The Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2009 ML has been released! All of this information is still subject to change before launch. The ML350, 550 and 63 are scheduled for release in “July 08.”

Metallic Paint $720
Full Leather Seating Package $1995
Leather upholstery
Wood/leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
Burl Walnut wood trim
Interior Premium Lighting Package
Lighting Package $950
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
Headlamp washing system
Corner-illuminating fog lamps
LED tail lamps
P01 Package $3850
Rear view camera
COMAND system with hard-drive navigation
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
HD Digital Radio&reg
iPod/MP3 media interface cable
Harman/Kardon LOGIC7&reg surround-sound system with Dolby digital 5.1
40GB hard-drive with GPS navigation
4GB hard-drive with Music Register for download of MP3 files
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone, and navigation
Gracenote&reg media database
Power liftgate
115V AC power outlet
(MSRP value of options if available separately: $4,510)
P02 Package $6600
All components of P01 plus
Parktronic
Power memory passenger seat with power lumbar support
Auto-dimming mirrors
Power driver seat with memory package
Power steering column
Power folding mirrors
Keyless-Go (includes chrome door handles)
(MSRP value of options if available separately: $8,130)
Heating Package $1390
Heated leather multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
Heated rear seats
Heated front seats
Air Suspension with adaptive damping system (ADS II)$1,600
Trailer Hitch (class III) $530
3-Zone automatic Climate Control $770
21″ AMG 5-Spoke Wheel $1,550 (ML63 only)
Stainless Steel Running Boards with rubber studs $650
Rear Seat Entertainment system $1,850
All new rear seat entertainment with dual source DVD, larger video screens, wireless headphones and 2 remote controls.
Heated Front Seats $720

Many of these options are standard on the ML63. This pricing is mostly for the ML350, ML550 and the ML320 BlueTEC.

Model Year 2009 ML-Class Standard Features:
ML350 – Standard Equipment
19″ 5-spoke alloy wheels
New front bumper design with new grille
New rear bumper design with integrated rear reflectors
New headlamp design
4-way power lumbar support in driver seat
New redesigned multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
Power tilt/sliding sunroof
Wood storage tray located below climate control (formerly standard with Burl Walnut
Pre-safe&reg
Rear door child safety locks
New standard COMAND unit includes:
6.5-inch color display
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
Auxiliary input jack (in glovebox)
In-dash SD memory card reader
DVD video/audio player
AM/FM/WB radio CD player – MP3 capable
Rain sensor
Larger exterior mirrors
New seat pattern and new interior door panel design
Stainless steel skid plate
ML320 BlueTEC – Standard Equipment

All standard equipment on the ML350
19″ 5-spoke alloy wheels with run-flat tires – (no spare tire see: AdBlue tank)
50-state available BlueTEC clean diesel

ML550 – Standard Equipment
All standard equipment on the ML350
19″ AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels
Stainless steel running boards with rubber studs
New brushed aluminum roof rails and chrome beltline molding
New unique front and rear styling

ML63 AMG – Standard Equipment

All standard equipment on the ML350
P02 Package
Lighting Package
Air suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS II)
20″ AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels
AMG premium leather with Burl Walnut trim
AMG premium leather dashboard
Redesigned AMG sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles
Multicontour front seats
Heated and active ventilated front seats
New brushed aluminum roof rails
New unique front and rear styling

Despite a downturn in the SUV market in the last few months, ML sales have actually been up year over year. This vehicle is a great balance of SUV capablilty with a reasonable size and luxury. The 2009 will just improve on an already popular vehicle.

Release date and final pricing for the 09′s is not yet available but I will let you know when it is.

Being a brand new vehicle for 2008, there are not many changes to the C-Class for 2009. There are a couple of tweaks that make it an even better value. Release is scheduled for “2008″ according to my guide. As we are just about sold out of 2008′s I am assuming they will arrive soon!

