GL450 VS GL550
 

Okay guys, and ladies:p:

I am buying the wife an 07-08 GL very soon, and I am amazed at the price difference. I can get a VERY nicely equipped 450 for below 40K, but the 550 are in the low 50's.

Beside the obvious engine difference, what if anything make the 550 worth 15K:nix:

I also am aware that the 550 has a much greater standard load of options, but is there anything unique to warrant the 15k.

Thanks in advance.

It's probably worth driving both to see for yourself if there's value in spending the extra cash for the 550. I thought it definitely drives much better, between the extra power, the adjustable suspension, and the options. For me, the leather upgrade isn't worth it, as I would prefer the MB tex anyway. If the adjustable suspension weren't available as a custom option on the 350/450, I wouldn't consider anything but the 550.

I don't actually like the look of the grill on the 550, but love the wheel arches and wheels.

Comparing them is the best way to see if the 15k is well spent.

Thanks for the input:D

The suspension is an option on the 450 that I would insist on.

I wasn't aware that the 550 had different sheet metal, this I will look into.

As far as I know, it's not a common option for the 450s to have the ADS. It also comes with the Off Road Package.

If you look at pics of the 550, there are fender flares. It also has a big schnoz in the gril with a larger Mercedes star.

So NO one here actually drives a 550 or will admit why:nix:

Come on guys, show some passion for your decision, or was it the wifes choice:rolf:

I got one for several reasons:

1. The engine - more is always better. :)
2. I don't care for the oversized grill and especially the size of the emblem on the front, but the bigger wheels/tires and wheel flares really improve the overall look IMO.
3. You can get them loaded up with all the options without the IR glass. You might be able to do this in some years with a 450, but all the loaded ones I saw had it. I didn't want the IR glass because it interferes with radar detectors, electronic toll devices etc. When I compared the price of loaded 08 450s to already loaded 08 550s (07s tended to have fewer options and were significantly cheaper), the spread around here was more like 8-9K than 15K.

Thanks for the input:y

And yeah, that IR glass cost me in Ohio with my S600. VERY luckily, my passenger was an off duty cop, and the other sheriff had a sense of humor.

Mramg1, surprised you haven't noticed the sheet metal differences...GL550 comes with blistered wheel arches, a unique and larger front grille, unique 21s with 295 rubber, unique dual tailpipes...I'd spring for the 550 if you can afford it. That said, the 450 is still a great car and will "off road" better though neither are great...

I have a 2013 GL450 with 20 inch wheels OE. 275 50 20 tires. I am wanting to get the AMG wheels and tires. The AMG wheels are 21x10 and tires are 295 40 21. Will these fit ok? Maybe ride more stiff? Right now it rides like a dream.
Thanks for any thoughts.
Matt

You won't notice a difference. If you have a 2013, your model is an X166 GL. Here is your forum. https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x166-173/

I wouldn't do it! 21" tire prices are CRAZY and you will go through them very quickly.


Isn't it funny that people with 21" wheels are looking for cool 20" alternatives and people with 20" wheels want the 21's?


I love the look of ours and although I've been tempted many times to get 20" wheels, we haven't yet. Continental now has a DWS in a 21" size...it says it has a 50k mi warranty too. That will be our next set. Hopefully it will meet my expectations.

True, skip the 21's and go with 22's. Much better tire selection.

yep get 22"