Gl 550 or Escalade
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2014 gl 550
Gl 550 or Escalade
Hello!
First post here.
I'm looking to replace my wife's '08 Toyota highlander and am beginning to narrow it down to a 2014-2016 GL550 or a 2015 Escalade ESV. With 3 kids and grandma, the highlander is starting to feel tight. While the Escalade easily resolves that, the Mercedes is larger in the 3rd row and has more storage space behind the 3rd row compared to the toyota.
I've driven a GL 550 and its smooth and powerful, but I haven't checked out the escalade yet. I know where I'm posting and the audience I'm asking, the results will be skewed, but I do think many of you cross shopped these and or moved to a GL from the escalade.
What were some of the deciding factors?
For those of you who have owned these for some time, are you happy with the reliability?
The GL63 is tempting, but I already have an M5 for that kind of fun.
Thanks in advance!
First post here.
I'm looking to replace my wife's '08 Toyota highlander and am beginning to narrow it down to a 2014-2016 GL550 or a 2015 Escalade ESV. With 3 kids and grandma, the highlander is starting to feel tight. While the Escalade easily resolves that, the Mercedes is larger in the 3rd row and has more storage space behind the 3rd row compared to the toyota.
I've driven a GL 550 and its smooth and powerful, but I haven't checked out the escalade yet. I know where I'm posting and the audience I'm asking, the results will be skewed, but I do think many of you cross shopped these and or moved to a GL from the escalade.
What were some of the deciding factors?
For those of you who have owned these for some time, are you happy with the reliability?
The GL63 is tempting, but I already have an M5 for that kind of fun.
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by bgboost; May 9, 2018 at 06:41 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 152
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From: Illinois
2013 GL550 4Matic
The two vehicles really aren't in the same category especially when you are taking about the Escalade ESV. That is much larger that the GL. The Caddy will have a much more truck like feel that the GL. The GL will be much easier to park and get around than the Escalade. I have several neighbors with the Escalade... They have all stated that the Escalade falls apart fairly easily. Take that with a grain of salt. I came from a Navigator L before my GL. I love my GL so much more than the Navigator...
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 124
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MB GL450
Do you need 3 feet of Cargo space behind the third row? if the answer is yes Caddy is the vehicle. If the answer is no, you should really drive the Caddy. They have fantastic magnetic suspension but they are built old school body on frame so you will feel noticeable difference in ride quality. Also they are big to drive around and although the engine has lots of power it does not feel very quick. Specially compared to 550
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Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
While the Escalade is fairly quiet, the GL is much more so. The interior is much more upscale in the GL, especially if you opt for Designo leather which wraps the entire interior in diamond pattern Napa leather and an Alcantara headliner. The GL550 is also much more tune-able. A $1000 tune safely takes it to 550 hp and over 600 lb/ft of torque....quicker than a stock GL63. You can even tune a 2013 or 2014 GL450 to those numbers since they have the same engine....albeit with detuned programming from the factory. I'm fairly certain that Sfrboy has his tuned to over 600 hp and close to 700 lb/ft of torque. His is insane and I would guess he could be sub 4's to 60 and around 12 seconds or less in the 1/4. He might even give your M5 a run for the money....in a 5800 lb SUV.
As far as reliability goes, I'd have to assume that the nod would go to the Escalade. For me, I'd never own a Benz outside of warranty coverage. Everything costs a small fortune to fix.
As far as reliability goes, I'd have to assume that the nod would go to the Escalade. For me, I'd never own a Benz outside of warranty coverage. Everything costs a small fortune to fix.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
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2014 gl 550
Do you need 3 feet of Cargo space behind the third row? if the answer is yes Caddy is the vehicle. If the answer is no, you should really drive the Caddy. They have fantastic magnetic suspension but they are built old school body on frame so you will feel noticeable difference in ride quality. Also they are big to drive around and although the engine has lots of power it does not feel very quick. Specially compared to 550
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 626
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From: Austin, TX
14 GL550; 14 E63s
On my second GL550 and love it. It honestly drives like a car and is so easy to park/maneuver. Plenty of power and the interior is very nice. My biggest gripe, and this is specific to the 550, are the tires. There are very few selections, they are expensive and they wear out very fast. The Pirellis suck so you're pretty much left with Continentals. Usually 4-500 per tire and they might last you 25k miles. I've had some only last 15-18k miles. I think the Caddy comes with Bridgestones and will probably last 50k miles, but I have no experience there.
And like someone else said, get a warranty. The airmatic system will go out at some point guaranteed. And little stuff will fail just like any car.
And like someone else said, get a warranty. The airmatic system will go out at some point guaranteed. And little stuff will fail just like any car.
