2012MLBlue

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.

twodivers

Sweet!

rush1169

Good to hear - I abandoned my 550 order early on as it wasn't going to be until June delivery, so decided to wait for the 2013MY. In the mean time, I've been considering a used E63 or waiting for a '12 ML63 to come on the used market and skip the 550 entirely. . .still undecided, but my need for power is there.

Also, the seats are just ventilated - no AC added to 'em when it's hot, so you don't feel them like you would in an AC equipped seat - they're nothing like a cooled seat.

MD Boy

Congratulations on your new ride.

How's the steering [feel] in the 550? Is it the same you had in the 350BT?

2012MLBlue

So even on a hot day with the A/C system cranked you are just getting cabin temp air blowing through them, not direct A/C cooled air?

RJR

I have the ventilated seats in my SL550 and they do not get cold. They do keep you from sticking to the seats on a hot day with the top down. We have a ML350 on order for my wife with the ventilated seats and I was hoping that they would be better but it sounds like they are not. My father has a brand new Chevy Suburban with the AC seats and they will FREEZE your butt. I don't understand why MB does not have AC seats:

rush1169

Correct - kinda sucks.

rgags1458

What tires, wheels came standard on your ML ? Im not sure what comes as standard here in the states the web site states 2 different wheel tire combos 19 inch and 20 inch.... the 20 inch have 265 45 20,s

2012MLBlue

The 20" with 265 wide tires.

rgags1458

Thank you I hope they are standard on mine I forgot to ask did you order them ?

2012MLBlue

The 20" are standard on the 550 in Canada.

rgags1458

thanks would be nice to have them also ill wait and see

2012MLBlue

Steering feels better. Went on a longer drive today and really really really love the engine!! Very hard to keep it under "arrest-worthy" speeds. The steering must be the same system but in the BlueTec I found a weird sensation sometimes where it felt quite artificial. Not so in the 550.

rgags1458

and yes the truck has the lighting package thats why i had to get the 550 the 350 was a wait until july my lease is up in a few days on my current truck

rgags1458

best of luck to you and enjoy your new ride !!!!!!!

Stesl

congrats for the new car, it has the same huge ammount of turque of the 350 bluetech version but not just till 2400 rpm but until 5000!and that's great

averagly how fast does the engine revs? about 1700-2000 rpm? driving normally

how about fuel consumption?does the 7g tronic plus works better with the v8 in stead the v6?

GregW / Oregon

Well, 4,750 per the specs, but that's impressive. FI has its advantages.

Stesl

sorry FI means?

GregW / Oregon

Forced Induction. I suppose it could also mean Fuel Injection, but that's pretty much standard now.

rgags1458

I am taking delivery friday morning at ten ml 550, silver, HID lights, blk leather interior, P2 pkg , heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, Car came from upstate NY. My dealer did a swap, Im looking forward to picking it up

Stesl

ah ok understand, thanks, how about the gearbox? the 7g plus looks working better with the biturbo v8?

rgags1458

Holy s&^t this truck is fast and sounds pretty good for no visible tailpipes. It rumbles very nice at idle and pulls like like hell from 1500 rpm up to 3500 thats as far as I will go for now. Its quiet and smooth, the steering is a bit vague but acceptable. All rotors are cross drilled which surprised me and it did have 19 "AMG wheels, i thought it might come with 20s the web site says both 20s and 19s Everything else works, puddle lights interior disco lights in 3 colors i' m from Jersey don't forget . It is raining here today and supposed to clear up so its a great reason to wash it tomorrow. Headlights look good,when its dark yellow markers with yellow led blinkers I will see it better later tonight.



.

tomb73

Have been searching for info on the MY13 changes... I've seen a few features, was wondering if there was something definitive (I know, not announced yet, but....) out there?

GregW / Oregon

Only informed speculation so far. Most likely: color MFD, 360-degree cameras, wood roller door matching trim style on cupholders, B&O audio upgrade option, rear sunshade option, Multicontour seat option, ON&OFF Road package option. Dynamic Handling Package will not be offered, but likely Airmatic will be standalone or otherwise available. I would also expect a modest price increase.

tomb73

Thanks, GregW!