Gl vs. the rest1
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Gl vs. the rest1
With all the discussion on the V6 on the 450, I decided to pretend I was in the market and did a bunch of online research into Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus, BMW, and Land Rover.....my premise being I don't want a V6 in my otherwise well equipped big SUV.....bottom line was: the others mentioned all still run V8's BUTTTTT....their ordering combinations ( like....if you order this package, you MUST order THIS package) are ridiculous OR some of them don't have anywhere near the 4wd capability of the 450 ( Caddy) ....some have a higher degree of luxury ( Caddy and Infiniti), some are definitely "family oriented" ( so called "theater package"on Infinits is amazing, even if outdated...but you can only order that with certain color combinations 
) Each of them are at a price far less than a 2015 GL550 .. Land Rover offers everything I would want/need ( and doesn't make me buy stuff I don't need ) but at a very ridiculous price...SOOOOO, if i were buying now, in order to get the V8 I would want and everything else I need....it would be the 550....and it would be basically the same as my current 2013 450 but would cost about another 9k just to have that V8 over an identically speced 450 with the V6......ugh! My 2013 450 and I will go on for some time!
) Each of them are at a price far less than a 2015 GL550 .. Land Rover offers everything I would want/need ( and doesn't make me buy stuff I don't need ) but at a very ridiculous price...SOOOOO, if i were buying now, in order to get the V8 I would want and everything else I need....it would be the 550....and it would be basically the same as my current 2013 450 but would cost about another 9k just to have that V8 over an identically speced 450 with the V6......ugh! My 2013 450 and I will go on for some time!
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
Did you do any research on a Dodge Durango Citadel with the V8 Hemi? I had a base model for a rental car a couple of months ago. It had some familiar features, perhaps it was leftovers from the Daimler/Chrysler relationship. I did a quick look at their website and it looks like you can equip them well.
When it's time for me to upgrade I think I might look at them a bit. I've been very happy with my Dodge pickup trucks over the years. I'm sure they can't 'match' a GL in many regards (airmatic, safety, etc), but then again it's about $40K cheaper than a comparably equipped GL.
When it's time for me to upgrade I think I might look at them a bit. I've been very happy with my Dodge pickup trucks over the years. I'm sure they can't 'match' a GL in many regards (airmatic, safety, etc), but then again it's about $40K cheaper than a comparably equipped GL.
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2015 GL450 Porcelain
With all the discussion on the V6 on the 450, I decided to pretend I was in the market and did a bunch of online research into Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus, BMW, and Land Rover.....my premise being I don't want a V6 in my otherwise well equipped big SUV.....bottom line was: the others mentioned all still run V8's BUTTTTT....their ordering combinations ( like....if you order this package, you MUST order THIS package) are ridiculous OR some of them don't have anywhere near the 4wd capability of the 450 ( Caddy) ....some have a higher degree of luxury ( Caddy and Infiniti), some are definitely "family oriented" ( so called "theater package"on Infinits is amazing, even if outdated...but you can only order that with certain color combinations ) Each of them are at a price far less than a 2015 GL550 .. Land Rover offers everything I would want/need ( and doesn't make me buy stuff I don't need ) but at a very ridiculous price...SOOOOO, if i were buying now, in order to get the V8 I would want and everything else I need....it would be the 550....and it would be basically the same as my current 2013 450 but would cost about another 9k just to have that V8 over an identically speced 450 with the V6......ugh! My 2013 450 and I will go on for some time!
) Each of them are at a price far less than a 2015 GL550 .. Land Rover offers everything I would want/need ( and doesn't make me buy stuff I don't need ) but at a very ridiculous price...SOOOOO, if i were buying now, in order to get the V8 I would want and everything else I need....it would be the 550....and it would be basically the same as my current 2013 450 but would cost about another 9k just to have that V8 over an identically speced 450 with the V6......ugh! My 2013 450 and I will go on for some time!I think 550 is the best fit for you since you are so addicted to "V8".