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2014 gl 550
While the Escalade is fairly quiet, the GL is much more so. The interior is much more upscale in the GL, especially if you opt for Designo leather which wraps the entire interior in diamond pattern Napa leather and an Alcantara headliner. The GL550 is also much more tune-able. A $1000 tune safely takes it to 550 hp and over 600 lb/ft of torque....quicker than a stock GL63. You can even tune a 2013 or 2014 GL450 to those numbers since they have the same engine....albeit with detuned programming from the factory. I'm fairly certain that Sfrboy has his tuned to over 600 hp and close to 700 lb/ft of torque. His is insane and I would guess he could be sub 4's to 60 and around 12 seconds or less in the 1/4. He might even give your M5 a run for the money....in a 5800 lb SUV.
As far as reliability goes, I'd have to assume that the nod would go to the Escalade. For me, I'd never own a Benz outside of warranty coverage. Everything costs a small fortune to fix.
As far as reliability goes, I'd have to assume that the nod would go to the Escalade. For me, I'd never own a Benz outside of warranty coverage. Everything costs a small fortune to fix.
. Have the GLs been solid with a tune without any supporting mods? i.e clutches?In terms of warranty, is it easy to get an extended full coverage warranty on the GL550? It was very difficult to find one for my M5 or any other M cars, so I purchased an extension through the dealer when I bought it.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
I do love the Designo option, looks awesome. Kind of like an Audi S7. Thumbs up for the tune. The 550 looks so much better/more aggressive than the 450. I have a tune on the M5, pushing close to 700/700 much faster than stock . Have the GLs been solid with a tune without any supporting mods? i.e clutches?
In terms of warranty, is it easy to get an extended full coverage warranty on the GL550? It was very difficult to find one for my M5 or any other M cars, so I purchased an extension through the dealer when I bought it.
. Have the GLs been solid with a tune without any supporting mods? i.e clutches?In terms of warranty, is it easy to get an extended full coverage warranty on the GL550? It was very difficult to find one for my M5 or any other M cars, so I purchased an extension through the dealer when I bought it.
Regarding the warranty....if you buy a certified pre-owned truck, they automatically come with a year and unlimited miles tacked on to the end of the factory warranty. You can then add up to 2 more years of coverage for around $3-4k. Any of them that are will within the original 4 yr/50k miles can have Benz coverage added, even if they aren't CPO. Mine was outside of the original factory coverage, so the dealer sold me an after-market warranty that works great with their service dept.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 185
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From: Southwest Florida
2013 GL450
unless you're really needing the extra cargo space behind the 3rd row ... go GL ... I rented a navigator on a trip to Disneyworld, love all the conveniences (cup holders, small compartment boxes, extra USB ports, and the like), but it is big and a bit too soft in suspension, partly b/c the rental had heavily tinted windows and only a sun roof above the 1st row (my GL has the pano roof all three rows) ... even though I use all mirrors, even the 360 camera, I still turn head left, right and sideways (habit) to see when driving and parking ..
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2014 gl 550
unless you're really needing the extra cargo space behind the 3rd row ... go GL ... I rented a navigator on a trip to Disneyworld, love all the conveniences (cup holders, small compartment boxes, extra USB ports, and the like), but it is big and a bit too soft in suspension, partly b/c the rental had heavily tinted windows and only a sun roof above the 1st row (my GL has the pano roof all three rows) ... even though I use all mirrors, even the 360 camera, I still turn head left, right and sideways (habit) to see when driving and parking ..
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2014 gl550
i was shopping for escalade (non-ESV) and then realized that its 3rd row is practically useless even for kids. floor is elevated for 3rd row and it is extremely uncomfortable to ride with your knees up. if you don't get captain chairs, accessing 3rd row is also a pain. i really like the aggressive look of escalade, but 3rd row was important for me so i passed on caddy. non-ESV version has almost no cargo with 3rd row up. it drives very strong, but doesn't feel fast. car is very heavy had harder to turn compared to GL. to my surprise, GL has much bigger 3rd row and bigger cargo (again non-ESV). escalade seats doesn't fold down parallel to the ground. it elevates up a little bit while GL folds down flat. this is how i came to consider GL550. GL drives very quite, very smooth, with CUE turning is ever so easy and smooth. more than enough power for the big car. i got designo seats and really dig it (except for the fact that it wears out where your butt slides). escalade leathers seats appear very premium but not better than designo. if 3rd row spacing isn't a big deal, i'd still say escalade is equally good. both cars have distinct pros and cons. i'm guessing caddy maintenance cost is lower? anyway good luck
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 7
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2014 gl 550
i was shopping for escalade (non-ESV) and then realized that its 3rd row is practically useless even for kids. floor is elevated for 3rd row and it is extremely uncomfortable to ride with your knees up. if you don't get captain chairs, accessing 3rd row is also a pain. i really like the aggressive look of escalade, but 3rd row was important for me so i passed on caddy. non-ESV version has almost no cargo with 3rd row up. it drives very strong, but doesn't feel fast. car is very heavy had harder to turn compared to GL. to my surprise, GL has much bigger 3rd row and bigger cargo (again non-ESV). escalade seats doesn't fold down parallel to the ground. it elevates up a little bit while GL folds down flat. this is how i came to consider GL550. GL drives very quite, very smooth, with CUE turning is ever so easy and smooth. more than enough power for the big car. i got designo seats and really dig it (except for the fact that it wears out where your butt slides). escalade leathers seats appear very premium but not better than designo. if 3rd row spacing isn't a big deal, i'd still say escalade is equally good. both cars have distinct pros and cons. i'm guessing caddy maintenance cost is lower? anyway good luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,306
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
Did you drive the Escalade yet ? my wife found it huge and unwieldy feeling.... frankly she hated it but she is a driver as in she likes to drive .... and Im sure you know German cars for the most part feel more connected to the road...
