Our 2009 GL320 and ML320 BlueTEC Test Vehicles are Here!
Mercedes-Benz has sent us a 2009 ML320 BlueTEC and a 2009 GL320 BlueTEC to test drive for the next month. You might notice them on the road with their...distinctive wrapping. I went for a spin in the GL320 BlueTEC yesterday. I wanted to see how the 20" run-flat tires impacted the ride quality. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ride was as comfortable as it has ever been. I think Mercedes took great care to compensate for the run-flats with the suspension set up. Also, the 20" size is not too big. It almost feels more suited to the size of the GL that the 18" wheels did.
XM & Sirius Merge - Listen To Both In Your Mercedes
Owners of 2008 and newer Mercedes can now add "The Best of XM" to their existing account. However, some vehicles will require a trip to the shop for updated software.
If you have a 2008 or 2009 S/CL-Class or a 2009 SL/SLK/E/CLS/M/R/GL-Class with a Command head unit your software update should be available mid-October.
If you have a 2008 E/CLS/SLK-Class with a Command head unit the software update is currently being tested and they are hoping to have it available by the beginning of November.
All other 2008 and 2009 vehicles should receive "The Best of XM" without a software update.
Now that the 2009 vehicles have arrived, I have had a chance to spend some time with each of them and I have noticed some of the quirks that show up every year. These are little changes that aren't really announced but can be a bit of a shock to those of us to take the accessories very seriously.
My Biggest Loss - The US has a new law that requires all window roll UP functions to be controlled by a button that you have to hold in the UP position. So, that means that tunnel mode, where you hold DOWN the recirculate button and all of the windows close, is out. So is remote roll up, where you hold the lock button on the key DOWN, to roll up all the windows at once. This was a very convenient function on the lot when I am in and out of cars all day, trying to keep them cool. However, it is being slowly phased out so some cars still work this way and some don't!
2009 ML, GL, R-Class
Love AC power plug in the rear cargo area! Part of the Premium 1 Package and a great addition!
The new Rear DVD system can now play 2 DVD's at the same time - one can be loaded in the DVD slot in the front of the car and one in the backseat!
The 4 GB Music Register can store music that you have loaded onto the SD card or burned to a CD or DVD. It cannot store commercially purchased CDs. This is exactly opposite of the C-Class music register. Strange.
ML & GL have bigger mirrors for 2009. This had been a complaint on the previous years.
2009 C-Class
Compass in the rearview mirror is a nice addition. (Premium 1)
Memory seats are absolutely perfect!
Mocha/Almond interior is quite different from Savannah/Cashmere. I like that the Mocha/Almond is more neutral/less basketball colored. Very pretty!
Music Register is upped to 6 GB.
2009 S and CL-Class
Bluetooth adaptor can be ordered with the vehicle for $200 less than it can be purchased at the dealership.
2009 E-Class
No charge 321 Sport Package on the E350 Sport is an amazing value. Wheels, bumpers, shift paddles for $0! Last year it was more than $2000! I know because I bought one... Be sure to order the Pano roof. My car is a white sport package with the Pano roof and it's hot!
New navigation system has Bluetooth built in. That's another $525 savings.
Federal Tax Credit For Mercedes 2009 GL, ML & R-Class BlueTEC Diesels
Mercedes has just annouced that the 2009 BlueTEC SUVs will qualify for the federal Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. This is the same tax credit that has been avaliable on most hybrid vehicles. One interesting thing is that because Toyota and Lexus have already sold their total of eligible vehicles none of their hybrids will qualify for this credit. Here are the details from Mercedes-Benz.
Any qualifying vehicle (MY09 BlueTEC GL, ML & R- Class) must be purchased - Leased vehicles will not qualify for the credit.
Credit is not realized at retail purchase, but must be applied for individually by the customer, and claimed on their Income Tax Return (1040). Each respective customer should contact their individual tax advisor for more details.
Unfortunately, the 40 state MY09 E320 BlueTEC does not qualify for this credit.
Maximum tax credit amounts: -- 2009 ML320 BlueTEC: $900 -- 2009 R320 BlueTec: $1,550 -- 2009 GL320 BlueTEC: $1,800 -- Please note: amount is based on a somewhat complicated formula, and since the ML is the lightest of the three vehicles, it is held to a higher standard for fuel economy improvement, but has the smallest improvement of the three vehicles. Therefore the maximum is relatively lower vs. the GL & R- Classes.
The credit begins to phase out via a rather complicated tiered structure once the manufacturer sells 60,000 eligible vehicles, (hybrids/diesels) and is then subsequently eliminated.
Toyota /Lexus already reached the maximum number of hybrids sold in October 2007, so anyone purchasing a Toyota or Lexus hybrid is no longer eligible for the above mentioned tax credit.
Better fuel economy and a tax credit! Seems like a no-brainer.
2009 MSRP Pricing for Mercedes ML, GL, R, C, E, CL, S, SL & SLK
The 2009 MSRP's have just been released! If you combine these numbers with the options pricing, you'll know how much a 2009 will cost. I don't see any dramatic changes from the 2008 MSRP's. If you are ready to place your order please do let me know!
Option Pricing for 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC, GL450 and GL550
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® surround-sound system with Dolby digital 5.1 Gracenote® media database SIRIUS Satellite Radio & HD Digital Radio® SIRIUS real-time traffic Zagat® 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® 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.
The 2009 GL450 is scheduled to be released the end of July. Mercedes has not released pricing but they are adding a few standard features that are going to make this GL an even better value than the 2008!
