you are comparing a 3 litre turbo diesel to a 4.8 litre gas twin turbo v8, they aren't meant to compete in any shape or form when it comes to power.
Frustrated with gl350 power, going back to cayenne turbo
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05 e320 cdi
Frustrated with gl350 power, going back to cayenne turbo
I love everything about my 2014 gl350 except the lack of get up and go, I thought that all the reports of the great low end torque would overcome the lack of top end but everytime i get on it, im disappointed. I was spoiled with a turbo s but i feel like im pulling a pig through 4 feet of mud....
Anyone else disappointed.
Anyone else disappointed.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 333
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From: South Florida
Either a tuned GL550 or GL63 (also tuned) solves the problem! I drove both a Cayenne Turbo S and my GL63 back to back to back. My 63 (tuned) was noticeably faster out of the hole and just kept on pulling effortlessly despite it's weight. The Cayenne however while still very quick inspired more confidence in the handling department. if I wasn't fortunate enough to also have a phenomenal 911 Turbo, and only one car in budget, the Cayenne Turbo & S solves a lot of needs! In the price department, a tuned GL63 is still considerably less money than a CTurboS.
I love everything about my 2014 gl350 except the lack of get up and go, I thought that all the reports of the great low end torque would overcome the lack of top end but everytime i get on it, im disappointed. I was spoiled with a turbo s but i feel like im pulling a pig through 4 feet of mud....
Anyone else disappointed.
Anyone else disappointed.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 12
From: South Florida
A GL550 tuned gets to a stock 63hp which is PLENTY of power and low end torque. The interior of a GL63 is far superior to even a Designio 550. If you/one does't see them back to back, the 550 is very, very nice.
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05 e320 cdi
The cost of a new gl350 and a used cayenne turbo are dead on so this is where i am comparing them....
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
agreed, but i have had 2 different e class diesels and was satisfied with the torque giving me confidence in daily conditions, I feel as though there is a bit too much mass to pull around with the gl. Maybe i m just needing a car that gets to 60 in 7 seconds or less to feel comfortable with merging/overtaking....
The cost of a new gl350 and a used cayenne turbo are dead on so this is where i am comparing them....
The cost of a new gl350 and a used cayenne turbo are dead on so this is where i am comparing them....
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Thread Starter
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05 e320 cdi
My gl pretty well equipped approaches 90....most recently
I have found s 2013 cayenne turbo 7k miles for 92
That was a 136k car, which is pretty well equippefp
The 2014 turbo s is still 130+ so not a fair comparison
I have found s 2013 cayenne turbo 7k miles for 92
That was a 136k car, which is pretty well equippefp
The 2014 turbo s is still 130+ so not a fair comparison
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Carrera S;
GL550 vs Cayenne Turbo
Trimmer 2-why do you think the GL63 interior is "that" much better than GL550 with Designo? Both have leather dashboards, leather door panel, leather consoles and I appreciate the diamond pattern better.
I wanted the 63, but concerns about the limited 4 matic on 63 compared to 550 and residing in NE USA forced me to 550 with on/off road package. Optioned out to just over $108 and should be a great vehicle. Will most likely get chipped (Renntech). Any experience with that?
I wanted the 63, but concerns about the limited 4 matic on 63 compared to 550 and residing in NE USA forced me to 550 with on/off road package. Optioned out to just over $108 and should be a great vehicle. Will most likely get chipped (Renntech). Any experience with that?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Oregon USA
2023 Mercedes EQS 580 SUV, 2023 Bentley Bentayga, 2023 Genesis GV60
As a former Cayenne Turbo owner until I sold it last week, and as a current GL550 owner, I will say that while the Cayenne had better and more exhilarating off-the-line pull, it fell far short in every other area: smoothness, comfort, features, sound, creaks, fit-and-finish, and styling. As others have said, it's a tad ridiculous to compare a GL350 to a Cayenne Turbo in acceleration.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 12
From: South Florida
Trimmer 2-why do you think the GL63 interior is "that" much better than GL550 with Designo? Both have leather dashboards, leather door panel, leather consoles and I appreciate the diamond pattern better.
I wanted the 63, but concerns about the limited 4 matic on 63 compared to 550 and residing in NE USA forced me to 550 with on/off road package. Optioned out to just over $108 and should be a great vehicle. Will most likely get chipped (Renntech). Any experience with that?
