JoelCrow

Hi everyone!

I have an opportunity to either purchase a 2013 GL450 ~80k miles or a 2012 ML350 ~35k miles. Both look like great and beautiful vehicles, very similarly equipped, and both around $25,000 price.

Obviously the GL is larger and has a V8, while the ML will deliver better fuel economy and park-ability in the city where I live.

I'm hoping someone who owns or has owned both models can comment on which is a "better" buy, and the reasons you suggest so. I would love to hear about road noise, driving comfort, long-term reliability, and real world economy, and any other points to consider from someone who really knows... I'd like to keep this one for a while and really want to get it right.

Thanks for your responses!

Joel

lingaraju.g

I read in lot of forums that the gl450 had transmission issues and brake warping for older model years until updated in 2014, I purchased 2014 gl450 3 months ago and its a very smooth ride but due to being so big it has lot of body roll and I have the rearview camera so parking is fairly easy, gas mileage is low though even though it says 19 highway I get around 17, if you don't need a 7 seater then ml is the way to go, it has better looks.

jlim

I think you want to stay away from a 2012 80k Mercedes. You may be lucky and get one trouble free until 100k, but I'm willing to bet you'll run into a bunch of trouble. Browsing through the forum, you can read about GL issues on vehicles purchased used (certified or otherwise) with much less miles.

Of course, forums exists for people having issues and I'm sure they are so many other soccer moms out there driving their GL and GLS to worry about these minor things.

Having said that, my 2014 GL450 CPO is my first Mercedes product and I'm throughly enjoying it - mainly for long road trips with the kids. It is very comfortable and quiet. I've driven 15k miles in less than 11 months, on 4 road trips.

Actually the update was in 2013 for the newer body style as well as interior. The 2012 actually does look better IMO in the rear exterior view. From 2013 onwards, it became a bit softer, rounder exterior, but inside looks much better. The round air vents just doesn't look good at all.

2017 onwards was renamed to GLS with the floating screen for the interior which IMO looks terrific, but some reviewers didn't like the fact that it looks like a huge iPad which can't be removed or recessed back when not in use. The exterior also is a huge improvement. More upscale and sophisticated. But folks are complaining the interior quality has suffered.

JoelCrow

Great points and feedback guys, thanks! I made a correction to the OP that the GL is actually the 2013 version....so both are the 166 versions.

I want a comfy ride more than anything. I'm really worried that the ML will ride harsh like my C-class sport coupe did... If the ML rides like an E class, then I'm okay with that... But (using the same suv-to-sedan comparison) seems the GL may ride as nice as the S class, which would be ideal. Unfortunately I'm in a location that doesn't allow me to test drive either, so I have to forum for feedback.

Anyways, looking forward to seeing more people's feedback on either car and thanks for your time!

Joel

DC-BENZ

Go with the low miles on the ML. In two years or so you'll be at 100k miles on the GL vs 55k miles.

pjw1967

Our '14 ML350 has a very cushy ride. In fact some have complained here that it is too cushy. I have a '13 Durango R/T with a stiff suspension. Going over the speed bumps at Kroger in the ML is much more comfortable that the Durango. That could be a good test for you. How fast can you take a parking lot speed bump before it hurts.

DC-BENZ

Go test drive them.

jacobsung

I currently drive 2013 GL350 with "Active Curve System". 2 weeks ago, I had 2017 GLE350 (aka ML) for 1 week as a rental, and drove almost 1K miles.

Note that I am spoiled with my GL350
1. ML had so much road noise.
2. ML's handling was comparably bad (probably because ML was missing Active Curve System).
3. ML had so much engine noise.
4. High-speed acceleration felt much slower.

I told my self that I am never buying another ML again. By the way, I also have 2004 ML350 sitting on my drive way collecting dust. I thought 2017 GLE(ML) would be so much better.

Armanidog

I currently drive a 2017 GLS550, previously had a 2013 GL450. and a 2015 ML400. My comments are:
1. 2013 GL was a good road car, 4.7 V8 was strong engine, pulled 7000 lbs on 400 mile trips with no problem. Smooth and quite ride, but did have some body roll.
2. Only real maintenance issue with 2013 was brake rotors, had two sets first 12K miles, third set had 28K and were still smooth.
3. 2015 ML 400 had more road and engine noise, MPG was 1-2 better than GL, but it felt like a small car after driving GL. No maintance issues at all.
4. 2017 GLS550 is a "beast" and fun to drive. In sport setting very little body roll and even more quite on highway than 2013.

With all that being said, the only attraction to the ML is lower mileage, the GL is a better driving car and IMHO a safer car due to its size. I also lean to the GL because I am 6'8" tall and the GL gives me plenty of room.
I think you will be happy with either one, but there is a class difference between them.

BlownV8

2013 GL450 by a mile. Much better car with more room and a biturbo V8 engine. With an ECU tune, you are over 500 hp. You will most likely have some Airmatic issues but it's not too bad to maintain. Just get your Airmatic struts and airbags from Arnott since they have a lifetime warranty and seem to last longer than the factory ones.