Golfather

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to drop in and say hello from the UK. I'm actively looking for a GL350 or GLS350 and at my price point, I'm on the cusp of a lower mileage highly spec'd late GL or a higher mileage early GLS with moderate spec.
I'd like some opinions on what you think is the better option and why to help me make an informed decision.

Many thanks.

cadetdrivr

Unless you are looking at a much newer GLS built on the X167 platform, they are essentially the same vehicle. MB simply changed the name from GL to GLS in 2016 and gave it an extremely mild freshening with small changes to the headlights, taillights, and Comand (entertainment) system. Both were built on the X166 platform with 98% identical parts.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_GL-Class_(X166)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...LS-Class_(X167)

chassis

@Golfather Can you post the VINs of both vehicles? People can give input on the option content if that would help.

Golfather

I’ll try to get them from the relevant garages who have the vehicles for sale. So essentially they’re the same vehicle under the skin with cosmetic updates.

The biggest difference that I think will make a difference is the Nav screen and infotainment system. It the later one leaps and bounds above the older? I presume a fresher interface and better and bigger visuals but does it warrant the £5k+ premium over a 2016 GL?

I guess the answer is along the lines of get the best you can afford....

chassis

@Golfather A general rule is to buy the newest and lowest mileage vehicle that fits your requirements and your budget. If the newer vehicle has higher mileage then other factors need to be considered.

cadetdrivr

This.

Plus there are several methods to seriously upgrade the Navigation system for far, far less than £5k+.

htce38

Also, you can only get V8 on the 13 and 14 GL450. Believe me, huge difference in performance compare to the V6 in newer GL/GLS 450.

As for Nav/comand, $500 will get you a very nice touchscreen with android and wireless Apple carplay. Best mod for the money. No GLS has that.

Golfather

I’m in the UK so it will definitely be a 350CDi as the V8’s are way too thirsty for my needs.

secondly I’m looking at a 2015/16 car so it’s more the size and positioning of the Nav screen that is being deliberated at home.

CarPlay for iOS is a must so very keen on the options available to upgrade to this whichever model I end up with. Information welcome

side topic, the three spoke steering wheel in the GLS is more appealing than the 4 spoke. Is that a straightforward swap over if I get a GL?

htce38

Here is the wireless CarPlay unit, complete monitor, good for both GL and GLS. Touchscreen and plug and play swap. Look at my recent posts for the most current unit.

Although it looks like the factory unit in the GLS, offers a lot more features, especially Apple wireless CarPlay With live google maps or waze.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post8161196

Not sure about steering wheel swap.

Also, be sure to get the lighting package on either model. Hid on GL and LED on GLS.

Standard on both are regular halogen, at least here in the US.

Rear climate package is very important as well.

Golfather

Main contender has the following:

Standard Features:



Additional Options:


As always, feedback welcomed.

chassis

@Golfather Looks like a nicely optioned vehicle. If you post the full VIN it can be decoded for a certain determination on the audio/CarPlay status. CarPlay started coming into some M-B models in 2016. My 2017 W166 GLE has CarPlay.

The harman kardon system is excellent in the GLE.

What are the largest wheels on your previous vehicles? 21 inch wheels with 40 series tires are noticeably harsher/less comfortable than 19 or 20 inch wheels. But they look sporty and trendy. Something be be self-educated on, if you weren't aware of this.

Golfather

21s are fine for me.

VIN: WDC1668242A668151

I’d appreciate a link to where I can decode and check full features.

Golfather

Found it. Don’t think it has CarPlay. I believe here it became available on the GLS.

Golfather

Is it missing any must haves?

chassis

Using lastvin.com I didn’t see CarPlay capability. Nice spec otherwise.

cadetdrivr

I don't know the difference in standard equipment between the USA and UK, but over here it seems the most common post-purchase regrets are not having the factory tow package and upgraded "active" headlights (bi-zenon on GL, full LED on GLS). Lots and lots of threads about retrofitting both and none of the solutions are as good as the factory. Even if one does not tow, the hitch is useful for sports racks.

You can also very easily retrofit CarPlay on the pre-2016 X166 GLs with an integrated Android tablet style screen (like the GLS) that replaces the OEM screen or an add-in box that uses the existing OEM screen while retaining all the OEM functions. That said, the GLS with factory CarPlay will still be the better experience with fewer "quirks" in operation.

chassis

@Golfather I agree with @cadetdrivr that the towbar (trailer hitch) is a must have for some people, myself included. I tow a boat. The hitch can also be used for a bike rack or a cargo platform.

Headlamps have already been mentioned. It looks like the vehicle you posted the VIN for has rear HVAC, that's also good.

Golfather

I've decided to go for a GLS350 rather than the GL.
I prefer the styling updates on the outside as well as the subtle changes in the cabin (steering, nav screen, vent placement, carplay integration etc).
I'll keep you posted.

Thanks.

chassis

@Golfather Congratulations. Please post photos when it arrives in your driveway!

Golfather

So after much hunting, I found a late-2016 GLS350d V6 AMG Line G-Tronic 4MATIC in Metallic Palladium Grey/Black Leather.

The standard spec over here is pretty good IMO (Pan Roof, LED Intelligent Lights, Harman Kardon, Rear Climate, electric everything is all standard).

Options fitted are Night Pack (Black Pack) but no rear entertainment.
21" Twin 5 Spoke AMG Diamond / Black Alloys
Full MB Service History, Extended Warranty, 60k miles.
All important CarPlay Integration

It's having a couple of imperfections sorted this week/next.
Ghost II Immobiliser and Black Vue Dash Cams - tbc.
2/3 Day Enhancement Detail booked for early-October.

Pics coming soon.

chassis

@Golfather Congratulations! Looking forward to the photos. Enjoy.

Jno211

Come on guys, the biggest difference btw GL and GLS is 7 Vs 9-G-Tronic, the latter being much more reactive.

I own a ‘15 GL 350 cdi, few options, mainly leather and ILS, plenty satisfied after 115.000km, but wish I had the 9 G-Tronic.

cadetdrivr

With the torque of the 350, I don’t think it matters. YMMV.

chassis

@cadetdrivr Yes, torque is not the question here. In my view the 7G is a terrible transmission. Lazy, sluggish and unsure of itself. The 9G with more speeds would be smoother and hopefully more decisive. I have driven a couple of 9Gs and have no complaints. The 7G shines best when it is flogged and beaten aggressively. Too bad that's not how most people drive, most of the time.

Golfather

Having driven both, the 9G felt more responsive and generally smoother, but to be honest the facelift just looks better and felt that little bit more modern. Glad I chose the later car.