GL 550 vs GL 63
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cyclrder: Let me start by saying I plan to order a 2017 (refreshed) GLS 63 so I get the AMG appeal and you make some very sound points but I do take exception to your last statement. I get "thumbs up" all of the time in my GL 550, more than any other vehicle I've owed. And I think most couldn't tell the difference between a GL 63 and a GL 550. That being said, I'm actually lusting for your GL 63 as a write this. Love the new black wheels. Of course you live in NY. People are more savvy there.
:-)
:-)
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From: Palatine, IL
Speedriven
I love both cars, but keep in mind that they both have some pretty incredible tuning options that don't impact drivability. If you can't quite justify the added expense of the GL63 and can live without the firmer suspension and upgraded brakes, a GL550 with tune, exhaust, and drop-ins ($7K build) should be good for 485 at the wheel (a conservative 550 crank HP rating).
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26 EQS 400 SUV, 23 EQS 580 SUV (sold), 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold), 13 GL550 (sold)
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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)
I went through the same question a few months ago. However I found the seats in the GL63 to be straight out awfully uncomfortable, it something with the "wings" on those bucket seats I could never get used to. I even asked my dealer if they could special order a 63 with the 550 seats, but that was not possible.
The 63 has fantastic performance, but that's useless to me if the car is uncomfortable to drive. In other words, I ended up with a 550.
Go test both and pick the one you like the best.
The 63 has fantastic performance, but that's useless to me if the car is uncomfortable to drive. In other words, I ended up with a 550.
Go test both and pick the one you like the best.
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2008 Evo X GSR & 2014 GL550 & 2012 A6 3.0T
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From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
550 = 4,663 cc (285 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo Mercedes-Benz M 278 DE 46 AL
63 = 5,461 cc (333 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo Mercedes-Benz M 157 DE 55 AL
With money, you can do anything to either motor!
63 = 5,461 cc (333 cu in) 32V V8 biturbo Mercedes-Benz M 157 DE 55 AL
With money, you can do anything to either motor!
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X166
I have heard from someone who had a tune done on an MBZ and when they went to trade it in the dealer refused to take it because the tune history was still there (not clear if the tune was removed before trade-in)?
Truth or fiction???
I'd love to hear more about the GL550 tune. My warranty runs out this Xmas.
Thanks
Bob
Truth or fiction???
I'd love to hear more about the GL550 tune. My warranty runs out this Xmas.
Thanks
Bob
It depends on what you intend to use it for. If it is going to be simply a second DD vehicle, then what is the purpose of getting the AMG version? I mean aside from it having much better 0-60 times, is that enough of a justification for the additional cost in a second DD? Now if you're going to use the vehicle for something that requires the extra hp and torque of the AMG on a regular basis, then that's a different story. Again, it all depends on what you intend to use the vehicle for.
If you simply want occasionally more power and don't want to go the AMG route with all the maintenance expenses of owning a true sports vehicle, you could always compromise by simply buying the 550 and then buy intermediate tune. Something that stays within the parameters of what the engine and transmission can handle. It obviously won't be equal to an AMG, but it will be a lot more power than the 550 stock.
If you simply want occasionally more power and don't want to go the AMG route with all the maintenance expenses of owning a true sports vehicle, you could always compromise by simply buying the 550 and then buy intermediate tune. Something that stays within the parameters of what the engine and transmission can handle. It obviously won't be equal to an AMG, but it will be a lot more power than the 550 stock.
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From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Dealers can do whatever they want. I've never heard them reject a car because of it unless it runs rough/bad. Most probably won't even know the difference between a tuned vs non-tuned.
You can flash it to stock map and they can still rejected it because if you do any forensics on the ECU you will see that it was tuned.
There are numerous M157 engines that are tuned and haven't heard of any horror stories. Only those that have swapped turbos.
You can flash it to stock map and they can still rejected it because if you do any forensics on the ECU you will see that it was tuned.
There are numerous M157 engines that are tuned and haven't heard of any horror stories. Only those that have swapped turbos.
