Probably a bit late to respond to your question since you’ve already taken the plunge but …
I can’t compare the ML stereo to the standard stereo but I can compare it to the 2001 version in our old LS430. We were impressed with the 2001 ML system but didn’t use it all that much on road trips. There was just enough wind noise and road noise to prevent us from listening comfortably. We don’t play music that loudly (at least we don’t when my wife is in the car) and a comfortable sound level didn’t override the other noise enough.
The 2007 ML is very different. The car, of course, seems much quieter. But, OMG, the stereo with surround mode on is absolutely enveloping at our normal comfort levels. Perhaps it’s the doubled wattage or the increased number of speakers or whatever, but it’s fantastic.
I was in a high end stereo shop 15 years ago shopping for some mid-range speakers. We got a friendly clerk who agreed to show us the "top of the line high end system" for comparison. $30K worth. He played a jazz piano CD, some Beach Boys and some soft rock (our target sounds). He also had his favorite demo CD, the Commodor's "Night Shift". Great song with a lot of interesting percussion. The high end system _really_ blew us away with the percussion. Like nothing I ever heard before or since ... until the 2007 ML came along. It sounds better.
It’s too bad we had to get the Nav system and the stupid automatic parking options to get the ML stereo. We will rarely use the Nav system (regardless of whether or not it is locked out) and the auto parking is so lame as to be embarrassing.
But we definitely LOVE the ML.
Silver Bullitt
PS: Just got the license plates today. Ouch! "$73K – the gift that keeps on giving." Glad we negotiatswed them down to $65K for it.
Most Lexus dealers I contacted had a very limited supply of LS models. Most without ML system. Amazingly, a new Lexus dealer opened recently not far from my home, and they had a nice selection of LS's mostly long wheel base. So I was able to get about 5% off the car...the dealer took the deal to the very last day of the month. You're right about the parking system. If you can't park it you shouldn't be driving the car or any car for that matter. Since all the LS's had the PG system I believe Lexus is dictating to the dealers to offer this option so to pay for the R&D.
The ML stereo system is fabulous. I could stay in the car all day just listening to the music. Almost did yesterday and drew the battery down.
The Nav. system is also fabulous. I use it all the time in my cars. The Lexus Nav. system is superior to all others that I'm familiar with.
I haven't completed the novel of a owners manual (largest that I ever encountered). Overall, I love the car.
Enjoy your ride.
Joe