GL v GLS - opinions
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Joined: Sep 2020
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From: United Kingdom
GLS350d V6 AMG Line G-Tronic
GL v GLS - opinions
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.
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.
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From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350
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.
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.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_GL-Class_(X166)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merced...LS-Class_(X167)
Last edited by cadetdrivr; Sep 19, 2020 at 07:04 PM.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 97
Likes: 44
From: United Kingdom
GLS350d V6 AMG Line G-Tronic
@Golfather Can you post the VINs of both vehicles? People can give input on the option content if that would help.
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....
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
@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.
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From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350
@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.
Plus there are several methods to seriously upgrade the Navigation system for far, far less than £5k+.
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From: USA
S, GLS
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.
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.
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Thread Starter
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From: United Kingdom
GLS350d V6 AMG Line G-Tronic
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?
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?
Last edited by Golfather; Sep 20, 2020 at 01:11 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2016
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From: USA
S, GLS
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.
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.
Last edited by htce38; Sep 20, 2020 at 12:55 PM.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
@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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 97
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From: United Kingdom
GLS350d V6 AMG Line G-Tronic
@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.
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.
VIN: WDC1668242A668151
I’d appreciate a link to where I can decode and check full features.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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From: USA - Minnesota
2014 GL350
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.
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.
Last edited by cadetdrivr; Sep 20, 2020 at 06:15 PM.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
@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.
Headlamps have already been mentioned. It looks like the vehicle you posted the VIN for has rear HVAC, that's also good.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2020
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From: United Kingdom
GLS350d V6 AMG Line G-Tronic
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.
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.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 97
Likes: 44
From: United Kingdom
GLS350d V6 AMG Line G-Tronic
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.
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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,696
Likes: 4,587
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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.
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.
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GL 350d
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.
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.
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2014 GL350
With the torque of the 350, I don’t think it matters. YMMV.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
@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.
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GLS350d V6 AMG Line G-Tronic
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.
