drive. I love the whistle of the turbos.
It definitely has bland steering. It centers well but is very light and non-communicative. This I can forgive, given the general nature and purpose of the vehicle.
I have to say, I was underwhelmed by the amber "torch" light. It is very dim and barely visible in daylight.
It definitely has bland steering. It centers well but is very light and non-communicative. This I can forgive, given the general nature and purpose of the vehicle.
I have to say, I was underwhelmed by the amber "torch" light. It is very dim and barely visible in daylight.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
I've had a 2010 E550 coupe and a 2011 ML 550, and drove the 2012 ML 550 today. The transmission needs a sport button to force first gear launches, but otherwise it's a blast to drive. I love the whistle of the turbos.
It definitely has bland steering. It centers well but is very light and non-communicative. This I can forgive, given the general nature and purpose of the vehicle.
I have to say, I was underwhelmed by the amber "torch" light. It is very dim and barely visible in daylight.
It definitely has bland steering. It centers well but is very light and non-communicative. This I can forgive, given the general nature and purpose of the vehicle.
I have to say, I was underwhelmed by the amber "torch" light. It is very dim and barely visible in daylight.
Are you sure the one you drove had the lighting package? I love the look and the amber strip is very bright even in full sunlight.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
Just back in from a 2 hour drive up through the countryside. Lots of hilly, curving two lane roads with little to no traffic so I really got a chance to give the 550 a workout and I am in love with this truck! The power is so addictive and I find the ride just fantastic. The difference between sport and comfort settings on the airmatic is instantly discernible so I find myself switching back and forth depending on the road conditions and how aggressive I feel like driving.
The seat I would give a 9/10 for comfort, love it. The stereo is excellent but I find myself muting it just to listen to the exhaust note when accelerating! I am giving it a little more gas, up to about 5,000 rpms and the thrust is just fantastic. Can't wait to put another few hours on it so I can really start working it out.
I have never loved a new vehicle more. I may move my bed into the garage so I can sleep closer to my new baby!
The seat I would give a 9/10 for comfort, love it. The stereo is excellent but I find myself muting it just to listen to the exhaust note when accelerating! I am giving it a little more gas, up to about 5,000 rpms and the thrust is just fantastic. Can't wait to put another few hours on it so I can really start working it out.
I have never loved a new vehicle more. I may move my bed into the garage so I can sleep closer to my new baby!
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 147
Likes: 26
GLE580, Cardinal Red
In retrospect, though, given the supposed luxury class of the ML, I am a bit surprised that it is not in the premium 2 package. Actually, am quite surprised that 'Mercedes Benz' would have something in a 'special order' category that MANY other less prestigious vehicles have as a standard.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
2012 C63 AMG, 2012 C300 4matic, 2008 E92 M3
In retrospect, though, given the supposed luxury class of the ML, I am a bit surprised that it is not in the premium 2 package. Actually, am quite surprised that 'Mercedes Benz' would have something in a 'special order' category that MANY other less prestigious vehicles have as a standard.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 288
Likes: 4
From: MI
2024 G63 AMG, 2022 GLE 63S AMG
Dropped off the BlueTec yesterday and picked up the new 550. What an incredible engine! Even light acceleration reving to 2,500 rpms there is a real rush of power. Getting onto the highway this morning I was up passing the flow of traffic without even pushing the throttle down. Can't wait to get this thing broken in to see what it can really do. Love the exhaust note too. Great low grumble.
Other differences from my BlueTec are the perforated seats with the cooling feature which I turned on but really couldnt feel much. Guess I need to wait for a warmer day with the A/C on to get any benefit of those. Went with the black leather with white stitching which looks so much better than the "brown" leather on the BlueTec which I thought looked closer to burgandy and wasn't very appealing.
The lights are incredible and the amber led strip really stands out. A couple of my neighbours noticed them right away when I pulled in yesterday and asked me about them. Makes this new ML really stand out from the crowd.
The Distronic Plus is very cool. Haven't done much with it other than try it following a car ahead up to a red light and I let the system bring the vehicle to a full stop which seems pretty amazing to me.
Only downside is the fuel economy of course. I am sure I will use 50% more fuel than the diesel but every time I nail the throttle to pass on a two lane road or from a stop light trying to merge I will forget about the cost of filling this beast.
Very happy customer!!
Pics to follow in a day or two when I have time.
Other differences from my BlueTec are the perforated seats with the cooling feature which I turned on but really couldnt feel much. Guess I need to wait for a warmer day with the A/C on to get any benefit of those. Went with the black leather with white stitching which looks so much better than the "brown" leather on the BlueTec which I thought looked closer to burgandy and wasn't very appealing.
The lights are incredible and the amber led strip really stands out. A couple of my neighbours noticed them right away when I pulled in yesterday and asked me about them. Makes this new ML really stand out from the crowd.
The Distronic Plus is very cool. Haven't done much with it other than try it following a car ahead up to a red light and I let the system bring the vehicle to a full stop which seems pretty amazing to me.
Only downside is the fuel economy of course. I am sure I will use 50% more fuel than the diesel but every time I nail the throttle to pass on a two lane road or from a stop light trying to merge I will forget about the cost of filling this beast.
Very happy customer!!
Pics to follow in a day or two when I have time.
Thanks,
John
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Ventilated seats
Seats are not cooled, just ventilated, so effect is fairly subtle.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 15
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911 09
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
I have always closed car deals feeling like I got a better than average deal. Can't be afraid to walk out of the dealership and make sure they don't see the lust in your eyes over the vehicle. Push them hard and just when they think you are about to sign ask for a few more things. I got three sets of mats and the first two major services included on this ML after we stalled on price.
