Labels: Demo Specials, Diesel, GL-Class, Internet Specials

It is an exciting time here at the dealership...the 2010 models are arriving! There is nothing I enjoy more than parking a 2009 next to a 2010 and looking for the differences. Some models have only tiny changes this year and some have the "refresh" - which is usually new bumpers, lights, a few buttons and new wheels. I have included a few pictures of the changes that jumped out at me.

2010 ML550


2010 GL550 - New Bumpers, New Wheels, New Lighting




2010 GL450 - New Bumpers, New Wheels, New Fog Lights



2010 C300 - New Laurel Wreath Center Cap in Optional 18" wheels


2010 S550 - Full Refresh - New Lights, Bumpers, New Wood Steering Wheel





2010 E-Class - New Color - Quartz Blue

Labels: 2010 E-Class, C-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, ML-Class, S-Class

The 2010 GLK, E sedan and E coupe are already here and the rest of the 2010 models will be arriving soon. Mercedes-Benz has just given us the official pricing and release dates.

Model	Release Date	Base Price
C300 Sport/Luxury	July	$33,600/$35,300
C300 Sport/Luxury - 4MATIC	July	$37,100/$37,300
C350 Sport	August	$39,750
C63 AMG	August	$57,350
CL550 4MATIC	August	$110,400
CL600	August	$154,400
CL63AMG	August	$145,200
CL65 AMG	August	$207,170
CLS550	September	$72,400
CLS63 AMG	September	$97,950
E350 BlueTEC	March 2010	TBA
E350 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$51,100
E550 4MATIC Sport/Luxury	Late August	$58,800
GL350 BlueTEC	September	$59,950
GL450 4MATIC	July	$60,950
GL550 4MATIC	August	$82,850
ML350 BlueTEC	September	$49,700
ML350 4MATIC	July	$48,200
ML350 2WD	July	$45,700
ML450 HYBRID	December	TBA
ML550 4MATIC	August	$56,750
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	August	$91,050
R350 BlueTEC	September	$50,800
R350 4MATIC	September	$49,300
S400 HYBRID	August	$87,950
S550	August	$91,600
S550 4MATIC	August	$94,600
S600	August	$149,700
S63AMG	August	$133,550
S65 AMG	August	$201,150
SLK300	October	$46,900
SLK350	October	$51,900
SLK55 AMG	October	$66,650

For those of you who have been trying to decide between a 2009 and a 2010 this should help.

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe, GL-Class, ML-Class, ML450 Hybrid, R-Class, S-Class, SLK-Class

The Dealer Ordering Guide for the 2010 GL-Class was recently updated with some good pictures of the new bumpers and details on the packages and pricing. We expect Mercedes to release the GL350 BlueTEC and GL450 in September and the GL550 in August.


New in the GL:
Facelifted front and rear bumpers
LED taillamps and daytime running lamps
Chrome roofline and windowsill molding
Chrome loadsill for scratch protection
Ambient lighting
3D instrument cluster (?)
Ventilated seats available for the GL350 BlueTEC/GL450 - standard on GL550
Parking support passenger mirror returns in Premium 1 Package
Burl Walnust wood replaces Birdseye Maple as standard
Palladium Silver and Steel Grey paint available
Light Burl Birch wood available

Packages:
Premium 1 Package: GL350 BlueTEC/GL450: $3,950 - GL550: Standard
Auto Dimming Mirrors
COMAND with Hard-Drive Navigation
Voice Control
Gracenote Media Database
HD Digital Radio
iPod/MP3 Media Interface
Memory Driver Seat
Power Folding Mirrors
Power Tailgate
Power Steering Column
Rear View Camera
Sirius and Sirius Traffic
115V AC Power Outlet
4GB Hard-drive for Music Register

Premium 2 Package: GL350 BlueTEC/GL450: $5,950, GL550: Standard
All of Premium 1
harman/kardon Logic 7 Surround Sound
Keyless-Go

Full Leather Package: GL350 BlueTEC/GL450: $1,900 - GL550: Standard
Ambient Lighting
Confort Headrests
Premium Interior Lighting
Leather Upholstery

