Convince Me: 13-14 GL550 or LX570
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Convince Me: 13-14 GL550 or LX570
Hi all, I need input and opinions. I'm looking to purchase either a 2013/14 Lexus LX570 or Mercedes GL550. Need the extra space with a family of 4 (2 babies in car seats 3 and 1). I've done all the research on SUV's and I am only interested in the LX and GL (no minivan, Escalade, Sequoia etc.) No towing or off-roading but occasional long distance drives and carrying other passengers.
My main wants are dependability, safety, comfort and power. I would like to pick up one of these trucks for under $45,000 so mileage will probably at least be 50k.
I've owned Lexus, Audi, BMW and currently have a Mercedes ML350.
I appreciate any input you all might have.
Thanks
My main wants are dependability, safety, comfort and power. I would like to pick up one of these trucks for under $45,000 so mileage will probably at least be 50k.
I've owned Lexus, Audi, BMW and currently have a Mercedes ML350.
I appreciate any input you all might have.
Thanks
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The GL will is slightly more fuel efficient and is easily tuned to 550 HP. The LX is larger but does not look as good as the GL. Toyota reliability is better than MB so it will probably be cheaper to operate. Looks, for sure, the GL wins hands down. For me, the GL would win every time with superior looks, performance, and driving dynamics.
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GL500
I was in the exact same position in January last year. 2 babies, 2 teenage boys. It came down to the LX570 and GL500 (That's what its badged in South Africa). Both are superior vehicles but with major differences. I do quite a bit of overlanding and off roading so I thought the LX570 was the best choice but the wife decided that she wants the GL for the following reasons:
1. Lexus salesman was a real a$$$hole
2. 2nd row seats fold down automatically (THIS is the REAL winner for us). Baby 1 sits in the 2nd row and baby 2 in the 3rd row behind baby 1. That way, 3rd row seating always accessible.
3. Looks. The LX570 looks good (IMO) but the wife mentioned to me that its more suited to the older gentlemen than a hip 40 year old
. The GL with AMG package and 21" wheels looks SOOO much better
4. Power. Although the Lexus has a bigger engine, its slower that the GL. I enjoy a spirited drive every now and then.
I've installed a Thule roofbox to take care of the prams and all other stuff that's needed for vacations. I would still like an LX570....someday when I'm older.
Good luck with whatever you decide to go for....
1. Lexus salesman was a real a$$$hole
2. 2nd row seats fold down automatically (THIS is the REAL winner for us). Baby 1 sits in the 2nd row and baby 2 in the 3rd row behind baby 1. That way, 3rd row seating always accessible.
3. Looks. The LX570 looks good (IMO) but the wife mentioned to me that its more suited to the older gentlemen than a hip 40 year old
. The GL with AMG package and 21" wheels looks SOOO much better 4. Power. Although the Lexus has a bigger engine, its slower that the GL. I enjoy a spirited drive every now and then.
I've installed a Thule roofbox to take care of the prams and all other stuff that's needed for vacations. I would still like an LX570....someday when I'm older.
Good luck with whatever you decide to go for....
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2023 Mercedes EQS 580 SUV, 2023 Bentley Bentayga, 2023 Genesis GV60
Since you rate dependability as priority number one,… The Lexus clearly wins there.
‘For safety, the GL wins if you have the Driver Assistance package.
Lexus wins on comfort.
The GL wins on power (driving performance).
‘For safety, the GL wins if you have the Driver Assistance package.
Lexus wins on comfort.
The GL wins on power (driving performance).
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From: CT
GL 450, 993TT, Cayenne Diesel, 964C4
Lexus will give you better resale value so the extra fuel costs spent on the lexus is a wash. Maintenance will also be cheaper on a Lexus. I would not hesitate buying a Lexus diesel version instead of the Merc.
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I realize the GL is much faster and has a better third row seating comfort and the third row seats fold flat as opposed to folding up on the sides like the Lexus. But how much better is the interior room? What scares me on the GL are the turbos (cost if they go out) and the air shocks. I’ve had an 07 Audi A8 and am quite familiar with worn control arms/leaking struts/ suspension issues. Now with small kids, I don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of taking the car to a dealer or Indy every couple of months for nagging issues. I would like to keep the vehicle possibly 10 years.
Also, which is better for car seats? I’ve read about the GL’s easy entry option being a problem for the second row headrests not allowing the installation of a car seat.
Also, which is better for car seats? I’ve read about the GL’s easy entry option being a problem for the second row headrests not allowing the installation of a car seat.
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From: Northern VA
W211
trouble free maintenance long term, i would purchase Lexus. For looks, prestige and oil leaks here and there, Mercedes. I dont think i've owned a mercedes that didnt have a rear main seal leak at 30,000 miles. Try to buy an extended warranty if you do consider the GL.
