With all of the issues we had with the GL in the past 2 years we decided to trade it off. We've been in the VW for a month and a half so I thought I would give my thoughts between the two.

Got a 2015 VW Touareg TDI Lux.

What I miss from the GL:
The rear view mirrors.
The push to start button insert into the key hole (VW has a separate button and you leave the keyhole empty)
The cargo space (we only used the rear seats twice in 2 years)
The shifter on the column.

Things we gave up - but are available on VW just not ours)
Cooled seats.
Rear entertainment system
Rear AC controls.

What I don't miss:
The rough ride (Yes, we had all 4 struts/shocks, air springs and compressor replaced and is still rode rough compared to our E-Class and the VW).
All or the repairs needed - In addition to suspension, we did: Nox sensor, Motor mounts, Turbo, Rear Hatch module, Timing chain, Alternator, various AdBlue codes/issues.
High oil consumption.

What I like better about the VW:
Much more responsive, fun to drive.
Smooth ride.
More comfortable seats.
Driver area actually seems roomier.
Bluetooth Audio (not just phone)
Touchscreen Audio/Nav
Better backup camera.
Panoramic sunroof (Never understood why the GL had that second "sunroof" way in the back).
My wife will drive it because it doesn't drive lick a "lumber wagon" (to quote her).
The extra space in the garage.
It actually has a spare tire.

So far we are getting better fuel economy, it's a lot quicker off the line and quieter when cruising and it actually has more tow capacity.

We were really hoping the GL would have lived up to what we have experienced with the E-Class (it's been one of the best cars I've ever owned) but couldn't keep up with the repairs.

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Glad to hear you're happy. You probably won't get much positive reaction on this list, but I hope it works out well for you.

I run non-run flat tires in the winter on my 2022 GL350 and they significantly improve the ride issues you complain about. I'm moving to non-run flat summer tires the next go round as a result. I have roadside assistance through my insurance and always carry a patch kit, so I'm not super worried about getting stuck.

 

I thought the runflats were probably 90% of the ride issue but it had brand new tires on it when we got it and with all of the other repairs I couldn't see spending the money on replacing tires with lots of tread left.

I really did like the truck, but since we didn't have warranty. Well we did purchase one with the car and after they denied the timing chain - they claimed that since there was a MB bulletin (not a recall just a bulletin) that MB was responsible for the repair not them. Then said we needed to pay to get that fixed (at a MB dealer - not an independent) and pay for a new multi-point inspection or they would cancel our policy. Well Dealer wanted over $7k for the timing chain. We had an independent do it for under $2k and got money back on the warranty. I did all of the other repairs myself as we ran into those issues.

But that's partly my fault before purchasing I didn't research the common problems of the GL350. We wanted a certain set of color and options and the place we got it from wasn't the best. I think they knew the timing chain was going out. We started to hear the noisy startup sound in the first few weeks of having it. But it was just every now and then. I should have figured something was up when we test drove it they had it running and warmed up for us (we had an appointment) and then when we decided to buy it (a week or so later) before we got there they again had it warmed up for us. I should have know something was up. I think they knew about the timing chain and the slow leak in the air suspension and the compressor starting to get noisy and wanted all of that to quiet down before we got there.

Live and learn...

The VW is CPO with 2 year unlimited mileage bumper to bumper warranty.

 

Sounds like you got screwed by the selling dealer; that's a shame.

You'll never see me defend the GL; it's been the most unreliable car I've ever owned. Despite not buying an extended warranty, it's cost me very little however. I did the timing chain myself for less than $500 and all the other bad stuff (intercooler seals, NOx sensors, etc, etc.) was done under warranty. I'm sure my suspension will need replacement eventually, but that's inevitable regardless of make in my experience with air suspension.

Good luck with the TDI.