Hey guys, I'm from teh W221 Forum, but I think we're looking at purchasing a Gl350 or 450 to replace our '08 MDX. My question for you guys is how do you like your cars? Comfortable? And any reason to opt. for 2011 over 2010, as in any body changes?

Thanks guys!

 

Love my GL! The only difference I have noticed between the '10 & '11 is the side mirrors. They are dealing a lot harder on the 2010's right now too Good luck, you will love the GL over the MDX, it is a great truck!!

 

Have an 08 GL320 and just ordered a 2011 350. Love the car, rides well, lot's of room, actually can seat 7 comfortably, and looks great. As mentioned above main differences are the mirrors and headrests. I would have gone with a 2010 given better deals but in the end ordered a 2011 as I wanted the ADS option which gives you choice of different supsension settings. Found the 08 supsension a bit soft at times and believe ADS will take care of it. Unfortunately its a special order option so no 350's available with it without ordring. Go for it, you will not regret it.

 

I drove my 2010 GL350 from CT to FL and back over the summer. Other than an occasional large divot/rut in the road it felt like my former S550 on the freeway. Acceleration is a little on the slow side (not by much) but in exchange I observe very good fuel efficiency (27mpg).

 

2011s also get compass on rear view mirror, memory passenger seats on P1 and the option to purchase blind spot assist ($600 option).

I was also considering a 2010 but could not find one with the options that I wanted so I ended up ordering a 2011.

 

I ordered my 2011 350 in June and picked it up Aug 27. It's a great car. Not fast but has enough torque to make up for it in practical driving. I also ordered ADS which I really nice to have. Fuel economy is awesome for a car this size and weight. You can actually go 600+ miles on 1 tank! Driving from Northern California to Los Angeles this weekend with 6 people. Never could've done that with my 750i!

The new MDXs have excellent handling for their class but the GL's ride, space, quiet cabin, and overall comfort are on the top.

 

Just did a lease turn-in on our 2007 GL450 (which we loved) for the 2011 GL 350 BluTec. It's incredible what changes in essentially the same car in three to four years.

Will write up a more detailed comparison, but here's the cliffs:

- Acceleration: a bit slower, but the torque is awesome, with the savings in fuel, we don't miss the V8...that much. No problem passing on freeway entrances, etc.

- Noise: a little more noise inside, but you don't notice if the radio is on, much louder on the outside, but I don't care, I'm usually inside my car

- Fuel Efficiency/Economy: unmatched, nice to spend less time at the gas station and the NAV diesel identification feature is handy

- Handling: not sure if this is true for all newer GLs or just the GL 350, the handling is a little lighter and tinnier, definitely less tight than our standard '07 GL 450, don't know if the ADV would have impacted this and didn't know they offered it, thought it was because the car was lighter, but the specs say the car is actually heavier than the GL 450. Go figure. I'm least happy about this.

- Blind Spot Assist: Love it. Lobbying my insurance company to give me a break for the feature.

- Back-up Camera: Much improved with lines and less fish eye effect.

- NAV system: hated the last system, jury's still out on this one, it seems delayed and more complicated to operate

- Bluetooth Technology: much improved

- Audible Alerts: no ringing when putting it into Park or when the back gate rises, they should put this back

- Mirror Lowering in Reverse: Early, early models had this, then it was disabled. This is a big improvement.

- Passenger Rear Head Rests: Safer, less attractive, less comfortable IF you don't put them up for passengers.

- Tire Pressure Indicator: In the on-board computer. Excellent.

- Studded Running Boards: Liked the chrome better than the brushed stainless steel.

All-in-all a great car, better than any other SUV in its class out there. Miss the gas guzzler, but that's only the glutton in me.

 

Did the 2007's have variable ratio steering? I recently saw a 2007 GL window sticker and noticed that varable ratio steering wasn't listed as a performance/handling feature. If you didn't have it on your 2007, that could be what you are noticing. The wheels should be turning a lot faster at slower speeds than they did on your 2007 with same steering input (if it didn't have it). It does sort of make the car feel light when making a quick sharp turn.

 

Thanks for that input 43221B. It helps solve the mystery.

That's probably the reason for the change. I've turned in the car, so I'm not sure if it had variable ratio steering, but I'll bet it didn't.