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I am considering purchasing our second GL (currently have a GL350).
The price is quite different between the AMG and 550. Anyone have any thoughts that would sway me one way or another (aside from the 550 being about 20k less)?
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.
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.
Kindof a cute conversation here - both are great rigs - frankly if your situation is flexible - of course get the AMG - why second guess ?
A loaded GL550 comparably equipped to the GL63 - sure, about a $10K-$11K up-differential - and if you want more on the GL63 - add it - I am not a fan of the B&O - I like having a spare tire, and "most" feel the B&O should show more bass presence..
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.
I chose the GL 63, not only because of the performance, but because of the extras included. The B&O stereo upgrade is well worth the cost. Why don't you seek a response in the GL 63 forum?
I chose the GL 63, not only because of the performance, but because of the extras included. The B&O stereo upgrade is well worth the cost. Why don't you seek a response in the GL 63 forum?
Thank you for everyone's input. I'll do that as well. Thanks!
I test drove both vehicles, and I didn't feel that there was enough of a performance improvement to justify the cost differential. I do agree with w220430 in that the sport seats of the GL63 were not as comfortable. I ended up spending the difference between the two vehicles on a fantastic black designo interior on the GL550.
Went through same process before we finalized on GL550. One of factors important to us is the difference in the 4matic between vehicles. The 550 varies input forward & aft while the GL63 is fixed front to back. Also I wanted the off road package for winter travel to Vermont.
Finally maxed out a 550 including as above, black Designo. Very pleased with car, but whenever I see/hear a GL63………………….
I chose the GL 63, not only because of the performance, but because of the extras included. The B&O stereo upgrade is well worth the cost. Why don't you seek a response in the GL 63 forum?
You make valid point. If one were to buy a GL550 and retrofit it with the components and options that come standard on a GL63 AMG, it would cost a lot more. Compare any AMG package to its non-AMG version, they're all priced fairly for the upgrades you get.
"For 2015, GL450 models get a new turbocharged V6 engine that's just as powerful as the V8 it's replacing but much more fuel-efficient. All gasoline-powered models also receive an automated engine stop-start feature designed to boost fuel economy. Finally, the six-CD changer has been dropped and the optional panoramic sunroof loses the glass panel over the third-row seats."
So possibly the only thing you'd lose would be automated engine stop/start and 3rd row glass panel.
I personally love the 3rd row glass panel and the automated engine stop/start was annoying in my 2015 C300 loaner that I turned it off. It shook the entire car going on/off and I could see it wearing out the engine mounts pretty quickly and not sure what engine damage it could be doing going on/off so frequently in stop/go traffic.
So I think the difference are non-material unless the actual options are different between the two.
The last thing I would check is the warranty end dates. You could kind of compare apples to apples by extended the 2014 by a year and see how much that costs. Then you know the delta between the 2015/2014 is going to be less than the $9,000.
Once you factor in worn tires/brakes/rotors/etc... that reduces it even more. So using a guess, the actual difference is probably around $5,000.
So I'd personally buy the 2014 and take the wife out to a nice dinner and save the rest=)
Originally Posted by doctorG
Would appreciate people's thoughts on these two deals...
"For 2015, GL450 models get a new turbocharged V6 engine that's just as powerful as the V8 it's replacing but much more fuel-efficient. All gasoline-powered models also receive an automated engine stop-start feature designed to boost fuel economy. Finally, the six-CD changer has been dropped and the optional panoramic sunroof loses the glass panel over the third-row seats."
So possibly the only thing you'd lose would be automated engine stop/start and 3rd row glass panel.
I personally love the 3rd row glass panel and the automated engine stop/start was annoying in my 2015 C300 loaner that I turned it off. It shook the entire car going on/off and I could see it wearing out the engine mounts pretty quickly and not sure what engine damage it could be doing going on/off so frequently in stop/go traffic.
So I think the difference are non-material unless the actual options are different between the two.
The last thing I would check is the warranty end dates. You could kind of compare apples to apples by extended the 2014 by a year and see how much that costs. Then you know the delta between the 2015/2014 is going to be less than the $9,000.
Once you factor in worn tires/brakes/rotors/etc... that reduces it even more. So using a guess, the actual difference is probably around $5,000.
