Gray_Panther

Hoping to get some feedback from the forum here. My wife and I are thinking it may be time to upgrade to a 3 row vehicle. And we are pretty set on either a 2015-2016 GL450 with the M276 or the VW Atlas with the VR6.

Our budget would be about the same for both vehicles but wanted to see if anyone chose the GL over the Atlas and why?

Hate to sell our ML350 which has treated us well, but that needs to go and maybe my MK7 GTI as well too.

rapidoxidation

You can get a new '23 V6 atlas for around $40K.
IIRC the '24 doesn't have a V6 option, only a 4 banger turbo.
You won't touch a new G:L 450 for that price.
The Atlas has remote start...

Gray_Panther

Not looking at new. I am looking at used models.

mtm

I rented an Atlas a few years ago for a trip out West with my family - Las Vegas - Grand Canyon - Monument Valley - Death Valley - LA - Sequoia Nat'l Forest - San Francisco. So spent quite a few days driving it. It's a nice car, but not in the same league as the GL. The GL handles better, has a lot more power (though mine has a m278, so not a fair comparison) and has a lot more room for cargo. The ride in the GL is also much smoother. Still, the Atlas made covering crazy distances easy, very little driver fatigue. And still enough power to pass cars on those long two-lane stretches in Utah and Nevada. What I liked about the Atlas was the very nice interior and amazing LED headlights - they work a lot better than the HID lights on my 2013 GL.

chassis

GL is three levels above the Atlas. M276 is very good and reliable but will be older than a comparably priced Atlas.

Maintenance on the GL will be much more expensive - brakes, tires, air suspension, etc.

Family member has an Atlas and doesn’t like it, phone/entertainment interface is the main complaint. Phone microphone doesn’t work regularly.

Sunbeltgolfer11

We have a 2016 GL450 V6 that we bought when it was a couple years old with low mileage. It now is approaching 120,000 miles and running strong. There have been a few wear items we've had to address recently, but to be expected. It is possibly the best travel car we've ever owned. Very comfortable, lots of space, actually drives smaller than it looks, and good on gas for its size, and very good overall performance. We got back today on a trip from our home in Beech Mountain, NC to Mechanicsburg, PA to look at a car. The GL was averaging 25.2 mpg on the trip up at 75-80mph on the interstate. The car we were looking at is a 2022 GLS450 with 12,000 miles. I can honestly say the 2016 GL is just a better car to me, even with the miles. Feels more solid, quieter, longer drive range due to the larger fuel tank, and the seats are so much more comfortable. MB, in my opinion has really gone downhill with the "upgrades" to this model line. I've not driven the VW, so I can't offer a comparison. Hope this helps.

Panzerknacker

They aren’t really in the same class as each other honestly. I mean the Atlas is not so bad but it just isn’t the same. Also the 3rd row is not as good in my opinion. Of course for the same price point you are looking at an older, used GL so if mileage, reliability and warranty are a priority for you then that would be a factor.

oldmangrimes

When comparing third rows for SUVs, it's hard to do online. When we looked at 3-row SUVs, one of the first things I would do is climb into the 3rd row. We use the second and third row for adults and teenagers, and there is a huge difference in the third rows of various vehicles. You just need to climb in there and see, it's hard to put numbers on it and compare otherwise. If you've got little kids in car seats, actually put their car seats or booster seats in the vehicle you're thinking about, and see how they fit.

chassis

Good point. Climb into a GLB third row…

Gray_Panther

Thanks everyone for the feedback!!
I am personally leaning towards the GL, we both drove the Atlas a few years ago and we loved it for its capabilities, but neither of us driven a GL yet. I am sure we will realize it will be leagues ahead with its suspension and comfort.

The only drawback sill be the cost to maintain, but I should be able to lower the costs if I do the work myself.

Panzerknacker

Oil changes, brakes, etc… are actually pretty straightforward on Mercedes. Easier than some shops may lead you to believe. Some of the larger jobs can be quite expensive but the same is true for Volkswagen. I happen to know. So again it’s more likely that you would find a VW still under warranty for the same price.

lexnoir

VW reliability is meh. Not that owning a used Mercedes would be much better. But if you go the GL route, which I would highly recommend then go with a 550 not a 450. More power, better handling. I think the 550 comes standard with more options as well. Think about towing also if you plan to tow. I also agree with Panzer. I have a backyard mechanic that has no issue maintaining my GL. Only because it's a 2015 with 100K do I let a backyard mechanic touch it, I still take it to MB for things like a tranny flush (I trust if they damage something they will repair/replace). So yes, dealer is more expensive, but outside of electronics, its a vehicle and can typically be maintained outside of dealer costs.

chassis

Beware the M278 V8 in the 550 model. Lots to read about on this site.

Panzerknacker

You beat me to it. Search M278 cylinder scoring and you will see. I would probably look for a GL450 with the M276 even though it has less power the 6 cylinder has shown itself to be a reliable motor.

lexnoir

Point taken on the scoring on the M278. I hope I don't run into that issue, but you probably just jinxed me!

Panzerknacker

Shame too, because otherwise it is a nice motor and there are a lot of vehicles that I would like to have that were primarily powered by the M278 or AMG 157, and I will probably be avoiding them.

lexnoir

Panzer I always forget that issue since it hasn't happened to me yet. Now I'm scared I have to M278 vehicles. A car and SUV. Both Renntech tuned I hope that doesn't add to the scoring.

BlownV8

Tuning, in my opinion and from what I've read, will add to the scoring issue. Hence the reason I haven't tuned my 63.

Gray_Panther

Hi all,
Just returning to say I have basically given up on a 2015-2016 GL450. Will turn attention towards an Atlas.
While I do find the M276 to very reliable and strong, the GL450's in my price range (60k-90k miles) all had owners that could afford to own them, but could not afford to operate them.
No spark plugs changed, no transmission/differential fluids changed, engine oil changes were at the minimum of 10k, with some going more in between OCI.
It has been disappointing, but now we are looking at an Atlas but we are still keeping our W166!!