Just arrived! 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Edition in Black with Black interior. This car is lightly Pre-Owned with 1779 miles. Original MSRP was $138,375. We are asking $119,900. Please let me know if you’re interested…This is a very limited production vehicle and won’t be around long!

“Designed after the official Formula 1 Safety Car, it promises a dramatic entrance with ground-hugging posture, athletic flared fenders, and ultra-light carbon fiber reinforced plastic rear apron. Four chrome-tipped tailpipes hint at the special AMG sports exhaust, specially designed for low exhaust back pressure, and results in enhanced engine performance at high engine speeds. Speed is electronically limited at 186 mph and 0-60 should come in 4.1 seconds. “

Edmunds Inside Line just did a great comparison of the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid versus the Mercedes GL320 CDI. Spoiler alert, the GL wins

“Brand prejudice says we’re making a big mistake comparing a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid to a 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI. Maybe you’re saying this, too. But with a base price of $53,295 for the hybrid Tahoe and $53,775 for the diesel GL, the cost difference is all of $480.“

“Our 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI gets 26 mpg on the highway loop, which is a superb figure for a large SUV but not altogether surprising since the diesel carries a 24-mpg EPA highway estimate.

Harder to explain is the Benz’s 22.1-mpg average on the city loop, a clear advantage over the Tahoe.“

“Hop into the diesel GL and you realize the benefit of not only fewer pounds, but also of unibody construction and four-wheel independent suspension. In fact, the Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI handles phenomenally well for a full-size SUV. Its 60.0-mph speed through our test slalom is the best number we’ve ever gotten out of a full-size SUV.“

“…the 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI is the better packaged vehicle if you’re going to use all three rows. Its independent rear suspension allows a lower floor and a more comfortable, higher-mounted third-row bench. Plus, that bench can fold away into the floor, improving cargo capacity.”

“The diesel GL also handles and stops better, while offering superior seat comfort and utility. And with its combined fuel-economy average of 23.9 mpg offering a substantial margin over the Tahoe’s 20.9 mpg, the Benz easily wins our fuel-economy test, too.”

Watch the video of this comparion test.

Read the full comparision article at Edmunds.com

Trim Package: $1,510
Wood/Leather Shift Knob Wood/Leather Steering Wheel

SL Wheel Package – $1,950
Steering Wheel Gearshift Paddles, 19″ AMG wheel, & Smoked Headlights

Premium I Package – $3,750
Active Ventilated Seats, Airscarf, Driver Multicontour Seat, Passenger Multicontour Seat, Electronic Trunk Closer, & Keyless Go

Distronic – $2,230
Parktronic – $1,140
Panorama Roof – $1,950

SL550 Silver Arrow
Premium I Package, SL Wheel Package, Parktronic, Distronic, & Panorama Roof

To celebrate the new SL-Class, they are introducing the SL550 and SL63 AMG “Silver Arrow Edition”, which combines unique paintwork, trim and popular options. This edition is limited to 550 units of the SL550 version and 100 units of the SL63 AMG version. Both are finished with an exclusive combination of “Silver Arrow” Metallic paint, and designo Black Piano Lacquer Wood Trim. Also included are a sport steering wheel with shift paddles, Premium Red Leather seating surfaces, and 19″ AMG wheels. The Silver Arrow Editions will sell out quickly! If you are interested, I can reserve one for you. Silver Arrow Brochure

“The M3′s V8 is as swift and sharp as a katana sword, while the C63′s V8 punches like a set of brass knuckles. And whereas the M3 sounds best when it’s being caned ruthlessly, the C63 barks like a beast when you simply twist the key and start it.”

“Despite boasting similar power-to-weight ratios, the C63 runs notably quicker than the M3 sedan in a straight line. It clicks off the quarter-mile in 12.5 seconds at113.7 mph, compared to the BMW’s 12.9 seconds at 111.1 mph, an advantage of 0.4second and 2.6 mph. Likewise, 60 mph comes up in 4.1 seconds in the Benz and 4.5seconds in the Bimmer.”

“But if powersliding hooliganism is more your style, then the C63 is your choice, since it’ll sustain a tail-out attitude around a corner until the steel cords show through the rear tires.”

“The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG also crackles with character, something the M3 could use a bit more of.”

