GL550 or ML63 ???
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Bucks County PA
MB
Good question. As a performance junkie I wrestled with this one and opted for the GL550. Here's why:
1. Practicality/ utility. No question the GL550 wins this comparo. The tire setup, while not exactly great suffices for most winter driving whereas the ML63 will need a set of winter treads.
2. Performance. No doubt the ML63 is a rocket, but it's an SUV! Despite the contuinued improvements, ultimately the laws of physics are going to limit one's ability to fully drive this at the limit. My advice if possible is to have a sports car backup!
The GL550 is no slouch by the way...
3. Looks. Outwardly both vehicles have similar AMG styling. IMO the GL550 distinguishes itself better. MLs are a dime-a-dozen around these parts.
1. Practicality/ utility. No question the GL550 wins this comparo. The tire setup, while not exactly great suffices for most winter driving whereas the ML63 will need a set of winter treads.
2. Performance. No doubt the ML63 is a rocket, but it's an SUV! Despite the contuinued improvements, ultimately the laws of physics are going to limit one's ability to fully drive this at the limit. My advice if possible is to have a sports car backup!
The GL550 is no slouch by the way...3. Looks. Outwardly both vehicles have similar AMG styling. IMO the GL550 distinguishes itself better. MLs are a dime-a-dozen around these parts.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
I agree with the above. Also, the ML is a nice car but many will just think it is an ML and not know how special it is. The GL550 is good power and great utility.
As mentioned, you will rarely get to use the full potential of AMG anyway.
As mentioned, you will rarely get to use the full potential of AMG anyway.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
Go with the GL550. The power will not dissapoint you and I have some fast cars.
The GL is the obvious winner because of its size, versatility, and its efficiency. I too looked at the ML and R AMG's but the GL really caught my eye.
The GL is the obvious winner because of its size, versatility, and its efficiency. I too looked at the ML and R AMG's but the GL really caught my eye.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: central pennsylvania
12 CLS550, 09 CLS550, 04Cooper,10 Cooper S
I am pretty sure the GL550 is holding better resale value than the ML63
Completely agree with emayer on the performance SUV not substituting for a sports car. After you get over how fast the ML63 is the differences in comfort from the GL550 will be hard to deal with
Completely agree with emayer on the performance SUV not substituting for a sports car. After you get over how fast the ML63 is the differences in comfort from the GL550 will be hard to deal with
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Joined: Sep 2006
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19 X3, 24 Tacoma Trailhunter, 25 CLE53
I've pondered this comparison in the past. I would say my GL450 is starting to feel too big and too slow, especially after I've driven the SL. The GL550 should speed things up a little bit, but it is still a big car. The ML63 is extremely quick, but it is clad with summer tires and thirsts for gas. Why not consider the ML550? That seems to be a compromise between the two.
And now for something completely different. For my next utility vehicle, I'm starting to look at wagons. The E63 comes to mind, but a more practical wagon might be a better fit for me. The BMW 535xi has AWD, accelerates 0-60 in the mid 5's, should handle better, and gets 7mpg more on the highway than the GL550.
And now for something completely different. For my next utility vehicle, I'm starting to look at wagons. The E63 comes to mind, but a more practical wagon might be a better fit for me. The BMW 535xi has AWD, accelerates 0-60 in the mid 5's, should handle better, and gets 7mpg more on the highway than the GL550.
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 271
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From: Howard Co MD
'13 ML350 Bluetec for work, E550 for pleasure, & ML350 for my wife
My wife & I looked at the ML63 quite a bit, and decided it was just not worth the money over a ML550. We got the 550 for her, and she can't imagine how anyone could need more power in an SUV.
I drive a GL450 daily, and much prefer the extra room & smoother (to me) ride. It certainly doesn't have the pep of the ML550, but it's no slouch. Had the GL550 been out when I got my 450, I would have had a tough time deciding between the 2.
I drive a GL450 daily, and much prefer the extra room & smoother (to me) ride. It certainly doesn't have the pep of the ML550, but it's no slouch. Had the GL550 been out when I got my 450, I would have had a tough time deciding between the 2.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Bucks County PA
MB
And now for something completely different. For my next utility vehicle, I'm starting to look at wagons. The E63 comes to mind, but a more practical wagon might be a better fit for me. The BMW 535xi has AWD, accelerates 0-60 in the mid 5's, should handle better, and gets 7mpg more on the highway than the GL550.[/QUOTE]
I think on the right track. Aside from the GL550 we have an E500 wagon which I presently use as a daily driver (wife stole the GL550!). I find the wagon a great drive and a wolf in sheep's clothing... Gas mileage has been 18-22 range for mixed cycle driving which isn't bad either. I would be a repeat customer for sure if MB were to bring the next version E550 wagon stateside. Keeping my fingers crossed that the beancounters will see the light...
I think on the right track. Aside from the GL550 we have an E500 wagon which I presently use as a daily driver (wife stole the GL550!). I find the wagon a great drive and a wolf in sheep's clothing... Gas mileage has been 18-22 range for mixed cycle driving which isn't bad either. I would be a repeat customer for sure if MB were to bring the next version E550 wagon stateside. Keeping my fingers crossed that the beancounters will see the light...
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: South of the Mason Dixon, North of the Gulf
2007 GL 320 CDI, 2008 M5
This is a bit off topic, but my GL 320 spent the night at the dealer (battery got low voltage and had to be replaced under warranty). Anyway, they gave me a fully tricked out ML 320 to drive overnight. I was really impressed with the way it drove and the peppiness of the 3 liter motor in the lighter weight car; the motor felt better matched to the lighter weight. It was similar to the GL but handled better and accelerated faster. If I did not need third row seats, this would be the way to go. I mean, it had everything my GL has except the rear seats. And it was $16K cheaper on the sticker than my GL...
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 466
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From: South Florida
05 E500
Anyway, they gave me a fully tricked out ML 320 to drive overnight. I was really impressed with the way it drove and the peppiness of the 3 liter motor in the lighter weight car; the motor felt better matched to the lighter weight. It was similar to the GL but handled better and accelerated faster.
If I did not need third row seats, this would be the way to go. I mean, it had everything my GL has except the rear seats. And it was $16K cheaper on the sticker than my GL...
Also, longterm resale value and overall comfort is said to be on the side of GL.
If you had the upper engine power of other GL models, you would likely have the same or better impressions with what you experienced with the lighter ML (and still have your third row seat).
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
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From: South Florida
05 E500
The added power of GL550 is another reason why I am leaning towards this vehicle for the gift I mentioned. The person (female) has a very slight foot and drags around through her day holding everyone up. (People are always tailgating and looking for a way around her.) My thinking is that even without pushing her peddle habits, the low-end torque will inadvertently do the rest. 
Might even take it up the road to RennTech and have them add a little more low-end umph. The great driving-friendly mannerisms of GL also are a strong plus.
With her subtle driving method, she will probably get the best fuel mileage of any GL in the country.
Might even take it up the road to RennTech and have them add a little more low-end umph. The great driving-friendly mannerisms of GL also are a strong plus.With her subtle driving method, she will probably get the best fuel mileage of any GL in the country.
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2008 F-250, 2007 GL450
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
I think the E wagon will be here as a 2011 model, following the 2010 sedan. No idea of what the power options will be... V6 and V8 4-Matic? I don't think we will see a diesel version though... I loved my '85 300TD, as well as the '90 300TE and '98 320TE.
