Sat in a new 550 today. Just some notes.

Sales rep gave me a buzz and told me to stop on by today. It had a third row and bench in 2nd. Observations I had

1. Interior space was great - greenhouse was expansive, like a widened G63 cockpit with the relative door sill and pillar angles. Very much a fullsize SUV feel. No blind spot issues really.

2. Design was clean, smooth, inoffensive on the interior. Reachable. I could see it aging quite well, but ignition up high is a smidge weird. I did note that some portions arent as stout in build strength (there was a piece of trim in the center console that was easy to bend).

3. Doors are "light" akin to current GX460, not vault like.

4. 3rd row cupholders on the wheel humps was nice. As were AC vents for the 3rd row.

5. You could get a couple grocery sacks behind the 3rd row seat backs.

6. It has street presence - big stance. Accordingly, I think this will be the "it" thing to have for carpool lines.

7. Wheel wells beg for 35's.

8. I dont like the dearth of physical buttons for HVAC.

9. While Im likely able to get to demo and buy one in Jan/early Feb. Im still on the fence if its a good upgrade over my 22GX (wife), or a good successor to my 15LX.