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From: CT
GL 450, 993TT, Cayenne Diesel, 964C4
Originally Posted by WillieMack
I realize the GL is much faster and has a better third row seating comfort and the third row seats fold flat as opposed to folding up on the sides like the Lexus. But how much better is the interior room? What scares me on the GL are the turbos (cost if they go out) and the air shocks. I’ve had an 07 Audi A8 and am quite familiar with worn control arms/leaking struts/ suspension issues. Now with small kids, I don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of taking the car to a dealer or Indy every couple of months for nagging issues. I would like to keep the vehicle possibly 10 years.
Also, which is better for car seats? I’ve read about the GL’s easy entry option being a problem for the second row headrests not allowing the installation of a car seat.
Also, which is better for car seats? I’ve read about the GL’s easy entry option being a problem for the second row headrests not allowing the installation of a car seat.
The 450 is a detuned V8TT version that you can tune to 550 levels for $1K. They are reliable motors and air suspension have improved from the previous gen where it was a guarantee fail at 5 years and 70K miles. Turbos are easy to get to and very little have gone wrong with these motors. This power plant has been around for over 10 years starting in the CLS and S class. Look for a high optioned 450 if you don't care for the 550 looks. Buy one with CPO and max out warranty to 7 yrs/100K for a few $K through an online guy often mentioned here cheap.
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From: Orange County
16 GL550
to us the GL is bigger in 2nd row and considerably larger in 3rd row. i wouldn't want to be in LX 3rd row at all but i am ok in GL 3rd row.
but like what i said on clublexus, we were in the same boat as you but we were looking new, and the GL was clear winner (we lease). however if we were to purchase a 5 yr old used one? i would be quite worried about the GL.
but like what i said on clublexus, we were in the same boat as you but we were looking new, and the GL was clear winner (we lease). however if we were to purchase a 5 yr old used one? i would be quite worried about the GL.
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mgLipGD
the LX when we looked just felt cramped in the rear seats. Plus GL is better looking has better omph esp when tuned, and it’s a BENZ. It’s our 4th so a bit partial.
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From: CT
GL 450, 993TT, Cayenne Diesel, 964C4
Originally Posted by Yoni94
I have to laugh at this. Any real car enthusiast would not even consider getting any Lexus over a Mercedes-Benz. 
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From: So Cal
GL550 Wife, LS460 & LC Mine
So I own a 2015 GL550 and a 2015 Land Cruiser. Both are great cars. Very different cars. The GL is very comfortable, fast, nimble, great tech, better 3rd row seats (even though 2 vrs 3). Wife has GL daily, I have the LC (and a LS460 for comfort). No issues with the LC and I can do all the maintenance myself.
The GL should be the primary consideration. We have had only one problem with the GL for the active suspension. I use the LC for offroading as a second hobby. That is what it is built for. The LC is a tank. Can it go fast, sure, but really scary above 70mph. (mine is lifted and big tires). The 2016+ tech is better than the 2015, but still not close to the GL. The GL gets about 14.5mpg, the LC 13.
The GL should be the primary consideration. We have had only one problem with the GL for the active suspension. I use the LC for offroading as a second hobby. That is what it is built for. The LC is a tank. Can it go fast, sure, but really scary above 70mph. (mine is lifted and big tires). The 2016+ tech is better than the 2015, but still not close to the GL. The GL gets about 14.5mpg, the LC 13.
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Thanks for all the replies. I also posted this topic on Clublexus forums. Of course you can imagine which way the posts leaned. 2 great vehicles both with pluses and minuses. At first i was leaning one way, now im second guessing. I’m nore confused than ever now! Perhaps, whichever i setttle on won’t be a terrible choice?!
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So I own a 2015 GL550 and a 2015 Land Cruiser. Both are great cars. Very different cars. The GL is very comfortable, fast, nimble, great tech, better 3rd row seats (even though 2 vrs 3). Wife has GL daily, I have the LC (and a LS460 for comfort). No issues with the LC and I can do all the maintenance myself.
The GL should be the primary consideration. We have had only one problem with the GL for the active suspension. I use the LC for offroading as a second hobby. That is what it is built for. The LC is a tank. Can it go fast, sure, but really scary above 70mph. (mine is lifted and big tires). The 2016+ tech is better than the 2015, but still not close to the GL. The GL gets about 14.5mpg, the LC 13.
The GL should be the primary consideration. We have had only one problem with the GL for the active suspension. I use the LC for offroading as a second hobby. That is what it is built for. The LC is a tank. Can it go fast, sure, but really scary above 70mph. (mine is lifted and big tires). The 2016+ tech is better than the 2015, but still not close to the GL. The GL gets about 14.5mpg, the LC 13.
