GL 320 CDI Driving Experience
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
sraj, you said the following:
"I agree, the 320 is a great vehicle for the right buyer; I'm just not that buyer"
Just to play devils advocate for a moment.
I have justified my reasons for thinking that a GL320 is a more than adequate SUV. It does what all SUV's do, gets your family and a lot of stuff around safely and comfortably and the GL320 does it more economically than any other full sized SUV out there on the market. And it has a certain amount of style even with out options.
What if I were to turn your quote around and say "I agree, the 550 is a great vehicle for the right buyer; I'm just not that buyer"
Justify your reason's for needing a GL550. Why are you the right buyer for a GL550. Must you have more chrome, must you have plastic fender flares and a bigger grill, is a bigger V8 engine (than the GL450) necessary? Is it just for more bling and to not have an Escalade?
I am not being smart, just wondering. I have not really understood why the GL550 was the next logical step for Mercedes Benz in model year 2008.
Nevada, feel free to your 2 cents in on this.
Gordon
"I agree, the 320 is a great vehicle for the right buyer; I'm just not that buyer"
Just to play devils advocate for a moment.
I have justified my reasons for thinking that a GL320 is a more than adequate SUV. It does what all SUV's do, gets your family and a lot of stuff around safely and comfortably and the GL320 does it more economically than any other full sized SUV out there on the market. And it has a certain amount of style even with out options.
What if I were to turn your quote around and say "I agree, the 550 is a great vehicle for the right buyer; I'm just not that buyer"
Justify your reason's for needing a GL550. Why are you the right buyer for a GL550. Must you have more chrome, must you have plastic fender flares and a bigger grill, is a bigger V8 engine (than the GL450) necessary? Is it just for more bling and to not have an Escalade?
I am not being smart, just wondering. I have not really understood why the GL550 was the next logical step for Mercedes Benz in model year 2008.
Nevada, feel free to your 2 cents in on this.
Gordon
I really don't buy a car for what it can do or whether it fits my requirements. I buy a car because I like the style and/or the features it has. I don't justify my purchases. I buy it because I want it...:-) When I shared my car buys with my wife, then there was more discussion, but if we both liked the car, then we bought it. We traded a 1958 Olds 98 Convertible for a Chevrolet Corvette in 1960 because we both liked it. It was a bad decision for our needs but we liked the car...:-)
I like the GL550 because I am used to the power in my S and know I will enjoy the engine/tranny match. Had the GL320 offered all the features of the 550, then I would probably have re-ordered one and adapted to the power adjustment. The more aggressive styling and the availability of ADSII were two things that I liked and reacted to the GL550.
It was probably a logical step for MB to build the GL550 for the US market with "bling" since they needed it for the competitive pricing slot in the line. They have produced the same car without the bling for the EU market for a year.
Last edited by Nevada Jack; Aug 23, 2007 at 08:31 AM.
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I think that if you paruse the remainder of the MB lineup you'll see they've tried to stretch the market of most models. There's a diesel model of the GL, the ML, the R (shudder), and the E. There's two size engines on the "sport" version of the C, and a "Luxury" that's actually the smaller engine as well. There are three E's (four counting the wagon), even three S's. In fact, the only model with one engine size, style, and configuration is the G! So for each model that Mercedes can load up with toys, power, and bling, they're going to. It may not seem like a logical progression from the outside, but from the inside it's what Mercedes has always done. They present a model that turns out to be successful, and then press it into something even more luxurious. Yet it maintains that stoic German precision and engineering, and as different as the rides, trims, engines and styles are you can still tell, whether you're getting into a C230 or an S600 that you've sat in a Mercedes.
That's really what it's all about.
STP
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From: Vancouver
2008 GL320: 2005 C55 (sold): 2005 ML500 (sold): 2001 ML 430 (sold)
"where did you get the 10K difference in msrp ? number of 10"
Thanks to all for your comments.
