asg

Which one would you get?

Why?

emayer

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.

luxury1

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.

MB Fanatic

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.

LETO

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

dunderhi

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.

Stoneseller

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.

Lizard

I'm getting a GL over the AMG ML as my winter / work car.
I think the total package of the GL is a better choice.

emayer

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...

c2jones

More seating in GL. If added seating is a premium, then there is no choice. 550 in particular is the most stylish 7/8 seater I've ever seen and drives like a much smaller vehicle.

oinick

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...

c2jones

I have heard of this issue with the ML's and GL's. Maybe we should have the dealer look into this as a preventive aspect before we take delivery.

Like you said, better matched to the lighter weight. This will naturally help with the acceleration and handling. With GL's added weight, many feel that 550's added power results in what you experienced with the ML. (550 drives much smaller and more nimble than its weight and size would otherwise dictate. Of course, GL also has the uniframe structure.) ML 63 must feel like a sportscar with extra seats.

Well, yes, if one did not need the added third row. But that's the market for GL - the third row seating and spacing for larger families, etc. That category has really driven its own market segment. (Mazda, Toyota, GM [some with Hybrid technology] and others - even X5 added a third row - have all emphasized this interest.) There is good reason for that.

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).

infamily

I like the extra storage in the back with 3rd seat folded down and still able to fit 5 adults in car. Of course nice to have 3rd seat on those rare occasions

c2jones

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.

GL Troll

+1

That would have complicated my buying decision had it been available when I bought my GL.

Nevada Jack

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.

Bigdot

ML63.


power.

neat factor

smaller