GL seies...as a real off road vehicle? / and other questions
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
GL seies...as a real off road vehicle? / and other questions
I am considering a new GL550 as I am outgrowing the E500 wagon....(need the extra seats)
(other options are the new Cayenne and of course a Range Rover... though, both are without the 3rd row seats but are appealing for either true high performance on the street PORSCHE or pedigree and the best blend of do everything RR)....
1. I am sold on 4matic in my wagon.... but how does the GL 4matic rate (if equipped with the exact same tires) compared to the likes of "real" 4 WD as the Porsche, Range Rover, Toyotal Land Cruiser, and even the Tourag (not the Q7 as we know it is biased for the street only)?
(obviously the GL doesn't have locking diffs and a low range... but does it have any electronics that will intervene?)
2. Would you not think twice about driving the truck into deep sand following your buddy in his Range Rover (with lowered tire pressure)?
3. I know how well the 4matic works in the snow with current car... but does anyone have any comments on experiences that they have had?
4. have we heard when the replacement for this vehicle is?
5. any news of an AMG version?
6. has anyone mounted a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier to their GL?
7. true usuage gas mileage for a 550?
Thanks for you comments.
(other options are the new Cayenne and of course a Range Rover... though, both are without the 3rd row seats but are appealing for either true high performance on the street PORSCHE or pedigree and the best blend of do everything RR)....
1. I am sold on 4matic in my wagon.... but how does the GL 4matic rate (if equipped with the exact same tires) compared to the likes of "real" 4 WD as the Porsche, Range Rover, Toyotal Land Cruiser, and even the Tourag (not the Q7 as we know it is biased for the street only)?
(obviously the GL doesn't have locking diffs and a low range... but does it have any electronics that will intervene?)
2. Would you not think twice about driving the truck into deep sand following your buddy in his Range Rover (with lowered tire pressure)?
3. I know how well the 4matic works in the snow with current car... but does anyone have any comments on experiences that they have had?
4. have we heard when the replacement for this vehicle is?
5. any news of an AMG version?
6. has anyone mounted a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier to their GL?
7. true usuage gas mileage for a 550?
Thanks for you comments.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR, USA
GL450 w/ Off-road pkg.
I can't help you on some of your questions, however, I'd offer some of my insight as an owner of a 2007 GL450 with and Off-road package...
In the US, I won't consider another GL because I can't get an OR package anymore - I have and do take my rig off road, and do use the lower gear ratio and locking diffs. If I lived in SA, Australia, or elsewhere the OR package (recently enhanced, too) is pretty much standard - go figure, for a rig built in the US.
I have the 18" wheels, but for any size of GL wheel finding a decent OR-capable tire is a PITA (I have Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor and really have only two other options here in the US).
The 4Matic drive is pretty sweet, but I've passed dozens of other Benz SUVs (including GLs) in snowy conditions partly due to the better tires and different transmission. I have been stuck a few times in snow and mud - until I lock the diffs, turn on low-range, and sometimes use the shovel I carry with me. The extra inch of travel helps from time to time, but my dealer still washes out gravel from my undercarriage when I go in for a service!
I passed on the RRs a few years ago, I needed the extra space (I'm 6'7"). Now, if I had to choose an SUV for doing what I want and going where I go, I'd lean toward the RR LR4 with the LUX Plus package (the main reason I'd pick that package is for the Heavy Duty package *AND* the 5 cameras - keeping my friends and GF in the rig on a crappy day), and I'd add the protective side skirts at the dealer. I'd still be concerned about the poor rep the English have with reliability, tho'.
I'm perhaps a year out from making a decision to move on to my next SUV, and I really like the two new 2011 VWs, the Cayenne and Toureg - hit up this link for a short compare - http://autorivals.net/suvs/2011cayen...011touareg.htm - I'll never buy a first year car again, but the 2012 versions should be pretty sweet.
There is one more SUV hitting the market pretty soon I'm going to check out, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/2011-cherokee.html - I'm wanting to check out the Quadra-Lift and Group II Selec-Terrain options - there's going to be three AWD options, so I'll be sure to bring my reading glasses. I like how Jeep's not putting the bling wheels on the off-road versions, opting to stick with the 18-inch wheels. No diesel for the US yet, but clean diesel is not easy to find outside the metro areas in the PNW so I'll stick with petrol for now.
