GL450/350 worth the investment?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
GL450
GL450/350 worth the investment?
I am new to the forums here, but have a new car question. We are considering a new GL350. We are in the market for a 3 row suv, and there are not a lot of choices that have a valid 3rd row. We have driven the BMW X5, Acura MDX, GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango (Citadel). Right now the GL and the Durango have the better seating/space. Since the Durango is riding on the next gen Mercedes ML/GL platform will it be the better deal? I should also note that we tend to keep cars for about 10 years.
Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
2011 GL 350-Lighting Pkg-P2-Parktronic-Blind spot assist-Heated everything-Running brds ,etc
We shopped around for 3 months, test driving various "3 row" SUVs and only the Q7 and GL made our final list.
Finally we decided on the GL 350.
IMHO, a Dodge will always be a Dodge... not even close to the ride satisfaction of a GL!
Finally we decided on the GL 350.
IMHO, a Dodge will always be a Dodge... not even close to the ride satisfaction of a GL!
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
2008 GL320 CDI, 1997 528i (ret.), Lex GS350
you will get 
slightly biased answers in this forum! but come on, the real choices are the Q7 and the GL. if you want to get anything close to an "investment", go for the diesel GL. just check out the resale values if you want to convince yourself.
i went back and forth between the gl and the Q, but with three kids was convinced that the third row and other space in general....the GL wins out.
good luck!
slightly biased answers in this forum! but come on, the real choices are the Q7 and the GL. if you want to get anything close to an "investment", go for the diesel GL. just check out the resale values if you want to convince yourself.i went back and forth between the gl and the Q, but with three kids was convinced that the third row and other space in general....the GL wins out.
good luck!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 23
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
Consider the Infiniti QX as well. The only one that is close to an investment is a diesel GL. The only way you can consider it as such is to call the extra cost over something like an MDX as a one-time annuity purchase that pays out and is applied to a portion of the depreciation each month, giving you a slight hedge on depreciation.
If you want to experience depreciation at epic pace and proportions, the GL 450 in Canada would be a good choice, if you are in the USA, the Dodge.
If you want to experience depreciation at epic pace and proportions, the GL 450 in Canada would be a good choice, if you are in the USA, the Dodge.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Northern BC, Canada
2006 Purple Mini cooper S conv, RRS 2008 gone, 2011 GL350 Palladium Silver!!!
I came from a Range rover and haven't looked back. Right now I would have to stop and fill up in the Range rover....but in the GL350....ha I still have over 1/2 a tank!!! whoohoo. I'm still in the dark with the command system but will gradually learn it, thank goodness for buttons. I tried the Q7 and imho you can't even consider it, the space is 10x in the GL, the 3rd row way more comfortable for the odd times you use it. On the basis of space go to GL350, on comfort go to the GL350, bells/whistles to the GL350. But the Q7 wins out on the front grille, I do like that one better!!
The only think I HATE HATE about my GL is the running boards, really there are so not necessary with it's stock height. If you use them you're crawling into it, and if you don't then your leg hits it. The GL isn't tall enough for running boards imho, not to mention getting out of it...but I'll live with it counting what I get in return!!! But go diesel all the way, better mileage, and resale is huge compared to anything else.
The only think I HATE HATE about my GL is the running boards, really there are so not necessary with it's stock height. If you use them you're crawling into it, and if you don't then your leg hits it. The GL isn't tall enough for running boards imho, not to mention getting out of it...but I'll live with it counting what I get in return!!! But go diesel all the way, better mileage, and resale is huge compared to anything else.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 68
From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
GL350 for similar reasons mentioned by honda90. The amount of time saved by not having to refill your fuel tank as often as other SUVs is priceless. Plus where I live in CT diesel costs almost as little (relative term) as regular--$4.049 per gallon.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 23
From: B.C.
GL 320cdi, Chevrolet Avalanchero, GLE 350 (on order)
I came from a Range rover and haven't looked back. Right now I would have to stop and fill up in the Range rover....but in the GL350....ha I still have over 1/2 a tank!!! whoohoo. I'm still in the dark with the command system but will gradually learn it, thank goodness for buttons. I tried the Q7 and imho you can't even consider it, the space is 10x in the GL, the 3rd row way more comfortable for the odd times you use it. On the basis of space go to GL350, on comfort go to the GL350, bells/whistles to the GL350. But the Q7 wins out on the front grille, I do like that one better!!
The only think I HATE HATE about my GL is the running boards, really there are so not necessary with it's stock height. If you use them you're crawling into it, and if you don't then your leg hits it. The GL isn't tall enough for running boards imho, not to mention getting out of it...but I'll live with it counting what I get in return!!! But go diesel all the way, better mileage, and resale is huge compared to anything else.
