gplank

Thanks for this post, Greg...it was helpful as I put together my MY13 ML550 order, attached:

GregW / Oregon

You're welcome. A fine point - that is not an order, it's a configuration. Until it has a PO number it's not an order. Hopefully, that will possible this week or soon on 2013s. Also, add your location to your profile.

gplank

You're right..I didn't post the P.O., but my dealer says he placed my order according to this config. He took a $2,000 deposit, so he better have!

My SA said his MY13 m-class order bank opened up on April 7. MB's official memo said April 15.

The actual pricing of many of the items may take until production starts in June, he said. Delivery is unlikely until end of July/early August.

My SA is currently finding out if I can special order it without the standard equipment running boards. I had those on my MY07 and didn't like how they would dirty my pant leg. I think any ML with AIRMATIC looks better without them, since it sits lower.

I'm still debating on the interior, which wood trim and leather, and still have some time to change my mind. Might go with the Brown Satin Ash or Anthracite Poplar instead of Burl Walnut.

jean7of9

gplank: Thanks for posting this info. For the first time I noticed the official MB acceleration of the ML-550, 0-60 mph is 5.3 sec. MB are only posting the ML-63 acceleration with “performance package” at 4.7 sec. Without that performance package the acceleration of the standard edition ML-63 will be 5.0 sec. There is a good reason for MB to hide the acceleration figures of the ML-550. It will be certainly bite through the sales of the ML-63 AMG which is priced at a premium of $36,525 above the ML-550 (in USA) and $24,200 (in Canada). This price premium does not make much sense to me. This standard and options list is very informative and prepares me to what to expect in Canada when MB Canada decides to release its own. I decided to arm myself with a bundle of patience and refrain from ordering my 2013 ML-550 until all the needed info and option details (no blanks) are released in Canada. I ordered my W164 at the same time of Greg. Few more weeks of patience will help me get better satisfaction for several years to come.

gplank

I agree...I don't see why the AMG is so much more expensive, although the AMG has a lot of standard stuff (like Active Curve), more heavy-duty breaks and the nicer interior. I really don't need the extra power or other stuff, but I do like the body shape on the AMG that the 550 does get closer to. The big difference is in the front wheel wells, which flare out on the AMG, giving it a more aggressive stance with those wider 21 inch tires.

If you really want an MY13 550 but not risk getting bumped to an October delivery, I would go ahead an place your order now to ensure your top place in line. Dealers only have so much initial allocation. You should have at least a month to change it (i.e, before it goes into actual production), but your SA should be able give you more definitive advice.

I've attached a PDF of the listing of MY13 m-class for Canada that someone else posted earlier (I've renamed it). It doesn't have any pricing yet, though.

I think the must haves of the new options includes the Multi-contour seats. Like with my old MY12 X5 -- but in an even better way -- it extends out the bottom of the seat to give your legs more support and allows the sides bolsters to hold you firmer on the turns (although wish they were the active version). The new S-class has them if you want to go try them out.


Also, the Active Curve give you the AIRMATIC suspension that makes all the difference in ride as well as looks and safety. It can also supposedly improves your highway gas mileage, since the ML hunkers down at high speeds, causing less drag.

dougiebear

In what country do boards come std? Dealer stocking standard maybe? The ML airmatic only drops 1/2 to 3/4"from normal I believe.

gplank

The running boards are standard on the MY13 ML550 in the U.S., but not in Canada, this I can confirm from the MB materials I have.

YYZ-E55

There is no conspiracy. MY12 ML 63 0-60 is 4.8 standard config, 4.7 with performance package. The OLD W164 ML 63 was 5.0 seconds.

As for the price premium, it is actually very narrow on ML 550 vs ML 63 - compare to E 550 vs E 63! With the ML 63, you get standard ACTIVE CURVE ($5000), plus all the AMG goodies.

Other than the C 63, the ML 63 is hands-down the AMG "bargain".

jean7of9

YYZ : I started reconsidering the AMG couple weeks ago and have built a detailed comparison list between ML-550 and ML-63 for an informed decision. With the ML-63 I will get the Active Curve System and also the Designo Seats (another $5k) which will narrow that gap even further. The drawback is that I will need to train myself to touch the accelerator softly and gently to avoid excess speed and abundance of speed tickets in my area where our shameless city draws heavy additional indirect tax through traffic tickets. I never exceeded 3500 RPM on the ML-500 and hope will keep lower RPM if I decide for the AMG. Your advise is valuable and I will probably decide within two weeks. Please keep them coming.

jean7of9

gplank: Thanks. The list was posted by YYZ-E55 and was helpful in guiding me toward a decision. I am now considering the ML-63 but without the Multicontour Seats (nor the performance package) which I had on my E-Class where I often felt squeezed. I feel very comfortable on the W164 seats and found the W166 Leather Seats ideal.

gplank

You often felt squeezed in the multicountour seat? Sound like you didn't have it adjusted right. The whole purpose of the multicontour seat is that you can adjust it to your particular body shape and be 100% comfortable. Or did you have the Active version of the Multicontour seats before? In that case, unless you turn it off, it will indeed automatic squeeze your back a little whenever you hit an aggressive turn in order to keep you in place...or so I'm told. I never actually experienced it. Maybe someone else with actual experience of the active version can better enlighten us.

