nynd

Just looking for some feedback from people who bought the GL350 and then later regretted it or wished they went for the gas version? Any takers? Just in the same boat so trying to see if there is something I may have overlooked in the comparisons?

jimmyp

Got a 2010 and love it. Im a big sports car nut and really like the fact it drives like a car to me and not a truck. The tax credit is a plus also the mpg is good too, I get 20.5 around town and 26 so far on the highway. Resale should do better over the gas version also.

nynd

Thanks Jimmy. Saw you got a GTR in the stable, nice combo of cars!

Texas993

My wife and I had the same debate. We ordered and took delivery of our GL350 6 days ago. Initial impressions (only 100 miles so far) are very good. We had an Escalade prior, so there is no comparison in the ride. And honestly, the diesel powertrain has plenty of pull, pep and is nicely mated to the 7 speed transmission. She likes it, and that is all that matters.

We will pull a trailer with it carrying my sports car (RUF Turbo R) on various vacations and trips. Hopeful that the diesel is a good at towing as everyone states.

We made the right decision.

mp0i

I picked up a 2010 GL350 last week and so far no regrets. I decided to get the GL because the ML 320 Bluetec we got last September wasn't quite large enough. So right now both my wife and I have Bluetecs. Although we have had the GL only for a 150 miles or so, I can say that I have no second thoughts (at least not yet). We got a great deal through the USAA buying service on both vehicles and we bought the MBUSA extended warranty for the GL because we plan on keeping it for quite awhile. (7yrs/100,000 miles). Our GL is well optioned but the ML has no options. Not sure if this helps but I liked the diesel enough to get two of them.

nynd

Thanks guys, helps alot. I wasn't expecting any backlash, so its good to see those that have them, seem to love them. I drove one and yes, 0-60 is not sports car but for the trade off in fuel economy, how can you really complain! Seems like those replying have picked them up recently, maybe some good deals with 2011 approaching.

mp0i

Make sure you get one with a factory installed trailer hitch if you ever plan to tow anything or put a bike rack on the back. Adding it later is cost prohibitive.

alx

the diesel gl is superior to the gasser for practicality and resale purposes.

if history is an indication the 07 diesels are significantly more expensive than their gas v8 counterparts. i see no reason why the newer model years would be very different.

crazygordon

My wife was concerned where to get diesel fuel but afterwards, she realized that a lot of gas stations sold diesel fuel. We came from a Yukon and love the fuel efficiency as we drive many miles a year. She loves the comfort comparing to the Yukon which was bulky while the GL drives like a car. This past weekend we tried the third role seats and it was comfortable compared to the Yukon where your knee had no place to go.

nynd

Wow - even more comfy than the Yukon rear seats. I know they are somewhat raised in a Yukon and don't fold into the floor but thats a pretty good comment. I had an X5 with the third row which was useless so was looking at an MDX or GL. The GL looked to have the most comfortable out of that group.

Max Blast

Re: the 3rd row seats - I'm 6'3" and I can sit in them. I've yet to find another vehicle that has 3rd row seats usable for adults.

mdadgar

Escalade ESV/Yukon XL/Suburban. Then again, they are totally enormous so you'd expect that.

- Mark

dbtk

I am pleased with my GL350 purchase. I am averaging 24 mpg combined since new and get as much as 30 mpg at moderate highway speed. The real beauty is that I do not have to fill it up as frequently as my other cars. I am sure the cruising range on the GL450/550s is not as impressive.

Texas993

Honestly, those 3rd row seats suck. We replaced an 07 Escalade with the GL. Even my 9 year old son (tall) complained about them. He is much more comfortable in the GL. GM is really missing out by not having a comfortable fold-flat 3rd row. Among many other things...

mdadgar

Note I said Escalade ESV, not Escalade. The ESV is quite a bit longer and it's largely 3rd row legroom.

But I agree with you about the lack of fold-flat seats. That's just lame.