A lot of people are comparing the Mercedes-Benz C63 to the BMW M3. Everyone wants to drive this new car! For a long time, the M3 has been the top of the heap in the small and sporty category. Most reviewers are acknowledging that the M3 is still a great car, very balanced and capable, but the consensus is that the C63 is more fun! Take a look at the full review from Edmunds. If you are interested in ordering a C63 or being notified if one become available, please let me know!

Spy pictures of the 2010 E-Class have begun to leak out. As expected, it will mirror a lot of the changes you have already seen in the C-Class and S-Class. My inventory manager saw some official Mercedes-Benz pictures of it at a line-set meeting. She said that these spy pictures don’t show how “aggressive and impressive” it really looks!

Squareish headlights, sharp shoulder lines and a more angular trunk lid characterize the outside. On the inside, the 2010 E will have the updated navigation system and the central command controller. Also, they have moved the gear selection to the steering column like in the S-Class. This frees up more space for cup holders and storage.

Mercedes keeps new models as quiet as possible until the release date. Don’t expect to see anything official about options or pricing for over a year. If you would like to be updated as information comes available please e-mail me.

The CL550 is changing just a little bit…When it is released this fall it will be the CL550 4matic! All of the CL550′s produced with carry the 4matic all-weel drive system as a standard feature. Adding only 154 pounds to the chassis, this feature should only improve the handling of this stunning coupe. MotorTrend has already had a chance to drive and review this new model.

Other notable changes include:
* Standard Heated & Ventilated Seats (Formerly in P1)
* Standard Keyless GO (Formerly in P1)
* AIRMATIC Suspension replaces Active Body Control

Option Packages
264 designo Mystic White Edition
- Black Exclusive Leather
- designo Black Lacquer
- designo Porcelain
- Alcantara Headliner Charcoal
- designo Wood/Leather Steering Wheel
266 Distronic Plus Package
- Parking Guidance
- Distronic Plus
- Blind Spot Assist
321 Sport Package
- (772) AMG Bodystyling
- (780) 19″ AMG Five-Spoke Alloy Wheel
P2: Premium II
- (218) Dynamic Rear View Monitor
- (432) Driving Dynamic Front Seats
- (610) Night View Assist TBD

Stand Alone Options
iPod Integration Kit
Heated Steering Wheel
Black Ash Wood Trim
19″ 9 Double Spoke Wheel TBD

Interior Colors
Black Exclusive Leather
Black Premium Leather
Savanna / Cashmere Premium Leather
Cognac/Black Premium Leather
Grey/Dark Grey Premuim Leather

Exterior Color Options
Black(040)
Majestic Black(112)*
Jade Green(300)*
Capri Blue(359)*
Flint Grey(368)
Titanium Grey(494)
Barolo Red(544)*
Arctic White(650)
Pewter(723)*
Iridium Silver(775)*

Motor Trend’s long term test of the GL450 has come to an end and it sounds like it will definitely be missed. After they named the GL as their 2007 Sport Utility of the Year they put a GL450 into daily service to see how it would perform.

“One of the elements that elevated the GL to SUOTY-winning levels is its useable rear seat. There’s room back there for real adults, not just 50th percentilers.”

“Part of the credit goes to the superb seven-speed automatic transmission, which offers a ratio for every occasion without hunting. This powertrain combo drew universal praise from the staff as quiet, smooth, and powerful.”

“The GL’s adjustable airbag suspension is a thing of wonder. Damping can be set to your choice of Sport, Comfort, or self-adjusting between the two. Most preferred the Sport setting, as the GL just handles better that way.”

“Like Sinatra sang, “It was a very good year” for the Mercedes-Benz GL450. It was always on the move, demonstrated a ton of capability in many areas, and proved no hassle in terms of reliability. Even after the chance to discover its every foible-and there aren’t many-we were pleased with the GL450′s long-term test and that we chose it as a Sport/Utility of the Year winner.”

Read the full review here

The AJC International Auto Show is scheduled for, April 19th-27th, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Admission to the Auto Show is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 6-12 years old. Children under 6 are admitted free.

I will be working the Mercedes-Benz area on Saturday, April 26th from 4pm-10pm. Come by and say hello!

Just in case you need one more reason to buy an E320 BlueTEC…

“Mercedes-Benz USA is excited to announce a $1,500 gas card for all eligible 2008 E320 BlueTEC new vehicles sales reported between April 1, 2008 and April 30, 2008.”

This card will be mailed directly to you after purchase! (I am sure they meant to call it a fuel card.)