dpayne7571

I currently own a 2009 Escalade and debating trading it in on a 2012 Black GL350. I was curious if the handling is any better vs my escalade? I have only read reviews and have not been inside one, but it does look much narrower and less roomy than what I have now. My escalade rides great, but I'm sure the GL350 handles that much better or so I hope so! Thanks for any input!

mdadgar

Umm, yeah.

I went from a 2007 Escalade ESV to a 2011 GL350. They are night-and-day different. The Escalade is a truck and it handles like one. "Lumbering" is the word that comes to mind. Also, the Escalade, for as nice as the interior bits mostly are, always felt like every piece was vibrating in a slightly different direction than every other piece.

The GL350 is a vault and it feels like one. The handling is much taughter and more direct. Stuff happens when you turn the wheel.

And here's the part that is really shocking: the GL is a much better tow vehicle. I didn't expect that, but the overly-soft suspension of the 'Slade (to compensate for the floppy chassis structure) really compromises its towing.

- Mark

43221B

I've rented two Escalades in the past 12 months while out of town. The difference is so dramatic that I told my wife that Mercedes should keep an Escalade at every dealership so that customers could compare the two. After driving the Escalade, the GL's handling is so good that its price seems like a bargain. I also think the diesel feels more powerful than the Escalade's gas engine particularly at highway/freeway speeds.

Trailer

I have a '12 GL. Mine has a sport and comfort setting for the suspension. There is a noticable difference between the settings.

I haven't had an escalade, but I did recently own a GMC Yukon Denali which is pretty much the same platform. Spongy is the only definition I have for their suspension.

And in question of refinement and features, no comparision with a Benz.

Best vehicle I have ever owned.

dpayne7571

My escalade floats a lot. For what you pay for an escalade, its not worth it in my opinion. Its cheaply built and thats why I'm looking at other SUV models. The GL looks great, and its Mercedes, so I know its built great! I saw there is an option to soften the ride or tighten the ride quality........ Is there a big difference in room on the inside vs escalade? I can't tell by pictures. I'll have to make an attempt to stop by a local dealer in the near future. Thanks for your input!

mdadgar

It's not just the same platform, it's the same truck. They differ only in trim.

And yeah, spongy. This is why body-on-frame vehicles blow, in spite of what the big SUV guys will tell you. It's 2011 already, people.

- Mark

43221B

I have the 26" Travelpro suitcases and I can fit one upright behind each of the third row seats in the GL when the seats are up. I could not do the same in the Escalade which was surprising. Now if you removed the third row seats in the Escalade, you are probably going to have a little more room but that wouldn't solve your problem if you have 5 in your car.

giffie

The OP must read this article to understand how the GL's construction offers much superior riding experience..
http://www.benzonly.com/article22.aspx

storm10

This is really good explanation of the vast advantage of Unibody structure. Also, you can't really compare the "Fit and Finish" of the exterior and interior of GL to Escalade. When you drive Escalade it feels like worn-out suit, while GL feels like custom-tailored...

dpayne7571

I totally agree with what you said in regards to the escalade. I may have to wait until 2013 to see if they allow for a spare tire since I do not want run flats and just realized run-flats are standard now on these GL's.

lkchris

Given that an Escalade is a Chevy Suburban which is a Chevy pickup ... .

FastMoneyPlaya

It's a Suburban with fake wood interior trim, nice chrome wheels, and a cheap exterior bolt on trim package. I rented one once and thought it was the most overpriced POS I've ever driven. And for the same price, you can have a Mercedes - there's no comparison - not even close!

Furthermore, here's another reason not to buy an Escalade (unless you are a rapper). Check out the video on this story: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/16/v...easy-target-f/

mdadgar

[/QUOTE]

Actually, no. That was true of the first-gen Escalade, but the current generation actually has bespoke body panels.

It's still a Suburban underneath, though.

Staggering, isn't it?

- Mark