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2013-14 GL450 VS GL550... What do I get for the $$$?
So I have been considering a GL450 for quite awhile and almost bought one recently, but then I realized I can't get one with cooled seats - that is only on the 550.
I'm in that year range specifically for the m278 engine. I wanted the power potential of a TT V8 in a GL450 and those were the only 2 years for that engine until it went to a V6.
I understand the GL550 went longer with that engine.
So, what else does the X166 550 offer over a 450? I've looked but can't find a good comparison.
With GL550 one is getting almost identical to GL63 exterior standard, while with GL450 one does not. To me this alone is worth the difference (in addition to extra power and options as standard).
some have amg body kit and leather seats,450s are mostly mbtex not so pretty 19 wheels,i havent see 450 with a body kit,same engine diffrent tuning i think,some even brought engine part numbers and it looks like its the same,i wouldnt like that body kit it looks too agresive for me,im happy with my stock 450 look and oem 20s,i wish i had leather instead of mbtex
oh you are right i just checked,any 550 owners want to do couple pulls in chicago area? really curious about the difference
You can have the 450 tuned to the same level that a 550 can be tuned to be close to stock 63 in performance. 450 is just software diff engine wise to the 550.
Biggest diff 450 to 550 is the fact many options are standard on the 550. Most 550s have the same equipment give or take Designo/2nd row TV/heated cup holders/interior trim. The only rare 550 options to find would be the Burmeister stereo since it was like 8k option and not worth it. Night vision HUD, really rare on any trim level.
The most amazing option to find on a 450/550 is option code 463. It’s for Active Curve which was a 5k or so option that is standard on the 63 models. What makes it so amazing? It keeps the car level in turns and all side to side body movements. You might think this isn’t important but go drive a 63 on twisty roads, a long sweeping high speed like 60+ interstate exchange or a sharp 25-40mph on or off ramp. Do your best to keep speed in the 63 and you will legit feel it push you the opposite direction to keep the car flat. You will notice on longer weeping higher speed interchanges that you can make them without slowing down. Those tight on ramps are mind blowing. Then immediately do that in any other 450/550 or any other SUV and you will soon realize you can’t and how amazing active curve makes the car.
then go hunt a 550 down with the option. Tune it. Then you have a 63 level performance minus the front brakes with 20k saved.
www.lastvin.com and put in the VIN of any Benz and look for the option code in order.
we hunted for 3mth for the right color combo with active curve on our 550 years ago. Love the car.
Do you know if it is possible to upgrade a GL 450 with the Active Curve, option code 463?
Yes it was. However since they were the base level most aren’t optioned highly like the 550s. That being said I have seen a 450 build price into the low 100s. It mainly was due to the Burmeister sound and I think it had the off road package. I know for sure the stereo was upgraded. Also I have seen 550s with Designo and the stereo thinking for sure these would have checked the active curve box but sadly no. There were a large number with Designo and 2nd row screens, still no active curve. 🤷🏻♂️
Active curve is truly the most sound reason to get a 63 since a 450/550 can be tuned to those 63 stock levels. After than its just active curve and lager front brakes outside of the other then standard options. Active curve is something you can feel like the motor between the 450 to 63. You won’t notice it on straight blah roads but drive it like I posted above and it becomes jait amazing to have. Hell I hate when my wife puts it on comfort vs sport mode bc I can tell a diff on the suspension.
There are 2 basically circular on ramps near us and the feel of the car pushing itself back to keep level is nuts. Then there is a long sweeping interchange ramp that in our G55 max is like 60-65 LR4 we can max at like 70 and then the GL it can hit nearly 80 the whole way with ease.
even those thinking well I don’t drive like this crazy guy to you I say again just drive them back to back on the same road and focus on the feel of the car. When I say back to back I don’t mean the next day do it legit in and out to the next. It’s the only way you can truly compare and notice. To which you think well it’s can’t be that big a diff if I have to drive it back to back and really focus on the feel?!? Wrong. If you had one with it and drove it daily and then borrowed any friends SUV and drove your same route you would like this is horrible give me back my car with active curve.
I can’t wait to drive the new 167 models bc the system there is elec controlled vs hydrologic. So the faster response I bet is great.
08-06-2021, 02:48 PM
