GLD

Looking to buy a pre-Bluetec ML or GL in the next month or so and am looking for some owner opinions on a few topics. Reading these forums, I assume that reliability is reasonably comparable between the two. I drive 80k highway miles per year, so here are my primary concerns:

1. Steady state MPG at 75ish...
2. Wind/Road noise
3. Seat comfort

Any help on these topics would be greatly appreciated!!

ImInPA

My 5000+ lb. S350 Bluetec returns around 38 mpg at a steady 75-80.

ekm

75 mph gets around 22-23mpg on my GL320. If I slow down to 70 mph, I can get 25mpg. All highway mpg. My E class gets about 37mpg at 75-80 no problems.

mp0i

I have one of each, 2009 ML Bluetec and a 2010 GL Bluetec. The ML typically gets 27-29 mpg at highway speeds running between 70-75 mph and averaged 26.8 mpg over the last 25,000 miles. The GL typically gets about 2 mpg less. The GL is more comfortable and generally quieter. The ML is the work horse and the GL is the "good" car. They are both great vehicles getting at or above 25 mpg which is impressive given they are 4WD and quite heavy and safe. Hope that helps.

GLD

Thanks for the info. I could live with 25-26mpg at freeway speeds. The extra room and comfort of the GL seems to make up for the mpg difference. Really don't want to dip into the 20-22 range, however, as that gets costly at 80k miles per year.

Do long freeway trips get any better with the GL or is pretty consistently 2 mpg lower??

mp0i

The 2 mpg difference is fairly consistent. As usual, your mileage vary...

VicLaw

Seat comfort? If you can find one (only 2 ML in IL) drive it with the multicontour seat option. Fantastic! These are a half step down from the seats in the S Class. Wanted the car but it had EVERYTHING and a gas engine so I passed but will order a '14 diesel with the seats. It's an option on the GL.

Vincecam

I agree that the Multi-Contour are great. The massage feature saved my back and also leg pain I was having in a 9 hour drive from NC to PA on mostly stopped I95 the other day. The other feature that saved me that I will never do without in any future car is Distronic Plus (adaptive cruise control). Only about 2,000 miles so far and I'm loving my 2013 ML350 diesel.

DubVBenz

Amazing, I have the same engine with a lower power output in my E320, which ways about 1200lbs less, and I can barely hit 35 if I'm at a steady rate and not using cruise control. Maybe it has something to do the terrain? I also think people tend to be optimistic about fuel consumption and will trust what the computer says rather than calculate it at the pump.

S350blue

You need to have the upgraded diesel with 240 Hp and 455 lb torque to achieve the utmost in fuel economy.

ImInPA

My prior vehicle was an E350 Bluetec. I regularly got about 42 on long extended trips with the E. I drive about 27K/year and know what you mean about the mileage. I bought my S350 with roughly 7K miles on the odo and paid about $10k more than a new E250, equipped with most of my S-Class features. There are some insanely good deals out there if you look. I am also very much intrigued with the Audi A8L TDI and A6 TDI. The BMW 535d is also a nice piece to consider. I am very happy that we are finally seeing some decent diesel option in the US. Heck, even Chevy is rolling out a diesel equipped Cruze.

mikapen

That's about what we get. It starts to fall off at about 80, and it's down 5 - 7 mpg at 85. I set the cruise at 84 - "9 over" just in case I'm stopped.
The leather seats are more comfortable than standard. It seems like the cushions are different. The Leather car seems quieter, too. I think it's more than my imagination....

Snipe656

I am surprised you see that much of a drop going to 85. I have a 2013 and done a few extended trips(OH to TX and then things like round trips to Plano from Houston) and I typically have the cruise set for 85 but not uncommon to be doing 90 and is uncommon to be going under 75. These trips have averaged a best of almost 27 and worst of 25.5 as per self calculations off my log "book". Makes me wonder if I would see a significant increase if I slow down or if it is engine differences over the years.

When I drove back from Ohio I was very surprised the seats did not make me have to stop. My ML has next to no options and my seats are the "suede"/MB tex ones. So only thing I have is lumbar support. Reason I was surprised is the last few rents cars I used to go to Florida in resulted in massive back pains by Alabama forcing me to stop driving and rest for a night. One of those cars was a decked out Fusion but forget what the other was.