[Ex.SLer]

One of the interesting things that I've noted re: the XLR is that the literature tells you virtually nothing about the technical details of the vehicle. And I'm referring to the large format brochure. It seems to be more in line with the original Infiniti marketing of stones and leaves.

Dealers, likewise, seem to be the last to know.

For those already in the driver's seat, a few questions:

The literature mentions a built-in phone, but goes no further. Is there a built-in phone that comes with the vehicle, or is this part of the OnStar setup?

We are offered no night views of the interior. How good a job has GM done with the interior lighting as far as gauges and controls are concerned?

How well does the GPS function and how is the quality of the display?

As an aside, I first saw the XLRs in LA several weeks ago.

One dealer had three in stock. A thunder gray was sold while I was there. I was about to purchase one without a test drive (based upon reviews), until the saleman had a chat with his manager and returned with a number of 12.5 over list, placing the vehicle into SL territory, and less than a favorable deal.

Returning east, I found a local dealer with unsold allocation and an offer of MSRP. A deal was struck.

Concurrently, I visited my local MB dealer to see what stock they had on new SLs, and was shocked to find an '03 on the floor (discounted) and more than half a dozen new available and ready for deals.

Prices on the new SLs are no longer holding as they were as they seem to now be more than plentiful. An '03, with 5k miles which had a list of 100 can now be had for 85. Not exactly a prime investment.

Unless GM starts flooding the market with XLRs, which hopefully they won't, this could be the car of the decade for residual values.

 

[ctsvman]

No phone except the On Star hands free
The guage lighting appears excellent as is the heads-up display both have a good degree of adjustment
I have a similar nav system on my STS and have liked it--it appears a bit improved on the XLR--I have had no visabilty problems and all the controls r easy to reach and use
The stereo especially with the Xm option is outstanding--best I have ever had

 

[Quixotic]

I can't tell you how much I like the XLR better than the SL. If nothing else, the Navigation is so much easier to use and the seats are much more comfortable. But the best is the difference between air conditioned seats and seats the simply blow air.

 

[Ex.SLer]

another question -

One of the auto mags, Motor Trend, I believe, mentions the steering on the XLR as being "weird."

Anyone able to explain this?

 

[alk3997]

No, the steering seems normal in stop'n'go driving and on the freeway. I just made it passed 500 miles so I really haven't opened up on the road yet. But, the steering is excellent and the turns have been tighter than what I was used to.

BTW, on the built-in phont - The phone referenced is the OnStar Personal Calling plan. The phone is completely voice activated and the number you are calling appears in the D.I.C. When you dial, you can either use a stored user name or say the number. It is very easy to use. There is even a "redial" voice command.

For an incoming call, the radio mutes and you hear the ring through the XLR's speakers. Just press the white button and the phone answers. Unfortunately, I have not seen a Caller ID appear for incoming calls.

The phone system is analog and minutes are purchased through OnStar. You use the phone to purchase the minutes.

 

[Quixotic]

That's what I thought. The phone is analog. Which brings up an interesting dilemna. In the next few years, analog cell sites will slowly dissappear. Mercedes is already replacing analog phones in their cars with digital ones. What is Caddy gonna do?

 

[alk3997]

I can only go by what I've read. Supposedly in the 04 model years, many of the OnStar systems are dual mode - analog & digital.

The other option is "digital ready". What this means is that a digital reception module can be plugged in at a later date to make the system digital. I do not know if the XLR is one of the digital ready or digital models. However, I know how to find out and will check.

For olders years, including some '03 models, OnStar acknowledges that those analog are going away and states that the analog systems may no longer be usable after February 2008 (4 years away).

http://www.onstar.com/us_english/js...ot_faq_federal.jsp&id=16&title=Federal+Ruling

So, the XLR is safe from OnStar obsolecense. But, it is using analog mode right now (I'm basing that mostly on the static and type of static I occasionally hear).

Andy

 

[Quixotic]

Static? Did you --dfjoiert3xckjbsc56#Z^*&^(*^*( nbvwer983bv-- say static?

 

[MikePappas]

I rue the day I traded in my analog cellphone for a digital one.

I would take the analog static any day over the unintelligible artifacts of my digital phone.

C&n y#$^ hfg1 21s4s3a fdow?

I use my OnStar analog phone in my DTS a lot more than my handheld digital cellphone because you can actually hear what the person on the other end is saying for more than a fraction of a word...

Can you hear me now? NO WAY with digital...

Mike Pappas

 

[alk3997]

I did a test last night - The '04 XLR is Analog/Digital Ready. So, one day, we'll have to install a digital module in the XLR to keep OnStar service. But that could be up to four years away.

The good news is that there is an XLR digital solution available when OnStar goes that way.