GL450 - Snow Capability
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2
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From: Park City, UT
BMW X3, Mini Cooper S, Porsche GT3, Porsche 911 Speeder
GL450 - Snow Capability
Great forum, and this is my first post...
I live in Park City Utah, and we get on average 350 inches of snow per year. We currently drive daily to Salt Lake City (3000ft elevation change, 35 miles each way) and put about 30K miles on our current SUV (BMW X3). Having lived here for 8 years, I have learned that snow tires are *everything* and not all snow tires work the same. We have outgrown our BMW X3 and are looking at the Land Rover LR3 and the GL 450.
We test drove the LR3 last weekend in a blizzard in Park City and the car truly rocked. One point for Land Rover. We have yet to test drive the GL in snow. To put it bluntly, my wife and I WANT the GL. However, we need to know it will handle in 350+ inches of snow over 8 months of the year.
So for all of you that deal with ice and heavy snow, what tires and sizes do you run? Have you gone aftermarket for wheels? What is the "ORP" packahe and where can I get it?
Thanks!
-Blake
I live in Park City Utah, and we get on average 350 inches of snow per year. We currently drive daily to Salt Lake City (3000ft elevation change, 35 miles each way) and put about 30K miles on our current SUV (BMW X3). Having lived here for 8 years, I have learned that snow tires are *everything* and not all snow tires work the same. We have outgrown our BMW X3 and are looking at the Land Rover LR3 and the GL 450.
We test drove the LR3 last weekend in a blizzard in Park City and the car truly rocked. One point for Land Rover. We have yet to test drive the GL in snow. To put it bluntly, my wife and I WANT the GL. However, we need to know it will handle in 350+ inches of snow over 8 months of the year.
So for all of you that deal with ice and heavy snow, what tires and sizes do you run? Have you gone aftermarket for wheels? What is the "ORP" packahe and where can I get it?
Thanks!
-Blake
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 105
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From: NJ
GL320
We have a 320 cdi with the 19" whell package with Pirelli Sorpio all season tires. While I have not driven in 350in of snow over 8 months we have made several trups to vermont for skiing in heavy snow conditions and have not encounteredt any issues. I am sure this could work for you, if not snow tire would definitely handle any snow and ice situation. We initially considered getting a second set of wheels with snow tires but given our experience decided it was not necessary.
"ORP" pkg -- I believe you are referring to the off road package -- can only be ordered on the 450 and provides features as described to aid in off road use -- mainly locking differentials and suspension setting adjustmets
"ORP" pkg -- I believe you are referring to the off road package -- can only be ordered on the 450 and provides features as described to aid in off road use -- mainly locking differentials and suspension setting adjustmets
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 782
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From: Buffalo NY
3 Porsche rotation
GL and Buffalo NY goes hand in hand. My GL450 rides on 19in stock Conti and no problem in snow at all. And with Blizzak the GL will climb Mt. Everest. 1-2 feet of fresh snow is a breeze.
John
John
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 252
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From: Central PA, Jersey Shore
'16 S550, '03 & '15 GMC Sierra 1500, '17 C300
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
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From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
The standard Continental tires on all of the GL's have the same "Mud and Snow" rated compound regardless of tire size. I live in the Rocky Mountains and although I don't have the 450 here are some thoughts on my experience with the 550.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....12&postcount=1
https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....5&postcount=45
If you end up getting a GL, I think you'll absolutely love it.
Good Luck!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 1
From: idaho
gl 450
My GL450 works great in the snow. I live north of you up in the mountains of Idaho and the 450 is great in the snow. The best vehicle I have ever had on ice. I use Bridgestone Blizzaks in the winter and I never notice any tire slipping. Mine has the off road package which gives you the low range option and a better air suspension, I think it is a bargain for what they charge for it. You probably really only need it if you are going to be climbing steep hills off road.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Here's a picture of my 450 going through some pretty interesting ice and snow on a ledge in the mountains of Vermont
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
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From: FRESNO CA
GL550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Nope......it's two way! Somebody has to backup to a pull off area. Not too bad in the summer but interesting in the winter and "mud" season as they call it up there! Very few folks on this forum need the "off road package" but I'm one that appreciates what it can do!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 72
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From: North Carolina
BMW 335 Conv.; MB GL 320CDI
Park City
Not on point, but just returned from a ski trip to PC. My family has owned a house on Deer Valley since the late 80's and I have never experienced that volume of snow there; the snow was halfway up the windows of the house! Enjoy the great conditions and buy a GL-you won't be sorry.
