pretty bad IMO esp compared to any lux brand (audi,lexus, bmw,mb, infiniti, etc)
I understand it. It's a nice interior just kind of wish they had an upgrade option something at least on the 300srt level. It's really holding me back since most of the time is spent behind the wheel not looking at the exterior.
Anyway, enough complaining curious if anyone knows somewhere in swflorida that might be able to "upgrade" interior. My thinking. 45k + 10k = still a hell of lot cheaper than anything else and now a fairly "perfect" lux/perf suv.
btw sorry if people love the interior wasn't intention to offend.
also, not sure if dealer will let me test drive. does anyone know how it might compare to cayenne turbo or mid size sport sedan ala bmw 5 series since I have test driven both of those?
pretty bad IMO esp compared to any lux brand (audi,lexus, bmw,mb, infiniti, etc)
I understand it. It's a nice interior just kind of wish they had an upgrade option something at least on the 300srt level. It's really holding me back since most of the time is spent behind the wheel not looking at the exterior.
Anyway, enough complaining curious if anyone knows somewhere in swflorida that might be able to "upgrade" interior. My thinking. 45k + 10k = still a hell of lot cheaper than anything else and now a fairly "perfect" lux/perf suv.
btw sorry if people love the interior wasn't intention to offend.
also, not sure if dealer will let me test drive. does anyone know how it might compare to cayenne turbo or mid size sport sedan ala bmw 5 series since I have test driven both of those?
thnx again and enjoy!
Since 1999 I've owned these SUV's: ML430, ML55AMG, Denali XL, X5 4.6IS, FX45, H2 & GC SRT-8 as well as several "upscale" autos: Porsche, MB, & BMW and have no problem with the GC SRT-8's interior. The instrumentation is very attractive & properly positioned, the adjustable pedals & superb power seats let you customize the driving position to perfection, the steering wheel is perfectly sized with switches for audio functions, cruise control, etc. that are very intuitive & SRT Option-1 adds many nice tidbits as well. Some have mentioned that the dash is plastic, & I checked, they're right. But I don't intend to spend any time up on the dash & it looks good so.....and thinking back I can't tell you what materials covered the dash on a single vehicle I've previously owned, maybe this is a big deal to some & that's OK. My main criteria are; superb performance, stunning looks, and an uncompromised yet comfortable driving experience. The GC SRT-8 delivers like nothing else I've owned. Good luck in your decision.
Agree that interior looks good. But for me it just didn't feelthe same as say an X5 if it did it would be a no brainer. Maybe I just like black on black could be the grey that's causing the problem.
Curious since you've had a 4.6 how the handling compares?
Agree that interior looks good. But for me it just didn't feelthe same as say an X5 if it did it would be a no brainer. Maybe I just like black on black could be the grey that's causing the problem.
Curious since you've had a 4.6 how the handling compares?
They are similar in handling "feel", the SRT-8 has higher limits while the 4.6 IS has typical BMW steering feel, (the best in the world pretty much). DCX did a marvelous job balancing the Brembo's, Bilsteins, tire/wheel sizes, steering ratio & gearing to create an SUV that responds to inputs like a good sports sedan. A really powerful sports sedan, LOL.
PS: Another SUV that handles spectacularly is Infiniti's FX45, a terrific package in its own right. The FX45's cornering limits are not as high as the GC SRT-8's but I had a couple of race track opportunities with it and it is a blast. At the limit the FX 45 begins a predictable 4-wheel drift that once you are accustomed to it is fun, and easy to duplicate.
i have a ml55 and think the gc srt8's interior is similar. the gauges and dials, the navigation screen, all similar to the benz. i think benz is having a influence on the gc srt8's interior.
m123456, if you want something like the GC SRT8 with better interior, wait for the ML 63. It is more expensive and heavier, but 503hp/465tq NA will make up for that.
theres too much going on in the front for me, I think it would look nicer with a classic AMG split lower grille. the back is sick though, and those tires are fu king huge
theres too much going on in the front for me, I think it would look nicer with a classic AMG split lower grille. the back is sick though, and those tires are fu king huge
I'll wait until I see some track #'s on the ML63. My biggest disappointment with the ML55 was it's mediocre power output. If MB had put the E55's S/C on the ML55 it would have been OK. As it was it was a fairly quick for an SUV, but an average sports sedan would toast it.
Mercedes-Benz to Debut ML 63 AMG at Frankfurt Auto Show
The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG strives to set a new standard in the sporty off-roader segment. The new top-of-the-range model in the M-Class aims straight at the top of the competitive lineup with its 500-hp AMG 6.3-liter V-8 engine. This new off-roader developed by Mercedes-AMG promises sportiness and dynamism at the highest level, while its exclusive appointments will meet even the most demanding requirements. The ML 63 AMG will celebrate its world premiere at the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September, and will be launched during the second quarter of 2006.
The powerful heart of a high-performance athlete beats beneath the hood of the ML 63 AMG: a completely new and autonomous 6.3-liter V-8 engine from Mercedes-AMG generates an output of 500 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 463 lb-ft at 5200 rpm. AMG claims its new powerplant is the world's most powerful naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine in regular production.
