GLS450 vs 550
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From: San Francisco, CA
no MBs at the moment :(
GLS450 vs 550
My wife is considering a GLS (if she decides to get 3 rows... if not, she wants a Cayenne). We test drove a GLS450, and the power felt "adequate". The brakes also felt adequate, but noticeably less confidence inspiring than those of her current Audi Q5 (and far worse than the Cayenne or my E63).
We've been considering the GLS550, but I noticed something surprising in MotorTrend's SUV of the year stats. The difference between the GLS450 and 550 to not only 0-60, but also in the quarter mile is only 0.2 seconds! I can see more aggressive gearing in the GLS450 could make 0-60 times similar, but I was very surprised to see the quarter mile times so close as well. Is the 450 significantly underrated?
If the acceleration between the two are so similar, that may not be enough to push us to a 550. However, we also place brakes and suspension higher up the priority list than most big SUV buyers. Is there any upgrade to brakes and suspension in the 550? I know there is a difference in tires that definitely help the 550's braking, but that can be easily fixed on a 450.
Is there anything else that makes a 550 a "must-have" car? We tend to like more performance-oriented versions of any given car, but don't want to throw away money unnecessarily.
Thanks!
We've been considering the GLS550, but I noticed something surprising in MotorTrend's SUV of the year stats. The difference between the GLS450 and 550 to not only 0-60, but also in the quarter mile is only 0.2 seconds! I can see more aggressive gearing in the GLS450 could make 0-60 times similar, but I was very surprised to see the quarter mile times so close as well. Is the 450 significantly underrated?
If the acceleration between the two are so similar, that may not be enough to push us to a 550. However, we also place brakes and suspension higher up the priority list than most big SUV buyers. Is there any upgrade to brakes and suspension in the 550? I know there is a difference in tires that definitely help the 550's braking, but that can be easily fixed on a 450.
Is there anything else that makes a 550 a "must-have" car? We tend to like more performance-oriented versions of any given car, but don't want to throw away money unnecessarily.
Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 408
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From: Orange County
16 GL550
there is another thread talking about 450 vs 550 and someone also pointed out the motortrend article. i can only say i drove the gls450 and gls550 back to back, there's no comparison. the gls550 is a lot more powerful, much higher tq, and it's effortless at all speed. when i drove the 450, i felt like i had to press hard on the gas pedal to get to the speed i want. i am not saying the car can't go fast, i am saying it takes more effort. with the gls550 the car feels like a rocket.
you have a e63s, i am pretty sure you can feel the difference easily.
i can't say for sure if the brakes and suspensions are the same between 450 and 550, but imho with 550 you get a lot more features as standard (led headlights, different body trims, etc...).
you have a e63s, i am pretty sure you can feel the difference easily.
i can't say for sure if the brakes and suspensions are the same between 450 and 550, but imho with 550 you get a lot more features as standard (led headlights, different body trims, etc...).
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: NJ
GLS450, RX400h
Among other things, a factor that made us cancel a GSL 550 order and opt for a GLS 450 was the emissions.
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions ratings scale on the 550 is straight double that of the 450
- displayed on the front in every car at the dealership. (In case you care) It's of course not the mileage/mpg between these models that matters as much as how much in emissions each contributes.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find....37368&id=37399
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions ratings scale on the 550 is straight double that of the 450
- displayed on the front in every car at the dealership. (In case you care) It's of course not the mileage/mpg between these models that matters as much as how much in emissions each contributes.http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find....37368&id=37399
Last edited by knpnj; Jan 18, 2017 at 08:32 AM. Reason: edit
Super Member
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From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
Overall performance of the 550 is a step above the 450. The tires, suspension, and brakes all contribute to the greater sporty performance, not just the hp. If you measure the performance by straight line acceleration alone, there isn't much difference between the two models, assuming you don't define your life by half second intervals.
Personally, the 550 just looks sportier. That said, referring to the 450 performance as "adequate" is a gross under statement as well. It'll still outperform 7 out of 10 suvs you'll come across at stop lights or highways.
Life has choices. Either GL is a great choice.
Personally, the 550 just looks sportier. That said, referring to the 450 performance as "adequate" is a gross under statement as well. It'll still outperform 7 out of 10 suvs you'll come across at stop lights or highways.
Life has choices. Either GL is a great choice.
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2019 Porsche GT3, 2013 Mercedes G550, 2024 Ford F150 Raptor, 2024 Tesla Model Y
Besides increased torque and HP, which is significant, the front brakes on the 550 are 25 mm larger and the front track is 4 inches wider, rear track is at 1 inch.
All point to increased performance... acceleration/braking as well as handling.