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
addicted...sort of I guess....i just don't want to be driving the same vehicle I am now and listening the rev of the V6 trying to put out the same "power" that the V8 did effortlessly!
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15 GL550
But what is that worth? The bumpers just hang lower which some may like and others may not. I like that look on a sedan but not a SUV. Certainly, no additional installation cost and maybe $20 worth of additional plastic. The 21" wheels cost maybe $50-$100 more each and again are a matter of preference.
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GL550
If in the market - I'd go with a 2013/14 CPO GL450.
Any reason a Cayenne wasn't on your list? I know it doesn't have a 3rd row seat - but I wouldn't count the X5s either. Only reason I ask is my wife decided that's what she wanted next after she was able to see one up close and personal at a dealership. Maybe a GTS?
Any reason a Cayenne wasn't on your list? I know it doesn't have a 3rd row seat - but I wouldn't count the X5s either. Only reason I ask is my wife decided that's what she wanted next after she was able to see one up close and personal at a dealership. Maybe a GTS?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
If in the market - I'd go with a 2013/14 CPO GL450.
Any reason a Cayenne wasn't on your list? I know it doesn't have a 3rd row seat - but I wouldn't count the X5s either. Only reason I ask is my wife decided that's what she wanted next after she was able to see one up close and personal at a dealership. Maybe a GTS?
Any reason a Cayenne wasn't on your list? I know it doesn't have a 3rd row seat - but I wouldn't count the X5s either. Only reason I ask is my wife decided that's what she wanted next after she was able to see one up close and personal at a dealership. Maybe a GTS?
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From: San Diego
MB GLS550/BMW 550/2017 Acura NSX
I don't understand the fascination with the "gotta have a V8" or "incredible off-road ability".
I figure that 98% of the GL's (and all other luxury SUVs) spend all their time driving to/from work/school/shopping... all on smooth paved roads. I know ours does.
The new V6's offer the same power with much better fuel efficiency, and easily handle driving down dirt/gravel roads on the occasional camping trip. I seriously doubt any GL's do any serious off-roading (Rubicon Trail-style). Get a jeep for that stuff.
For those that tow, I can see the need for more torque, and the diesel shines here. But for the average grocery-getter, I would think the new V6 would be a better choice.
My 2 cents.
I figure that 98% of the GL's (and all other luxury SUVs) spend all their time driving to/from work/school/shopping... all on smooth paved roads. I know ours does.
The new V6's offer the same power with much better fuel efficiency, and easily handle driving down dirt/gravel roads on the occasional camping trip. I seriously doubt any GL's do any serious off-roading (Rubicon Trail-style). Get a jeep for that stuff.
For those that tow, I can see the need for more torque, and the diesel shines here. But for the average grocery-getter, I would think the new V6 would be a better choice.
My 2 cents.
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2015 GL450 Porcelain
But what is that worth? The bumpers just hang lower which some may like and others may not. I like that look on a sedan but not a SUV. Certainly, no additional installation cost and maybe $20 worth of additional plastic. The 21" wheels cost maybe $50-$100 more each and again are a matter of preference.
But THEY do COST. Check on the Canada or Germany site for AMG style kit.
My preference would be having it on my GL450 but they don't even offer it in US market
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2015 GL450
I was very happy in my 2010 E550. I loved the V8. I thought I'd get the new model when it comes out with a lot more of the S features, like what they did with the C. But once they announced there would be no non-AMG V8, that was it for me. I don't care what kind of V6 they put in it, it is no longer a car I want. V8 or nothing.
But fate intervened, and I needed something to cart a couple of big hounds. Hence the 2015 GL450. The funny thing is that I absolutely did not want a V8. Don't regret it one bit. The V6 I have now is more powerful than that in my E, and I am very happy. Love the GL. I guess it comes down to a vision I had of what my cars should have.
But fate intervened, and I needed something to cart a couple of big hounds. Hence the 2015 GL450. The funny thing is that I absolutely did not want a V8. Don't regret it one bit. The V6 I have now is more powerful than that in my E, and I am very happy. Love the GL. I guess it comes down to a vision I had of what my cars should have.