I'm in Canada; MBZ Canada has a base MSRP difference of $10k between the 320 and 450. Here's the link if anyone's interested. http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/index.cfm?ID=5443
Another factor that has me leaning towards the 320 is the price of fuel in Canada. Premium Gasoline is ~ cdn$1.20/litre or converted ~ usd$4.50/gallon. Diesel is ~ cdn $1.05/litre or converted ~ usd$4.00/gallon. ....our lovely government levies more taxes on our fuel.
Thanks to all for your comments.
I'm in Canada; MBZ Canada has a base MSRP difference of $10k between the 320 and 450. Here's the link if anyone's interested. http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/index.cfm?ID=5443
Another factor that has me leaning towards the 320 is the price of fuel in Canada. Premium Gasoline is ~ cdn$1.20/litre or converted ~ usd$4.50/gallon. Diesel is ~ cdn $1.05/litre or converted ~ usd$4.00/gallon. ....our lovely government levies more taxes on our fuel.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: southwest FL
2005 545i, 2008 GL550 (Oct Delivery)
We were going to buy a 450 from the 07 MY but couldn't find the right options at the time we looked (70 K SUV with vinyl seats?). The discount you get with the option packages on the 550 makes the engine upgrade cost minimal IMHO. My wife likes the aggresiveness of the new grill. We could care less about the Bling - which I feel is muted compared to the Denali and Escalade. That said I think the hp of the 450 is adequete and probably would have bought the 420 if it was available in the states.
Last edited by gmartin; Aug 22, 2007 at 11:31 PM.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Raleigh, NC
2001 BMW 540i/6-speed, 2008 GL550
sraj, you said the following:
"I agree, the 320 is a great vehicle for the right buyer; I'm just not that buyer"
Just to play devils advocate for a moment.
I have justified my reasons for thinking that a GL320 is a more than adequate SUV. It does what all SUV's do, gets your family and a lot of stuff around safely and comfortably and the GL320 does it more economically than any other full sized SUV out there on the market. And it has a certain amount of style even with out options.
What if I were to turn your quote around and say "I agree, the 550 is a great vehicle for the right buyer; I'm just not that buyer"
Justify your reason's for needing a GL550. Why are you the right buyer for a GL550. Must you have more chrome, must you have plastic fender flares and a bigger grill, is a bigger V8 engine (than the GL450) necessary? Is it just for more bling and to not have an Escalade?
I am not being smart, just wondering. I have not really understood why the GL550 was the next logical step for Mercedes Benz in model year 2008.
Nevada, feel free to your 2 cents in on this.
Gordon
"I agree, the 320 is a great vehicle for the right buyer; I'm just not that buyer"
Just to play devils advocate for a moment.
I have justified my reasons for thinking that a GL320 is a more than adequate SUV. It does what all SUV's do, gets your family and a lot of stuff around safely and comfortably and the GL320 does it more economically than any other full sized SUV out there on the market. And it has a certain amount of style even with out options.
What if I were to turn your quote around and say "I agree, the 550 is a great vehicle for the right buyer; I'm just not that buyer"
Justify your reason's for needing a GL550. Why are you the right buyer for a GL550. Must you have more chrome, must you have plastic fender flares and a bigger grill, is a bigger V8 engine (than the GL450) necessary? Is it just for more bling and to not have an Escalade?
I am not being smart, just wondering. I have not really understood why the GL550 was the next logical step for Mercedes Benz in model year 2008.
Nevada, feel free to your 2 cents in on this.
