I dont think 335hp is enough for 5700+ lbs. I say go with this 550.

 

hard to say, i don't think 300hp in my gs350 is that much either

 

If this will help any, here is the CL review I did on the 2009 gas-engine version.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...des-gl450.html

 

I have a 2011 GL450. It seems more than adequately powered to me.

 

i drove one today too. for what it is (for) i think it's very decent. mid range passing power is there. of course it's nothing like my m3 but i wouldn't get this car for that purpose

 

GL is not made in Germany, lease it. E-Class wagon is made in Germany, buy it. Why buy a Mercedes not made in germany? I would never buy a Lexus not made in Japan, like some RX's.

 

My dad just picked up a new GL350 blutec and it's pretty nice. Nav is definitely unimpressive though

 

the nav sux, period. but i think the overall space and the drive is pretty nice. i am a bit scared of the airmatic though...

 

Yeah it's horrible I was messing with it and it took forever to save a location. I'll keep you updated on how it treats him over the years. He bought this one instead of leasing

 

your dad is brave, allen we are somewhat considering a cpo one, but really not sure if it's worth it or not. i love the space that's for sure

 

my dad has a gl450 and for him its enough power because it never leaves the garage. but the only thing we as a family kinda fight about isnot having a third row ac. :-\ . other than that it is as we call it a " va jay jay magent"

 

Nice looking vehicle, but I'd be concerned about the reliability. Consumer Reports has consistently ranked it low since it's inception.

As far as end of the year buying, from now until the Fall is a good time. The 2012's are on their way and a dealer should have extra incentives. But as always, be prepared to see a fresh or changed model a few months from now. This can often make you car feel "dated," but I wouldn't let that be a factor. Every year there will always be something changed or better and that's no way to live.

 

i believe rear ac is an option? didn't read too much into it

 

Well after much headache inducing and frustrating car search we found and purchased our car!

The reason is that we wanted a VERY specific GL with specific options. Had to work with 4 dealers and ended up getting it Dealer traded from Beverly Hills.

We LOVE the GL. It has just enough room (for a wife and a 1yr and 5yr old) and does not see to be an annoyance to drive due to its size. Filled with luxurious amenities including Premium 2 pkg (push button, NAV, BACKUP CAM, Harmon Kardon 5.1), Appearance pkg (20" rims, running boards) Light pkg (LED lights), Entertainment pkg (Dvd system), park assist, 3rd row, 7500lbs tow hitch and keeps on going...)

MSRP was $75,000 and We purchased it for $8800 UNDER MSRP. 2012 are coming out next week, we got the 3.49% deal from MBFS due to our excellent credit and I put some money down to lessen the monthly impact.

One thing that I was not sure about is adding the EXTENDED warranty to the 4yr/50K to 7yr/75K for $2800.

I can imagine how expensive the parts and labors get after the warranty expires so hopefully made the right call.

Will post pix later. Its a beauty.

 

congrats on the ride and it can tow some toys!