I have been using the 2011 M-Class cargo tray in the back of GL-Class vehicles with the third row seat folded flat. It turns out that Mercedes-Benz just released a better solution…the Cargo Tray for the GL-Class! This tray is perfectly molded to every contour of the cargo area and has small doors to allow access to the tie downs.

• Part # 166 814 02 41
• MSRP $130

What a fun test! I’ve never had anyone directly comparing these two models but anything that draws attention to our great wagon is fantastic! You can create your own comparisons at the MBUSA site.

“Many kids grow up with minivans and sedans, but the lucky ones spend time riding  in the third-row jump seat of an E-Class wagon. The seats, which are located in  the cargo area and face backward, provide a cocoon-like environment where the  rear hatch window gives a unique outside view.”

“On the other hand, the GL’s more conventional third row seems spacious and  welcoming enough for passengers as tall as Big Bird.”

“And while the GL450 provides a higher seating position, visibility is slightly  better in the E350 wagon, making it much easier to maneuver around texting  tweens in a mall parking lot or to stay within SoCal’s narrow freeway lanes.”

“Not only is the GL surprisingly fast, but it sounds quite good, too — drive  with the windows and sunroof open and the combination of the deep exhaust growl  and faint turbo whine provides a strangely entertaining sense that you’re  driving a refined city bus.”

Read the full article at Motor Trend Online to find out who wins!

Mercedes-Benz does not currently have a cargo tray available for the 2013 GL-Class that works with the third row seat folded flat. I have found that the cargo tray for the 2006-2011 M-Class fits perfectly side to side and leaves just a small gap behind the second row seats. Don’t get the mat for the 2012 or newer M-Class…it is much too wide. Contact your local parts department to order.

There are a few special order options for our SUVs that do not show up on the Mercedes-Benz website. Lately I have had a lot of questions about the Upholstery Wrapped Dashboard (code U09) that is available for the ML-Class and GL-Class. It is a $330 option, plus the special order charge of $250. It adds stitched MB-Tex to the dashboard and door panels. I have included pictures of a 2013 ML550 with this option and the special order option H09 – Brown Satin Ash Wood Trim. Thanks for sharing Lloyd!

“In our Best of the Best testing, we found the GL to be as fine a seven-seater as  one could ask for. Quiet and smooth in the extreme with plenty of power and  imperceptible shifts, the GL has an adjustable suspension that makes the ride  suitable for most conditions, or at least all of the ones we encountered.”

“What ultimately pushed the GL over the top was that it has all those attributes  and just drips quality, from the sheetmetal gaps to the door thunks. The cockpit  is well built from quality materials, and the seats comfortable for long  hauls—we spent literally days behind the wheel with nary a complaint.”

Read the full review at Autoweek online.

The Surround View Camera is a part of the P44 Parking Assistance Package available in the 2013 GL-Class. It was delayed at launch but is now starting to arrive on the GL-Class vehicles!

From the Mercedes-Benz website: This innovative driver-assistance system uses four cameras whose live images are automatically combined into a single “overhead” view that’s displayed on the in-dash screen during low-speed maneuvers. To help you better negotiate tight spaces, the system shows an area approximately 3 feet in all four directions around your GL-Class, with the image automatically adapted to the selected gear. Active parking guidelines on the screen help you back into a parking space, while a special rear view zoom mode helps you line up the optional trailer hitch of your GL-Class with your trailer. You can also select the images of each camera individually through the COMAND system controller.

I was able to drive a GL450 with this option for the first time this week. It would certainly be useful in tight spots and in areas with hazards such as kids and pets! I would need a little more time with it really appreciate everything that it can do!

The usual rearview camera is used along with three additional cameras. One under the star in the grill and one under each sideview mirror.

Here are some images from the screen as I cruised around the lot and parked in a few spots. The cameras stay active up to 20 miles per hour!

Since we keep selling out of the GL-Class and all of our GL350s have been pre-orders, I have not had a chance to take a new GL-Class for a long drive. Luckily the nice people at Autoblog had the opportunity to really test it out!

“Full-size, seven-passenger sport utility vehicles don’t get much better than this.”

“Fuel economy was impressive for its size. The EPA rates the big BlueTEC at 19 mpg city, and 26 mpg highway. During our 407-mile road trip, we averaged 25.3 mpg (including city cycles at both ends of the excursion). With a 26.4 gallon fuel tank, highway range is in excess of 650 bladder-bursting miles.”

“The third row has always been a GL-Class strength, and it will easily accommodate full-size occupants without a murmur of protest.”

Read the full review at Autoblog.

We have had some gorgeous vehicles arriving at the dealership lately! Some were ordered months ago for clients willing to take a chance on interiors they had never seen and some were lucky guesses by the inventory manager! Here are a couple that look even better in person!

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge!

designo Porcelain Interior: This is in a 2013 GL550. An absolute knockout! Everyone in dealership has been by to look at this interior. Order now…availability is limited!

Special Order Grey/Black Leather: This is a 2013 ML350 Bluetec. Love the piping and the black carpets make it so easy to keep clean.

Brown/Black Premium Leather: This is a 2013 SL550. The Brown/Black combo is a nice change of pace from the usual Almond and the black piping makes it look very custom.

It’s here! This is our first 2013 GL350 Bluetec!

• Arctic White
• Black Leather interior
• Premium 2 Package
• Lighting Package
• Lane Tracking Package
• 3-Zone climate control
• Rear Entertainment System
• Panoramic Roof
• Wood Steering Wheel
• Trailer Hitch
• MSRP: $76,925

The 2013 diesels have been released! They should start shipping to dealerships in the next few days and arrival time will depend on trucking. Luckily my dealership is near the factory so we should see them soon!