This unique combination of a high engine speed concept and a large displacement enables outstanding liveliness accompanied by powerful torque from low engine speeds. The driver of the ML 63 AMG will experience the decidedly sporty character of the new AMG V-8-engine in the form of great agility and dynamic responsiveness in all engine speed ranges.
No other off-roader in the direct competitive lineup has a larger displacement and output than the new ML 63 AMG. The AMG 6.3-liter V-8 engine provides the performance levels of a sports car, with acceleration from zero to 62 mph in just 5.0 seconds and a maximum speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). Compared to the preceding ML 55 AMG with 340 hp and 375 lb-ft, the new ML 63 AMG generates 46 percent more output and 23 percent more torque.
Power transfer in the top M-Class model is via an AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic automatic transmission with a Direct-Select shift lever mounted by the steering wheel. Three shift modes specially configured for the sporty performance characteristics of the AMG V-8-engine will ensure that the power is used to best effect. These shift modes - "S" (Sport), "C" (Comfort), and "M" (Manual) - are selected using a switch in the center console and differ in their gearshift characteristics and speed.
As in a Formula 1 racing car, the seven gears can be changed using the gearshift buttons on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel. The permanent four-wheel drive of the ML 63 AMG is also decidedly sporty in nature: in the interests of the best possible agility and performance on bends, the power of the AMG V-8 engine is distributed to the front and rear axles on a 40:60 basis. A specially strengthened drivetrain ensures an optimal power transfer and the reliability typical of a Mercedes.
AMG sports suspension and AMG high-performance braking system
The AMG sports suspension based on AIRMATIC ensures high cornering speeds, precise directional stability and low levels of body roll while providing excellent long-distance comfort. The air suspension features AMG-specific damper struts and the specially configured adaptive damping system ADS. A level control system automatically lowers the suspension at higher speeds.
Road contact is via high-sheen 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design. Fitted with 295/45R19 wide-base tires all around, this wheel/tire combination not only impresses with its muscular appearance, but also ensures that the sporty performance is translated to the road. High-sheen 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design with 295/40R20 wide-base tires are optional. Braking is provided by generously dimensioned AMG high-performance braking system, which features internally ventilated and indented brake discs all around.
Striking appearance with AMG styling and flared wings
Wide, muscular, with a broad stance and poised to leap forward - the visual appearance of the new ML 63 AMG immediately confirms its powerful position. The athletic design of this off-roader is characterized by AMG styling with a front and rear apron, an AMG-specific radiator grille, flared wings, stainless steel running boards with rubber studs, and tinted rear lights. Both visually and acoustically, the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated twin tail-pipes emphasizes the power and dynamism of the top-of-the-range model in the M-Class.
Dynamically designed interior with exclusive standard appointments
The exclusive interior features include AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery, alcantara inserts in the shoulder areas, a multicontour function, and heating; AMG ergonomic leather sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons; and AMG door sills and stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs. The AMG instrument cluster is equally dynamic with its AMG-specific lettering, red needles, and 200 mph speedometer.
Standard safety features include the preventive occupant protection system Pre-Safe, crash-responsive Neck-Pro head restraints in the first seat row, adaptive two-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, front sidebags, windowbags, and belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all the seats.
After its world premiere at the International Automobile Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the ML 63 AMG will be officially launched during the second quarter of 2006.
I too am a little disappointed by the SRT-8 interior. Actually, the only gripe I have is with the very cheap looking plastic the dash and the steering wheel is made of. It is even cheaper looking than the previous generation Grand Cherokee! Everything else, though, is good. The seats are excellent.
I understand it though. They were forced to use the dash from the regular Grand Cherokee, which is on the low end of luxury SUVs, if you ask me. The very low end.
I am sure we can upgrade the interior if we wanted to, for $$$.
No offense to other WK drivers, but the dash is definitely not in any category of "luxury" even at the lowest end. The previous gen (WJs) have a much nicer dash for the mid range vehicle the Grand Cherokee line of cars was taylored for. Almost up to par with low end luxury.
This is how they keep the car costing similar to the previous gen, even with all the money spent for the new R&D for the improvements. Classic case of the effects of inflation.
Quote: Originally Posted by Extreme Groceries
I too am a little disappointed by the SRT-8 interior. Actually, the only gripe I have is with the very cheap looking plastic the dash and the steering wheel is made of. It is even cheaper looking than the previous generation Grand Cherokee! Everything else, though, is good. The seats are excellent.
I understand it though. They were forced to use the dash from the regular Grand Cherokee, which is on the low end of luxury SUVs, if you ask me. The very low end.
I am sure we can upgrade the interior if we wanted to, for $$$.
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2006 SRT - Silver, order agreement signed, deposit check in, now sitting on my hands...
2002 Overland - Onyx, Addco F/R, 255/60/17 Pirelli Scorpion Zero
2001 Yamaha R6 - Blue/White, Yoshimura slip-on
1992 Acura Integra GS-R - Aztec Green, 205/45/16 Pirelli PZero Asimmetrico (sold, I miss this car!)
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