GL outsold ML in Feb '13
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From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
Two reasons and they are self inflicted: GL and GLK. The GL is Motor Trend's SUV of the year and to some people that designation means a lot. The M was new last year; the others are new this year. Here we see a competition from within that intimates the ML is loosing its edge to "stimulate" customers (from Car and Driver):
"Mercedes-Benz is pitching this new model (GL) not just as a family hauler with luxury stirred in, but as a luxury vehicle in and of itself: Interior refinement is said to rival that of the S-class. The new ML leans much more toward coddling than stimulating, so it’s a claim we can see being true. Whether the GL’s refinement comes at the expense of the driving experience—as it did in the current ML—will take some seat time and instrumented testing to find out".
"Mercedes-Benz is pitching this new model (GL) not just as a family hauler with luxury stirred in, but as a luxury vehicle in and of itself: Interior refinement is said to rival that of the S-class. The new ML leans much more toward coddling than stimulating, so it’s a claim we can see being true. Whether the GL’s refinement comes at the expense of the driving experience—as it did in the current ML—will take some seat time and instrumented testing to find out".
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From: SoCal
13ML BT
Two reasons and they are self inflicted: GL and GLK. The GL is Motor Trend's SUV of the year and to some people that designation means a lot. The M was new last year; the others are new this year. Here we see a competition from within that intimates the ML is loosing its edge to "stimulate" customers (from Car and Driver):
"Mercedes-Benz is pitching this new model (GL) not just as a family hauler with luxury stirred in, but as a luxury vehicle in and of itself: Interior refinement is said to rival that of the S-class. The new ML leans much more toward coddling than stimulating, so it’s a claim we can see being true. Whether the GL’s refinement comes at the expense of the driving experience—as it did in the current ML—will take some seat time and instrumented testing to find out".
"Mercedes-Benz is pitching this new model (GL) not just as a family hauler with luxury stirred in, but as a luxury vehicle in and of itself: Interior refinement is said to rival that of the S-class. The new ML leans much more toward coddling than stimulating, so it’s a claim we can see being true. Whether the GL’s refinement comes at the expense of the driving experience—as it did in the current ML—will take some seat time and instrumented testing to find out".
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From: Brazil
2013 C63
Imho, the new GL looks fantastic from every angle, I cant think of a better option in the large lux SUV market, on the other hand the ML, although a great midsize SUV, is no beauty queen, my guess is that sales will keep falling, just wait for the new Q7 or X5 to arrive in the next few months
Last edited by galion; Mar 2, 2013 at 07:34 PM.
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From: Howard Co MD
'13 ML350 Bluetec for work, E550 for pleasure, & ML350 for my wife
I'm bucking the trend.
My new vehicle will be an ML350 Bluetec after 6 years in two GL's.
The interior of both my GL's were nicer than my wifes 04 ML500 and 08 ML550.
Her '12 ML350 is much nicer than her past vehicles, but I'd say not quite in the same league of the GL.
But for 15 to 25 $K less, the 13 ML is looking pretty sweet to me.
My new vehicle will be an ML350 Bluetec after 6 years in two GL's.
The interior of both my GL's were nicer than my wifes 04 ML500 and 08 ML550.
Her '12 ML350 is much nicer than her past vehicles, but I'd say not quite in the same league of the GL.
But for 15 to 25 $K less, the 13 ML is looking pretty sweet to me.
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A gaggle of MB's
Interesting theories - fact is dealers did not have sufficient depth in Jan-Feb ML inventory to capture more sales - much lower inventories Jan/Feb since this year Jan/Feb production allocation of the ML for international markets was increased.
Mercedes is adjusting that as we speak - with upside end-Feb US dealer allocations, re-allocating back to the US what had been previously increased for intl markets.
The "new adjustment" was caused by the fact that inventories were much too low - and sales were lost to competition, especially to the Acura MDX which continues to capture significant market share in full size "luxury brand" SUV's simply because they are the "low retail price leader" (ie. cheap boxes")..
Mercedes is adjusting that as we speak - with upside end-Feb US dealer allocations, re-allocating back to the US what had been previously increased for intl markets.
The "new adjustment" was caused by the fact that inventories were much too low - and sales were lost to competition, especially to the Acura MDX which continues to capture significant market share in full size "luxury brand" SUV's simply because they are the "low retail price leader" (ie. cheap boxes")..
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300D Turbo 1984
GL = ML(extended)
The GL is no where near as pleasurable to drive as the ML
When driving the GL immediately after driving and ML; GL feels sluggish and lumbering.
