GL63 vs. GLS 550...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 548
Likes: 52
From: In, Out & Around...
Audi BMW Ferrari MB & RR
GL63 vs. GLS 550...
I have an opportunity to purchase either at the moment. All things being equal in terms of options (GLS has nearly every option possible), colorway and pricing w/ warranty. Which would you opt for?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 316
Likes: 23
1. Drive and handling. I had a loaner GLS550 while tires were swapped prior to delivery of my 2016 GL63. It was softer, and even with Active Curve, not as planted as my GL63. My suspension never leaves the Sport + setting, and the ride is very comfortable with amazing handling.
2. Stock power. A lot of people say take the savings and then tune the 550. I have no issue with that, but my previous ML550 in a lighter vehicle was no match for this engine. I am sure the tune helps, but that is added cost and not supported by some dealers if you have an issue.
3. Interior. I like the GL63 interior better than the GLS550, with the standard Nappa leather and the simpler controls over the newer COMAND system.
4. Fun factor/Intangibles. I enjoy the vehicle so much because you just don't expect a 6000+ pound truck to do what this does bone stock. The random "backfire" on downshifts is something AMG didn't plan on, but is entertaining every time it happens.
I didn't want or need a big SUV, but my buddy who owned the dealership at the time told me to drive it, and of course I loved it. With the 2017's on the lot and this being a leftover 2016, he made it worth my while. Twenty months later, I know I made the right choice. Good luck as you decide.
2. Stock power. A lot of people say take the savings and then tune the 550. I have no issue with that, but my previous ML550 in a lighter vehicle was no match for this engine. I am sure the tune helps, but that is added cost and not supported by some dealers if you have an issue.
3. Interior. I like the GL63 interior better than the GLS550, with the standard Nappa leather and the simpler controls over the newer COMAND system.
4. Fun factor/Intangibles. I enjoy the vehicle so much because you just don't expect a 6000+ pound truck to do what this does bone stock. The random "backfire" on downshifts is something AMG didn't plan on, but is entertaining every time it happens.
I didn't want or need a big SUV, but my buddy who owned the dealership at the time told me to drive it, and of course I loved it. With the 2017's on the lot and this being a leftover 2016, he made it worth my while. Twenty months later, I know I made the right choice. Good luck as you decide.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 548
Likes: 52
From: In, Out & Around...
Audi BMW Ferrari MB & RR
Thank you for the input and opinion. If I went with a GLS550 I would not tune it or modify it otherwise if I were to I would just go with the GL63 off the bat. What I would or could do with aftermarket parts would probably cost as much as GL63 in the end and I would not do it as well and not have any warranty. That is not something I would roll the dice on with the way everything is overpriced on an MB. My wife is leaning towards another Range Rover Supercharged and that is what she keeps mentioning over these two but I want to do something different and just so happen to have the opportunity to get either at a very compelling price.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2015 Cayenne Turbo
What about in snow/"off road"?
I have the same "dilemma" of choosing between a 550 and 63AMG.
I drive a 2015 Cayenne Turbo but really only bought the Turbo because it was so difficult to find a CPO GTS with all the options I wanted (and I wish I had Active Chassis PDCC).
Similar issue is happening here since I also don't know the names of al the options I want or what is available.
Some questions to help decide between the two for a family in the Northeast that likes to take long road trips:
Can I get the 550 with the same handling/safety options as the 63AMG (Active Curve...) and will they handle similarly? I care more about stability at speed than flat out speed.
Secondly, after reading many threads on here, there is some talk that the 550 4MATIC is better that the 63AMG system in the snow (based on front/rear distribution).
Is this really the case? I would find it hard to believe that the AMG version is at a disadvantage in inclement weather.
Lastly, what are the differences between GL550 and GL63 AMG driving modes (I know 550 is available with Off-ROad or Off-Road+ and AMG comes with Sport+ but no Off-Road)? I won't really be taking it off-road except maybe some driving on the beach. Will the AMG be at a disadvantage here?
Thanks for the info for this MB newbie who is just beginning to learn...
I drive a 2015 Cayenne Turbo but really only bought the Turbo because it was so difficult to find a CPO GTS with all the options I wanted (and I wish I had Active Chassis PDCC).
Similar issue is happening here since I also don't know the names of al the options I want or what is available.
Some questions to help decide between the two for a family in the Northeast that likes to take long road trips:
Can I get the 550 with the same handling/safety options as the 63AMG (Active Curve...) and will they handle similarly? I care more about stability at speed than flat out speed.