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From: Greenville Delaware
2015 GL 550
We owned ten 'Lexi' (SC, LX, RX, GX and six LX) since 1995 so we agree with the claims about superior reliability. In 2015 we were ready to buy our 11th Lexus when the current version of the LX570 was released. Unfortunately, one look at the "spindle grille" sent us running. What looks sporty and futuristic on smaller vehicles looks hideous on a large SUV.
We took our 10th Lexus to Mercedes and traded it on a GL550. We've been pleasantly surprised by the reliability and even the cost of maintenance seems in line with what we were used to with Lexus. The previous comments are spot-on, especially about carrying capacity and off-road ability.
Are you sure you need a Lexus when a Toyota will do? In other words, do you need to pay the "Lexus premium" for an LX over a Land Cruiser?
We took our 10th Lexus to Mercedes and traded it on a GL550. We've been pleasantly surprised by the reliability and even the cost of maintenance seems in line with what we were used to with Lexus. The previous comments are spot-on, especially about carrying capacity and off-road ability.
Are you sure you need a Lexus when a Toyota will do? In other words, do you need to pay the "Lexus premium" for an LX over a Land Cruiser?
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From: So Cal
GL550 Wife, LS460 & LC Mine
The LC is bigger for the front row seats. Flat and wide versus GL narrow and bolster hugging. Second row I would give the width edge to the LC. I can place carseat in the middle and easily fold the other seat down. I need to shove it to the side in the GL to fold the seat down. 3rd seat on LC is wider but low and not comfortable for adults. The GL is comfy. THe GL has a flat storage with the 3rd row seats down which is better than the LC. I have removed the 3rd row seats in the LC, but the 2nd row seat just fold up to the front row, so I think the GL is still better for cargo carrying. LC is taller.
The LX has air shocks and leveling system, which makes lifting and custom suspension mods nearly impossible. It does look fugly now.
The LX has air shocks and leveling system, which makes lifting and custom suspension mods nearly impossible. It does look fugly now.
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From: Nashville, TN
Porsche 911 now
We have a 2015 LX and my 2014 GL & hands down the Merc is the winner when everyone wants to go out for dinner...
We're talking six adults spanning 45-75, all with various ailments, creaky knees, and average sized adults.
The ease for two six footers to get into the 3rd row, and the mass amount of leg room for the 2nd row leaves the Lexus in the dust regarding comfort.
We tried once to get everybody into the Lexus for a dinner trip, and wound up having the ones in the 3rd row swear it off - they didn't feel comfortable having knees up to chins the whole ride.
Third row space in the Mercedes is fantastic by comparison.
And the power!
I'm waiting with bated breath to get the ECU tuned up to the 550hp output.
We're talking six adults spanning 45-75, all with various ailments, creaky knees, and average sized adults.
The ease for two six footers to get into the 3rd row, and the mass amount of leg room for the 2nd row leaves the Lexus in the dust regarding comfort.
We tried once to get everybody into the Lexus for a dinner trip, and wound up having the ones in the 3rd row swear it off - they didn't feel comfortable having knees up to chins the whole ride.
Third row space in the Mercedes is fantastic by comparison.
And the power!
I'm waiting with bated breath to get the ECU tuned up to the 550hp output.
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I'm sure the new lc500 drives much better than the sl550 but I'm sure you'd pick the mercedes because you're such a car enthusiast...
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From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
There is more to an automobile than performance. There is the brand heritage (Mercedes' is longer than any other) and the intangibles like how you feel behind the wheel, etc. that wed a car enthusiast to a car. By the way, the SL550 is quicker and has a more appealing design.
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The best or nothing
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From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
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No one is going to take either car off-road, and the GL/GLS550's performance on the road is dramatically superior to the LX570's.
There is more to an automobile than performance. There is the brand heritage (Mercedes' is longer than any other) and the intangibles like how you feel behind the wheel, etc. that wed a car enthusiast to a car. By the way, the SL550 is quicker and has a more appealing design.
There is more to an automobile than performance. There is the brand heritage (Mercedes' is longer than any other) and the intangibles like how you feel behind the wheel, etc. that wed a car enthusiast to a car. By the way, the SL550 is quicker and has a more appealing design.
I can say that a real car enthusiast would not even consider getting any mercedes over a porsche, a land rover, an aston or bentley, but I'm sure you'd think that's ignorant just like how you are being ignorant.
And your argument of picking the sl550 over lc500 because it's quicker lol. I understand that the design is subjective, but the LC is universally praised for its design, and the fact that it handles much better than the sl.
How do you feel about the current g wagon? Is it still a car enthusiast choice to those who drives mostly on the road? Plenty of porsche and ferrari owners own one.