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2015 GL450 Porcelain
I don't understand the fascination with the "gotta have a V8" or "incredible off-road ability".
I figure that 98% of the GL's (and all other luxury SUVs) spend all their time driving to/from work/school/shopping... all on smooth paved roads. I know ours does.
The new V6's offer the same power with much better fuel efficiency, and easily handle driving down dirt/gravel roads on the occasional camping trip. I seriously doubt any GL's do any serious off-roading (Rubicon Trail-style). Get a jeep for that stuff.
For those that tow, I can see the need for more torque, and the diesel shines here. But for the average grocery-getter, I would think the new V6 would be a better choice.
My 2 cents.
I figure that 98% of the GL's (and all other luxury SUVs) spend all their time driving to/from work/school/shopping... all on smooth paved roads. I know ours does.
The new V6's offer the same power with much better fuel efficiency, and easily handle driving down dirt/gravel roads on the occasional camping trip. I seriously doubt any GL's do any serious off-roading (Rubicon Trail-style). Get a jeep for that stuff.
For those that tow, I can see the need for more torque, and the diesel shines here. But for the average grocery-getter, I would think the new V6 would be a better choice.
My 2 cents.
My V6 GL offer the same power and with the active curve system it drives like a sport car. BUT I do expect a better gas mileage from it
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Joined: May 2014
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09 GL 320
Pardon my english, I from south ameirican country. I not understand what you meen your V6 offer same power as V8? New V6 is wee little 3.0 litur engine. V8 is big strong engine make growl not high pitch weeee down the road. Mercedes manual say you GL with V6 many tenths of seconds slower than 2013-14 V8 450 GL was. I not understand what you meen? You not tell truth just to make you feel better about wee little engine?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
I don't understand the fascination with the "gotta have a V8" or "incredible off-road ability".
I figure that 98% of the GL's (and all other luxury SUVs) spend all their time driving to/from work/school/shopping... all on smooth paved roads. I know ours does.
The new V6's offer the same power with much better fuel efficiency, and easily handle driving down dirt/gravel roads on the occasional camping trip. I seriously doubt any GL's do any serious off-roading (Rubicon Trail-style). Get a jeep for that stuff.
For those that tow, I can see the need for more torque, and the diesel shines here. But for the average grocery-getter, I would think the new V6 would be a better choice.
My 2 cents.
I figure that 98% of the GL's (and all other luxury SUVs) spend all their time driving to/from work/school/shopping... all on smooth paved roads. I know ours does.
The new V6's offer the same power with much better fuel efficiency, and easily handle driving down dirt/gravel roads on the occasional camping trip. I seriously doubt any GL's do any serious off-roading (Rubicon Trail-style). Get a jeep for that stuff.
For those that tow, I can see the need for more torque, and the diesel shines here. But for the average grocery-getter, I would think the new V6 would be a better choice.
My 2 cents.
Last edited by blittle; Dec 4, 2014 at 10:32 PM.
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GL550
Pardon my english, I from south ameirican country. I not understand what you meen your V6 offer same power as V8? New V6 is wee little 3.0 litur engine. V8 is big strong engine make growl not high pitch weeee down the road. Mercedes manual say you GL with V6 many tenths of seconds slower than 2013-14 V8 450 GL was. I not understand what you meen? You not tell truth just to make you feel better about wee little engine?
