ericmichael

Hi,

Can I please get your advice.

I am in the market for a large/midsize “German” SUV. Loved the Tahoes and Yukon but almost the same price loaded and it’s not a close call at almost same price point. While there are many I have looked at included X5, Cayenne, Audo Q7 and VW TDI, the GL/ML call to me.

I say Large to midsize in that I would love the GL but could probably live with the ML. Wife, couple of dogs, travel a lot so do need abundant space.

The price difference is about 11k between the ML 350 Bluetec and GL 350 Bluetec.
I built the GL for $68k and built the ML for $57k. I am not rich but it won’t kill me to spend 11k extra for a keeper. I usually keep me cars for about 6 years.

So my 2 major questions are;

• Would one spend the extra 11k and get the big boy, especially when MPG is very close to one another. Even if I don’t use the 3rd row or extra cargo space, it’s nice to know it’s there. Big doesn’t bother me either as I live in Texas and can park an RV in any parking lot in the suburbs.
• Diesel or Gas engine- I have read 100 articles on this and still cannot decide. I love the higher MPG and long range a tank will give me. Premium fuel is actually more expensive than Diesel in TX so that is a wash. I don’t care about speed as I have a GT3 for the weekend. It seems it will have a better resale value in 6 years and I will enjoy the fuel savings as well.

What would you guys do? Thanks in advance,

cadetdrivr

FWIW, we went through a similar scenario and went with the GL. Our 3rd row remains mostly folded but the space back there with the 3rd row folded is amazing and the seats are there if we ever need it. We've used the 3rd row about once per month since we took delivery so it's nice to have the flexibility.

Also, if you want a 2014 ML with a V6 BlueTEC you better move fast and grab one off the lot....they are probably no longer available for customer order. 2015 ML's will have the 2.1L 4 cylinder diesel currently found in the GLK250 BlueTEC while the GL will soldier on with the V6 BlueTEC. And the V6 BlueTEC is sweet....this is our first diesel and all negative "diesel" pre-concecptions have been shattered. We just did our first real road trip and drove from Minneapolis to Omaha (and back) and the GL delivered just under 29MPG and it's not really even broken in with only a little over 2000 miles. I'm actually looking forward to our next road trip instead of dreading it.

This is the first car that we've ever owned where we would simply order the exact same vehicle, no questions asked, if anything were to happen to it.

cyclrder

The GL just looks so much better.... And of course the 550/63 really looks hot

JMCarter

We went through a similar dilemma and went GL since I wanted to tow a 6000 pound Airstream. Just back from a 6200 mile RV trip through the UP and Ontario and the Bluetec GL is an amazing tow vehicle. Got the 3rd zone air and our two dogs rode the whole way in comfort as well. I'd say go all the way, the GL is definitely a keeper.

JimBarnhart

I have had an ML500, GL450 and GL350. Most of the time it's just me and my wife in the vehicle, or 2 couples. The ML would work fine most of the time. But when the 3 dogs travel, or we have extended family, or we tailgate at Packer games, it's nice to have the extra room of the GL.

Todd in PA

I have a different opinion, please test drive both and then decide.
I think there is a huge difference in the "ride" of each vehicle, the GL being much quieter and softer. The Gl has Airmatic suspension, I don't think the ML has this.

baldmike73

i am going through the same dilemma but i have 2 small kiddos - interior space side to side the cars are the same - but the extra space in the back can always come in handy.

if you go with the ML i'd say pick up a used ML63 for the same price as a new GL3/450 - i tried that route and wife still wants the 3rd row.

JimBarnhart

If the ML doesn't have airmatic (my 2003 didn't, but I assumed they did now) I agree with Todd_in_PA to testdrive them both.

cadetdrivr

FWIW, Airmatic is currently a special order option on the ML.

fabbrisd1

Back to a significant earlier reply - the V6 350BT engine is NOT AVAILABLE for the MY2015 ML - for MY2015 the ML defaults to the 250BT.

Is the "$11K" worth it for the GL350BT - even more so in MY15 - but you had better like up a MY15 GL350BT RIGHT NOW if you want to be driving that rig this calendar year - allocation is very tight - ORDER NOW October can be possible with the right dealer -if you wait 4-6 weeks to pull the trigger - for most that will mean Jan/Feb GL350 delivery

ericmichael

nt

baobay

good choice!

Mbenz260e

Nice choice. GL is must more comfortable with the airmatic and longer wheel base and better sound proofing?

bubba1948

Well... That is not quite correct. Both vehicles are available with airmatic. For the best is ride/handling the active curve system should be added. Ride and handling is significantly altered by tire size. An Ml with airmatic and 19 inch tires will ride much better than a gl550 with 21's. While it is true that the gl has a longer wheel base, the deck height, (floor when the seats are folded flat) and the overall height is higher which means that the gl tends to roll more in the curves. Just look at test reviews and you will see the difference in cornering expressed in g force. In real life what this means is that if you drive where the roads twist a little, wife is going to be screaming at a much lower speed in a gl than an Ml. Now, regarding the Ml63 comment I agree. I have a bluetec Ml350 with 19's and replaced the gl550 with an Ml63 P1 with 20's. Awesome. Happy wife.....

LonghornDXB

I am going through this dilemma as well, and everything else being equal, space is the main reason why the GL would be better in your case.
In my case, I was almost about to get the GL400 as it was "only" 10% more than the ML, but its just the 2 of us and a new baby, so it felt awkward to get a car more suited to those with school going kids and dogs


And while the interior specs show them to be equal in size, I do not know why the GL just feels large, particularly in the 2nd row.


And while the GL is a couple of inches taller, you feel you are seated slightly higher on the ML, probably because of the higher relative center of gravity

cyclrder

If you are trying to stay in a price range... I would suggest a CPO Gl550... The amount of included options on the vehicle makes all the difference in the world. (I'm talking about all of the active handling features and the sheer difference in performance for only a few real world MPGs)

Most people on this forum haven't even driven a 550 ... And for that matter... Most people drive the cars in C mode where they do wallow around a bit... Even my AMG will be sloppy in C mode.

Driven in S these cars will inspire with confidence.

Even with my 2008 GL550 , the loner ML350s 166 body as comparison were uninspiring to drive and felt cheaper inside. The mileage penalty is really only about 3mpg....

CPO GL550 will give you a much better warranty and finance rate... Let someone else take the depreciation hit.

ovul82jazz

We just went through all of the same machinations. Went with the GL and have not looked back. Its outstanding and the extra space comes in very very handy. I don't think that a better highway cruising machine has been built.

JoeMa

You can tell by my picture to the left that I own the GL550.


I agree with earlier comments about having the extra room even if you don't need the 3rd row seats very often. And IMO the GL looks more proportional overall.