- Mark, has a 2007 Escalade ESV

Texas993

Gotcha, my bad. Oh, and that sunroof in the 3rd row is cool too.

nynd

I guess the GL350 is a winner! Seems the hitch is something that is definitely a should be ordered - even for later resale and the MB tex seems to hold up better longer term as opposed to leather (at least thats what I heard and saw on some used cars).

dbtk

Wise choice. Earlier 2010 models claimed to have durable leather inserts combined with Artico (MB-tex).

newyorktoLA

Actually, I'm sort of disappointed with my GL350. After having 2 GL450's, I have to say that the GL350 is noisy when accelerating, doesn't have great pick-up, and AdBlue is expensive.
I also have terrible mileage, yesterday I drove 180 miles highway and returned approx. 16-18 mpg.

Other than that, the car is like any other GL so I like it for that.

BUT...leather is something I missed on. The ambient lighting is amazing on my S class and I wish my GL had it and I really wished I had those comfort head restraints because the ones that come with MBTEX don't fit my head and are very uncomfortable. Check out the leather package before making your decision though, whether the SUV is a 350 or 450. Leather is also softer and doesn't wear too much...on my S, the only wear is on the driver seat, but its not too much.

Have fun making your decision.

nynd

I did test drive a GL350 and took it on the highway, I would have never know it was a diesel (thats how quiet this one was). Yes, leather would be nice but trying to keep costs down so no ambient lighting. As for adblue, I think I've seen posts where people have picked that up at either trucks stops or VW dealers for alot less.

dbtk

I love the ambient lighting. Reminds me of my CL. I was thinking of adding ambient lighting after the fact. I inquired about the cost at my MB parts department but the armrest pieces are not yet available.

newyorktoLA

Nynd, its up to you what you want to do. I'm simply giving advice without looking for a response.

My dealer told me the problem with picking up AdBlue from dealers is that its hard to measure how much you put in without MB devices; thats why I take the 350 to my dealer; they can measure the AdBlue precisely compared to doing it at home or at a VW dealer, in which the compartments are different sizes and their measuring devices are also different. Since VW's instruments are different, its difficult to fill up the Ad Blue.

I'm just giving my experience with the GL350 in comparison to my last two GL450's. If you love the car, take it.

Trust me, I'm not against you. Good luck with picking your SUV.

nynd

Sorry Amaycg,
Excellent advice, I know you were giving your true opinion and thats what I am looking for. I love to hear more negatives because I think it paints a clearer picture. Again, appreciate the feedback and I can sort of understand what your saying about the adblue.

glogodschild

Hope i can put my opinion in. I bought a POC ML320 CDI in August with very little miles on it....i do not drive much....only have 6,000 miles on it now since august. The mileage is great....this is my 3rd diesel and 1st crossover. I am pleased with mileage and passing the gas stations for weeks at a time...the acceleration on the freeway is awesome...never was like this before with other diesels. i just love it...now just have to get the running board...just a little high for me sometimes...tight skirts and heels....hard to climb in.
hope you make the right decision....i have not had a gasoline in over 20 years...and by the way....my resale is great...all sold with more than 125,000 miles and they are still running...never engine or transmission or muffler problems either.
my favorite ride until God calls me home.....the car will live longer than "I".

nynd

I was thinking the same...

Glowgodschild,
I think gas or diesel build quality is always a variability. The one thing about diesels is they are suppose to outlive their gas counterparts.

My main thought is with fuel going up, and the GL450/550 needing premium (which is another wack) why not try diesel this time around. Like I said, the 0-60 isn't impressive but for a large SUV, it more than adequate depending on what you need it for. I'm not looking to rip off a light - doesn't suit the trucks image. Diesel and the hitch also seem to be a good combo as never know down the road, diesels do have excellent pulling torque capabilities. Finally, re-sale you would think should be better, by how much, who know when that time comes. The only week link in the diesel I think has always been the turbo units.

Nonetheless, seems we've got good all around feedback. The boxy look I think MB could have improved on but time will tell what they do down the road.