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From: San Diego
MB GLS550/BMW 550/2017 Acura NSX
Got your point.....Buttttt...I bought my first Gl in 2007 BECAUSE of the V8 and the "incredible off road ability" PLUS comfort & convenience ....not that I take it "off road" but believe me if you could see where i go you would want that ability. My kid hauling days are long gone....and yes.... I showed my dealer a pic of my GL progressing along a one lane lce covered ledge and he said " you are about the first person I know who has taken this vehicle to any place like that"...they loved it because they said that's what MB originally designed the vehicle to be .... a lux version of the G Wagon.... that being said.....If the vehicle is going to turn into JUST a suburban soccer mom machine, then I will have to pony up and move to the Land Rover or the GL550 OR accept the V6 ( providing it STILL has the "incredible 4wd capability ") when the time comes....for now , the 2013 450 is the best I have ever had! Its all a matter of choice and what you are "used to" , I guess........ Plus: I have owned a Jeep, as noted previously. Bottom line....just give me the option to configure this great machine the way i want it!
Believe me, I love me a big, loud, powerful engine, but I want it in the vehicle where I will actually use it.
You said you take your GL quite far off the paved road, and good for you.
I guess my comments are more for those that say they only want the V8, and yet the most extreme place those people will take their GL is down a dirt road once or twice while they own that vehicle. I see no point in that, but in no way am I saying that the choice to opt for a V8 should be eliminated.
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From: New York
2025 Range Rover, 2022 BMW M850 , 2017 MB E400 Coupe
Have you ever considered a diesel? I think it's a good compromise betweenpower and speed. It's not quick from the start, but when you moving - it's notmuch slower than current V8 per my personal experience.
I had both and actually prefer diesel. 8 cyl diesel would be the perfecttruck, but unfortunately MB does not have this option in US.
Also, when you go off road - I guess it doesn’t make any difference at all.
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
This is the way it should be.
Believe me, I love me a big, loud, powerful engine, but I want it in the vehicle where I will actually use it.
You said you take your GL quite far off the paved road, and good for you.
I guess my comments are more for those that say they only want the V8, and yet the most extreme place those people will take their GL is down a dirt road once or twice while they own that vehicle. I see no point in that, but in no way am I saying that the choice to opt for a V8 should be eliminated.
Believe me, I love me a big, loud, powerful engine, but I want it in the vehicle where I will actually use it.
You said you take your GL quite far off the paved road, and good for you.
I guess my comments are more for those that say they only want the V8, and yet the most extreme place those people will take their GL is down a dirt road once or twice while they own that vehicle. I see no point in that, but in no way am I saying that the choice to opt for a V8 should be eliminated.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Have you ever considered a diesel? I think it's a good compromise betweenpower and speed. It's not quick from the start, but when you moving - it's notmuch slower than current V8 per my personal experience.
I had both and actually prefer diesel. 8 cyl diesel would be the perfecttruck, but unfortunately MB does not have this option in US.
Also, when you go off road - I guess it doesn’t make any difference at all.
I had both and actually prefer diesel. 8 cyl diesel would be the perfecttruck, but unfortunately MB does not have this option in US.
Also, when you go off road - I guess it doesn’t make any difference at all.
...and the GL350 diesel does not have the on/off road package as an option.
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2015 GL450 Porcelain
Totally agree with you. I also believe "quality" is the most important factor when we looking at the engine. If an engine could produce the sufficient power to drive the vehicle and consumer less gas, v6 or v8 are just irrelevant here.
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From: Reading PA
26 EQS 400 SUV, 23 EQS 580 SUV (sold), 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold), 13 GL550 (sold)
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From: SoCal
'15 GL450
If you tow and/or are MPG conscious, the GL350 is a no brainer; just compare the torque numbers. I used own one and loved it! If you want a true 4WD, the GL is a poor choice. The 4matic is ample for light off roading and/or driving in light to moderate snow; that's about the extent of its capabilities. If you have money flowing out of your pockets, want a "straight line fast" full size SUV, are badge conscious with a bit of ego, then get the GL550 or the 63. 
If you want a little bit of everything with the badge and luxury, the GL450 is an excellent choice. Most importantly, test drive each model extensively and draw your own conclusions. The "little bitty" V6 biturbo may surprise you.
If you want a little bit of everything with the badge and luxury, the GL450 is an excellent choice. Most importantly, test drive each model extensively and draw your own conclusions. The "little bitty" V6 biturbo may surprise you.