Metallic Paint $720
Leather $1670
P01 Package C300/C350 $2150
Garage door opener
Auto-dimming mirrors
Memory seat with power steering column (driver only)
Rain sensor
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Heated front seats
Rear view mirror with integrated compass
P02 Package C300 $3600 / C350 $1350 / C63 $1100
All components of P01 plus
Split folding rear seats
Rear sunshade
Headlamp washing system
Bi-Xenon headlights
Corner-illuminating fog lamps
LED tail lamps
Multimedia Package $2980
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
COMAND system with hard-drive navigation
In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
harman/kardon LOGI C7&reg surround-sound system with Dolby digital 5.1
6GB hard-drive with Music Register for audio-CD ripping
Gracenote&reg media database
AMG Performance Package $3900( C63 AMG Only)
AMG limited slip differential
AMG compound braking system
AMG track-calibrated suspension system
AMG leather/alcantara performance steering wheel
Top speed raised to 174 mph
iPod Integration Kit $375
Tele Aid $650
Panorama sunroof $1,050 (Not avaliable on C63)
7-Speed Automatic Transmission $1,460
In-dash 6-disc cd changer $460
Burl Walnut Wood Trim C300: $310
18″ AMG Twin 5-spoke wheels $1010

Key changes for 2009 C-Classes:
Driver’s side memory with power steering column and tilt-down reverse passenger mirror added to Premium 1 Package (standard C350)
Integrated compass in rear view mirror replaces power-folding mirrors in Premium 1 Package(standard C350)
Burl Walnut wood trim option now also available for Sport Sedans
Almond/Mocha interior replaces Cashmere/Savanna now also available on sport models

The Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2009 E-Class is out! All of this information is still subject to change before launch. All versions are listed with a release date of “July 08.”

Metallic Paint $720 (included on E550 and E63)
Leather $1670 (included on E550 and E63)
Carbon Fiber Trim $2500 (E63 Only)
P01 Package E320/E350 $2700 / E550 $3160 / E63 $1880
iPod/MP3 media interface
Heated front seats (heated and active ventilated front seats for E550 and E63 AMG)
Power rear sunshade
COMAND system with hard-drive navigation
Zagat&reg survey restaurant guide
SIRIUS Satellite Radio&reg with SIRIUS real time traffic
HD Digital Radio&reg
Gracenote&reg media database
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
4GB Music Register for download of MP3 files
(MSRP value of options if available separately for E320 BlueTec/E350: $3,750)
(MSRP value of options if available separately for E550: $3,760)
P02 Package E30/E350 $4630 / E550 $5080 / E63 $3810
All components of P01 plus
Headlamp washing system
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
Keyless-Go
(MSRP value of options if available separately for E320 BlueTec/E350: $6,050)
(MSRP value of options if available separately for E550: $6,060)
Sport Package – No Charge(E350/E550 Only)

18″ AMG 5-spoke wheels
Sport front air dam and rear bumper with dual chrome exhaust
Sport leather steering wheel with black shift paddles

AMG Performance Package $8590(E63 Only)

18″ AMG 5-spoke multi-piece light-alloy wheels
AMG track-calibrated AIRMATIC suspension system
AMG limited slip rear differential
AMG leather/alcantara performance steering wheel
Carbon Fiber trim
Top speed raised to 186 mph
Illuminated Door sills $700
Parktronic $1,140
Split Folding Rear Seats $420
Wood/Leather Steering Wheel $570
Rear Side-Window Blinds $360
Panorama Sunroof $1,050
Electronic Trunk Closer $540

I just bought an E-Class myself! I wish I could have waited for the 2009, but I couldn’t pass up the great deal!

The Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2009 GL has been released! All of this information is still subject to change before launch.