No news on an updated or AMG version. The GL just had an refresh in 2010, so a new version might not come out until 2013. The guys at the dealer always are happy to see me, they've told me I'm the only GL owner they know that actually uses the GL off-road, and I live near millions of acres of forested land (I was out and having some fun just a few days ago after a tense meeting in Central Oregon
- it was good!). I didn't like the stock GL or ML in 2007 - not enough control for off-street driving; I'm in the company of lots of Ford and Chevy trucks and the occasional Hummer and RR when I get off the paved pathways - never once have I seen a MBZ in my off-road travels...
Good luck, and happy hunting!
In the US, I won't consider another GL because I can't get an OR package anymore - I have and do take my rig off road, and do use the lower gear ratio and locking diffs. If I lived in SA, Australia, or elsewhere the OR package (recently enhanced, too) is pretty much standard - go figure, for a rig built in the US.
I have the 18" wheels, but for any size of GL wheel finding a decent OR-capable tire is a PITA (I have Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor and really have only two other options here in the US).
The 4Matic drive is pretty sweet, but I've passed dozens of other Benz SUVs (including GLs) in snowy conditions partly due to the better tires and different transmission. I have been stuck a few times in snow and mud - until I lock the diffs, turn on low-range, and sometimes use the shovel I carry with me. The extra inch of travel helps from time to time, but my dealer still washes out gravel from my undercarriage when I go in for a service!
I passed on the RRs a few years ago, I needed the extra space (I'm 6'7"). Now, if I had to choose an SUV for doing what I want and going where I go, I'd lean toward the RR LR4 with the LUX Plus package (the main reason I'd pick that package is for the Heavy Duty package *AND* the 5 cameras - keeping my friends and GF in the rig on a crappy day), and I'd add the protective side skirts at the dealer. I'd still be concerned about the poor rep the English have with reliability, tho'.
I'm perhaps a year out from making a decision to move on to my next SUV, and I really like the two new 2011 VWs, the Cayenne and Toureg - hit up this link for a short compare - http://autorivals.net/suvs/2011cayen...011touareg.htm - I'll never buy a first year car again, but the 2012 versions should be pretty sweet.
There is one more SUV hitting the market pretty soon I'm going to check out, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/2011-cherokee.html - I'm wanting to check out the Quadra-Lift and Group II Selec-Terrain options - there's going to be three AWD options, so I'll be sure to bring my reading glasses. I like how Jeep's not putting the bling wheels on the off-road versions, opting to stick with the 18-inch wheels. No diesel for the US yet, but clean diesel is not easy to find outside the metro areas in the PNW so I'll stick with petrol for now.
No news on an updated or AMG version. The GL just had an refresh in 2010, so a new version might not come out until 2013. The guys at the dealer always are happy to see me, they've told me I'm the only GL owner they know that actually uses the GL off-road, and I live near millions of acres of forested land (I was out and having some fun just a few days ago after a tense meeting in Central Oregon
- it was good!). I didn't like the stock GL or ML in 2007 - not enough control for off-street driving; I'm in the company of lots of Ford and Chevy trucks and the occasional Hummer and RR when I get off the paved pathways - never once have I seen a MBZ in my off-road travels...Good luck, and happy hunting!
Last edited by bonesb; May 3, 2010 at 06:46 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
bonesb,
thank you for the very detailed report.... now I am bummed.. I didn't know about the off road package.. and worse, now knowing that it isn't available. (though, I am going to call the dealer to check tomorrow)
as you have pointed out... it is all about the tires.. I have dedicated snows for my E500 and it will go like a billy goat till it gets hung up on the undercarriage.
Honestly, if the Cayenne had the third row (even if the RR had them)..I wouldn't even think about the GL... but alas, it doesn't....
I don't think that I could do the LR .... it has about zero sexiness factor.
thank you for the very detailed report.... now I am bummed.. I didn't know about the off road package.. and worse, now knowing that it isn't available. (though, I am going to call the dealer to check tomorrow)
as you have pointed out... it is all about the tires.. I have dedicated snows for my E500 and it will go like a billy goat till it gets hung up on the undercarriage.
Honestly, if the Cayenne had the third row (even if the RR had them)..I wouldn't even think about the GL... but alas, it doesn't....
I don't think that I could do the LR .... it has about zero sexiness factor.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR, USA
GL450 w/ Off-road pkg.
You'll want to ask about Special Option Code 430 - Off Road Package, it was an option on the GL550 up to this MY. You'd want to plan ahead, depending on the time of year, adding this option could add a couple of months to the build time. I asked my dealer a few weeks ago about the availability of the OR package on future GLs, and it was a no-go - MBZ gets a lot more coin for the units sold overseas, and we're a bunch of mall rats, generally put.