Gordon
I wasn't trying to be smart either, sorry if I came off that way. We actually came pretty close to buying a 320; my wife liked it a lot (it will be the family car primarily). However, she was not 100% convinced about diesel availability on some of the rural roads we drive to visit her family in southern MD. I didn't share this concern, but I drive a performance BMW sedan (2001 540i Sport) and I was not comfortable with the off-the-line performance of the 320. I have seen 0-60 times of 9.5 secs, which seems about right. Everything else about the car was spot on, so we tried to obtain a 2007 GL450, but it was late in the model year and we could not find one equipped the way we liked. We ordered a 2008 GL550, since the price premium for a 550 over a 450 equipped the way we wanted was minimal, and especially since the multi-contour seats are now available only on the 550. The extra power and styling changes were a bonus, since the 450 is plenty powerful. Having said all this, I do think that the 320 makes more sense for buyers who are not as concerned about acceleration as I am. It is beautiful inside and out, versatile, comfortable, luxurious, and obviously economical.
regards,
Raj
Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 239
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2007 GL450
Thanks For the Discussion
Raj, OK I understand where you are coming from.
Raj and everyone else, once again, thanks for the great discussion on this thread. All the points are well taken by me. We all buy stuff for complex reasons.
Gordon
Raj and everyone else, once again, thanks for the great discussion on this thread. All the points are well taken by me. We all buy stuff for complex reasons.
Gordon
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 456
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From: East Coast
19 MB G63, '18 RR Dawn, '15 RR ATB LWB, '14/'08 MB GL550, '11 MB CL63 AMG, '11 X5 50i etc etc
Can't believe there' snottiness even among MB owners.. ALL MBs ARE SPECIAL AND WORTHY OF RESPECT.. We don't need to get a 440K SLR for respect
Member
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From: Raleigh, NC
2001 BMW 540i/6-speed, 2008 GL550
Who was being snotty? I've reread the posts in this thread, and everyone offered their opinions in a civil manner. The original poster solicited these opinions; should we have sugar-coated our responses and thereby made them useless?
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
New 320 CDI
After one week, I have driven the new GL 320 about 350 of the 800 miles logged. At the first fill up, it achieved 22.75 MPG. My ultimate goal has been realized by it's torquieness and that diesel feel that I have grown so fond of. It's response is more than addequate to my taste and the turbo-lag is acceptable. Maybe this comes from a long history of driving over-sized crew cab pickups, or as one friend nicknamed them "Urban Assault Vehicles". Of course this couldn't be further from the truth since all of my vehicles have seen extreme off-roads duty on an "almost daily" basis.
The ride is amazing for a vehicle in this class. I had it out in a 2" downpour yesterday. I experienced multiple chances for hydroplaning and it simply trudged through. I would willingly take it offroads and sling some mud with it, if it were not for a fear of getting something pinched off, of my person.
I tried the Nav system, plotting a course to a party within a gated community and it was able to give precised directions all the way to their entry. After passing through the gate, it was not able to direct me to the correct driveway.
I had hoped to post some photos since it is Arctic White and there hasn't been too many posted of that color. It looks bigger, kind of like white pants on a big a$$. Unfortunately, this totally freaky rainy weather pattern persists and I was not able to get photos. Maybe soon.
The ride is amazing for a vehicle in this class. I had it out in a 2" downpour yesterday. I experienced multiple chances for hydroplaning and it simply trudged through. I would willingly take it offroads and sling some mud with it, if it were not for a fear of getting something pinched off, of my person.
I tried the Nav system, plotting a course to a party within a gated community and it was able to give precised directions all the way to their entry. After passing through the gate, it was not able to direct me to the correct driveway.
I had hoped to post some photos since it is Arctic White and there hasn't been too many posted of that color. It looks bigger, kind of like white pants on a big a$$. Unfortunately, this totally freaky rainy weather pattern persists and I was not able to get photos. Maybe soon.
Thread Starter
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From: Vancouver
2008 GL320: 2005 C55 (sold): 2005 ML500 (sold): 2001 ML 430 (sold)
[QUOTE=scottybdiving;2395383]I have driven the new GL 320 QUOTE]
Congratulations on your new GL 320. Thanks for sharing your experience. Looking forward to gettng mine in a couple of months. How long did you have to wait from the time your order was placed?