Lighting Package: GL350 BlueTEC/GL450: $970 - GL550: N/A
Bi-Xenon Headlamps with active curve illumination
Headlamp Washing System
LED daytime running lamps

GL Appearance Package: $1410 GL450, GL350 BlueTEC/GL550: N/A
Brushed aluminum running boards with rubber studs
20" twin 5-spoke alloy wheels with all-season run flats

Stand alone options:
Parktronic - $790
Wood Steering Wheel - $580
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats - $560
Heated Steering Wheel - $220
Trailer Hitch (7500 lbs) - $540
3-Zone Climate Control - $1430
Crossbars in Chrome - $310
Running Boards - $660
Rear Seat Entertainment System - $1880
Heated Rear Seats - $610

Labels: GL-Class

Most of these models have had some major upgrades in the last few years so they will only receive relatively minor changes for 2010.

New on the 2010 CLS:
P15 - AMG Wheel and Sound Enhancement Package
-- 19" AMG twin 5-spoke forged light alloy wheels
-- AMG high-end surround sound system with 12 studio loudspeakers, ICEpower amplifiers and 705 watt output
New paint: Palladium Silver
Pewter Paint deleted


New on the 2010 CL:
New Direct-steer system
Improved selection of Sport mode for transmission and suspension
New mirrors with arrow-shaped LED indicators
New paint: Palladium Silver
New multi-color ambient lighting
New Night View Assist PLUS with pedestrian detection
New Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilization
Advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring system
Rear view camera (P2 Package)
Standard Bluetooth - no adaptor required
Sport Package PLUS one
-- Sport bodystyling (front and rear bumpers, side skirts)
-- 20" AMG 5-spoke wheels with all-season tires

New on the 2010 SL:
Standard Bluetooth - no adaptor required
Direct-steer system

New on the 2010 GL:
GL320 Bluetec renamed GL350 Bluetec
Palladium Silver Paint is in, Pewter is out
Ventilated front seats now available in GL450 with Appearance package
Redesigned seat materials with piping

New on the 2010 R:
R320 Bluetec renames R350 Bluetec
Palladium Silver Paint is in, Pewter is out
7-seat option removed from Premium 1 - now stand alone option


New on the 2010 SLK:
New 17" twin 5-spoke wheels for SLK300
Diamond White Edition SLK300 gets 18" AMG two-tone wheels
New color: 230 Indigolith blue (really Mercedes? Indigolith?)

New on the 2010 G:
Bluetooth connectivity and voice control
Rear park assist
Stainless steel grille guard in chrome
New paint: Palladium Silver

Labels: CL-Class, CLS-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, R-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class

The Alternative Motor Vehicle credit (30b) that can be used to get a tax credit for purchasing one of our diesel SUVs has been improved by the stimulus bill. You can now claim the full credit amount regardless of your personal tax situation and income. This change applies to BlueTEC SUVs purchased after January 1st, 2009.

Important notes on the tax credit:
Must be purchased, not leased
The credit is claimed on your Income Tax Returns, not at time of sale
The upcoming ML450 and S400 hybrids will qualify for the same program, amounts to be determined.
Toyota/Lexus are no longer eligible for these credits
2009 ML320 BlueTEC qualifies for $900 credit
2009 GL320 BlueTEC qualifies for $1800 credit
2009 R320 BlueTEC qualifies for $1550 credit

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class, Owner Resources, R-Class, S400 Hybrid

The power liftgate has been a very popular feature on the ML, R and GL. Previously the liftgate had two settings - open fully, or the "limited" position that stopped it only a little bit open. The "limited" position did stop the liftgate from hitting cargo on the roof of the vehicle but made it difficult to access things in the cargo area.


You can now program the power liftgate to stop at any height you choose! This would be very useful for people who can't reach the button on the liftgate itself when it is in the fully open position and for people with a lower ceiling in the garage. I know that if I have my garage door up and open the liftgate it will hit the door. This will solve that problem. All you have to do is open the liftgate to the height you like, hold down the button on the liftgate until you hear a chime and let go. From now on the liftgate will open to your custom height! To go back to the fully open setting, hold the power liftgate button down until the chime sounds twice. Very easy...and very useful!

