Atlanta Classic Cars - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 Training

GLK Training was held at Atlanta Classic Cars today. We received a full introduction to the 2010 GLK350 and were able to compare it to the BMW X3 and the Acura RDX. The GLK is quite impressive! You can tell that Mercedes put a lot of work into developing this model specifically for drivers who want a small SUV, rather than just adapting a current model to fill a niche. From the outside it has its own distinctive styling - it does not look like a shrunken ML or a GL. It also has a presence - this is a car that you would notice driving down the road. On the inside, I was impressed with the seating position. It is smaller than a traditional SUV but the upright seating position and great visibility make it feel very commanding on the road. It was also a pleasure to drive. The V6 engine is plenty of power and the car felt very agile. It even has a 3500 lb towing capacity! As we compared the GLK to the BMW X3 I was shocked to realize that the X3 navigation system is the same system that was in my 2003 MINI Cooper S! That leads me to believe that BMW really hasn't devoted enough attention to the specific needs of their X3 driver. The character in the X3 also seemed to be lacking. It does look just like a small X5 and does not catch your eye on the road. I know that the X3 will be our main competitor and I really look forward to showing people how much more quality you'll get in the GLK. I was unfamiliar with the Acura RDX (and I still probably couldn't pick it out of a line-up!). This car is a re-outfitted Honda CR-V. I can't believe that people would pay close to $40,000 for this vehicle. The RDX lacks all of the insulation, finishing, and attention to detail that makes a Mercedes a good value at any price. On the road the Acura has some torque steer, lets in a lot of road noise and is just not a compelling vehicle. Overall I was thrilled with the GLK! I think Mercedes is really demonstrating a commitment to quality and serving their customers. I know that this vehicle will be an excellent choice for people who want more room than a sedan offers but don't need a huge SUV. Also, the pricing is fantastic. I was expecting it to come in only slightly lower than the ML350 and it turns out it is going to be very close to the price of a C350! Base MSRP is $35,900 and I think you max out around $47,000 if you get all the bells and whistles. I would guess that the most common set-up, Premium 1 Package, ipod and heated seats would be around $39,500. We expect to get a demonstrator vehicle at the dealership in December and the GL350 will be for sale in January of 2009. If you live in the Atlanta area please let me know if you would like to be notified when the demo vehicle arrives. I can't wait to introduce you to the newest member of the Mercedes family!

 

CNET - Mercedes C63 AMG vs. BMW M3

The tech website CNET just released a great comparision between the BMW M3 and the C63 AMG. "The C63 is an absolute torque monster, which makes it more fun to drive at low speeds." "The COMAND system is light years ahead of the old iDrive system. The system smartly uses the instrument-cluster LCD for things like navigation prompts, so it's easier to use while in motion." "With the money you'll save by purchasing the C63, you'll be able to buy new tires after you burn through the first set doing doughnuts in the parking lot." In the end... "We are bracing ourselves for the howls of BMW fans. Hey, we like Bimmers, too, but all things taken into account, the C63 won out. In most rounds, the C63 scraped by the M3 just a little, gaining precious ground for cabin tech features, exterior looks, and price. For all-around performance, the cars tied--the C63 boosted by its bigger engine, the M3 helped by its DCT. After BMW updates its cabin tech and electronics interface next year, the M3 will probably fare better in a rematch." Read the full comparison at www.reviews.cnet.com

 

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

 

Germany Trip

I'm working on getting some posts up of the photos I took while on the Mercedes Master Guild trip to Germany last week. Hanging with the boys. Gottlieb Daimler & Wilhelm Maybach

 

2010 Mercedes E-Class Spy Photo

While I was in Germany last week a new photo of the 2010 E-Class hit the net courtesy of the German magazine Auto Zeitung. It's not the best angle. From the side it looks very similar to the current C-Class. You can get a better idea about what the interior will be like here.

 

Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION gives hints to 2010 E-Class and CLK-Class

This concept car, the Mercedes-Benz ConceptFASCINATION, is set to debut in Paris in October. It looks like a coupe/R-Class hybrid to me. More important than what this car is, is what it might show us about the 2010 E-Class and CLK Coupe. We know that the E-Class is expected to maintain the 4-headlight look but become more angular like the new S, C and SL. This concept car is using a very SL style grille along with the 4-headlight look. I like this depiction of the 4 headlights much better than some of the renderings I have seen. Our next new vehicle debut will be the BlueTEC diesel SUV's in October, the GLK small SUV in January and then 2010 E and CLK Coupe next summer.

 

2009 C63 Beige and Grey Leather Interiors and AMG Select Fabric

The 2009 C63 is available with 5 interior options. Having only seen the Black Leather (210), I was at a loss when Randall from California asked me exactly what the other interiors looked like. Since I couldn't answer his question he visited a couple of local dealers and here are the results! Sahara Beige/Black Leather Interior (205) only has the Beige Leather on the front of the driver and passenger seats. The whole dash, back of the seats and headliner are black. Grey/Black Leather Interior (208) has grey seats AND a grey lower dash. The upper dash, back of the seats and headliner are black. The AMG Select Fabric Interiors (701 and 718) which are standard for 2009, are still a bit of a mystery. We have not seen it in person but it should look something like this. The Mercedes-Benz fabric has always been very good looking and shockingly durable. It was standard on the 2006 ML's for a brief time and I was very impressed with the high quality and appearance of the fabric. Thanks to Randall for filling in this gap my C63 knowledge!