rhino

Man the Lexus is incredible. A true Luxury SUV. I love driving it. It is the most luxurious car I have every owned, and trust me I have had the best. I would have bought German if not for my GX test drive. There is no question, at this juncture the GX is the best SUV in the market. Beter than the LX470 or the Range Rover.

I have a CLK and a 5 series and swear by German cars. I love the precision of German Engineering, so I was initially drawn to the ML500 when I was planning to buy an SUV.

I test drove the ML500 and was captivated by the Inspiration edition. It looked like the ML55 interior and I immediately placed a deposit on one. Then I test drove it again, then again. All total I had five test drives to validate if the ML was the best SUV for my money ($50K).

Then I test drove the GX 470. I found it to be Smooth and capable. Incredible Luxury. In one word Better than the ML for my $50K.

Here are the reasons that I found the GX to be better:
GX has a less powerful, but SMOOTHER V-8. With 320 ft. torque.
GX handles better and has a better center of gravity than the ML.
GX has more performance features the most impressive were--
8.3 inches of ground clearance.
True 4 wheel drive.
Adjustable suspension modes.
Adjustable ride height.
(the only other vehicles that I've seen with these features are the $63K LX 470 and the $73K Range Rover)

Then comes the luxury/asthetics that I like:
GX has steering wheel audio controls (just like my 2000 CLK)
GX has dual climate control (just like my 2000 CLK)
GX has the best Nav system on the market. Incredible touchscreen operation.
GX has Mark Levinson Audio. A true masterpiece of car audio engineering. 14 Revel Speakers. Levinson Amp and front end. There is no better OE Audio in the marketplace.
GX leather is like Designo Nappa leather.
GX interior is like a Designo Interior with the wood steering wheel and birdseye maple all around you on the doors ect. (just like my CLK).
GX has lighted running boards Standard.
GX has a roof rack Standard.

But after 5 test drives with the ML I realized that MB SUV's are not as good as Lexus and I asked for my deposit back. I released my Black/Charcoal ML500 Inspiration and bought the GX470.

My opinion is that the ML has a long way to go to even come close to the GX at the $50K pricepoint. In both Engineering and Luxury/Asthetics there is nothing better than Lexus at this juncture.



Just my 2 cents.

Rhino

D4SSWME

Hi,

did you also have to place an order for your GX? or got lucky with one off the lot?
where in California are you located?

I have been waiting for my order since I placed it back on October.

Thanks!

dserban

.

D4SSWME

Yes, I've heard about early availability in So. California.

I am seriously considering going that route.

Will give my current situation another week.

Thanks!

degeester

I was in similar situation. The only choices were BMW X5 and the Lexus GX470. The MB ML was not a choice, as I think the design is a little dated and have heard the horror stories on early model ML's.

Got a Lexus GX470 on Dec. 23, Just got back from Grandma's house, a 250 mile round trip, and I am so very impressed and happy with the GX. The car is quiet as a vault (similar to 2003 LS-430), powerful, ride is great (I took it over some rough roads) The rear entertainment kept the kid quiet. This car is one of the best SUV's on the road. Glad I bought it!

Only criticisms I have is that when compared to LS-430, is that; 1. the plastic pulls for hood release and gas cap release don't feel as substantial as LS-430,
2. the side door pockets (driver and passenger) don't pivot out like the LS-430 (would be nice, to fit slightly outsized objects, today for instance the digital camera),
3. with the two wireless headphones in the rear door pockets there is a shortage of storage areas (center console is alot better in LS-430)
4. no park distance control option and
5. no side curtains (ala LX and LS)

Guess they have to be leave something for next year!

vicpai

.......I think side-curtain airbags are standard on the GX!!