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2014 gl 550
Not the new one yet. I've driven a '16 Suburban and liked it. Totally different than the GL. Frankly I was impressed with how smooth the GL was. I say that because we bought my mom a '17 E300 and its just ok. The 4 cyl turbo just makes too much noise for a mid size luxury car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
Not the new one yet. I've driven a '16 Suburban and liked it. Totally different than the GL. Frankly I was impressed with how smooth the GL was. I say that because we bought my mom a '17 E300 and its just ok. The 4 cyl turbo just makes too much noise for a mid size luxury car.
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Posts: 85
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2014 gl550
Not the new one yet. I've driven a '16 Suburban and liked it. Totally different than the GL. Frankly I was impressed with how smooth the GL was. I say that because we bought my mom a '17 E300 and its just ok. The 4 cyl turbo just makes too much noise for a mid size luxury car.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 279
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From: Western Canada
S320 GL350
We did some cross shopping in late 2017 by driving a brand new suburban premier, even photographing it in my garage. Never did look at the Slade but considered a cheap used hybrid once. Bought a used '14 GL350 for the same money (based on chev clearout rebate at the time, with the difference that the financing was very low cost from MB over 3 years). There is really no comparison between the Burban and the GL and to this day the only thing i remember about the Suburban was it's cool HUD display of the speed. In hindsight I'm not partial to its "smooth fridge box of steel" side appearance versus the Mercedes somewhat brutal body chiseling (AMG Sport pkg) - my neighbour says our Black GL looks like I belong to the Mafia and eat lobster dinners. From what I've heard you can put a lot of miles on the suburban if you keep it that long and it has a loyal following that keep buying them-which is probably true given the reliability of our 2001 silverado crew cab. Finally, when we cross-shopped within the MB brand, our criteria netted 3 vehicles to test one day (an E350 Wagon, a Diesel R class, and the GL350). Their idea to replicate the S class interior was a huge benefit, and I was already familiar with the suction doors as my '95 S320 also has them. SOLD!
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Finally, when we cross-shopped within the MB brand, our criteria netted 3 vehicles to test one day (an E350 Wagon, a Diesel R class, and the GL350). Their idea to replicate the S class interior was a huge benefit, and I was already familiar with the suction doors as my '95 S320 also has them. SOLD!
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2014 gl 550
So I had the opportunity to test drive a loaded '18 Escalade ESV yesterday afternoon with the top of the line Platinum trim. I compared the ESV to the non-ESV back to back. The non-ESV's 3rd row is useless for anyone other than very small kids, even they may complain. The ESV has plenty of room.
In terms of driving feel, it was smooth and as some of you have noted its powerful, but doesn't feel quick. I thought it would have more omphh and It feels like a truck, abliet a nice one. Solid vehicle no doubt, but it didn't live up to the expectations I had built up in my mind about it. Flip side the GL was better than expected.
I'll now start digging into options etc on the GL incl the 63
In terms of driving feel, it was smooth and as some of you have noted its powerful, but doesn't feel quick. I thought it would have more omphh and It feels like a truck, abliet a nice one
. Solid vehicle no doubt, but it didn't live up to the expectations I had built up in my mind about it. Flip side the GL was better than expected.I'll now start digging into options etc on the GL incl the 63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 204
From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
So I had the opportunity to test drive a loaded '18 Escalade ESV yesterday afternoon with the top of the line Platinum trim. I compared the ESV to the non-ESV back to back. The non-ESV's 3rd row is useless for anyone other than very small kids, even they may complain. The ESV has plenty of room.
In terms of driving feel, it was smooth and as some of you have noted its powerful, but doesn't feel quick. I thought it would have more omphh and It feels like a truck, abliet a nice one. Solid vehicle no doubt, but it didn't live up to the expectations I had built up in my mind about it. Flip side the GL was better than expected.
