willpons

(X166) GL450 V8 vs V6...

I am considering an upgrade to a newer GL450 in the 2014-2015 range. I see that if I move to the 2015 year the engine changes to the twin-turbo V6 vs the V8 in the 2014.
I drive a 2007 GL450 with the V8 now, and do use it to pull a small trailer.

Can anyone offer me insight into the plus/minus of V6 vs. the V8.

Thanks.
Will

fabbrisd1

The Twin-Turbo V6 has been more-than-fine - it was only a "forum subject" at the time of changeover from the "detuned" V8 (as compared to that same V8 motor also used in GL550/GL63 in different configurations at that time) - the newer design Twin Turbo V6 is more responsive - very reliable - and better fuel economy. Road tests performance wise between both were within 10th's of seconds 0-60.

Either jump you take - I would recommend Mercedes Certified - as you have 1Yr Unlimited Mileage Warranty - and can choose to purchase up to 2yrs more (for total 3yrs).

14/15 CPO GL's - and all GLS's up thru 17 - are getting to be a Real Smart Buy value wise at today's prices - note since there were a wide range of GL options - you need to know mileage & options with any GL you are looking at - and use a 3rd party value guide like Edmunds to see you're getting the right shake.

Since you have owned a 1st Generation GL - those all seemed to have a 75K mile plateau where major Airmatic Suspension issues would come up - pricey to fix - the 2nd Generation GL/GLS semingly does not have that suspension plateau issue/at-all.

Keep the beat !

Viha22

I had 2015 Gl 450 with TT v6 for 3 years and now have 2014 Gl 550 with V8 TT for 1.5 years and from my personal experience i will hands down take v8 any day.
With v8 i have instant power even before turbos kick in but with v6 there was noticeable lag especially from full stop.At highway speed it was fine.Also i never towed anything with v6 so i cant speak for that ,i occasionally tow with v8 and i cant even feel anything behind me, pulls effortlessly.Just my 2 cents and again this is from my personal experience.

MBQureshi

There is a big difference between the the v8 power in 450 and v8 power in 550. Although same engine the 450 is detuned and the 550 makes 67 more HP. You can custom tune the 450 v8 engine to get close to the gl63 power but if you are going to keep it stock I'm not sure if you'll see much difference in power between the 2015 450 and 2014 450

kombifan

Id' prefer the v8. I'm also shopping for a x166 coming from a x164 and I'm only really looking at the 550 models.

I do agree with fabris. Go with cpo or Carmax maxcare. The maxcare is up to 6 years and I had it on my x164 and it was great!

chsu74

I went through this 2 years ago. '14 450 V8TT no question. The V6TT is too new for long term reliability understanding. V8TT is a proven power plant.

MattVaustin

I purchased a 2013 GL 450 off lease from MB dealer with CPO. SUV was great until 85k miles in 2020. So my advice is to avoid this car once it’s 7yrs old or 80k+ miles. I had $1.8k repair bill to fix engine coolant lines (apparently made from plastic) then $2k to repair rear air shocks and master cylinder and another $1.5k to repair valve cover. We love this car, but between 85-95k miles we spent $5k+ on unexpected repairs. Plus I worry the front gas shocks/struts will go and it’s $3k repair job. We did buy the SUV for $32k CPO but that was only 1yr. Get extended warranty on this vehicle!!!!!!