I wanted the 63, but concerns about the limited 4 matic on 63 compared to 550 and residing in NE USA forced me to 550 with on/off road package. Optioned out to just over $108 and should be a great vehicle. Will most likely get chipped (Renntech). Any experience with that?
The GL63 interior is much more plush and more detail than the 550's Designo. Do a search and you will find more discussion. Unfortunately, the 63's interior can not be added/purchased on the 550.
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Carrera S;
Notice you have the B&O. I wanted the B&O, but was told no spare and at some level, thankfully, no run flats. We have a Carrera S Cab w/o spare and have been stranded-that's why we did not order B&O.
No concerns ??
No concerns ??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Texas
2014 S550 - SOLD, 2014 GL550 - SOLD, 2014 GL63 AMG, 2015 S63 AMG Sedan, 2015 S63 AMG Coupe
I have B&O in my GL63. I wasn't much concerned about a spare. The sound system is good but not as good as the high end burmester in the current S.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,635
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From: Texas
2014 S550 - SOLD, 2014 GL550 - SOLD, 2014 GL63 AMG, 2015 S63 AMG Sedan, 2015 S63 AMG Coupe
My GL63 has been flashed by RENNtech as has previous turbo Mercedes over the years. The car is much more willing and the torque kicks in at lower rpm's. Yes, I recommend it. The GL63 interior is much more plush and more detail than the 550's Designo. Do a search and you will find more discussion. Unfortunately, the 63's interior can not be added/purchased on the 550.
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
GL450 and 550 use the same engine so same power on flashed ECU's for both. If you don't need to body kit and want the get up and go, the 450 is a very good alternative.
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Raleigh NC
2014 GL350 , 2010 Accord V6, 40' Monaco Dynasty RV, 1971 VW Convertable
Test drive a PIG
pulling a pig through 4 feet of mud....
Do you remember saying this
"i thought i did a rudimentary search and couldnt find anything about dropping a cdi into a g. My wife has a new ml and we love the diesel powerplant. I have a cayenne turbo s and really dont need nor use the power and would love cruising with the extended range of a diesel. I assume importation is excessively expensive for a new g 350"
Im so sorry you feel this way. But did you not NOTICE that when you test drove the both of them.
You did test drive the PIG didn't you.
Sorry Flame Off
Keep the Blue side UP
Do you remember saying this
"i thought i did a rudimentary search and couldnt find anything about dropping a cdi into a g. My wife has a new ml and we love the diesel powerplant. I have a cayenne turbo s and really dont need nor use the power and would love cruising with the extended range of a diesel. I assume importation is excessively expensive for a new g 350"
Im so sorry you feel this way. But did you not NOTICE that when you test drove the both of them.
You did test drive the PIG didn't you.
Sorry Flame Off
Keep the Blue side UP
Last edited by a330captain; Mar 15, 2014 at 11:59 PM.
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
The 63 and 550 (with Designo) interiors are the same except the 550 has diamond stitching (while subjective, many prefer) over the 63's regular looking seats.
Both use the same Nappa Leather for the dash, door panels, and seats, both have alcantara headliners. There's no discernible difference aside from the aforementioned diamond stitching vs. regular stitching.
Both use the same Nappa Leather for the dash, door panels, and seats, both have alcantara headliners. There's no discernible difference aside from the aforementioned diamond stitching vs. regular stitching.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 12
From: South Florida
The 63 and 550 (with Designo) interiors are the same except the 550 has diamond stitching (while subjective, many prefer) over the 63's regular looking seats.
Both use the same Nappa Leather for the dash, door panels, and seats, both have alcantara headliners. There's no discernible difference aside from the aforementioned diamond stitching vs. regular stitching.
Both use the same Nappa Leather for the dash, door panels, and seats, both have alcantara headliners. There's no discernible difference aside from the aforementioned diamond stitching vs. regular stitching.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 107
Likes: 2
From: Weston, Florida
2014 GL350BT
Really not a fair comparison. We love the GL350, plenty of get up and go for a family SUV. Love the long range on road trips. Wish my bladder could do that!
We traded in a Tahoe LT, V-8, and do miss the passing acceleration ability and the tone of the exhaust, but it is a diesel engine that gets 26MPG on the highway. That is what it is all about, isn't it?
Maybe you need to look at the VW Tuareg with the V-10 Bi-Turbo Diesel Engine? If they still make it.
