ericmichael

Hi,

Can I please get your advice.

I am in the market for a large/midsize “German” SUV. Loved the Tahoes and Yukon but almost the same price loaded and it’s not a close call at almost same price point. While there are many I have looked at included X5, Cayenne, Audo Q7 and VW TDI, the GL/ML call to me.

I say Large to midsize in that I would love the GL but could probably live with the ML. Wife, couple of dogs, travel a lot so do need abundant space.

The price difference is about 11k between the ML 350 Bluetec and GL 350 Bluetec.
I built the GL for $68k and built the ML for $57k. I am not rich but it won’t kill me to spend 11k extra for a keeper. I usually keep me cars for about 6 years.

So my 2 major questions are;

• Would one spend the extra 11k and get the big boy, especially when MPG is very close to one another. Even if I don’t use the 3rd row or extra cargo space, it’s nice to know it’s there. Big doesn’t bother me either as I live in Texas and can park an RV in any parking lot in the suburbs.
• Diesel or Gas engine- I have read 100 articles on this and still cannot decide. I love the higher MPG and long range a tank will give me. Premium fuel is actually more expensive than Diesel in TX so that is a wash. I don’t care about speed as I have a GT3 for the weekend. It seems it will have a better resale value in 6 years and I will enjoy the fuel savings as well.

What would you guys do? Thanks in advance,

Nieuwsma

Just watched a Consumer Reports video of their GL 350 Bluetec review. They say it is the most comfortable SUV they've tested. They say definitely get the diesel. Plenty good performance and great fuel economy. Only negative was the collision avoidance test. The electronic stability system needs to be recalibrated, which would be a software change. Same issue with the new ML.
Looking at past GL vehicle maintenance reports, it seems that they tend to have much higher maintenance costs than the ML.

2008 ML 320 CDI

Before getting our 320 CDI ML, I was also wondering whether we should go for the GL or the ML and as you say, the GL is generally more expensive than the ML. I can only speak as an ML owner now and say that I'm very pleased with our vehicle and don't regret at all that we didn't get a GL. As for the engine type, I very certainly would recommend the diesel engine - the torque, superb fuel consumption and tank range are simply fantastic! The tank holds 109 litres if you fill it to the absolute brim and I once tested the range and achieved 1247 km on such a full tank before the vehicle ran out of fuel. If you fill up until the filling station pump automatically shuts off for the first time, the tanks holds approximately 96 litres.

N_Jay

Definitely the diesel, and the probably the ML if you can live with the space.
The GL if you need the space.
I love my GL when I need the room (What I bought it for) but just for driving around and 2 person trips I sort of wish I had an ML, as it would probably be more comfortable to drive.
Did the prices you have show the exact same equipment/options? I think there are some this standard on the GL that are options on the ML.
If you are 'only' going to keep it 6 years, figure in the difference in value at the end. (Might throw the favor back to the GL)

06e320cdi

I am planning on an upgrade to the GL Bluetec next year. On occasion it would be nice to have the extra cargo room.

Cyber GS

If money is not a concern and you would like the extra room go for the GL.

JFeringa

I have had a GL, GLK, and an ML. The GL is the most expensive and by far the nicest. It has the air suspension standard which makes the truck much quieter to drive, and smooth riding.
The size difference is unnoticeable when you are driving, but it is quite surprising how often the larger size is missed now that I have an ML.
The diesel has abundant power for the GL and ML and honestly I can't see any difference except when I need the extra room and no longer have it.
ALWAYS upgrade the stereo because the base unit doesn't cut it.