So I'd personally buy the 2014 and take the wife out to a nice dinner and save the rest=)
Nice response! I'll take that all into consideration. Thank you
Would appreciate people's thoughts on these two deals...
New 2015 GL63 AMG $110,000
Used 2014 GL63 AMG $101,000 (8000 miles)
MSRP on each one is $121,000
???
Of the two, if it were me, I would go with the new 2015 GL63 for the following reasons:
1) It's brand new and there is no concern that the previous owner excessively beat the hell out of the vehicle before you. I always wonder when I see late model used vehicles like the 2014. what the previous own did with the vehicle that made them turn it in with so few miles on it. Yeah, I get some people just get a new car every year, but just as many people who really can't afford the vehicle they got just abuse the hell out of them before trading them in.
2) You get a new vehicle warranty on the 2015. On MB vehicles and especially the AMG models, that warranty is worth a lot of money YOU don't have to pay out of your own pocket.
3) In the grand scheme of things, the price differential between the two is nil. So if you can buy new for a few dollars more, why are you even considering the used vehicle? Unless the used 2014 GL63 is has way more options than the new 2015 you're looking at, why bother with the 2014.
Of the two, if it were me, I would go with the new 2015 GL63 for the following reasons:
1) It's brand new and there is no concern that the previous owner excessively beat the hell out of the vehicle before you. I always wonder when I see late model used vehicles like the 2014. what the previous own did with the vehicle that made them turn it in with so few miles on it. Yeah, I get some people just get a new car every year, but just as many people who really can't afford the vehicle they got just abuse the hell out of them before trading them in.
2) You get a new vehicle warranty on the 2015. On MB vehicles and especially the AMG models, that warranty is worth a lot of money YOU don't have to pay out of your own pocket.
3) In the grand scheme of things, the price differential between the two is nil. So if you can buy new for a few dollars more, why are you even considering the used vehicle? Unless the used 2014 GL63 is has way more options than the new 2015 you're looking at, why bother with the 2014.
Hope this helps.
Paul...I like how you think. I would still appreciate folks' input.
a couple of things from someone who has put 90K on the previous version GL550 and now 30K on 2 GL63s.
1. if you drive in snow a lot.... the 4matic in the 550 is superior as it isn't fixed 40/60 .. that being said, if you put dedicated Pirelli Scorpion Winter tires on it... it is fine.
2. You will never see the offroad package on a GL63 (offroad package adds different diffs and appropriate wheels won't fit around the front brakes).. so if you live on Nantucket and go driving down the beach every weekend.. buy yourself a 550 and change out the 21 inch wheels. (you will crack them way to easily in offroad territory)
3. remember.. a GL63 basically comes with every option and is quite luxurious..(from the headliner to the details of leather everywhere..only a designo equipped vehicle comes close).... if you are a little on the healthy weight side of things.. the front seats might seem to be uncomfortable but the "wings" can be adjusted to lay flat and not be noticeable so that the seat should be quite similar to the 550.
4. if you spent anytime driving the GL63... you would get use to it's good balance and lovely driving experience without ever indulging the engine. (though a 550 with every suspension option checked will handle very closely.)
5. as far as the people who say "who needs an AMG SUV".. well folks.. that is why God created GL450s....
6. buying used gets you the CPO warranty to 100K I believe and also nice financing rates...
7. can I just say.. it is really really hard to beat on an AMG vehicle.. unless you are doing 0-60 runs every day.. their is just no place to beat these cars without getting your license taken away.... I drive pretty hard and I have never made the brakes fade nor had any mechanical issues with the motor.. the car is basically loafing all the time.
and lastly.... nobody on the street is looking over at you and giving thumbs up to a 550.... it happens all the time in the 63
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.
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.
:-)
agreed... the 550 and 63 do look pretty much the same...key factors are the red calipers and in my case the OEM black wheels that push people over the edge and are willing to give you that thumbs up...
I actually went the further step and put 22 inch ADV1 s on for my summer and use the OEM blacks with dedicated snows....
I do like your white GL550.. very very nice... I would give you a thumbs up and most certainly a blink of the headlights passing by!
and my 14 in black (will never ever ever do black again... dirty the moment you drive it a block!)
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