I'll now start digging into options etc on the GL incl the 63
In terms of driving feel, it was smooth and as some of you have noted its powerful, but doesn't feel quick. I thought it would have more omphh and It feels like a truck, abliet a nice one
. Solid vehicle no doubt, but it didn't live up to the expectations I had built up in my mind about it. Flip side the GL was better than expected.I'll now start digging into options etc on the GL incl the 63
the power and sound of the AMG's is intoxicating.... I went to buy a ML550 but couldn't find any local so took a ride in a ML63.... dumb.... It was mine a few hours later.....
had it in for 2 tires and B service today, The added benefit is i get to talk to Chris their AMG tech, always fun...
Last edited by mrmotoguzzi00; May 18, 2018 at 08:22 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
Likes: 628
From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
So I had the opportunity to test drive a loaded '18 Escalade ESV yesterday afternoon with the top of the line Platinum trim. I compared the ESV to the non-ESV back to back. The non-ESV's 3rd row is useless for anyone other than very small kids, even they may complain. The ESV has plenty of room.
In terms of driving feel, it was smooth and as some of you have noted its powerful, but doesn't feel quick. I thought it would have more omphh and It feels like a truck, abliet a nice one. Solid vehicle no doubt, but it didn't live up to the expectations I had built up in my mind about it. Flip side the GL was better than expected.
I'll now start digging into options etc on the GL incl the 63
In terms of driving feel, it was smooth and as some of you have noted its powerful, but doesn't feel quick. I thought it would have more omphh and It feels like a truck, abliet a nice one
. Solid vehicle no doubt, but it didn't live up to the expectations I had built up in my mind about it. Flip side the GL was better than expected.I'll now start digging into options etc on the GL incl the 63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,306
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
I'd go with the GL550 over the 63. You'll save $15-20k on a used one and have a more compliant ride with the 550. The 63 has firmer settings for 4matic, which many have mentioned feels a little too firm. Really, the biggest pluses of the 63 are the engine and Brembo brakes. But those Brembo rotors and pads are a small fortune to replace every 20k miles and are really only beneficial for track use....which less than 1% of their drivers ever do (who the heck would want to track a 5800 lb SUV?). A simple $1000 tune will make the 550 motor outperform a stock 63 and be completely safe. You can find used 550's with Designo interior, Active Curve, Off Road package, and even Bank Olufsen stereo. Even with all of those options, you'd still save at least $15k over a stripped down 63. Plus, the 550 has the exact same body package and same size wheels and tires as the 63. At a glance, the only way to tell the difference between a 63 and 550 are the wheel style, Brembo calipers, and the badges.
of course trying to decide where this is... what popped in head was honestly Chicago ? lol
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Ding ding ding.....give that man a cigar! The Land of Lincoln has gone from one of the best states in the nation to the absolute worst in my lifetime. And that isn't just my opinion. We are ranked nationally as the worst. Mike Madigan and the Dims have trashed this place and have been stealing the wealth from millions of people to feed their corruption for over 40 years. 2 of our last 3 governors are currently in jail and 4 of the last 7 have spent time in the slammer. Over 1500 people per week are fleeing this cesspool. We have lost a net of 33k people or more per year for the last 4 years. We're even losing representatives in Congress due to a shrinking population (probably a good thing since our reps do not represent the citizens). So what do our politicians do to keep people from fleeing? They keep adding new taxes and increasing the existing taxes on the people who stay. We're already the highest taxed state in the country and they keep adding to it. Our family will be added to the list of out-population in the next 5 years.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 204
From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
Ding ding ding.....give that man a cigar! The Land of Lincoln has gone from one of the best states in the nation to the absolute worst in my lifetime. And that isn't just my opinion. We are ranked nationally as the worst. Mike Madigan and the Dims have trashed this place and have been stealing the wealth from millions of people to feed their corruption for over 40 years. 2 of our last 3 governors are currently in jail and 4 of the last 7 have spent time in the slammer. Over 1500 people per week are fleeing this cesspool. We have lost a net of 33k people or more per year for the last 4 years. We're even losing representatives in Congress due to a shrinking population (probably a good thing since our reps do not represent the citizens). So what do our politicians do to keep people from fleeing? They keep adding new taxes and increasing the existing taxes on the people who stay. We're already the highest taxed state in the country and they keep adding to it. Our family will be added to the list of out-population in the next 5 years.
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 4,242
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
Lots of the older folks head to FL, TX, and AZ. But it seems most of the out-migration is to neighboring IN and WI (Go Pack Go!!). Probably so they can stay just close enough to IL so that we can hear them laughing at us poor saps who haven't escaped yet.
Last edited by DaveW68; May 11, 2018 at 02:02 PM.
