Need help GL 450 or GL 550
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Need help GL 450 or GL 550
So my choices are a 2012 GL 450 with around 50k miles
Or a 2010-11 GL550 with around 50k miles.
Whats the big difference of the two besides the motor?
I've noticed that the gl550 has heated and cooled seats and rear tvs in the back. Also a bigger grille in the front. Is there anything else major?
Im trading in my town n country 2012 awful van tons of issues.
Any input would be great thank you!
Or a 2010-11 GL550 with around 50k miles.
Whats the big difference of the two besides the motor?
I've noticed that the gl550 has heated and cooled seats and rear tvs in the back. Also a bigger grille in the front. Is there anything else major?
Im trading in my town n country 2012 awful van tons of issues.
Any input would be great thank you!
#3
The GL550 has all the options as standard. If you get a heavily equipped GL450, the only difference could be the motor and wheels.
Like you, we were looking at both a couple of years ago. The GL550 has the aluminum trim (under the bumper) front & rear and lighted door sills. Plus there's a separate climate control for the rear seats that wasn't in any of the GL450s we looked at. The GL550 has a more aggressive stance due to its fender flares and larger wheels/tires. There are several more differences (ah, rear-most side windows open on the 550 too) but I can't remember them all.
Like you, we were looking at both a couple of years ago. The GL550 has the aluminum trim (under the bumper) front & rear and lighted door sills. Plus there's a separate climate control for the rear seats that wasn't in any of the GL450s we looked at. The GL550 has a more aggressive stance due to its fender flares and larger wheels/tires. There are several more differences (ah, rear-most side windows open on the 550 too) but I can't remember them all.
#4
I was facing the same dilemma between 2010 GL550 vs 2011 GL450. But after comparing them, I chose 550, which has all GL450's options. Meanwhile, it is real leather seat, plus heat insulated windows, separated climate control for rear seats, larger engie...
#5
For the 2012 models
Premium PKG 1 - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Premium PKG 2 - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Full Leather - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Lighting PKG - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Appearance PKG - Optional on the 450. Not available on the 550
Running Boards - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Blind Spot Assist - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Parktronic - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Keyless Go - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Trailer Hitch - Optional on the 450 and 550
Heated Second Row - Optional on the 450 and 550
3 Zone Climate Control - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Heated Steering Wheel - Optional on the 450 and 550
Metallic Paint - Optional on the 450 No charge on the 550
Light Birch Wood - Not Available on the 450 Optional on the 550
Rear Entertainment - Optional on the 450 and 550
Accessories:
Media Interface Plus
Rear Seat Entertainment
Illuminated Running Boards
20" Wheels - 450 Only
All Weather Mats (Front, Middle and 3rd Row)
Rear Cargo Tray
Rear Cargo Box
Rear Cargo Protector
Chrome Cross Bars
Illuminated Door Sills
Running Boards
Wheel Locks
Sun Shade
Rear Cargo Net
As you can tell the 550 is basically a loaded 450 with a bigger motor. Also the front seats on the 550 are more adjustable as well. There is a heated steering wheel but you loose the wooden wheel feature.
I've had the 450 and now have the 550. The 450 was loaded and I think rode better. Just my opinion. The 550 has the adjustable suspension. Sport, Normal and Comfy. With each of the selection the ride height adjusts too. The wife hates the sport mode, says the ride is to firm for the type of vehicle it is. I use the Normal mode. The Compy mode is too soggy for me.
The 21" tires that are standard on the 550 are expensive to replace. The selection is not that great either. Bigger selection on the STD 450 19" or 20" optional wheels. the 20" wheels also look much better.
If you can manage to get either the 450 or the 550 as a CPO you're batting ahead of the game. Once they are past the warranty date the price drops big time and the finance rates go up! Also look at an extended warranty if you're not good with a wrench. I'm not saying they are better than your Chrysler but the track record on these are not that impressive either. What I've figured out is people lease these things for the 2-3 years and then off to another one. The second owner can get a good used Benz if it was not a lemon and taken care of. I've seen plenty of trashed one too as CPO's. When in doubt get a paid second opinion. Pull a CARFAX and AutoCheck. Both report differently. These are not bullet proof either and are easily fooled contrary to what they say. Look for repeated trips in. Signs of a problem.
Good luck and let us know what you find and or bought!
Premium PKG 1 - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Premium PKG 2 - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Full Leather - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Lighting PKG - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Appearance PKG - Optional on the 450. Not available on the 550
Running Boards - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Blind Spot Assist - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Parktronic - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Keyless Go - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Trailer Hitch - Optional on the 450 and 550
Heated Second Row - Optional on the 450 and 550
3 Zone Climate Control - Optional on the 450. STD on the 550
Heated Steering Wheel - Optional on the 450 and 550
Metallic Paint - Optional on the 450 No charge on the 550
Light Birch Wood - Not Available on the 450 Optional on the 550
Rear Entertainment - Optional on the 450 and 550
Accessories:
Media Interface Plus
Rear Seat Entertainment
Illuminated Running Boards
20" Wheels - 450 Only
All Weather Mats (Front, Middle and 3rd Row)
Rear Cargo Tray
Rear Cargo Box
Rear Cargo Protector
Chrome Cross Bars
Illuminated Door Sills
Running Boards
Wheel Locks
Sun Shade
Rear Cargo Net
As you can tell the 550 is basically a loaded 450 with a bigger motor. Also the front seats on the 550 are more adjustable as well. There is a heated steering wheel but you loose the wooden wheel feature.
I've had the 450 and now have the 550. The 450 was loaded and I think rode better. Just my opinion. The 550 has the adjustable suspension. Sport, Normal and Comfy. With each of the selection the ride height adjusts too. The wife hates the sport mode, says the ride is to firm for the type of vehicle it is. I use the Normal mode. The Compy mode is too soggy for me.
The 21" tires that are standard on the 550 are expensive to replace. The selection is not that great either. Bigger selection on the STD 450 19" or 20" optional wheels. the 20" wheels also look much better.
If you can manage to get either the 450 or the 550 as a CPO you're batting ahead of the game. Once they are past the warranty date the price drops big time and the finance rates go up! Also look at an extended warranty if you're not good with a wrench. I'm not saying they are better than your Chrysler but the track record on these are not that impressive either. What I've figured out is people lease these things for the 2-3 years and then off to another one. The second owner can get a good used Benz if it was not a lemon and taken care of. I've seen plenty of trashed one too as CPO's. When in doubt get a paid second opinion. Pull a CARFAX and AutoCheck. Both report differently. These are not bullet proof either and are easily fooled contrary to what they say. Look for repeated trips in. Signs of a problem.
Good luck and let us know what you find and or bought!