Secondly, after reading many threads on here, there is some talk that the 550 4MATIC is better that the 63AMG system in the snow (based on front/rear distribution).
Is this really the case? I would find it hard to believe that the AMG version is at a disadvantage in inclement weather.
Lastly, what are the differences between GL550 and GL63 AMG driving modes (I know 550 is available with Off-ROad or Off-Road+ and AMG comes with Sport+ but no Off-Road)? I won't really be taking it off-road except maybe some driving on the beach. Will the AMG be at a disadvantage here?
Thanks for the info for this MB newbie who is just beginning to learn...
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 84
Likes: 18
S65 GL320CDI GLS63 80 Series Landcruiser
I have a '17 AMG. Wife and I test drove a '16 550 and as I was heading down a freeway onramp I felt like the truck was kind of bouncy, not a tight feeling suspension. This was strange since we also have an '08 GL and I've never noticed an issue with the handling. That said, I think Active Curve is a must on the GL assuming it makes handling similar to the AMG. I drive with the suspension in "Sport" and for such a large vehicle with a high center of mass it corners like its on rails. On the freeway its very comfortable and there's enough power that you won't get boxed in. I towed a 2 ton trailer across country and back and it was the easiest trip ever; hardly noticed the trailer. We bought the AMG because we have an S65 and my wife wanted the nicer AMG interior and something different (interior-wise) than our '08 GL. The 2017 GLS has the new nav screen compared to the 2016 GL (sticks up out of the dash like other newer mercedes). I can't attest to the 550 but it probably has plenty of power but I'd definitely look for Active Curve. AMG exhaust in the GLS can be heard while driving as opposed to my S65 which is quiet inside while driving. We named the GLS "Rolling Thunder" because that's what you hear while driving! Took some getting used to. The AMG also has Sport+ which I rarely use and the exhaust backfires when decelerating/downshifting like a boy racer car!
Edited to add: the AMG transfer case is a fixed 60% rear/40% front distribution whereas the others are variable based on traction (not really an expert on this subject). We don't have snow here so I can't add anything to the winter driving discussion. In heavy rain on the freeway as long as your tires are good the truck is very stable.
Edited to add: the AMG transfer case is a fixed 60% rear/40% front distribution whereas the others are variable based on traction (not really an expert on this subject). We don't have snow here so I can't add anything to the winter driving discussion. In heavy rain on the freeway as long as your tires are good the truck is very stable.
Last edited by UNderdog; Nov 5, 2018 at 09:35 AM.
Trending Topics
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 9
Likes: 4
2010 S550, 2013 CLS 550, 2013 Ford Raptor Rausch #2, 2013 Maserati GT
It depends how you drive as to which GL you prefer. I tend to enjoy higher performance engines. Both the GL550 and GL63 AMG have a ton of power. I was looking at a 2015/16 Escalade. Then on a whim I went to my benz dealer a drove a 2016 GL550. Amazing SUV. Never thought about the cadillac again. Dealer asked me to test drive the GL63. Wow. I was sold. Both engines are amazing and have tons of power. With the options I wanted, I had trouble finding a GL550 that loaded. Ended up with a private party 2015 GL63. The price was the same as a CPO 2016 GL550. Mercedes makes the best V8's IMHO.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 548
Likes: 52
From: In, Out & Around...
Audi BMW Ferrari MB & RR
My concise and accurate three month review on the GLS450: Pure rubbish.
Go with a heavily optioned 550 or 63 if you're used to MB of yester-year and their interiors.
Go with a heavily optioned 550 or 63 if you're used to MB of yester-year and their interiors.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 122
From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
What about the new 2019 g550 or 2019 g63? Interior is refreshed and as close as you can get to the S class.
E63S wagon might be another option as they also have the full screen dashboard.
E63S wagon might be another option as they also have the full screen dashboard.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
2014 GL63 AMG
I had that same choice. Trust me... GL63, the rumble then rooooaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrr, BURP! When the transmission switches gears, then the linear acceleration. Yeah, when I had the choice between 2017+ non AMG's vs 2016 or earlier GL63 AMG's I went with the AMG.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 204
From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
I tried for month's to find a ML/GL550 when i was looking last year, rare apparently... I just wanted something nice to tow a 5klb boat...
Drove the ml63 on a whim...until i found a 550..... loved the power, the sound and the amg designo interior is REALLY comfortable, I didn't expect that from a sporting seat.... sold.
