mikemargolis

our beloved 2003 Ford Excursion is leaking anti freeze into one cylinder, so I am starting to look at a new truck for my wife. We have four teenagers, so need the room of a GL (it's actually quite a bit smaller than her current vehicle).

I love my 2011 E class diesel, and so want to look at the GL-350.

Can someone explain the differences between the new and old models, and is the delineation between 166 and 164 the 2013 model year, or is there some bleed?

When did the full size spare tire start? I don't mind my run flats, but it's a pain in the winter when I have to leave a wheel and tire in the trunk when I have the snows on, and so no spare.

Any advice for me?

I can wait for the right truck to come along, and I'll most likely buy CPO.

Thanks in advance.

wally AMG

If you are planning to get a CPO I don't think you will have to many choices on a new X166 GL, differences... a lot !! both are excellent SUV in my opinion but style change in 2013, this will be a budget issue I guess.

JimBarnhart

So let me explain X164 versus X166. MB typically creates a model that lasts 6-7 years. There are small tweaks on options within those years, but the overall vehicle remains the same. When they do a major redesign on a model they give it a new model 'code'. The X164 is the initial GL launch and covers the model years from 2007 through 2012. The X166 was a complete redesign of the GL and covers model years 2013 to present.

Mbenz260e

Mike if you are used to your W212 you will want the X166 vs X164, the X166 will remind you of your E in the cabin.

My wife went from a 2009 ML to 2013 GL350. We looked at the last of the 2012 GL350s side by side which was very similar to the 2009 ML inside. Since we were used to the 2012 E we both wanted the 2013 vs. 2012 just from the comfort/features etc.

By all means check out both but I feel you will go for a 2013, though as mentioned may be hard to find.

The engine also is updated in the 2013 vs. 2012, more power. 2013 also gets you a spare tire vs. run flats which was a plus for us as well.

2012s are still great trucks though. Be interesting to see what you find in the market and how much price difference there is on the used market 2012-2013. The diesels hold their value quite well relative to gas especially on the SUVs.

wamochi

i came from a 2011 X164 to a 2013 X166 and the difference is pretty drastic IMHO. the interior center console is much improved and doesn't look as dated or cheap, the noise reduction is significant, even the dash cluster instrument display is better resolution and not so old school.

don't get me wrong - we loved the X164 we had, but compared to the X166 it just doesn't seem as refined anymore.

but i agree if you have a 2011 E class with the same electronics as the X166, going "back" to a X164 GL might feel like you just went back in time