Also, with the Multicontour Seat on the new S-class, I notice when I tried it out the other day that you can only adjust the side bolsters via the COMMAND system...so it is not obvious like the other settings on the door. So, maybe you never set it correctly for yourself on your E-class.

Of course, if you feel well-fitted in W166 seats, then I guess there is less of a need during regular driving. But if you're going to get a ML63 with the ACTIVE CURVE standard, you're going to be finding yourself having fun taking turns 'corner flat.' When that happens, you might be wishing you had side bolsters that you could adjust to keep you little more firmly in place. Otherwise, it can strain your back...not to mention the comfort of your passenger if they don't have them. I'm only talking from experience of having the multicountour seat in my BMW X5, but I expect that M-class version basically works the same per the side bolsters.

MinnBobber

Yes, it looks like MotorTrend used the hybrid HP and the 350 gasser will not be 333 HP for 2013.

Dealer looked at 2013 MB computer build pages for E and ML and they had options but no pricing. E and ML both showed July builds start 2013 models. Also, the official "vehicle spec" area would not open as we thought specs would include HP.

GregW / Oregon

In my experience it is rare for M-B, unlike Porsche, to bump an engine's specs during a model run. That would be especially true with an engine that had only been out a year.

MinnBobber

Yes, I thought it was odd but was really excited about 333 HP until the balloon was deflated. I just assumed any decent magazine would have correct info---but MotorTrend isn't a decent mag.
One mag had said the 350 gasser was built to be "turbo-ready" so I was even hoping this would be a sweet little turbo motor....
Oh well, just appreciate they bumped it up from 268 HP.

GregW / Oregon

Maybe something like this?? 335 hp sounds a little low.

MinnBobber

Yes Greg, exactly like that--with V6 but more HP/turbo. That would be great in ML and E chassis.
And yes, what's the point of twin turbos for only 30 more HP--seems nuts. Seems way low on HP bump over current NA motor.

GregW / Oregon

This is what YYZ-E55 said back when I posted this on 3/5 (he usually has accurate information),

"The bi-turbo V6 will work its way across the line-up in short order. I believe it will be coined a '400'. 350 would die, but you'll see a proliferation of 4-cylinder turbos... including diesel BlueTECs; ie: GLK 250, ML 250."

twodivers

Heck, the rumored A25 AMG will have a turbo 4 cylinder with estimated output of >335 HP!

jean7of9

until Last year I had a BMW 335xi with the Sports Seats. You are right they are helpful for spirited driving which I seldom do. I am now settled for the Designo Leather Porcelain or Brown, which ever pleases my wife, since this will be her only input. We have not seen any yet.

GregW / Oregon

This is for Canada, but a lot of the information is universal.

gplank

Thanks for posting this GregW!

I wondering, what is the "EASY-PACK Power Tailgate" package as listed in that Canadian M-Class brochure? Is the power tailgate an option in Canada but standard in the U.S.?

GregW / Oregon

I thought EASY-PACK was what we call 942 Cargo Management Kit. Not sure why it refers to the power liftgate.

YYZ-E55

EASY-PACK is the branding for a "suite" of options that make transporting goods easier. This includes the power tailgate, cargo system, boot box (E sedan), etc.

GregW / Oregon

Well, maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to dismiss; there may be some substance to the hp bump report for the V6. This from Automobile on the revised E-Class, "The normally aspirated V-6 in the E350 also gets a bump, to 330hp." This is said to happen early next year. If the E gets it, it's sure to follow in the ML, probably for 2014, I would guess.

gplank

Attached is the "MY13 M-Class Dealer Ordering Guide" for April 2012, fresh from my dealer.

Seems incomplete, though...no mention of Active Curve System, Soft Close Doors, and Power Passenger Seat with Memory. It does confirm mbrace2 will be available. But what is "2nd generation NTG 4.5 headunit?"

My SA informed me today that they can order all this, but the Mufti-Contour seats will delay my build until August (not the first factory run, but the second). But then if I wait, they cannot guarantee other options that I could get in the first run will still be available in the second. Is this messed up or what? What kind of disorganized business is MB running? Uggg....maybe I should just get another X5. Last year BMW delivered my custom ordered MY13 in just four weeks. If the ride wasn't so harsh, I'd order another one today.