GL-Rear Seat power folding has a clunky mechanism (reminiscent of the early Chrysler minivans)
The GL is no where near as pleasurable to drive as the ML
When driving the GL immediately after driving and ML; GL feels sluggish and lumbering.
GL-Rear Seat power folding has a clunky mechanism (reminiscent of the early Chrysler minivans)
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From: SoCal
2013 ML550 Paladium Silver/Brown Satin Ash
Imho, the new GL looks fantastic from every angle, I cant think of a better option in the large lux SUV market, on the other hand the ML, although a great midsize SUV, is no beauty queen, my guess is that sales will keep falling, just wait for the new Q7 or X5 to arrive in the next few months
I guess it's like they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The only think I like more about the looks of the GL vs. the ML are its big wheels (i.e,. the 10x21s on the 550), which give it a more muscular stance from the front and rear. Although I know I could get that with the ML63 or aftermarket wheels.
Otherwise, I think the trim around the GL wheel wells looks too boxy and dated from the side, and spoils the whole look...I wish they kept with a more fluid design there. If they needed to extend them for the larger wheels, should just do it like on the ML63...just flare the body out more. I don't think there is a better looking SUV than the ML63.
I agree the new Q7 and X5 are going to add some pressure to ML sales. I miss the multi-contour seats of my ol' X5 and its 'corner-flat' turns, as well as the heads-up display. But if the 2014 X5 or Q7 can't match the amazing safely features of the ML (i.e., collision avoidance and active driver assist), unfortunately I'll have to stick with the ML, since safety is the #1 reason I drive an SUV, and there isn't a safer one on the road than the ML (besides the GL, of course).
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From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
Perhaps the real reason is production capacity.
Jan Feb 2012, the ML was only available for North America.
By Jan Feb 2013, it was also sold in the rest of the world.
It would be interesting to see how factory production figures compare rather than US only sales.
Jan Feb 2012, the ML was only available for North America.
By Jan Feb 2013, it was also sold in the rest of the world.
It would be interesting to see how factory production figures compare rather than US only sales.
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ML350
But if the 2014 X5 or Q7 can't match the amazing safely features of the ML (i.e., collision avoidance and active driver assist), unfortunately I'll have to stick with the ML, since safety is the #1 reason I drive an SUV, and there isn't a safer one on the road than the ML (besides the GL, of course).
After watching way too many of the youtube Russian Crash Compilation videos - I recommend the "CarCrashCompilation" channel if you are an aficionado - I constantly see on slippery roads the crash that starts with a very slight fishtail one that is over-corrected and continues to worsen like a pendulum, until soon the car is sliding backwards or sideways - often into an oncoming truck. Hopefully this ESP self-steering feature reduces the chances of this. Although I bet it annoys car journalists!
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From: Guelph, Ont. CA.
2014 ML350 BlueTec.
Hmmm....
Interesting, I know styling is a personal issue, but I am not surprised that sales of the W166 have dropped, I think MB dropped the ball on the new M-Class. Wonderful interior, great technology but indifferent styling.
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From: SoCal
13ML BT
We get it, you have convinced yourself that the w166 isn't a good looking truck. It's obvious why and it's funny that you attribute the drop in sales due to aesthetics when it is clearly stated that the drop is due to US-bound builds and availability.
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A gaggle of MB's
It was all inventory - ML inventory has gone up at dealers 3rd/4th week March - MB diverted more ML production back to support US market.
A "well equipped" ML 4matic is MSRP roughly let's say $58K, lane tracking/boards/stuff-like-that, a comparably equipped GL let's say roughly $$73K-74K - about 4 mpg advantage for ML V6 gas and the GL V8 gas - for vehicle difference between ML/GL thats really a nominal difference - the GL BlueTech has a 2-3 mpg advantage over the ML Gasser - which puts those two trucks on even footing since higher diesel maintenance cost evens out that operating cost comparison with "normal" miles per year.
That's my take on it all...
A "well equipped" ML 4matic is MSRP roughly let's say $58K, lane tracking/boards/stuff-like-that, a comparably equipped GL let's say roughly $$73K-74K - about 4 mpg advantage for ML V6 gas and the GL V8 gas - for vehicle difference between ML/GL thats really a nominal difference - the GL BlueTech has a 2-3 mpg advantage over the ML Gasser - which puts those two trucks on even footing since higher diesel maintenance cost evens out that operating cost comparison with "normal" miles per year.
