Hey guys,

I've been looking to purchase a GLS450 and have priced it out to be $85k or so. I also looked at the 550 and priced it to be around $95k. I used the current GL pricing as a guide since official GLS pricing is not available yet. The use will be for my family, at lot of around town driving, to and from stores, kids schools etc. Of course I like the 550 due to its sportier look. My wife could care less on the looks but has concerns about gas and the additional cost with the 550.

Have any of you been faced with this situation? If so, what was your final decision and why?

 

We had a 2013 450 with the V8, and just bought a 2015 550 when the lease expired on the old one.

Main reason was the 450 no longer has the V8, so that made us think it over. Gave serious consideration to a Range Rover Sport Supercharged (and even the new Volvo XC90).

The 550 had a lot of the things we would option on a 450 - so make sure you are making an apples to apples comparison. And yes IMHO it does look a lot better. I don't personally concern myself with gas mileage too much.

As a final note, try and drive one with ACS - in my mind the 550 with ACS is night and day compared to our old 450. Pricey option but I think worth it.

Good luck!

 

Easy. Rule #1: Keep the wife happy.

The 450 has plenty of power for family use so take the savings and get her something nice.

You'll both be happy.

 

For what you'll be using your rig for I would say the GL450.

 

Thanks guys. Is there a use case to have a 550 over a 450 other than performance and appearance?

 

After picking the options I deemed necessary, our 450 came to $90k. The same 550 would have been $100+k. After taking into consideration 450 discounts, maintenance and use of the GL, we went 450.

550 is clearly the more badass aggressive design, just couldn't justify the extra dough for the difference.

 

What did you think of the Volvo XC90? I saw one today. It's nice but it did not have the commanding look of the GL. I know its not the same class but I've heard others compare them too, not sure why.

 

Pre-owned or CPO GL550. Let someone else take the depreciation hit. I'm on my second 550 and my only complaint is the lack of tire options.

 

I think the standard heated and massaging seats sold my wife

Other than the engine, appearance and standard features - I believe they are the same car (although I've heard some mention they thought the suspension was different between the 450 and 550 - but I don't know).

Then again - it's the engine, appearance and features that make the truck!

 

I'd agree with this, but definitely CPO.

 

Check out my post from when I was buying the car - I gave what I thought were the positives and the negatives.

The Audi Q7 should be out now too - that wasn't when I was deciding.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post6526410

Overall - I'd suggest you and you're wife drive the current GL450 and GL550 - on your typical streets, highway for a good hour each. Put them through their paces and see which feels right to you. Good luck!

 

If it the wife's rig, I'd get what she wants. The 450 will be better on fuel and is cheaper to buy, they still perform great, if she's happy go for it. I only drive the wife's GL 3-4 times a year, and on a road trip if we take it, if I drove it more I'd consider more of what I would want. .02c