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/data/p...0-GL-Class.pdf
I've been following the Tuareg too but just was told that the US version is going to get the de-nutted 4Motion version, we won't even get to order the 4XMotion version. "You won't even be able to tell the difference...". BS. No Tuareg for me.
IKWYM on the LR4 not being sexy. It's, uh, a box. On wheels and tires. Made by people in England by an Indian company that makes cheap cars. With poor reliability in their histories. OK, maybe I'll be passing on the LR now.
So we're down to maybe a special order GL, a Jeep (now owned by Fiat...), and a VW Cayenne that could easily exceed $100k with a few clicks of the mouse. Or, a grey market import... Sigh.
Maybe I'll just get a Forester...
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/data/p...0-GL-Class.pdf
I've been following the Tuareg too but just was told that the US version is going to get the de-nutted 4Motion version, we won't even get to order the 4XMotion version. "You won't even be able to tell the difference...". BS. No Tuareg for me.
IKWYM on the LR4 not being sexy. It's, uh, a box. On wheels and tires. Made by people in England by an Indian company that makes cheap cars. With poor reliability in their histories. OK, maybe I'll be passing on the LR now.
So we're down to maybe a special order GL, a Jeep (now owned by Fiat...), and a VW Cayenne that could easily exceed $100k with a few clicks of the mouse. Or, a grey market import... Sigh.
Maybe I'll just get a Forester...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I can tell you guys this; I wouldn't do the same type of off-roading with my GL that I did with my LX470. With over 200K miles on it, it had been on some pretty fun off-highway experiences, though little "varsity" stuff. It was just outstanding off road, without locking diffs (though the center locked) and with a great low range. I don't know about the newest iteration of 'Yoda's Land Crusher, but on the highway the truck was not quite a performance vehicle. LOADS of body lean, and even with the gas sucking V8 it still dogged a bit.
It's a damned shame that people who sell trucks for the US market don't seem to get it about off-highway and diesel. They're just MADE for each other.
Anyway, good luck.
STP
It's a damned shame that people who sell trucks for the US market don't seem to get it about off-highway and diesel. They're just MADE for each other.
Anyway, good luck.
STP
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
I can't help you on some of your questions, however, I'd offer some of my insight as an owner of a 2007 GL450 with and Off-road package...
In the US, I won't consider another GL because I can't get an OR package anymore - I have and do take my rig off road, and do use the lower gear ratio and locking diffs. If I lived in SA, Australia, or elsewhere the OR package (recently enhanced, too) is pretty much standard - go figure, for a rig built in the US.
I have the 18" wheels, but for any size of GL wheel finding a decent OR-capable tire is a PITA (I have Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor and really have only two other options here in the US).
The 4Matic drive is pretty sweet, but I've passed dozens of other Benz SUVs (including GLs) in snowy conditions partly due to the better tires and different transmission. I have been stuck a few times in snow and mud - until I lock the diffs, turn on low-range, and sometimes use the shovel I carry with me. The extra inch of travel helps from time to time, but my dealer still washes out gravel from my undercarriage when I go in for a service!
I passed on the RRs a few years ago, I needed the extra space (I'm 6'7"). Now, if I had to choose an SUV for doing what I want and going where I go, I'd lean toward the RR LR4 with the LUX Plus package (the main reason I'd pick that package is for the Heavy Duty package *AND* the 5 cameras - keeping my friends and GF in the rig on a crappy day), and I'd add the protective side skirts at the dealer. I'd still be concerned about the poor rep the English have with reliability, tho'.
I'm perhaps a year out from making a decision to move on to my next SUV, and I really like the two new 2011 VWs, the Cayenne and Toureg - hit up this link for a short compare - http://autorivals.net/suvs/2011cayen...011touareg.htm - I'll never buy a first year car again, but the 2012 versions should be pretty sweet.
There is one more SUV hitting the market pretty soon I'm going to check out, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/2011-cherokee.html - I'm wanting to check out the Quadra-Lift and Group II Selec-Terrain options - there's going to be three AWD options, so I'll be sure to bring my reading glasses. I like how Jeep's not putting the bling wheels on the off-road versions, opting to stick with the 18-inch wheels. No diesel for the US yet, but clean diesel is not easy to find outside the metro areas in the PNW so I'll stick with petrol for now.
No news on an updated or AMG version. The GL just had an refresh in 2010, so a new version might not come out until 2013. The guys at the dealer always are happy to see me, they've told me I'm the only GL owner they know that actually uses the GL off-road, and I live near millions of acres of forested land (I was out and having some fun just a few days ago after a tense meeting in Central Oregon - it was good!). I didn't like the stock GL or ML in 2007 - not enough control for off-street driving; I'm in the company of lots of Ford and Chevy trucks and the occasional Hummer and RR when I get off the paved pathways - never once have I seen a MBZ in my off-road travels...
