Max4Speed

So we use our GL550 for basically grocery getting and road trips. I have been thinking about trading it in for a GL350 because dealers are giving KILLER trades on 550s.

Question is - What kind of range are you guys getting on 350 and MPG on roadtrips? Don't see much discussion on that.

I hate the look of the GL350 so will be upgrading the bumpers and wheels

Thank you!

aeggroup

When I had my 2011 Bluetec - my average MPG from NYC to Fort Lauderdale driving with speed 65-80 was 25-26 MPG. You can get it up to 28 MPG if youdrive slower.

Please share your experience when you will upgrade the look of GL350.

I should get my 350 at the end of October and would like to do the same.

I was surprised to get up to 20MPG on the same trip when was driving my current GL450, but still prefer diesel.

Max4Speed

Thank you so much for your response. I will be doing some more research before pulling the trigger

BMcD-E500

Hmmm - Killer trade-in values for 550s you say?? Might have to kick tires a bit on that.

Axxlrod

On our road trip last month, we averaged 29mpg. Cruise control was usually set at 80mph.

When we fueled up for the return trip, the range said 700+ miles!

francotse

When is the 2nd decade of September? 09-02-2014?

aeggroup

Second decade is from 09/11/2014 till 09/20/2014.
I apologize for my sarcasm, but I've always thought that people who drive MB are more knowledgeable )

fabbrisd1

You can go to edmunds.com for the benchmark for trade-in value - and for a GL550 current generation your trade-in value "should" be between trade-in and private party against a GL350 at MSRP - less any fleet discount.

You better look/deal now - in just 2-3-4 weeks 2015 GL350's will be sold out for almost all dealers for the year...

Max4Speed

Thanks all. Drove a couple of different GL350s with various options. Overall I don't think I will be happy with the 350 Diesel. 550 is far more refined being gasoline ps having the Kleeman ecu upgrade makes a difference.

Going to keep the 550 for another year

BlownV8

Yeah, it's a bit of a shock going from 500+ hp to half that. The bi-turbo V8 is just a great engine. The diesel has its benefits but, if you can afford an $80,000+ car, the cost of fuel is not really a big concern so it really negates one of the diesels greatest benefits. It's more about driving dynamics and the V8 bi-turbo wins hands down.

Todd in PA

I agree to disagree with you, I love the driving dynamics of the diesel. I test drove each model, back to back, before deciding and I was looking for a relaxed, luxurious ride and found the diesel more than adequate for everyday driving. Yes, there is a bit of turbo lag but only under heavy acceleration from a complete stop. Underway, the thrust from the torque of the diesel is nothing short of amazing. I am just cruising serenely at 1400 rpms, nudge the throttle, and we, without drama, noise, or high revving effort, just take off! As a motor head I will grant you diesels are a bit idiosyncratic compared to conventional gas power, but I LOVE IT. I did get the active curve system with the adjustable shock damping so the suspension is similar to the 550. This huge truck corners as flat as a 911.

Max4Speed

My biggest reason to even think about the diesel was the range.. but we have our first road trip coming up in the 550 so I will see what I get out of it. I just hate filling up too soon. I still remember my E60 M5 days when I was filling up 3-4 times a week due to a very small fuel tank and single digit MPGs.

Overall the 550 is just a blast to drive and so far we have really enjoyed our first few months in it. We did have a 2011 GL550 before this but 2014 is such a game changer.

ogre.

Spot on. Forget money saving on fuel as relative to the price of the car it does not matter.

Range is very practicle benefit.

So is the relaxed power delivery of the diesel and smoother and quieter operation on the move.

Offsetting the benefits are the noise and rough behaviour at idle or moving around a carpark. For an engine smother and quieter on the freeway the diesel certainly produces the opposite when just at the times you notice it most. But if you have the stop start then when the diesel is at its worst is eliminated.

Driving characteristics is the real challenge. It takes an adjustment in driving style before you can even see what makes the diesel so attractive. Try and drive like the gasoline engine and the diesel feels hopeless. Once accustom to a diesel then gasoline engines feel busy, fusy and just hard work, but you will not learn that from a test drive. It takes time.

piazzmic

Max4Speed if you don't mind me asking what are you seeing for a killer trade value up there? I am working on selling mine down ('13, so a year older) in Tampa, FL and the two trade offers I got seemed oddly low.

Thanks!

skatteba

I also have the Active curve system on my 2014 GL 350 BT and it does corner nearly as well as my 911!!
With regards to MPG, I just drove it 120 miles from my cabin in the mountains and got an amazing 37MPG. As I live in Norway I also have the added 18 HP that the European model comes with.