Last edited by luv2sleep; Dec 6, 2014 at 12:37 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
If you tow and/or are MPG conscious, the GL350 is a no brainer; just compare the torque numbers. I used own one and loved it! If you want a true 4WD, the GL is a poor choice. The 4matic is ample for light off roading and/or driving in light to moderate snow; that's about the extent of its capabilities. If you have money flowing out of your pockets, want a "straight line fast" full size SUV, are badge conscious with a bit of ego, then get the GL550 or the 63. If you want a little bit of everything with the badge and luxury, the GL450 is an excellent choice. Most importantly, test drive each model extensively and draw your own conclusions. The "little bitty" V6 biturbo may surprise you.
If you want a little bit of everything with the badge and luxury, the GL450 is an excellent choice. Most importantly, test drive each model extensively and draw your own conclusions. The "little bitty" V6 biturbo may surprise you.Disagree......with the ON/OFF pack, the GL450 has been ( since inception in 07) rated consistently as "amazing" for its class. In very low range the rear differential will lock, you can elevate the whole vehicle to get 13in of ground clearance......using the capabilities, I have been able to get moving though almost 2ft. of snow! Now, I would NEVER even consider taking something like one of these and go rock crawling.....if you are referring to that, you are certainly correct.
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 299
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From: HHI, SC
2002 C4 Cab, 2014 Audi A5 cab, 2017 X5 35d
Coming from a long line of V8's (Cayenne S, X5, S6, CLS) I decided on the 2015 GL350 vs the 450 with V6 for a number of reasons the least of which is the towing attributes of the diesel.
After 1500 miles and a bit of a learning curve, I must say that I'm very happy with my decision. Might be my imagination but with each mile it seems to get more aggressive sounding and the low end torque is phenomenal. Also getting 23 mpg with a 50-50 mix of highway/city driving and the mpg should improve a bit with age.
Of course, I get my first diesel and the price of gasoline drops like a rock but price of diesel fuel does not change much. That said, I figure that until the price spread is more than 75 cents per gallon.......my cost per mile is better than my previous gasoline guzzlers all of which required premium fuel.
Test drive the diesel! You might like it!
After 1500 miles and a bit of a learning curve, I must say that I'm very happy with my decision. Might be my imagination but with each mile it seems to get more aggressive sounding and the low end torque is phenomenal. Also getting 23 mpg with a 50-50 mix of highway/city driving and the mpg should improve a bit with age.
Of course, I get my first diesel and the price of gasoline drops like a rock but price of diesel fuel does not change much. That said, I figure that until the price spread is more than 75 cents per gallon.......my cost per mile is better than my previous gasoline guzzlers all of which required premium fuel.
Test drive the diesel! You might like it!
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Posts: 239
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From: SoCal
'15 GL450
Disagree......with the ON/OFF pack, the GL450 has been ( since inception in 07) rated consistently as "amazing" for its class. In very low range the rear differential will lock, you can elevate the whole vehicle to get 13in of ground clearance......using the capabilities, I have been able to get moving though almost 2ft. of snow! Now, I would NEVER even consider taking something like one of these and go rock crawling.....if you are referring to that, you are certainly correct.
There aren't a whole lot of choices when it comes to full size "luxury" AWD SUV. More importantly, most people will not take such a expensive SUV "off rodin'", such as yourself. If you are talking about light off roading (not to include rock crawling) and driving in light to moderate snow, every AWD and 4x4 with adequate clearance can accomplish what the GL can and in most cases, even better; those SUVs may or may not be ranked as a "luxury SUV" however, many can be found in the same class. That's all I'm sayin', bro.
If you want to compare apples to apples, the various Ranger Rover models will do circles around the GL when it comes to off roading. Though the 4matic is a good system, it's capabilities are very limted. The Audi Quattro is a better system. As I have always said, the GL is a nice all around AWD luxury SUV. It can do a little bit of everything.
Last edited by luv2sleep; Dec 6, 2014 at 03:31 PM.