The only think I HATE HATE about my GL is the running boards, really there are so not necessary with it's stock height. If you use them you're crawling into it, and if you don't then your leg hits it. The GL isn't tall enough for running boards imho, not to mention getting out of it...but I'll live with it counting what I get in return!!! But go diesel all the way, better mileage, and resale is huge compared to anything else.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
Likes: 11
From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
For all the reasons mentioned above plus these, the 350 is the better choice.
The diesel was (and perhaps still is - I haven't checked recently) LESS $$ to buy in a new Mercedes than the same torque output gas engine they put in the 450. And the gasser requires premium which is historically very close to the same price as diesel but gets 30% poorer mileage.
Less initial cost plus less depreciation makes a better value. The minuses are, because of the demand they are much harder to find new configured exactly the way YOU want it (color, interior, etc), and nearly impossible to find used 'just the way you want it'. Everyone wants them thus the high resale value. Net result, you order and wait!!
The diesel was (and perhaps still is - I haven't checked recently) LESS $$ to buy in a new Mercedes than the same torque output gas engine they put in the 450. And the gasser requires premium which is historically very close to the same price as diesel but gets 30% poorer mileage.
Less initial cost plus less depreciation makes a better value. The minuses are, because of the demand they are much harder to find new configured exactly the way YOU want it (color, interior, etc), and nearly impossible to find used 'just the way you want it'. Everyone wants them thus the high resale value. Net result, you order and wait!!
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Northern BC, Canada
2006 Purple Mini cooper S conv, RRS 2008 gone, 2011 GL350 Palladium Silver!!!
I love the fact that my diesel costs about as much as regular gas and I get 2x the mileage. I felt like that ikea commercial where the woman comes running out of the store yelling at her husband....start the car, start the car, start the car because she thought they made a mistake on her bill. I almost feel like I'm stealing the diesel...well almost. I was lucky enough that when I happened on the Merc lot that they had a GL350 enroute that was the exact color combo I wanted with the DVD system.
The toughest learning curve I have is the voice command system I'm slogging thru it but it's not easy starting out.
The toughest learning curve I have is the voice command system I'm slogging thru it but it's not easy starting out.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Swampscott, MA
GL 450
Hate those running boards?
For about $500 US plus labor, you can buy the replacement rocker panels (unpainted) and misc. parts to lose those running boards. Just bought a 450, and am considering it now. Being tall, my legs are beginning to protest entering and exiting.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
GL450
I do appreciate the responses so far. To those who mentioned the Q7, I have driven and liked this one a lot also. The only downside for us is the decreased space in the 3rd row and a little less space overall.
The reason I had given the Dodge some thought (I agree with the mention of horrible depreciation) was the new platform and the space, it has as much as the GL. Now after more consideration I have leaned a little more toward a shootoff between the GL and the Q7. The Q7 is more of a driver's car, while the GL is more of a cushy ride (which is not bad). On the ride aspect, do any of you have the Mercedes Active Damping System that you can special order. It is under a grand, but evidently allows you to set the suspension characteristics.
The reason I had given the Dodge some thought (I agree with the mention of horrible depreciation) was the new platform and the space, it has as much as the GL. Now after more consideration I have leaned a little more toward a shootoff between the GL and the Q7. The Q7 is more of a driver's car, while the GL is more of a cushy ride (which is not bad). On the ride aspect, do any of you have the Mercedes Active Damping System that you can special order. It is under a grand, but evidently allows you to set the suspension characteristics.
Last edited by chas1025; Jun 12, 2011 at 12:25 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: FRESNO CA
GL550
I do appreciate the responses so far. To those who mentioned the Q7, I have driven and liked this one a lot also. The only downside for us is the decreased space in the 3rd row and a little less space overall.
The reason I had given the Dodge some thought (I agree with the mention of horrible depreciation) was the new platform and the space, it has as much as the GL. Now after more consideration I have leaned a little more toward a shootoff between the GL and the Q7. The Q7 is more of a driver's car, while the GL is more of a cushy ride (which is not bad). On the ride aspect, do any of you have the Mercedes Active Damping System that you can special order. It is under a grand, but evidently allows you to set the suspension characteristics.
The reason I had given the Dodge some thought (I agree with the mention of horrible depreciation) was the new platform and the space, it has as much as the GL. Now after more consideration I have leaned a little more toward a shootoff between the GL and the Q7. The Q7 is more of a driver's car, while the GL is more of a cushy ride (which is not bad). On the ride aspect, do any of you have the Mercedes Active Damping System that you can special order. It is under a grand, but evidently allows you to set the suspension characteristics.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,850
Likes: 56
From: New York
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
If anybody here does not like running boards - I have plastic panels, that installed when the car has no running board option, in my garage. My car came without RB and I installed them in our local shop. I'm attaching a picture with red lines pointing to the part. I'm asking $300. NYC area. Local pick up only.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Dodge Durango
Dodge the better investment
After renting a GL 450 through Sixt, I really thought long and hard about buying one. While I really, really like the Mercedes, I can't really see how the GL has any edge over a top of the line Dodge other than the badge and couldn't justify the huge sticker difference-if you can enlighten me on why it is better with some performance data to back it up, be my guest. I found a 2014 Durango Citadel (V-8, 8 spd trani, Adaptive Cruise, AWD and 4WD low) with 17k miles on it and bought it for US $38,800 (I agree that Dodges drop like a stone, so I let it depreciate from 54 K before I bought one).
