2016 GL63 vs. 2017 GLS 500...
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From: In, Out & Around...
Audi BMW Ferrari MB & RR
2016 GL63 vs. 2017 GLS 500...
I have an opportunity to purchase either at the moment. All things being equal in terms of options (GLS has nearly every option possible), colorway and pricing w/ warranty. Which would you opt for?
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
2 very different vehicles.... both have good power and are comfortable... 63 is more power with a less plushy ride.... and the 550 is more comfortable with less power.... what day ya want 
I'd drive both....
Mike
I'd drive both....
Mike
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Audi BMW Ferrari MB & RR
I did. The GLS550 has and original MSRP of $108k or thereabouts which comes in pretty well equipped and local driving of both felt very similar but with the major difference was on the highway and at speed. You feel the pull, the corners were more linear, less bodyroll but the trade-off was firmer ride in any setting. I am debating if foregoing the extra horses for newer body and tech is a better value for the buck. We would use the interior amenities and improvements 100% of the time where the extra power would probably be used 5-8% of the time. My heart says GL63 my brain says GLS550.
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2016 C300W4 Sport
The 2017 GLS550 for sure. Unless you just have to have the "cool AMG with all that power" you'll be paying a lot for owning that car when a GLS550 will do everything you want it to with less risk involved.
I'm thinking about older bodystyle, higher insurance, gas, tires, maintenance, depreciation, etc. All of those variables are more severe and higher with the GL63. A lot of worry & price to pay for being the cool guy on the block and getting that guy at the gas station to say "nice ride".
I'm thinking about older bodystyle, higher insurance, gas, tires, maintenance, depreciation, etc. All of those variables are more severe and higher with the GL63. A lot of worry & price to pay for being the cool guy on the block and getting that guy at the gas station to say "nice ride".
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
Insurance i found to be no different really... I shopped ML550 versus ML63 so a little different but not much... never did drive the ML550, found a ml63 first and fell in love with the sound and power and comfort.... Do you tow ? or plan to tow ?
I tow about 7k pounds occasionally with ml63 and it tows really well, id like to think the stiffer suspension and huge brakes help with control, it certainly seems to tow very well....
Agreed suspension is stuff, im in florida so no pot holes etc... but when ya hit a dump you know it.
I tow about 7k pounds occasionally with ml63 and it tows really well, id like to think the stiffer suspension and huge brakes help with control, it certainly seems to tow very well....
Agreed suspension is stuff, im in florida so no pot holes etc... but when ya hit a dump you know it.
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Thread Starter
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From: In, Out & Around...
Audi BMW Ferrari MB & RR
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2023 Mercedes EQS 580 SUV, 2023 Bentley Bentayga, 2023 Genesis GV60
To me, it would come down to the seats. I don’t believe the 550 comes with Exclusive Napa leather, whereas the 63 comes with that as default. There’s a big difference in feel and looks between exclusive and regular Napa.
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Run away from 201! I know it's subjective, but to me 201 is like basketball leather. The next grade up, 801 Nappa leather, is usually a $900 option and is okay, but 501 Exclusive Nappa is the cat's meow. The stitching pattern is really nice looking too. I suggest you test sit in each to make sure you like what you'll be getting.
And then there's semi-aniline, which MB is starting to put in some high-end cars. Too thin and doesn't wear as well as nappa IMHO.
If you're like me, settle for nothing but "Exclusive Nappa".
Also note that the option codes for the various grades of leather can vary between MB models.
And then there's semi-aniline, which MB is starting to put in some high-end cars. Too thin and doesn't wear as well as nappa IMHO.
If you're like me, settle for nothing but "Exclusive Nappa".
Also note that the option codes for the various grades of leather can vary between MB models.
Last edited by jbattan; Aug 23, 2018 at 12:16 PM.
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Audi BMW Ferrari MB & RR
Thank you for information. I didn't know that the standard leather was that poor quality. I felt that way about BMW's "Dakota Leather"... To me it felt like vinyl or fake leather and wore like it too. The difference between the leather I had in my F15 and my F85 was night and day difference. I would never own any "dakota leather" product from BMW ever again.
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From: Melrose MA
1985 300 tdt wagon, 1983 gd conv, 2005 E500 wagon, 2020 450 GLS
2015 GL63 or 2016 GL 550 both ~ 22K miles
Which one should i pick? GL550 has porcelain designo, but no panorama sunroof... GL550 is 10k less.
