Took delivery of a 2011 GL550. Dumped the 35d.

[deutsch100]

I know I am not very tolerant of car problems and issues, but I would just rather spend time (and frustration ) with my family, friends and work.

I've had 5 X5s, and 8 other BMWs. I know I will return to BMW...I always cycle between BMW and Mercedes. Both our 2004 4.4i and 4.8is were amazing and virtually flawless. My 2007 E70 was a nightmare, the 2008 was bad and while the 2011 E70 was much better...I still did not find the reliability to be acceptable. Besides from my 3 E70s, most of my BMWs were either flawless or excellent.

I need a car that can sit for a few days, without worrying about the battery, and I need to be able to have the doors opened for 15 minutes while I vacuum the car and not worry about the battery.

Squeaks and rattles are my #1 annoyance...and all 3 of my E70s were full of them. Being fair though, the 2011 only had a few.

I just picked her up last night. 2011 GL550. Iridium Silver Metallic, Black Nappa Leather.

LOVE the ventilated seats and the best feature is the UV/Solar glass on all windows, including the windshield. Such a treat. Keyless-Go (Comfort Access) is awesome. Rear Seat Entertainment made my 4.5 year old VERY happy. The huge AMG wheels look great on the car, and while I really do not need the 3rd row seating...they are adult sized & the rear seats fold down electronically and are shockingly fast (and comfortable). 2nd row seats have separate HVAC and also roof mounted HVAC vents as well as the 3rd row passengers.

First impessions of driving are that this SUV is very, very comfortable and the Airmatic suspension is smooth as glass, and bumps and road damages are virtually unnoticed. It rides like an S-Class/7 Series SUV. It's kinda big though Of course it does not handle like an X5, very few if any SUVs, handle as well as the X5. But for being 7000 lbs., the GL is quite competent! 382 hp, 391 torque.

X5 brakes have a much better feel and response, but BMW brakes have always been better than Mercedes. The 7G transmission in my GL is liquid smooth and gear selection is spot on perfect.

HVAC feels at least 30-40% stronger than in the X5, and the A/C is SO quiet, even when blowing strong.

Controls are very well placed, and ergonomically the GL feels as good as the X5. Nappa leather and wood feels better than the X5, but Mercedes has always had excellent finishes.

I will miss i-Drive for vehicle settings, but the steering wheel mounted directory and the COMAND unit (center stack) is pretty easy to use, and the Navi is very easy to program and seems quite accurate.