New Standard Features for the 2009 GL450: - Sunroof (previously part of Premium 1) - 19" 5-spoke Allow Wheels (Previously in 19" Wheel Package priced at $1500) - 4-Way Drivers Power Lumbar Support (Previously Manual) - Bluetooth (previously required a $500 adaptor) - 6 CD/DVD Changer (Previously only CD) - Gear Shift Paddles (Previously Gear Shift Buttons)
New Optional Features for the 2009 GL450: GL Appearance Package - includes 20" 5-spoke wheel, Chrome Roof Rails and Window Trim, Stainless Steel Running Boards. (This was most of the equipment from the very successful GL450 Premiere Edition)
New Standard Features for the 2009 GL550: - Keyless Go (Previously a $1110 Option) - Infared Reflecting Glass - Light Birch Wood as No Cost Option (Previously only seen in Premiere Edition)
New Optional Equipment for the 2009 GL550: - Premium Nappa Leather Seating - Active Ventilated Front Seats (Previously Unavailable in all our SUV's)
I currently have several 2009 GL450's and a couple of GL550's with early production dates that could be changed to meet your specifications. Please let me know if you would like to place an order.
Mercedes GL320 CDI vs Chevy Tahoe Hybrid - Edmunds Comparison Test
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."
Mercedes GL450 Review - Motor Trend Long Term Test
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."
The previous iPod kit available for 2008 and older vehicles replaced the AUX jack in the glovebox. It could only connect to iPods or iPhones and the folders and songs were only displayed in the multifunction display in the insturment cluster.The newiPod/MP3 Media Interface Cable will replace the old system. This cable has plug-ins, for the iPod and for any MP3 Player! The display will now be on the Command (Navigation) screen and should be much easier to use. I saw it work on the 2009 SL. This will be part of the Premium 1 Package for all of the 2009 SUV's, the SL's and the CLS's.
Besides seeing the 2009 SL for the first time today, our training included a lot of information about the 2009 ML320, GL320 and R320. For 2009 the CDI diesels that currently power these SUVs will be upgraded with BlueTEC emission systems similar to those in the current E320 BlueTEC. These vehicles will also be the first to use AdBlue to decrease emissions to levels that will allow them to be sold in all 50 states. (AdBlue isn't expected on the E-class until its redesign is released around August of 2009.)
AdBlue is a fluid that when combined with the exhaust gases results in a dramatic decrease in emissions. While diesel engines are already more efficient than gas engines, getting about 30% better fuel economy, their sales have been limited by emission standards in many states. Georgia is not one of these states but as the number of states that restrict diesels has grown it was important to find a solution. Check out the video below to learn more about how the injection of AdBlue into the exhaust reduces emissions.
The addition of the AdBlue system will result in a few changes to these vehicles. The biggest change will be the tank to store the AdBlue fluid. To elminate interior modifications this tank will occupy the space currently used for the spare tire. As a result, all 2009 BlueTEC SUVs will be equipped with run-flat tires. The non-diesel SUVs will continue to have spare tires.
The tank for the AdBlue will be between 7 and 9 gallons. The tank will be topped off at the regular 10,000 mile service intervals and completely flushed and refilled about every third time. You will get a service indicator alert if your AdBlue tank reaches 25% capacity. Then, if your tank runs empty, you will have 20 starts to either visit the dealership or top off the AdBlue tank yourself. The AdBlue fluid is supposed to be available in 1 liter bottles at many retailers by the time that you're ready to refill.
I would be happy to talk diesels if you have any questions or would like to pre-order. We expect these vehicles to be released for sale on October 1st, 2008. As with all pre-release information this is subject to change, and change without notice.
Mercedes Updates The Rear Seat Entertainment Package For 2009
Rear Seat Entertainment systems are one of the most popular accessories available for our SUVs. The big complaints about the system available from Mercedes-Benz for the last few years have been the wired headphones and the single DVD slot located under the seats.
Well, they fixed it! The new systems, available in the '09 models this summer, have a larger screen, a smaller housing, wireless headphones and 2 DVD slots! It will also have user control from the front seat and better gaming hookups.
Mercedes really does listen to the customer comments and I think they have made this new system exactly what we were hoping for!
"The GL is exceptionally quiet, the seven-speed automatic is at the top of the charts for seamless operation, and ride quality is creamy, surprisingly so for a vehicle that’s extraordinarily responsive by large-SUV standards."
"Inside, the GL450 is beautifully finished and equipped with modern luxuries. It also drives with the precision, responsiveness, and ride comfort of a sophisticated car. In other words, it’s our kind of big SUV."
I know that a lot of you like to put something over your plush floormats. In the past, the all-weather rubber floormats were the best option. However, they were heavy and didn't really cover all of the areas that needed covering.
Well, I have a solution! These new flexible plastic floor liners specifically match the precise contours of the floor of your ML, GL, or R and feature high sides to contain dirt and liquids for the best possible carpet protection. Set includes four tailored floor liners. Available in black, grey and beige. ( I recommend the black no matter what color your interior is.) They are also availabe for the 3rd row of the GL-Class!
Please let me know if you need a set and I will make sure they are in stock. A set of 4 is under $200!
"We averaged 24 mpg over a 160-mile mix of city and highway roads, and even with frequent excursions to the 4600-rpm redline it seemed hard to ever dip below 20 mpg"
2009 ML, GL, R-Class
New Standard Features for the 2009 GL450:
