ML350 vs. E350 Wagon vs. G Wagen
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 37
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2009 C63 AMG
ML350 vs. E350 Wagon vs. G Wagen
So the wife has signed off on trading her Tahoe in this winter for something we both like. She is fine with the Tahoe, I just have a disease and can't sit on any car longer than 2 yrs! It's also about out of warranty.
Our only MUSTS are: safe (not too compact as this is our 'family car'), 4wd (Chicago winters) and a lot of cargo space (we have 1 large dog right now -- may get a second at some point). Wife would also like something slightly smaller than the Tahoe so the GL class is out.
I wasn't a MB guy even a year ago but after trading in my 911s and going to the C63 I have been very impressed with MB build quality and I like the styling too.
Here are the 3 cars on my radar,
I like the looks of the GLK too but am guessing the cargo space is just too small.
I think the wife is leaning towards the E Wagon and ML 350 as they're more "normal" cars and she doesn't like flashiness (though she hasn't said No to a G-wagen or Range Rover, either).
I am having trouble narrowing down our choice, anyone have any comment that might help me?
Our only MUSTS are: safe (not too compact as this is our 'family car'), 4wd (Chicago winters) and a lot of cargo space (we have 1 large dog right now -- may get a second at some point). Wife would also like something slightly smaller than the Tahoe so the GL class is out.
I wasn't a MB guy even a year ago but after trading in my 911s and going to the C63 I have been very impressed with MB build quality and I like the styling too.
Here are the 3 cars on my radar,
- ML 350 (2012)
- G-wagen (2009? 2010? ... would buy used to save a little cash, but something still under warranty)
- E 350 Wagon (2012 as I'd want the latest engine)
I like the looks of the GLK too but am guessing the cargo space is just too small.
I think the wife is leaning towards the E Wagon and ML 350 as they're more "normal" cars and she doesn't like flashiness (though she hasn't said No to a G-wagen or Range Rover, either).
I am having trouble narrowing down our choice, anyone have any comment that might help me?
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Vehicle choice
So the wife has signed off on trading her Tahoe in this winter for something we both like. She is fine with the Tahoe, I just have a disease and can't sit on any car longer than 2 yrs! It's also about out of warranty.
Our only MUSTS are: safe (not too compact as this is our 'family car'), 4wd (Chicago winters) and a lot of cargo space (we have 1 large dog right now -- may get a second at some point). Wife would also like something slightly smaller than the Tahoe so the GL class is out.
I wasn't a MB guy even a year ago but after trading in my 911s and going to the C63 I have been very impressed with MB build quality and I like the styling too.
Here are the 3 cars on my radar,
I like the looks of the GLK too but am guessing the cargo space is just too small.
I think the wife is leaning towards the E Wagon and ML 350 as they're more "normal" cars and she doesn't like flashiness (though she hasn't said No to a G-wagen or Range Rover, either).
I am having trouble narrowing down our choice, anyone have any comment that might help me?
Our only MUSTS are: safe (not too compact as this is our 'family car'), 4wd (Chicago winters) and a lot of cargo space (we have 1 large dog right now -- may get a second at some point). Wife would also like something slightly smaller than the Tahoe so the GL class is out.
I wasn't a MB guy even a year ago but after trading in my 911s and going to the C63 I have been very impressed with MB build quality and I like the styling too.
Here are the 3 cars on my radar,
- ML 350 (2012)
- G-wagen (2009? 2010? ... would buy used to save a little cash, but something still under warranty)
- E 350 Wagon (2012 as I'd want the latest engine)
I like the looks of the GLK too but am guessing the cargo space is just too small.
I think the wife is leaning towards the E Wagon and ML 350 as they're more "normal" cars and she doesn't like flashiness (though she hasn't said No to a G-wagen or Range Rover, either).
I am having trouble narrowing down our choice, anyone have any comment that might help me?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 1,265
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Vehicle choice
So the wife has signed off on trading her Tahoe in this winter for something we both like. She is fine with the Tahoe, I just have a disease and can't sit on any car longer than 2 yrs! It's also about out of warranty.
Our only MUSTS are: safe (not too compact as this is our 'family car'), 4wd (Chicago winters) and a lot of cargo space (we have 1 large dog right now -- may get a second at some point). Wife would also like something slightly smaller than the Tahoe so the GL class is out.
I wasn't a MB guy even a year ago but after trading in my 911s and going to the C63 I have been very impressed with MB build quality and I like the styling too.
Here are the 3 cars on my radar,
I like the looks of the GLK too but am guessing the cargo space is just too small.
I think the wife is leaning towards the E Wagon and ML 350 as they're more "normal" cars and she doesn't like flashiness (though she hasn't said No to a G-wagen or Range Rover, either).
I am having trouble narrowing down our choice, anyone have any comment that might help me?
Our only MUSTS are: safe (not too compact as this is our 'family car'), 4wd (Chicago winters) and a lot of cargo space (we have 1 large dog right now -- may get a second at some point). Wife would also like something slightly smaller than the Tahoe so the GL class is out.
I wasn't a MB guy even a year ago but after trading in my 911s and going to the C63 I have been very impressed with MB build quality and I like the styling too.
Here are the 3 cars on my radar,
- ML 350 (2012)
- G-wagen (2009? 2010? ... would buy used to save a little cash, but something still under warranty)
- E 350 Wagon (2012 as I'd want the latest engine)
I like the looks of the GLK too but am guessing the cargo space is just too small.
I think the wife is leaning towards the E Wagon and ML 350 as they're more "normal" cars and she doesn't like flashiness (though she hasn't said No to a G-wagen or Range Rover, either).
I am having trouble narrowing down our choice, anyone have any comment that might help me?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
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From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
The E-Class estate is my favorite "functional" vehicle in the MB line-up right now. I actually prefer the styling to the sedan, and it swallows up cargo with ease. Much better ride quality than the M-Class; you don't get the typical SUV "sway". I would imagine you can get a better deal on the E as well.
In the ML's favor is the BlueTEC - great fuel economy and tons of torque. It will obviously be more in line with the Tahoe's driving dynamics/seating position, as Greg mentioned.
The G is baller but it's a rattle box, especially used.
Having said that, both the new ML and E are great vehicles. Good luck!
In the ML's favor is the BlueTEC - great fuel economy and tons of torque. It will obviously be more in line with the Tahoe's driving dynamics/seating position, as Greg mentioned.
The G is baller but it's a rattle box, especially used.
Having said that, both the new ML and E are great vehicles. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 37
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2009 C63 AMG
The G is a "rattle box" LOL I hadn't known that... if true that'd be annoying for sure.
Why would the deals be better on an E-wagon rather than an ML? Just because the ML model refresh is so new? If anything I would've thought that E-wagon would be firm pricing because it's so rare (if a dealer has 1 in inventory, they probably only have 1)
Why would the deals be better on an E-wagon rather than an ML? Just because the ML model refresh is so new? If anything I would've thought that E-wagon would be firm pricing because it's so rare (if a dealer has 1 in inventory, they probably only have 1)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
I'd imagine you could order an E Wagon to your specs and negotiate a hefty discount. The ML is very new and selling well - it's SUV season!
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Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: North Scottsdale
2008 E63, 2010 SRX Turbo, 2010 Escalade EXT
The E wagons are so rare it's alomost a "treat" to see one on the road. If you want that exclusivity I'd go that route. Not to mention it's a hell of a ride.
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,309
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From: Cave Creek, AZ and Newport Beach
'22 G 63 AMG, '21 GLE 53 AMG, '20 NSX
If this is going to be her car, why don't you let her drive all three and decide since you've come up with the three choices.
Here's my prediction, Since most woman are shorter than us we don't realize how important visulization is. Woman like to sit up high and see the road., so E350 wagon is out but may like the ride.
The G wagon in a woman's eyes looks square so it's out.
The ML...running boards and blind spot recongnition. Yes.
I've talked my wife into some horrible choices for "her car" so now she decides on her car and will candidly ask my opinon. So things like the pano roof as it makes the interior ligher.
Stuff we males don't think about.
Happy wife, happy life. Lessons learned after 42 years. Just saying.
Here's my prediction, Since most woman are shorter than us we don't realize how important visulization is. Woman like to sit up high and see the road., so E350 wagon is out but may like the ride.
The G wagon in a woman's eyes looks square so it's out.
The ML...running boards and blind spot recongnition. Yes.
I've talked my wife into some horrible choices for "her car" so now she decides on her car and will candidly ask my opinon. So things like the pano roof as it makes the interior ligher.
Stuff we males don't think about.
Happy wife, happy life. Lessons learned after 42 years. Just saying.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 1,265
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
You said the E wagon only comes in a V8. But it's currently only offered with the 350 V6 and coming soon the 63 5.5l V8 TT.
The ML is probably the most versatile, up-to-date and cost effective of those; available in V6 gas or diesel, or V8. 68 cu ft cargo vs. 57 in the wagon. G has more space but is pretty antiquated and only comes in thirsty V8 (11 city/15 hwy). E wagon would be a nice ride if it's enough space for you but only comes in V8. My vote would be for the ML, especially with the dogs. Women seem to like the high seating position compared to a car, and that's what your wife is used to. I'd avoid the RRs for the reason you stated.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 388
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From: Montreal
2013 E350 4M, 997 Turbo, MK3 GTI
I had to chose between the GL, ml and e wagon and for many of the reasons mentioned above, I ordered the wagon. Taking delivery in 2 Mondays.
The main benefits are the space, low height, rarity. I've always loved wagons and no question the new E wagon is the best looking one on the road right now.
The main benefits are the space, low height, rarity. I've always loved wagons and no question the new E wagon is the best looking one on the road right now.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,772
Likes: 1,265
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
