Plan to order a GLS or pick up a GL in the near future. I am debating either the 350 or 450 power plant. A concern I have living in the Midwest is that biodiesel can run as high as 20% and the MB warranty only allows 5% max. My local MB Service Mgr gave the nod today to the 450, citing Bluetec issues overall. I put on roughly 30k annually,and hope to see a 200k lifespan. I am hoping to get a consensus on my 1st post!

 

We were looking for a 2016 GL in December. I was intrigued by the 350 for the mileage. I preferred the power numbers of the 450. The 550 was too rich for our blood and I was looking for a replacement to our 2004 Chevy Tahoe, not a performance vehicle that's about the same size.

When I asked the dealer, he definitely was steering us away from the GL 350. I like a vehicle that responds to the throttle input at the instant I want it. The torque numbers on the diesel are impressive, but 0-60 is 8.3 seconds compared to 6.6 with the GL 450. The requirement for the AdBlue DEF is something else that has to be considered in the maintenance of the vehicle. With the forecasted cost of gasoline plus the performance difference...it just made more sense for us to go with the GL 450.

That's my 2 cents. Your mileage may vary.

 

I have had my GL350 for a little over a year and a half now. With approximately 53K miles in, I am enjoying and do not regret buying the diesel version of the GL. Sure, the AdBlue DEF is added expense, but it can be a DIY at minimal costs. The cost of diesel is also lower than Premium gas right now. It may be slower from 0 to 60 compared to the 450, but I dont really notice since I dont drive it like a sports car.

If I was on the market to replace, I would consider another diesel GL.

 

I too have the GL 350 and do not regret the decision. I'm at 25k miles in 15 months @ 25mgp with zero issues. You can buy 2 gallons of DEF @ $13.99. Car holds 10 gallons and goes 10,000 miles on a fill-up.
If you're looking for 200k lifespan..........the gasser won't make it! If you can get ULSD (non bio) within 20 miles of home it's a no brainer. After a slight learning curve you'll learn that the diesel will get after it in most any driving condition you face.

 

There are areas in the Midwest - specifically Chicagoland/IL + Minnesota - where the fracking diesel "rules" in those areas put every European diesel at risk.

Compuynded in Illinois with poorly enforced pump labeling.. where it's not clear most of the time what you are getting when you pump diesel.

Yes - it is a question regarding the widely varying quality of pump Bio20 - and yes, that over mid-term will muck-up a European diesel.

European's have been maximizing "Green" for years/years - and B20 as adopted by several states in the US is contrary to all European experieince to date.

B20 is strictly a political thing - under the guise of Green - to offer truckers crossing those states lower priced diesel as compared to adjacent states - increasing state fuel/excise tax revenue.

Crossing thru - no problem - living there yes you can cause yourself problems.

 

Living in IL with an abundance of corn and bad politicians it lends itself to a bad diesel blend! As a current Audi A8L TDI owner they warranty up to B20,where as MB's warranty states 5%. MB dealers in IL with a clear conscience should make possible Bluetec customers aware of that. I had a Q7 loaner for the day yesterday and was impressed. I'll wait to see the GLS 450 this spring and decide then.

 

Close.

Biodiesel absolutely is a political thing but really it's even more basic: it's a government program for soybean producers that are suffering from decreased consumer demand for hydrogenated oils. By mandating bio the states are creating artificial demand for soybean oil and propping up prices.

The "green" facade is simply a smokescreen to distract from the actual monetary interests at play.