Good luck, and happy hunting!
In the US, I won't consider another GL because I can't get an OR package anymore - I have and do take my rig off road, and do use the lower gear ratio and locking diffs. If I lived in SA, Australia, or elsewhere the OR package (recently enhanced, too) is pretty much standard - go figure, for a rig built in the US.
I have the 18" wheels, but for any size of GL wheel finding a decent OR-capable tire is a PITA (I have Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor and really have only two other options here in the US).
The 4Matic drive is pretty sweet, but I've passed dozens of other Benz SUVs (including GLs) in snowy conditions partly due to the better tires and different transmission. I have been stuck a few times in snow and mud - until I lock the diffs, turn on low-range, and sometimes use the shovel I carry with me. The extra inch of travel helps from time to time, but my dealer still washes out gravel from my undercarriage when I go in for a service!
I passed on the RRs a few years ago, I needed the extra space (I'm 6'7"). Now, if I had to choose an SUV for doing what I want and going where I go, I'd lean toward the RR LR4 with the LUX Plus package (the main reason I'd pick that package is for the Heavy Duty package *AND* the 5 cameras - keeping my friends and GF in the rig on a crappy day), and I'd add the protective side skirts at the dealer. I'd still be concerned about the poor rep the English have with reliability, tho'.
I'm perhaps a year out from making a decision to move on to my next SUV, and I really like the two new 2011 VWs, the Cayenne and Toureg - hit up this link for a short compare - http://autorivals.net/suvs/2011cayen...011touareg.htm - I'll never buy a first year car again, but the 2012 versions should be pretty sweet.
There is one more SUV hitting the market pretty soon I'm going to check out, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - http://www.allpar.com/trucks/jeep/2011-cherokee.html - I'm wanting to check out the Quadra-Lift and Group II Selec-Terrain options - there's going to be three AWD options, so I'll be sure to bring my reading glasses. I like how Jeep's not putting the bling wheels on the off-road versions, opting to stick with the 18-inch wheels. No diesel for the US yet, but clean diesel is not easy to find outside the metro areas in the PNW so I'll stick with petrol for now.
No news on an updated or AMG version. The GL just had an refresh in 2010, so a new version might not come out until 2013. The guys at the dealer always are happy to see me, they've told me I'm the only GL owner they know that actually uses the GL off-road, and I live near millions of acres of forested land (I was out and having some fun just a few days ago after a tense meeting in Central Oregon
- it was good!). I didn't like the stock GL or ML in 2007 - not enough control for off-street driving; I'm in the company of lots of Ford and Chevy trucks and the occasional Hummer and RR when I get off the paved pathways - never once have I seen a MBZ in my off-road travels...Good luck, and happy hunting!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
the off road package is available on the 10s and 2011 GLs.. in fact.. it seems that 9 GL550s are on dealer lots with the OR package here in the country.
if you go to te MB UK site.. you can download the owners manual and see how it operates.... locking diffs.. low range.. limited slip rear end...
2800 bucks for the package....
if you go to te MB UK site.. you can download the owners manual and see how it operates.... locking diffs.. low range.. limited slip rear end...
2800 bucks for the package....
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
the off road package is available on the 10s and 2011 GLs.. in fact.. it seems that 9 GL550s are on dealer lots with the OR package here in the country.
if you go to te MB UK site.. you can download the owners manual and see how it operates.... locking diffs.. low range.. limited slip rear end...
2800 bucks for the package....
if you go to te MB UK site.. you can download the owners manual and see how it operates.... locking diffs.. low range.. limited slip rear end...
2800 bucks for the package....
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
Likes: 110
From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
it can only be found on the dealer's system... most of the sales people do not know about it... prod them.. they will find it.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 271
Likes: 2
From: Howard Co MD
'13 ML350 Bluetec for work, E550 for pleasure, & ML350 for my wife
My 07 with ORP went through very deep snow like it wasn't even there.
Plowed with thick mounds of frozen stuff, or completed un-plowed, the stabilty was better than anything I've driven.
(I've never driven a Range Rover)
Plowed with thick mounds of frozen stuff, or completed un-plowed, the stabilty was better than anything I've driven.
(I've never driven a Range Rover)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Exactly Stone..... you and I and a few others ( the early adopters!) found that out! the off-road package trully made this vehicle the ultimate blend of comfort and brute capability! I will consider a new one in 2012.... but only if they have the ORP for me!
