Help Please! GL450 vs ML350 vs Q7
 

Hey everyone! I have been a longtime reader of this site but this is my first time posting. I need to replace my wife's '10 MDX. We are having a really hard time deciding what to replace it with. We are looking for something with more 2nd row legroom...these darn childseats are so large these days...kids keep kicking the backseat. Anyway, we have narrowed it down to the 2013-15 ML350, 2013 GL450 or the 2013-15 Audi Q7. We like the ML350 for the gas milage and interior space. We dislike the ML for the outside appearance (just appears a little short) and how it handles in curves. We like the gl450 for the looks and ride quality. We dislike the cost of course and it might take a little getting use to for her to drive a bigger vehicle, though I don't think it will be an issue. Finally, we like the Q7 for how it handles and the ability to change suspension for a sportier ride. Our dislikes are the looks and the dated appearance of the instruments/navigation.

Can anyone add any thoughts/advice? We are completely stuck trying to figure this out. I think we would lean towards the GL if we could find a really good CPO 2013.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

I'm obviously biased...but....I also went through the same decision tree and actually started with looking at the Q7. I think the upcoming Q7 is a vast improvement but found the current Q7 both dated and saddled with an otherwise useless 3rd row for adults. (Ditto for the X5.)

At the end of the day I couldn't see buying 3-row SUV that was really a 2.5-row SUV.

And after looking at the GL it was game over.

Well considering this is a MB forum 95% of the answers will be biased but if it was me and I was in your situation I would consider buying maybe a used R63 AMG or a e63 wagon if you can find one, has the 3rd row seating your looking for and is comfortable as just a 5 seater, also can't go wrong with a 507Hp engine under your right foot. Depending on your bidget you can get a 2007 e63 wagon here in Cali for about 30k.

We looked at the new MDX, Q7, and of course the GL. I prefer Audis over MBs but the Q7 is outdated as you've already noticed. The 3rd row is useless and for the power/torque (or lack thereof), the mpg is subpar. The new Q7 looks pretty promising but the jury is still out. We've owned a ML years ago but I always thought they were ugly, JMO; it's a midsize SUV so it's not going to offer much more space than your MDX. If space is what you are looking for with a little luxury, you can't go wrong with the GL. The 3rd row seats are fully functional unlike many other SUVs.

Looked at the same vehicles you have listed ~3 months ago, for similar reasons.

Came to many of the same conclusions you did also. Q7 3.0TDI almost made the cut, but I couldn't get past the look, inside or out. The tiny nav screen looked like an aftermarket add-on.

The GL is worth the price premium over the other choices. Though I will say, the 2nd row leg room isn't all that abundant in the GL if you have a 6'+ driver.

any other thoughts? Thank you for those who have already responded

How many kids do you have? Is the most important criteria to have a useable third row or just more space in the 2nd row?

If it's 2nd row space your after, I believe the Lexus RX wins that category. And if it's a real 3rd row you're after then GL all the way.

My wife went from a 2011 ML to a 2014 GL and had NO problems with the larger vehicle. She absolutely LOVES her GL! Rear cargo has definitely come in handy with the 3rd row folded down in the GL.

My two cents...
 

Axxlrod asks a great question, how many kids? I'm assuming two as the ML350 would be super tight with 3 car seats. My advice, skip ML350 and go straight to GL.:) We bought a ML350 in 2013 when my kids were 2 & 4 years old and I neglected to realize that it is necessary to drive around friends. We are how looking to buy a GL450. My reasoning at the time was similar to your wife's reasoning less money, better gas mileage and smaller size. Although, now that I've driven the GL it is barely different than driving the ML. Plus, the 360 view camera makes parallel parking a breeze.

Good luck!

Sorry I didn't mention that. 2 kids. 2 and 4. Thanks again!

There is a 1000 fleet discount for the ADA. make sure you utilize that. I would highly recommend the GL. You wont be disappointed.

If you can wait for the new Q7.............wait. The GL 2nd row leg room is not that great because of the 3rd row configuration.

When does the new Q7 come out?

Will be model year 2016 and is expected to hit the USA first quarter 2016 with V-6 gasser and diesel to follow.

Thanks

If you do decide on the GL or the ML, do NOT get the EZ Entry option. There is a very long thread on this matter. Short story is that the headrests that come with this option is a pain in the butt to install car seats and very uncomfortable for kids once they hit 7-10 years of age.

True, unless you have the dealership remove the pins. If they wont, take your car to a car audio/accessories shop and have them remove the pins for $75 while you wait about a half hour.

You should go and get the new Volvo XC90 - that car is amazing - take a look - the new Volvo is what the Q7 should have looked like - I think Audi and Volvo exchanged their design teams - the new Audi Q7 looks like a station wagon - seriously do yourself a favor and actually go to anVolvo dealer and check them out - they have the demo units in every showroom now and they have a intro lease special - reasonably priced - I just bought a GL 550 and traded in our 2014 ML because it was too small - 2 kids 9 and 5 - good luck

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...02158c10ab.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...86220c72ff.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e1e311c09e.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...54f8752160.jpg


anyway just a thought - - they start at 50k and go up to about 75k -

Funny, I was just looking at the new Volvo too. I absolutely love it and the reviews so far are very positive. I would just worry about reliability in the 1st gen. The XC90 does not have a good reliability record.

I do love my GL550, it's large enough for my two kids and a labradoodle. I just need to stop thinking about the Volvo...hah

I saw the Volvo on the road yesterday. Very nice looking but not as masculine as a 450 and nowhere near as masculine as the 550. We have owned GLs because they ride and handle like a heavy sedan and don't look anything like a minivan. They are masculine but don't look like a truck (GM and Ford SUVs). The new Audi looks like a tall station wagon.

To me, the GL is much better looking.

The 2013 GL450 is a great pick as you are getting a de-tuned version of the current GL550 motor, the car has already taken a big depreciation hit, and the long wheelbase and wheel/tire combo of that model make the car ride like butter. Mercedes seems to have really pulled away from its rivals. I used to be a BMW guy during the E46/E39 era, but the current S class sedan/coupe and the GL just can't be touched by BMW and Audi. Same goes for the AMG models. I imagine there are also more Mercedes dealerships in the US than Audi, which if you are doing road trips could be a factor. If you take a pass on the GL, I'd consider the new Denali or Escalade. Massively more standard features, remote start, etc...

Don't forget.......the Escalade and Yukon are trucks and you'll get the truck ride!