We traded in a Tahoe LT, V-8, and do miss the passing acceleration ability and the tone of the exhaust, but it is a diesel engine that gets 26MPG on the highway. That is what it is all about, isn't it?
Maybe you need to look at the VW Tuareg with the V-10 Bi-Turbo Diesel Engine? If they still make it.
Last edited by Flyingman; Mar 16, 2014 at 12:50 PM.
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From: Huntington NY
S560
Really not a fair comparison. We love the GL350, plenty of get up and go for a family SUV. Love the long range on road trips. Wish my bladder could do that!
We traded in a Tahoe LT, V-8, and do miss the passing acceleration ability and the tone of the exhaust, but it is a diesel engine that gets 26MPG on the highway. That is what it is all about, isn't it?
Maybe you need to look at the VW Tuareg with the V-10 Bi-Turbo Diesel Engine? If they still make it.
We traded in a Tahoe LT, V-8, and do miss the passing acceleration ability and the tone of the exhaust, but it is a diesel engine that gets 26MPG on the highway. That is what it is all about, isn't it?
Maybe you need to look at the VW Tuareg with the V-10 Bi-Turbo Diesel Engine? If they still make it.
OP- I don't know what you were expecting- the GL350 is on par with other full size gas SUVs, which is incredible considering its mileage and range, but you can't compare it to race trucks or, you know, fighter jets and stuff....
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Weston, Florida
2014 GL350BT
Lol, and my wife was just telling me how much she loves the power of her new GL350. Especially compared to her 2010 Escalade ESV. As she calls it, it's far more "zippy". The only place it lags is off the line. It blows away the ESV on the highway, I can't see how you feel the Tahoe was faster knowing the ESV has nearly 100 more hp.
OP- I don't know what you were expecting- the GL350 is on par with other full size gas SUVs, which is incredible considering its mileage and range, but you can't compare it to race trucks or, you know, fighter jets and stuff....
OP- I don't know what you were expecting- the GL350 is on par with other full size gas SUVs, which is incredible considering its mileage and range, but you can't compare it to race trucks or, you know, fighter jets and stuff....
I'm totally happy with the GL350, but it is my wife's car. She picked it, I pay for it!
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From: Huntington NY
S560
Perhaps it is just perception. The ESV has something like a 6.8 0-60 time while the GL is probably around 8.6. The beauty of the diesel is it doesn't have to drop down two gears to pass, so you do save that split second when actually passing.
I'm totally happy with the GL350, but it is my wife's car. She picked it, I pay for it!
I'm totally happy with the GL350, but it is my wife's car. She picked it, I pay for it!
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 107
Likes: 2
From: Weston, Florida
2014 GL350BT
I doubt they could be that close to each other. The Escalade with 6.2l V-8 would pretty much wipe up the GL350 in anything straightline, other than perhaps a 24 hours at Lemans, where the diesel range would eat up any speed advantage.
My Tahoe was of course the shorter version, so rather light as compared with the GL350 which indeed feels heavy.
But if you want a luxury diesel SUV with enough room to haul the kids, luggage, bikes, etc... without putting crap up on the roof, the GL350 fits the bill. And the 3rd row is actually useable.
If it was purely my choice I would have gone with the X5D, but the rear space is still limited and the Audi Q7 was also a bit tight.
No regrets.
For the "need for speed" I have my BMW335D which will hold it's own with most 335i and still gives me 30mpg and 500 miles/tank.
My Tahoe was of course the shorter version, so rather light as compared with the GL350 which indeed feels heavy.
But if you want a luxury diesel SUV with enough room to haul the kids, luggage, bikes, etc... without putting crap up on the roof, the GL350 fits the bill. And the 3rd row is actually useable.
If it was purely my choice I would have gone with the X5D, but the rear space is still limited and the Audi Q7 was also a bit tight.
No regrets.
For the "need for speed" I have my BMW335D which will hold it's own with most 335i and still gives me 30mpg and 500 miles/tank.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 12
From: South Florida
The 63 and 550 (with Designo) interiors are the same except the 550 has diamond stitching (while subjective, many prefer) over the 63's regular looking seats.
Both use the same Nappa Leather for the dash, door panels, and seats, both have alcantara headliners. There's no discernible difference aside from the aforementioned diamond stitching vs. regular stitching.
Both use the same Nappa Leather for the dash, door panels, and seats, both have alcantara headliners. There's no discernible difference aside from the aforementioned diamond stitching vs. regular stitching.
