kenfried

I am looking to get a luxury car (CPO S class or Audi A8) to replace my BMW 335 coupe, which is a bit too sporty for me at my stage of life. Alternatively, I could sell the BMW and replace my 2002 ML with a GL, if it would satisfy the "luxury car" element. For those of you who own or have experienced both the S class and the GL, do you feel the GL closely approaches or matches the S class in terms of ride, handling, comfort and luxury feel?

patsy1099

There are posts on this by NJ and others if you search. NJ, care to weigh in?

lwain56

I traded a 2002 S-Class that I loved with about 49,000 miles for my 2007 GL450, now with 14532 miles and have no regrets. The often maligned airmatic shocks are what deliver a S-Class like ride (new S generation excluded) What I found at the ripe age of 51 is that I like sitting higher than a regular car, but lower than a top heavy truck like a Tahoe, and the speed on acceleration lets me get my "kicks".

boxrbus

We have a 2008 GL450 and a 2008 S550 4Matic with AMG package. The S550 does ride better even with its lower profile tires, but the GL450 has a surprisingly supple ride for an SUV. Both are luxurious and handle fine considering their class of vehicle.

Nevada Jack

I drove a 2007 S550 for almost 18 months and almost 15,000 miles. It is a superb vehicle with a superb ride. I thought the combination of the 550 engine and 7 speed transmission was a match made in heaven and made the S550 almost a sport sedan. The ABC just added to the ride and performance.

When the GL550 was introduced it was a "no brainer" if I wanted to change driving style and get an SUV. I tell people the GL550 is a luxury sedan in a SUV body. The ride is a slight bit firmer than the S and the seats in the S were the best I ever sat in. But as far as handling and performance, they are very similar. With the ADSII the ride is excellent and I do not miss the S in that regard except for the seats which I mentioned. I frankly enjoy driving the GL more than the S. I like the high seating position and the way it responds. The engine/tranny combo is the secret to making this vehicle such an excellent vehicle.

You will not be disappointed with either the S550 or the GL550.

lkchris

One of the funny things about GLs is that they have particularly small front seats--two inches narrower than our E-class.

This can result in a case of "monkey butt," i.e. rash on sides of thighs, etc., on long trips.

Kind of hard to get the ventilated seats on GLs these days, too.

bt1340

We have an 07 GL450. From the first drive, I likened it to the previous S class, W220. We had a 2000 ML430 and a G500 before the GL and the GL is no comparison. A much finer vehicle in all respects. I also agree that the engine/trans combo is a real plus. Noticeable increase in fuel mileage also.

StevethePilot

Dude, no offense but I'm pretty fat and I've taken some long trips (Phoenix to Vegas nonstop) and I've never gotten monkey butt!

Still, might I suggest ... http://antimonkeybutt.com/

STP

201mph

I feel the ride quality and acceleration of the GL is exemplary for a vehicle its size and weight. In around town driving and freeway motoring, it is tremendous... but its no S class.

I think the biggest adaptation you'll have to make is to accept the GL's cornering limitations... its a big, top heavy vehicle compared to your 3er.

If you enjoy corner carving, this is not your vehicle... instead, I would steer you (pardon the pun) toward the ML, which is shorter and somewhat lighter than the GL, or to the R class, which is 8" lower and corners much more like a sedan.

We love our GL for what it holds, and what it can do, but now we are also sedan shopping.

Nevada Jack

It is no S Class sedan but if MB decided to make a S Class SUV, the GL550 would be the mold. The S Class rides like a limo whereby the GL rides like a sport sedan...in my opinion that is...

I don't know about your GL, but I certainly don't consider it "a big, top heavy vehicle" compared to anything. In Sport mode the car handles firmly and tight in cornering...I am not talking about a track but on the road. The GL is not a sedan, it is a SUV by design but as I have posted before, to me it is a Sport Sedan in performance and handling on the highway.

The OP can decide by test driving both the S and GL550 and depending on what his driving desires are, select one that meets his needs. But I would sure not recommend the R Class to him for any reason...I would rather flip a GL than be seen driving the R...

YMMV

Nevada Jack

I am afraid I have to agree with STP on this one (sometimes I have a problem with doing that...LOL) I agree the seats are firmer than the S and not the size of the S but on my 5000 mile trip I never really was uncomfortable nor did I get any rashes...:-)

As far a "vented seats" on the GL...don't give up hope...

LEOSOPHIE

Perfect summation, I am in sport mode 90% of the time and as far as the seats I have the bolsters squeezed in for a tight fit.

