Almost decided to buy a GL450 earlier this week, until I read some posts online (see links at the end of the post) about GL450 on fire, and, the lifegate closing issue. However it seems that most of the issues happened on pre-2009 GL cars. Anyone knows if those issues have already been resolved on post-2010 GLs? Barring those issues, GL450 is probably a better choice than X5 IMHO. However if those issues are not resolved yet (as MBUSA never seems to admit the fire issue), I don't really wanna risk my life.

GL450 on fire
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...-gls-fire.html
http://www.autosafety.org/taxonomy/term/192930
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f17fb24/3

Found a bit more data about it:
http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/he...rn-danger.html

The seat heater design in question was called the, "CTX Carbotex Seat Warmer". It is my understanding from reading the NHTSA reports that Mercedes has changed suppliers and this hasn't been an issue for several years.

I switched from BMW X5 4.8i to GL350.....no regret.

I drive a GL because I need the 7 seats. If you don't need the seating or towing capacity, I'd go for the X5 or new ML (or you can probably get a killer deal on the outgoing ML).

We own both. My wife drives the X5. The GL is a bigger, smoother riding truck that does a lot more for you than the X5. It can hold 7 passengers pretty comfortably - the 3rd row in the X5 is really only for small kids and even then not that comfortable. My teens still fight over who gets to sit in the 3rd row on long trips! vs. no one has sat in the X5 3rd row in a couple years. That also tells you the family prefers to travel on trips in the GL. If you are going to tow anything the GL tows 7,500 lbs...pretty sure the X5 is less. For me the ride is what really separates the 2. Riding in the X5 is really rough after you've just ridden in the X5. The X5 is a more sport tuned vehicle. We don't even have the sport suspension, and it's too bouncy. Rear cargo space is larger in the GL if both 3rd rows are up. X5 costs less...and both offer diesel - which I highly recommend. Pretty hard to argue with 650 miles on a tank on trips! I've gotten just over 20 mpg's lifetime on mine with 55K miles on it. Got 25 mpg's on a round triper from Minneapolis to Chicago last weekend. I've had -0- issues with it. The X5 has had a few minor issues. Lastly, I am 6'3 and I just don't fit well in the X5. With the seat in the right spot and the steering wheel out, I can't see the top of the speedometer! Not ideal!

Good Luck to you!

I had the X 5 for 4 years initially. It had the sports suspension and was harsh and tough riding for any long trips, however around town was great. It had numerous mechanical and electrical problems, that once out of warranty was very costly and annoying. All 4 window regulators failed.
I could not wait to trade in this car.

I have almost 60,000 miles on my 07 GL cdi and it is vastly superior. Long trips are a dream and it has plenty of room for passengers and luggage. I have trailered a 21 ft Grady White over long distance without any concerns or problems.

There is really no comparison in my opinion, the Benz is excellent.

Thanks for the info, 43221B. That seems to be consistent with my observation that no such fire reports with post-2009 GLs. It certainly makes me feel more confident in getting a GL.

That's a lot of useful information. Thanks! My wife and I only have one young kid right now, but we are thinking about a second. In that sense, GL seems to rule.

You can't really compare the GL and the X5. Two different vehicles. I had X5's in the past and I loved them. They drive and handle like no other SUV's on the road, save the Cayenne. I too have a couple of small kids and with car seats, boosters etc the back seat is getting crowded. The cargo space is terrible. Then comes the GL and there's no looking back. If you need space it's a no-brainer to get the GL.

Love my GL450. It's been a great vehicle and I've driven close to 100,000 miles with no complaints or nagging issues. Well, I do have one. The navigation is not very good.

We own both the GL550 and the X5 4.8i. They are completely different cars. I love them both. The GL offers power, room, comfort and is very quiet. The X5 V8 is very good and the exhaust note is awesome. The ride is rough in sport mode (I do like the no body roll at speed) and the 3rd seat is very small. It is very quick, nibble and very fun to drive. The HUD is also a very nice feature to have.

Same here - had a X5 with the 20" wheels, sports pkg, adaptive drive.. full load! Awesome truck just needed more space in 3rd row so GL350 was bang on!

I had a 2003 4.4 X5 that was truly a dream to drive. Felt like a sports car.
Unfortunately any trip over an hour or two caused my legs to either fall asleep or go into sciatica convulsions.
Never had this issue with either my 07 or 10 GL's, always comfortable to the max, and roomy enough to take along anyone & everyone I may desire quite comfortably.
Comfort being the key word here