I was originally planning on ordering a 2012 E550 sedan. However, with my 3rd son on the way, I've been thinking about getting one of the heavily discounted 2011 GL550.

Iam wondering how the two cars would compare in ride/quietness as well as handling? I keep reading that the GL drives like a smaller car. I did test the E550 and I liked its ride and the absence of wind/road noise

This would my first ever SUV. I did spend some time driving Toyota SUVs and they really drive like trucks

Any info is appreciated. TIA

 

Kind of comparing ants with elephants here.
IMO the only Benz that drives like a truck is the G Wagen. The GL has a smoother ride and is way more comfortable than any Toyota truck you might have driven. I suggest you go to the stealership and test drive one.
If you have a baby on the way I say forget about the W212, go for the GL.

 

I agree with previous post. It's like to compare apples and oranges.
I own GL350/E350 and I prefer E class for the city driving and GL for long trips outside of the city. However, my wife, which always was afraid of any big size vehicles, loves GL and use it as a DD in the city with no problems to park it anywhere. And this is true - when you drive GL - you don't feel it as a big truck.
Any of those vehicles - you will not be disappointed.
Good Luck.

 

Don't think anyone's going to find that a GL drives like a small car.

GL550 tires are at least $400 each.

 

just purchased goodyear run flat ls2 eagle tires for $660 each...i can't imagine buying tires for a 550 if my 20" tires are already so expensive haha

 

You could purchase Bridgestone RFT for about $260 each ....why bother with LS2 ?

 

How old are your other two kids? One problem with the GL is the access to the third row if you have car seats in the second. There is no captain chair option in the second row. If you get narrow car seats, you can fit 3 across. We have the sunshine kids car seats and it works, but its tight. Otherwise you have to take out a car seat every time you want to access the third row or have them climb over. With a new baby you will likely have to have a wide Graco type car seat. So having 3 across is likely not an option unless your other kids simply use a booster or no car seat at all. The third row is actually quite comfortable especially for a child, but the access is my biggest beef. You could fit two car seats in the 3rd row and just leave the second row having the baby's seat. Then you have no trunk space.

My BIL has an e550 and they are different vehicles. The GL does not drive like a truck or even a tahoe/suburban/escalade platform. Much easier to navigate and park with the GL, but its a bit smaller that the escalade. It handles pretty well and has some pep, but not like the e550. The airmatic suspension makes for a comfy ride and you can lower it to sport mode to improve the handling. The E seemed a bit quieter, but not by much.

The new E550 will possibly have a newer COMAND unit and better technology. The lane assist and dystronic cruise control were nice features. Plus the addition of a hockey puck to navigate is a huge plus! I hate the fact the GL lacks one. It also has BT audio which is cool. But if you are getting a GL at a discount, it makes up for some of those.

I agree with whoever posted about tires. You have limited options at stock size and they aren't cheap. Plus they are not all-season tires from what I've read. I have not encountered snow and ice living in Texas, but I would expect it to perform very poorly with stock Conti's. Its pretty much Conti's or Pirelli's at stock size.

But I'd highly recommend a test drive. And really test the difference between sport and comfort mode with the suspension.

Hope this helps.

 

I think the GL 550 is excellent for long hauling and smoother around-town roads. IMO, it is terrible over irregular pavement, bumps, pot-holes etc. Part of that is the 550 wheel & tire package. If you drive one, be sure to mimic your "normal" driving. The car-seat issue is VERY real and most SUV's, save BIG ones, can't deal with 2 or more without it being a royal PITA. The E550 will be better in every conceivable driving parameter.

 

I own an 08 GL320CDI and a 10 E550 and they are completely different vehicles. They both have air suspensions which I highly recommend. The GL gets great mileage, 21 around town and 25 on the highway. I would consider the diesel if going with the SUV. The GL is spacious and smooth. The E550 is fast and smooth, my wife's daily driver. Can't go wrong with either vehicle, depends on what is important to you.

 

I have an E55 and a GL450. I got the E55 2 years after the GL, so I thought that whenever I would have the choice to drive one vs the other (with or without the kids), that I would have a stronger desire to drive the 55. Surprisingly, it doesnt make a difference to me now. Im happy driving either.

The GL does not feel or drive like an SUV, truck or minivan. It feels and drives like a heavy and powerful car.

 

The gl is a truck. It drives smaller and smoother, but it has the moves and dynamics of a truck. I don't think you will find it's road feel rewarding.

But with 3 kids going to a sedan is a little cramped. I would have bought the truck at kid no2. What are you- European?

 

The GL is on a unibody and does not feel like a truck at all. It has a feeling of a large sport sedan. Go with the 550 wheels and tires or something else along those lines and you will really be surprised at how well the GL handles. Sure, it's not a sports car but it definetly does not drive like a vehicle on a ladder style truck frame.

 

Go drive a Suburban or a Tahoe or an Escalade or something. Suddenly, the GL will feel like a car.

- Mark