BlownV8

I'm coming out of a 2003 CL600 with Renntech mods and I can honestly say that the ride in my GL is better than that of the CL(2 door S class). The GL has more leg room and handles very well and not just well for a SUV. The CL was quieter and much much much quicker. The CL also had a nicer interior and seats.

I do miss the CL but I needed a family friendly car and the GL fit the bill much better. My CL would gather crowds of admirers but my GL is all but invisable in a sea of SUV's. Yeah it's the best looking of the SUV's but it is still an SUV.

oknish

I was wondering if you noticed his R class reference

03LX470

Mercedes sales people market the GL as a SUV for people who drive S Class. I think they are right and the drive, comfort, etc. is in the same class. We have a S Class in the family as well & I can say from personal experience that they are in the same class.

lkchris

Some do, some don't--that's what statistics is all about.

Fact remains, GL seats are unusually small.

ORK1

I have w210 E, are you saying that its seats are better than Gl's too?

I thought that Gl is SUV like limo, very soft and has comfortable suspension? So it's firm in reality? Good handling almost always = bad comfort?

lkchris

They are larger. You decide if better.

Nevada Jack

Fact remains, drivers butts are usually very small to extremely large... and one size does not fit all...

lkchris

Fact that GL seats are smaller than S-class seats is data useful as regards the original question.

Your responses aren't.

Nevada Jack

A sense of humor is what keeps this board interesting and friendly. I feel in most cases my "responses" are pertinent to the question asked or subjects discussed...

jaris

Hi everyone. Don't intend to hijack this thread...but I'm in a similar situation debating whether to get the GL450/550 or the S550 (with ABC and other goodies).

I've been reading this forum for the past weeks now. I am getting rid of the 07 E-Class in a month (due to business reasons) and will keep the 06 X5 4.4 (wife loves the X5). Initially, I thought I'd just get the S550 and be done with it. However, after spending more time on the forum, I start to lean towards the GL450/550, especially if I order the GL450. The lease amount is almost half from what I found on this forum. I'd just order a GL450 with P2, running board, etc. Not too loaded. I'd love to have the GL550 as it looks good and more powerful. But the lease deal doesn't make sense for a GL550. And I don't think I'd have the 19" package because I'll spend most of my time driving in NY and I hate the roads there when compared to LA.

If you guys have a choice to do it again, will you pick the GL or the S-Class? and for what reasons?

For me, even I haven't made my final decision yet. But having the 7 seats option is great as I was thinking about buying a Honda Odyssey along with the S550 in case I need to carry more people or stuff. But it seems GL solves this problem. And when my X5 lease ends in Jan 09, I can reconsider the S550 or other types of cars, like 911, etc.

Well, while typing this post, it seems like my decision becomes clearer. haha. I think I'll get the GL450 with P2 (with or without running boards). 15k/yr. 24mo/33mo lease. Hope I can get somewhere around 800ish with min drive off. Is it do-able?

And I have a tax question since the GL450 has a GVWR over 6000lbs. I should save more tax on the GL through my business. However, if I lease the car and use it 90% of the time for business, I thought I can write off 90% of the full lease amount regardless of GL or S. Am I missing something here?

Thank you very much for all your helpful posts on the forum and I look forward to joining you guys either with a GL or a S soon.

BlownV8

I'd take a GL over the S class in a second. The only S class that could possibly sway me would be the S65 or S600 with Renntech modifications. The GL is the S class of SUV's. Besides, you can't fit 7 people in an S class nor could you haul a big screen TV home from Costco.

One of the things I like most about my GL is that it is very easy to park and maneuver. I was initally concerned that the GL would be a pain to park and maneuver but it is suprisingly easy to get in and out of parking spots. Make sure you get the back-up camera because it is an awesome feature to have in the GL.

Nevada Jack

I think your decision really hinges on your needs and desires but it sounds to me like the GL would suit you fine. I think BlownV8 reasoning is sound. I loved the S550 with ABC every minute I drove it but I can also say I enjoy the GL just as much and maybe even a little bit more per my post above.

As far as parking I had some problems at first knowing where the front end was but now I also find it easy to park and maneuver.

Sorry I can't help you on the lease rates since I always purchase.

Let us know how it goes....

jaris

Guys, thanks for your quick response. I will try to get quotes from different dealers this week and post for what I find.

I think the 7 seat is a big plus as I was considering buying a Honda Odyssey before along with the S. I just couldn't convince myself to pull that trigger... Hopefully, with the GL, I can kill two birds in one stone and allow me to open up for a sport coupe option next year.

For the handling of GL, do you guys feel a noticeable difference when compared to a S550 equipped with or without the ABC? Any severe body roll when cornering hard with the GL? Do you guys feel GL450 is underpowered?