GL550 vs E550
#1
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GL550 vs E550
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
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
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#2
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Euro Cars Only
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.
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.
#3
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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.
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.
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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
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14 GL550; 14 E63s
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![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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
![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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.
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#8
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.
#9
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2020 GLE350, 2019 E450 Wagon, 2018 E400 Cabriolet
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.
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2006 E55, 2007 GL450
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 does not feel or drive like an SUV, truck or minivan. It feels and drives like a heavy and powerful car.
#11
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?
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?
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#12
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
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.
#13
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