That's my take on it all...
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From: SoCal
2013 ML550 Paladium Silver/Brown Satin Ash
"Indifferent styling?" What does that mean?...styling that doesn't care one way or the other? Or are you trying to say its style is not no different than other SUVs? Or are you saying that it makes you feel indifferent?
In any case, I know of no SUV in this size class that looks as good as the ML. The Q7 is a close second. The X5 is cool looking, except for the back wheel well looks kinda funky from the side.
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From: Howard Co MD
'13 ML350 Bluetec for work, E550 for pleasure, & ML350 for my wife
The only styling aspect I'm not real fond of is the rear hatch/roofline/air foil area. Looks pretty similar to the Lexus RX350's.
Otherwise it's all good IMO.
Otherwise it's all good IMO.
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13ML BT
"Indifferent styling?" What does that mean?...styling that doesn't care one way or the other? Or are you trying to say its style is not no different than other SUVs? Or are you saying that it makes you feel indifferent?
In any case, I know of no SUV in this size class that looks as good as the ML. The Q7 is a close second. The X5 is cool looking, except for the back wheel well looks kinda funky from the side.
In any case, I know of no SUV in this size class that looks as good as the ML. The Q7 is a close second. The X5 is cool looking, except for the back wheel well looks kinda funky from the side.
Even if someone were to be indifferent to the exterior and/or interior design, a real car guy/gal will appreciate the huge leap in the w166's driving dynamics.
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From: NYC / LI
2013 CTS-V, 2017 Audi Q7 / Past MB's: 2011 ML350 & 2012 ML350
He comes here every once in a while to rationalize his purchase of a final year previous gen model. While I still like the previous gen, the w166 makes it look like a hatchback, side by side. And the w166 is definitely more masculine in design. Most people are adverse to change, it freaks them out, so many will share his view.
Even if someone were to be indifferent to the exterior and/or interior design, a real car guy/gal will appreciate the huge leap in the w166's driving dynamics.
Even if someone were to be indifferent to the exterior and/or interior design, a real car guy/gal will appreciate the huge leap in the w166's driving dynamics.
About four weeks ago I referred a friend of mine who is buying an E350 covert to my salesperson. When she called to thank me we got to talking and she asked how my wife and I liked the ML. I told her we are very happy and like it so much more than the 2011. During our conversation she mentioned that she can’t keep them in stock, and her biggest problem is getting them from MB.
I really don’t understand the constant bashing of the W166’s styling, everyone may not like it (different strokes, for different folks) especially W164 owners but is by no means ugly at all.
I admit I’m not a big fan of the W166 styling but it has grown on me, and although I like the W164 styling now when I see a one on the road it looks old and outdated. This is my opinion, it’s not ugly, it just looks outdated the same way a W163 looks outdated compared to a W164.
I agree with 27T, the W166’s driving dynamics are so much more superior to the W164 that it’s not even close.
It is so much more refined and so much more enjoyable to drive than the W164 that this is probably why the minor issues I had with the styling don’t even matter. Again the same way a W164 was more refined than the W163, and the same way the next generation ML will be compared to the W166.
Last edited by Cyber GS; Mar 25, 2013 at 10:28 AM.
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From: Guelph, Ont. CA.
2014 ML350 BlueTec.
Just to let you know....
He comes here every once in a while to rationalize his purchase of a final year previous gen model. While I still like the previous gen, the w166 makes it look like a hatchback, side by side. And the w166 is definitely more masculine in design. Most people are adverse to change, it freaks them out, so many will share his view.
Even if someone were to be indifferent to the exterior and/or interior design, a real car guy/gal will appreciate the huge leap in the w166's driving dynamics.
Even if someone were to be indifferent to the exterior and/or interior design, a real car guy/gal will appreciate the huge leap in the w166's driving dynamics.
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From: SoCal
13ML BT
I have been in Quality Control and Vehicle Performance for Lexus(TMMC) for over 15 years and I have been driving Mercedes-Benzes for almost 15 years, so I consider myself a bit of a car guy. When I visit this forum, I enjoy sharing my thoughts on vehicles, especially MB's. "You have a great day".......
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From: Mississauga, ON
2012 ML350 BlueTEC; 2003 4Runner V6 Limited
It seems the ML sales rebounded in March as it finished the first quarter of 2013 behind the C and E-Class.
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/m...-quarter-2013/
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/m...-quarter-2013/