BTW I also looked at the Q7 used (2013) for about the same price and I liked it, especially the leather seats, but the diesel and lack of safety features (collision warning and BLIS) in the trim level tilted me toward the dodge.
BTW I also looked at the Q7 used (2013) for about the same price and I liked it, especially the leather seats, but the diesel and lack of safety features (collision warning and BLIS) in the trim level tilted me toward the dodge.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
When did you rent and what year was the GL? The biggest differences are the seats, transmission, engine, suspension, and electronics. If it was a 2013-2014, it had a bi-turbo V8 which is easily tuned to over 500 hp for less than a few thousand. If it was a 2015, it had the V6 bi-turbo and I can see why you were not necessarily impressed with the engine.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Dodge Durango
When did you rent and what year was the GL? The biggest differences are the seats, transmission, engine, suspension, and electronics. If it was a 2013-2014, it had a bi-turbo V8 which is easily tuned to over 500 hp for less than a few thousand. If it was a 2015, it had the V6 bi-turbo and I can see why you were not necessarily impressed with the engine.
When you say electronics, what are you referring to? The user interface (odo, sat nav, entertainment system, adaptive
Cruise, etc) of the 2014+ dodge hands down better then the merc.
As far as handling, ride and suspension, nobody passed me as I hustled down the Saw Mill Parkway in NYC unless they were on a Ninja. Kids fell asleep in the back.
Overall, I can't see why one would pay 40-50k more for a similarly equipped car new when the GL 450 is only marginally (by a very, very slight margin) better. Get the GL 550 and I can see, but now we are talking 6 figures.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
You probably could have gotten a 2013 450 with the bi-turbo V8 for around the same price. I would hands down get the 2013 or 2014 GL due to the bi-turbo V8 engine alone. Can't argue with your position of going with the V8 Durango over a V6 MB.
With that said, this is the X164 GL forum. The 2013+ is an X166 GL450 so this is the wrong forum for your discussion.
With that said, this is the X164 GL forum. The 2013+ is an X166 GL450 so this is the wrong forum for your discussion.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
Likes: 84
From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
I rented a Durango up in Buffalo and drove it up to Canada for a week on a business trip. It has a very similar feel to the GL but the interior is not as nice and the suspension was inferior by a long shot. The one I rented had a V6 and was weak compared to my GL350 but it wasn't a deal breaker unless you tow, which I do. Otherwise, you get a decent value and I couldn't fault one for making the choice. There have been rumors around for some time that the Durango will be discontinued in 2018 and I can't get my buddy at FCA to confirm it, but they are selling very slowly nonetheless.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Dodge Durango
You probably could have gotten a 2013 450 with the bi-turbo V8 for around the same price. I would hands down get the 2013 or 2014 GL due to the bi-turbo V8 engine alone. Can't argue with your position of going with the V8 Durango over a V6 MB.
With that said, this is the X164 GL forum. The 2013+ is an X166 GL450 so this is the wrong forum for your discussion.
With that said, this is the X164 GL forum. The 2013+ is an X166 GL450 so this is the wrong forum for your discussion.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
I am new to the forums here, but have a new car question. We are considering a new GL350. We are in the market for a 3 row suv, and there are not a lot of choices that have a valid 3rd row. We have driven the BMW X5, Acura MDX, GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango (Citadel). Right now the GL and the Durango have the better seating/space. Since the Durango is riding on the next gen Mercedes ML/GL platform will it be the better deal? I should also note that we tend to keep cars for about 10 years.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 314
Likes: 34
Mercedes gl450
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 701
Likes: 129
From: NE OHIO
1998 SL500,2011 GL550,2009 ML350,past 1995 E320 Cabrio ,2005 ML500,2006 ML500,1996 SL500,1972 280SEL
x-164 .. X-166
If you plan on getting a 166 chassis I would definitely spend sometime reading about the issues.
I do agree in a 3rd row seating vehicle it is getting harder to make a choice.. I came from the older 1999 Suburban and then bought a bunch of different MB’s .. definitely the W210 wagons were by far the most dependable and least amount of maintenance. The 164’s X or W’s have a lot of issues to learn about and maintain. We had 5 wagons and 5 SUV’s in the family that I did most of the maintenance on.
I do agree in a 3rd row seating vehicle it is getting harder to make a choice.. I came from the older 1999 Suburban and then bought a bunch of different MB’s .. definitely the W210 wagons were by far the most dependable and least amount of maintenance. The 164’s X or W’s have a lot of issues to learn about and maintain. We had 5 wagons and 5 SUV’s in the family that I did most of the maintenance on.