Congratulations on your new GL 320. Thanks for sharing your experience. Looking forward to gettng mine in a couple of months. How long did you have to wait from the time your order was placed?
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
[QUOTE=Prefo;2396541]Thanks, it has been a pleasure so far. I was on the verge of ordering one with a Jan '08 build. I started searching Houston, San Antonio, and DFW dealers and found one very near to what I was going to order. In fact it had a few things I probably wouldn't have ordered. I picked it up that week.
Senior Member
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From: Texas
06 CLS500
the 320cdi fits my needs. I'm in South Texas and I drive 40k+ per year. the extra mileage is worth it to me.
Would I rather have the 550? sure, but not for almost $20k more. I'll just put the AMG 20's on my 320. lol
Would I rather have the 550? sure, but not for almost $20k more. I'll just put the AMG 20's on my 320. lol
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From: MA
13 SL550, 14 E63 Wagon, 15 S550, 11 M3, 08 F430 Spider, 12 ML350
I guess the fuel savings will add up all right, MB should give you the 320 gratis as a reliability mule!
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Good luck on your search.
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From: Texas
06 CLS500
I'm in Corpus now, I cover 150 miles North and 150 miles South (about 36,000 square miles)... BUT, it should be comfortable in this car.
Speaking of search ScottyBDiving... I sent you a PM.
Speaking of search ScottyBDiving... I sent you a PM.
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 603
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
Check out the top right hand corner of this page for your PM's. I sent the info you asked for. Sometimes your pop-up blocker will block the notice.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 603
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From: Spicewood, TX
2008 GL 320, 2007 Silverado LTZ C3500 Duramax Turbo Diesel
It's almost (ALMOST) worth it for me to think about the drive between my house and San Antonio again, if just to go from my home to nearly Fort Stockton (maybe more?!) on one tank of gas. The one problem, of course, is where to buy a big brick and some bungee cords for the steering wheel so I can sleep between the two.
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My wife has put 1000 miles on her GL320 and we love it. Best SUV we've owned. We test drove the GL550, GL450, and GL320 and decided to go with a loaded GL320. Up here at altitude the turbo diesel engine really shines. We get about 650 miles between fill ups.
Most diesel engines have a slight delay if you floor them off the line. Try pressing the accelator just to the soft stop point and you shouldn't experience any delay. I believe the hesitation has to do with the tranny ECU program. I also own a turbo diesel pickup and if floored from a standstill it will hesitate for a brief second. Give this a try and see if it fixes the problem.
Most diesel engines have a slight delay if you floor them off the line. Try pressing the accelator just to the soft stop point and you shouldn't experience any delay. I believe the hesitation has to do with the tranny ECU program. I also own a turbo diesel pickup and if floored from a standstill it will hesitate for a brief second. Give this a try and see if it fixes the problem.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Most diesel engines have a slight delay if you floor them off the line. Try pressing the accelator just to the soft stop point and you shouldn't experience any delay. I believe the hesitation has to do with the tranny ECU program. I also own a turbo diesel pickup and if floored from a standstill it will hesitate for a brief second. Give this a try and see if it fixes the problem.
Just glad I don't have Add-Blue technology on this beast.
STP
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
SERIOUS? Five MPH over will get you a ticket? That's just un-American! Now here in parts of the great state of Arizona - that'll be The Grand Canyon State, or The Copper State depending on whom you ask - there are a few highways where the speed limit may be posted, but it's rarely enforced. I mean seriously, on I-8 between Gila Bend and Yuma, you're as likely to hit a crossing Camel as you are to find a dangerous speed. It's long, straight, flat. Hell, it's more dangerous to do the 75MPH speed limit for risk of falling asleep. Crank 'er up! It was on this stretch coming back from $an Diego where I tripled twice the school zone limit with the cruise control on and found out just what was used to tune the suspension. Like riding on a cloud - a well controlled, tight cloud, but a cloud nonetheless.
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
