gl or m class - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

racwld1 · 07-02-2009, 10:12 AM

i am considering a benz suv, is the gl that much better than the m and is the diesel the way to go or the gas engine, i have owned several mercedes but never an suv type, my wife and i are planning some long trips and i need a bit of current owners opnions on comfort, ride, fuel mileage ect. thanks.

lkchris · 07-02-2009, 11:37 AM

GL is simply larger and not that much more expensive, as lots of things optional on ML are standard on GL.

Diesel is the way to go IMHO.

jjhplus9 · 07-03-2009, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racwld1

i am considering a benz suv, is the gl that much better than the m and is the diesel the way to go or the gas engine, i have owned several mercedes but never an suv type, my wife and i are planning some long trips and i need a bit of current owners opnions on comfort, ride, fuel mileage ect. thanks.

For me there is no contest:
the GL is

more practical
better specified
more distinctive
less common

For me also the CDI is a must. Fuel here $6.64 per US Gallon

sheff528 · 07-04-2009, 05:37 AM

It depends on how you're planning on using it, but I can tell you the extra space is nice. Our X5 (same size as the ML) just doesn't have the space for a family trip, but it is much more fun to drive. The GL is a great all around vehicle, and can tow a boat or anything else brilliantly.

As far as the diesel goes, it again depends on your preference. I prefer the acceleration of the gas engine versus the MPG advantage of the diesel. I probably would have opted for diesel if they had the V8 model here in the US. Drive both and make your decision. You'll be happy either way.

dhgl320 · 07-04-2009, 06:29 AM

For long trips, the GL would be my choice - more space. In either case, I'd go with the diesel. In this day and age, diesels are, imho, the most cost effective way to 'go green'. Our 2008 GL320CDI averages 27mpg on the highway.

Supercharged SEC · 07-04-2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhgl320

For long trips, the GL would be my choice - more space. In either case, I'd go with the diesel. In this day and age, diesels are, imho, the most cost effective way to 'go green'. Our 2008 GL320CDI averages 27mpg on the highway.

The 2007 and 2008 GL320 does get exceptional fuel mileage but there is nothing green about that engine; in fact, it's one of the 10 worst polluting vehicles on the road for those years. The GL320 Bluetec is a completely different story.

sheff528 · 07-04-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhgl320

For long trips, the GL would be my choice - more space. In either case, I'd go with the diesel. In this day and age, diesels are, imho, the most cost effective way to 'go green'. Our 2008 GL320CDI averages 27mpg on the highway.

Again, you'll need to drive both and go with what you feel most comfortable in. There is a difference in the performance, so make sure the benefits of the diesel outweigh the drawbacks of a V6 in your mind.

You've probably also noticed that everyone on this site that has the GL320 absolutely loves it and the engine, but the first thing they mention is the MPG. I don't think you can go wrong either way, but nobody ever talks about the acceleration or quickness of the 320. No big deal as it has tremendous torque and probably tows very well, but just make sure it measures up to what you're looking for. You'll be happy with either one.

jjhplus9 · 07-06-2009, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheff528

Again, you'll need to drive both and go with what you feel most comfortable in. There is a difference in the performance, so make sure the benefits of the diesel outweigh the drawbacks of a V6 in your mind.

You've probably also noticed that everyone on this site that has the GL320 absolutely loves it and the engine, but the first thing they mention is the MPG. I don't think you can go wrong either way, but nobody ever talks about the acceleration or quickness of the 320. No big deal as it has tremendous torque and probably tows very well, but just make sure it measures up to what you're looking for. You'll be happy with either one.

The full-size Range Rover 3.6TDI V8 has 268BHP and 8.6 seconds 0-62 mph for a UK Combined fuel consumption figure of 25.4 mpg (imperial)

The GL 320 CDI V6 (not bluetec in this market) has 224BHP and 9.1 seconds 0-62 mph for a UK Combined fuel consumption figure of 28.8 mpg (imperial)

The GL 420 CDI v8 has 306 BHP and 7.6 seconds 0-62 mph for a uk combined fuel consumption figure of 24.4 mpg (imperial)

I fancied a V8 ;-)

But, what I found when I drove these cars back-2-back was:

There was little to tell between the RR and the GL-320 for on the road performance - They where a very similar drive for comfort and performance - the extra practicality of the GL, plus the fact that there are fewer of them about swung the decision towards the GL. (Helped by some deep discounting by the MB dealer)

The GL-420 was a splendid drive, and I did like it a lot but I did not feel that the performance was a game-changer - added to poor availability in the UK at that time, and the same discounts not being available on the 420 - swung the decision towards the 320.

The ML was test driven, and while they are unarguably very similar, the ML came off second best to the GL - and not just the practicality... The GL just felt like a better resolved offering in the round - clearly better in all aspects to the ML - save outright performance (and even these are very similar engine-for-engine). But performance was not in my top five pick criteria.

So ordered the GL 320 CDI and have not yet (in just over one month of ownership) had any reason to question the decision

dhgl320 · 07-06-2009, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheff528

Again, you'll need to drive both and go with what you feel most comfortable in. There is a difference in the performance, so make sure the benefits of the diesel outweigh the drawbacks of a V6 in your mind.

You've probably also noticed that everyone on this site that has the GL320 absolutely loves it and the engine, but the first thing they mention is the MPG. I don't think you can go wrong either way, but nobody ever talks about the acceleration or quickness of the 320. No big deal as it has tremendous torque and probably tows very well, but just make sure it measures up to what you're looking for. You'll be happy with either one.

The GL320 is certainly never going to win any drag races, so if you do alot of squirt and go city driving, the GL320 is probably not for you. However, I find the power to be more than adequate, particularly on the highway, where the 7-speed tranny works quickly and seemlessly.

**lomtevas** · 07-06-2009, 01:42 PM

I owned none of the ML series but I can say that my 2007 GL450 is actually a very durable automobile with enormous power and huge carrying capacity. It eats up miles at roughly 20 mpg according to the computer and refill rate. Miles per tank on the highway approach 500. The 16 cubic foot cap on top is a must-buy and swallows luggage completely.

The phone apparatus could use more volume and the navigation screen is archaic. Nevertheless, for brute force and enormous size, the GL450 is a completely satisfying motoring instrument.