Metallic Paint $720
Full Leather Seating Package $2130
Leather upholstery (1st, 2nd & 3rd-row seats)
Wood/leather multifunction steering wheel
Burl Walnut wood trim
Interior Premium Lighting Package
P01 Package $6600
Rear view camera
Parktronic
Power memory passenger seat with power lumbar support
Auto-dimming mirrors
Power driver seat with memory package
Power steering column
Power folding mirrors
GPS navigation w/40GB hard-drive
6.5-inch high-resolution color display
4GB hard-drive with Music Register for download of MP3 files
iPod/MP3 media interface (in glovebox)
harman/kardon LOGIC7&reg surround-sound system with Dolby digital 5.1
Gracenote&reg media database
SIRIUS Satellite Radio & HD Digital Radio&reg
SIRIUS real-time traffic
Zagat&reg restaurant guide
Enhanced voice control for audio, telephone and navigation
Keyless-Go
Power liftgate
115v AC power outlet
iPod/MP3 media interface cable
P02 Package $8650
All components of P01 plus
Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination
Corner-illuminating fog lamps in chrome
Headlamp washing system
3-zone automatic climate control
Rear air conditioning
Heating Package $820
Heated leather multifunction steering wheel
Heated rear seats
GL Appearance Package $1200 for GL320 / $1950 for GL450
20″ 5-spoke alloy wheels with all-season run-flat tires
Stainless steel skid plates (front & rear) in chrome
Stainless steel roof rails in chrome
Brushed aluminum belt-line moldings
Brushed aluminum running boards with rubber studs
Adaptive Damping System (ADS II) $750
Trailer Hitch 7,500 lbs. (Class IV) $530
3-zone automatic climate control and
rear air conditioning $1,400
Brushed aluminum Running Boards with Rubber Studs $650
Rear Seat Entertainment system $1,850
Rear Seat Entertainment Pre-Wiring $150

Many of these options are standard on the GL550. This pricing is mostly for the GL450 and GL320 BlueTEC.

Model Year 2009 GL-Class Standard Features:
GL450 – Standard Equipment
19″ Twin 5-Spoke wheels
glass sunroof
power rear quarter windows and double sunvisors
rear door child safety locks
PRE-SAFE&reg with active front head restraints
4-way power lumbar controls for driver
COMAND system with:
6.5-inch high-resolution display
In-dash 6-disc DVD/CD changer
Auxilary input jack (in glovebox)
Bluetooth interface for hands-free calling
In-dash SD memory card reader
DVD video/audio player
Enhanced sound system with 610 watt amplifier
driver side knee airbag for 11-way protection with nine airbags
New larger exterior rear view mirrors
New redesigned multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
GL320 BlueTEC – Standard Equipment
All of the Standard Equipment on the GL450
20″ 5-spoke alloy wheels with run-flat tires – (no spare tire see: AdBlue tank)
50 state legal BlueTEC diesel
GL550 – Standard Equipment
All of the Standard Equipment on the GL450
Keyless-Go
infrared reflecting glass
P02 Package
Full Leather Package
Heating Package
3-zone automatic climate control with rear seat controls & sun sensor
8-way power-adjustable multicontour front seats with memory
Stainless steel skid plates and running boards
GL550 Only – Options
Ventilated front seats – (price not avaliable at this time)
Premium leather – $1350
Light Birch wood trim available (no cost)

The 2009 should answer a lot of concerns that people have had with the 2007 and 2008. The most common complaint I heard about the GL was the small side-view mirrors, which has been corrected. I also think the new navigation is going to be great. I have posted about this system previously if you want the details.

Release date and final pricing for the 09′s is not yet available but I will let you know when it is.

Automobile Magazine reviewed the 2009 SLK350 this week and thoroughly enjoyed it!

“Let me just say right off the bat that I love the new SLK350.”

“And the best parts of the SLK were things that I never expected: the engine and the steering.”

“Turn the key, and the SLK350′s 3.5-liter V-6 will surprise you with its throaty exhaust note. Stomp on the gas, and you’ll be positively shocked. This is one of the best-sounding V-6 engines on sale today, if not the best.“

“The suspension is taut but gives a surprisingly smooth ride at highway speeds. Handling is fairly neutral, and grip is prodigious. Brake feel is excellent, and cross-drilled rotors stay quiet all the time. The chassis is remarkably solid and free of scuttle shake.”

You can read the full article here

…the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the more modestly priced Benz ($33,675), with an average 29 days’ supply of cars. While the supply is higher than that of other cars on the list, this model sells very quickly, with a turn rate of only 26 days, meaning that, on average, the C-Class is sold faster than it’s produced.

Forbes.com – Hardest-To-Get Cars