Well the cat is out of the bag guys...I will be giving up my S550 for a new GL320CDI. Here is what I posted on MBWorld a short time ago:

I had not intended to announce this decision until I had a formal agreement with Greg at Westminster MB in Denver. But I have decided to shift gears and get into a GL320CDI (X164.)

Reason is very simple...I want to do some traveling in the west and many roads are gravel or two lane secondary roads which is not the best situation for a S550. In addition, my wife and I had owned wagon/diesel combos from MB before and I had a desired to get back into one. She is not here to experience either the S or the GL but would certainly approve...she loved the diesel wagons.

The GL as I said will be the diesel model in Obsidian Black with Ash Leather and all the options except for the RSE, hitch and heated seats. Build will be late March or early April with delivery in late April.

The S550 is absolutely the best MB I have owned since I started buying them in the mid-70's. I will miss some of the goodies and the ABC ride but test driving the GL450, I found the ride to be more car-like than SUV-like. 18 months of driving the S Class (W220 and W221) had been a pleasure and I look forward to my trips in the GL.

No groans or how could you remarks. Understand I like MB and want to experience all the models I can. Keep in mind I have not had a CLS, a CL or a Maybach....yet....

Sad to see the S550 go but you seem pretty determined. Hope you won't regret your decision

The GL looks great and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Good luck and I hope you get to own every Mercedes model

Well, sad to see you give up your S. But on the bright side, at least you are getting something worthy enough to replace the S. Wish you the best with your new GL. As always, tell us how it is to live with. Congrats!

wow not liking this decision..but well you have your reasons..and i wish you best of luck..

Maybe you want a ML instead of a GL?

The ML isn't a proper off-roader. The GL has higher ground clearence, is larger and is overall the better choice to driving on gravel and muddy roads.

Sad to see the S550 go, whoever is next up in line for that car will recieve not only a beautiful car, but one that was cared for dearly by a passionate MB enthusiast. I'm excited to see your new GL when it arrives, and there's no doubt there won't be a shortage of pictures!!!

Well I can only congratulate you Jack on your continued Mercedes loyalty, the GL would be departure from your previous E-Class and your S550. It'll be sad to see your S go though, it looks so spanking new and if I were to buy the S550 I'd buy one from you right away. Well, at least we have tons of pictures of your S to keep us going...

Interesting change Jack.

My uncle recently got his ML320 CDi and he's really enjoyed it. I have yet to have a ride in it, but my uncle also owns a W211 E500 4Matic. He says the difference between the two vehicles and how they operate really is night and day.

The E500 feels like a sports car in comparison to the low revving ML. One question, why did you go with the GL, rather than the ML? More space, exterior styling?

Oh and I forgot to mention Jack, way to go in getting the diesel.