All point to increased performance... acceleration/braking as well as handling.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2015
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From: San Francisco, CA
no MBs at the moment :(
Thanks, good details to know.
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gl550
Do you know why the 550's track is wider? is it just the wheels it comes with? can you put the 550 wheels on a 450 to make it wider?
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From: Western Europe
2017 GLS 350d
Technically you can. But the law states that the wheel arches must cover all the wheel. So you will need to get the wheel arche extensions that come with the 550. That also means you need to swap the front and rear bumpers. In Europe, you can get that kit on any GLS as an option. In the US this is only on the 550.
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2019 Porsche GT3, 2013 Mercedes G550, 2024 Ford F150 Raptor, 2024 Tesla Model Y
Originally Posted by jbak31
Do you know why the 550's track is wider? is it just the wheels it comes with? can you put the 550 wheels on a 450 to make it wider?
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From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
It's the wider track of the 550 that fills the wheel flares.
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GLS450
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2019 Porsche GT3, 2013 Mercedes G550, 2024 Ford F150 Raptor, 2024 Tesla Model Y
Originally Posted by Mike450
No it doesn't, the difference in offset is ~22mm, or less than an inch.
It's the wider track of the 550 that fills the wheel flares.
It's the wider track of the 550 that fills the wheel flares.
Last edited by silvertige; Jan 22, 2017 at 08:18 PM.
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2019 Porsche GT3, 2013 Mercedes G550, 2024 Ford F150 Raptor, 2024 Tesla Model Y
Originally Posted by jerome8283
It's the front and rear fender flares that make it wider too. The GL450 does not have fender flares. The fender flares come with the AMG kit.
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From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
I have 20" OZ Racing et43 winter wheels from a GL550 on my 450. My point was, you're not noticing a difference from the OEM 20" et64 450 wheel.
Last edited by Mike450; Jan 23, 2017 at 12:01 PM.
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From: Bucks Cty, PA
2015 gl450
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S600
I have a <rather new> 450 GLS (Sept).
I find the power adequate.
I find the brakes a bit wooden.
I find the transmission very busy--so busy in fact I mostly drive it using manual mode on the tranny. I bet Merc programmed it to downshift at any sense of urgency to cover up the (otherwise) perfectly adequate motor.
OVer 5K miles, I am averaging 20 MPG.
I find the power adequate.
I find the brakes a bit wooden.
I find the transmission very busy--so busy in fact I mostly drive it using manual mode on the tranny. I bet Merc programmed it to downshift at any sense of urgency to cover up the (otherwise) perfectly adequate motor.
OVer 5K miles, I am averaging 20 MPG.
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From: San Diego
MB GLS550/BMW 550/2017 Acura NSX
My wife is considering a GLS (if she decides to get 3 rows... if not, she wants a Cayenne). We test drove a GLS450, and the power felt "adequate". The brakes also felt adequate, but noticeably less confidence inspiring than those of her current Audi Q5 (and far worse than the Cayenne or my E63).
We've been considering the GLS550, but I noticed something surprising in MotorTrend's SUV of the year stats. The difference between the GLS450 and 550 to not only 0-60, but also in the quarter mile is only 0.2 seconds! I can see more aggressive gearing in the GLS450 could make 0-60 times similar, but I was very surprised to see the quarter mile times so close as well. Is the 450 significantly underrated?
If the acceleration between the two are so similar, that may not be enough to push us to a 550. However, we also place brakes and suspension higher up the priority list than most big SUV buyers. Is there any upgrade to brakes and suspension in the 550? I know there is a difference in tires that definitely help the 550's braking, but that can be easily fixed on a 450.
Is there anything else that makes a 550 a "must-have" car? We tend to like more performance-oriented versions of any given car, but don't want to throw away money unnecessarily.
Thanks!
We've been considering the GLS550, but I noticed something surprising in MotorTrend's SUV of the year stats. The difference between the GLS450 and 550 to not only 0-60, but also in the quarter mile is only 0.2 seconds! I can see more aggressive gearing in the GLS450 could make 0-60 times similar, but I was very surprised to see the quarter mile times so close as well. Is the 450 significantly underrated?
If the acceleration between the two are so similar, that may not be enough to push us to a 550. However, we also place brakes and suspension higher up the priority list than most big SUV buyers. Is there any upgrade to brakes and suspension in the 550? I know there is a difference in tires that definitely help the 550's braking, but that can be easily fixed on a 450.
Is there anything else that makes a 550 a "must-have" car? We tend to like more performance-oriented versions of any given car, but don't want to throw away money unnecessarily.
Thanks!