Labels: GL-Class, GLK-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

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.

You can learn more at the Mercedes BlueTEC site or come in and see for yourself!

Labels: Atlanta Classic Cars, Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class

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.

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, Mercedes Technology, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class

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.

If I find any more I'll keep you posted!

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, E-Class, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class

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.

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class, Newsletter, R-Class

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!

2009 C-Class	Release Date	MSRP
C300 SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$32,100/$33,850
C300 SPORT/LUXURY 4MATIC	July 16	$35,400/$35,650
C350 SPORT	July 16	$38,200
C63 AMG	July 16	$55,100
2009 CL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CL550 4MATIC	July 16	$105,100
CL600	July 16	$148,900
CL63 AMG	July 16	$139,700
CL65 AMG	July 16	$199,700
2009 CLK-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CLK350 COUPE	July 16	$46,800
CLK350 CABRIOLET	July 16	$54,800
CLK550 COUPE	July 16	$55,500
CLK550 CABRIOLET	July 16	$63,500
2009 CLS-Class	Release Date	MSRP
CLS550	May 15	$68,950
CLS63 AMG	May 15	$94,550
2009 E-Class	Release Date	MSRP
E320 BlueTEC	July 16	$52,900
E350 SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$51,900/$51,900
E350 4MATIC SPORT/LUXURY	July 16	$53,400/$51,900
E350 WAGON 4MATIC	July 16	$55,950
E550	July 16	$60,400
E550 4MATIC	July 16	$61,900
E63 AMG	July 16	$86,000
E63 AMG WAGON	July 16	$86,800
2009 G-Class	Release Date	MSRP
G550 4MATIC	October 10	TBD
G55 AMG 4MATIC	October 10	TBD
2009 GL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
GL320 BlueTEC	October 01	$56,750
GL450 4MATIC	July 22	$57,750
GL550 4MATIC	July 22	$79,500
2009 M-Class	Release Date	MSRP
ML320 BlueTEC	October 01	$47,250
ML350 4MATIC	July 22	$45,750
ML550 4MATIC	July 22	$54,450
ML63 AMG 4MATIC	July 22	$88,350
2009 R-Class	Release Date	MSRP
R320 BlueTEC	October 01	$47,950
R350 4MATIC	July 22	$46,450
2009 S-Class	Release Date	MSRP
S550	July 16	$86,950
S550 4MATIC	July 16	$89,950
S600	July 16	$144,450
S63 AMG	July 16	$128,350
S65 AMG	July 16	$194,950
2009 SL-Class	Release Date	MSRP
SL550	April 28	$95,900
SL600	April 28	$136,100
SL63 AMG	April 28	$132,000
SL65 AMG	April 28	$190,700
2009 SLK-Class	Release Date	MSRP
SLK300	May 01	$44,950
SLK350	May 01	$49,950
SLK55 AMG	May 01	$64,300

Labels: C-Class, CL-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class

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.

Labels: GL-Class

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 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)

Labels: GL-Class

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

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, Videos

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

Labels: GL-Class

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 new iPod/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.

Labels: Accessories, GL-Class, Mercedes Technology, ML-Class, R-Class, SL-Class

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.

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

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!

Labels: Accessories, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class, Videos

"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."

Labels: GL-Class

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.

Labels: Accessories, GL-Class, ML-Class, R-Class

"This is one fast SUV. How does a best-in-class 5.9 seconds to 60 mph sound?"

Car&Driver Short Take Road Test of the 2008 GL550

Labels: GL-Class

"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"

Is it time for you to buy a Mercedes diesel? Check out Car&Driver's First Drive Review of the GL320 CDI

Labels: Diesel, GL-Class

Labels: GL-Class, Videos

Motor Trend has named the 2007 GL450 as their Sport/Utility of the Year.

Motor Trend GL450 Review

Labels: GL-Class