Im at almost 50k miles and still love it... ride is nice on the highway, i have to be careful on the florida driveways, most have this bit of a rut for water to run off and it really tweaks the ml, so i go nice and slow.......
assuming this will delay the creaks down the road if i don't twist the body anymore than ya have too... oh and no creaks so far...
Drove the ml63 on a whim...until i found a 550..... loved the power, the sound and the amg designo interior is REALLY comfortable, I didn't expect that from a sporting seat.... sold.
Im at almost 50k miles and still love it... ride is nice on the highway, i have to be careful on the florida driveways, most have this bit of a rut for water to run off and it really tweaks the ml, so i go nice and slow.......
assuming this will delay the creaks down the road if i don't twist the body anymore than ya have too... oh and no creaks so far...
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 2
Purchasing our GL63 was one of the best moves I made. They had a GL550 in the same color, but the handling, power and SEATS made it no contest. We never get tired of driving it - we drive long distances to our shore house. There's a 23 mile stretch of 2 lane highway that has a lot of traffic in the summer. There are lots of opportunities to pass, and, between our E63s and GL63, we make up lots of time passing multiple cars at a time. I was behind a Cayman and flew past him. He saw me at a gas station, got off and stopped me. He was irritated, saying that he was "driving a Porsche, and you passed me like I was standing still!"
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 122
From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Purchasing our GL63 was one of the best moves I made. They had a GL550 in the same color, but the handling, power and SEATS made it no contest. We never get tired of driving it - we drive long distances to our shore house. There's a 23 mile stretch of 2 lane highway that has a lot of traffic in the summer. There are lots of opportunities to pass, and, between our E63s and GL63, we make up lots of time passing multiple cars at a time. I was behind a Cayman and flew past him. He saw me at a gas station, got off and stopped me. He was irritated, saying that he was "driving a Porsche, and you passed me like I was standing still!"
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 295
Likes: 53
From: Reno, NV
2015 C63 AMG S Edition 1, 2021 GLS63, 2020 McLaren 600LT Spider
1. Drive and handling. I had a loaner GLS550 while tires were swapped prior to delivery of my 2016 GL63. It was softer, and even with Active Curve, not as planted as my GL63. My suspension never leaves the Sport + setting, and the ride is very comfortable with amazing handling.
2. Stock power. A lot of people say take the savings and then tune the 550. I have no issue with that, but my previous ML550 in a lighter vehicle was no match for this engine. I am sure the tune helps, but that is added cost and not supported by some dealers if you have an issue.
3. Interior. I like the GL63 interior better than the GLS550, with the standard Nappa leather and the simpler controls over the newer COMAND system.
4. Fun factor/Intangibles. I enjoy the vehicle so much because you just don't expect a 6000+ pound truck to do what this does bone stock. The random "backfire" on downshifts is something AMG didn't plan on, but is entertaining every time it happens.
I didn't want or need a big SUV, but my buddy who owned the dealership at the time told me to drive it, and of course I loved it. With the 2017's on the lot and this being a leftover 2016, he made it worth my while. Twenty months later, I know I made the right choice. Good luck as you decide.
2. Stock power. A lot of people say take the savings and then tune the 550. I have no issue with that, but my previous ML550 in a lighter vehicle was no match for this engine. I am sure the tune helps, but that is added cost and not supported by some dealers if you have an issue.
3. Interior. I like the GL63 interior better than the GLS550, with the standard Nappa leather and the simpler controls over the newer COMAND system.
4. Fun factor/Intangibles. I enjoy the vehicle so much because you just don't expect a 6000+ pound truck to do what this does bone stock. The random "backfire" on downshifts is something AMG didn't plan on, but is entertaining every time it happens.
I didn't want or need a big SUV, but my buddy who owned the dealership at the time told me to drive it, and of course I loved it. With the 2017's on the lot and this being a leftover 2016, he made it worth my while. Twenty months later, I know I made the right choice. Good luck as you decide.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
I know this is an old thread. However, I went with the GL63 when faced with this dilemma myself.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 380
Likes: 59
From: Illinois
2019 Audi Q8, 2015 GL63, & 2005 E500W4
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 80
Likes: 35
2017 GLS63
BTW, you mention that the "GLS has nearly every option possible" -- please confirm that this vehicle does, in fact, have the Active Curve Suspension. If not, I think the gap between the 550 and 63 is even larger. I don't think I'd buy another GL550 that didn't have Active Curve.
Good luck. Both options are good vehicles. Of course, get a PPI and especially check on things like cylinder scoring that are deal-breakers. Lots of discussion in this forum and the X166 forum. @chassis has made some good summary remarks.
--Joe
