Need help deciding on a Benz GL guys, help out
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,481
Likes: 198
From: San Francisco, CA
Forums: most active I found to be MBworld.org (Im a member on the C class forums 
) and second best to be Benzworld (though there isnt as much activity there)
I love the look of the GL, but its been out for quite some time. I wouldnt worry about reliability in the latest benz models.
the new R doesnt look so bad....
) and second best to be Benzworld (though there isnt as much activity there)I love the look of the GL, but its been out for quite some time. I wouldnt worry about reliability in the latest benz models.
the new R doesnt look so bad....
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,226
Likes: 222
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Originally Posted by EyeKutr
I found out kid #3 is on the way
Maybe you can re-use/re-cycle the child seats from the older kids 
Originally Posted by Rominl
if you talk about practicality, you can't beat mini-van, never. but driving one is a different story. so will leave you at that
minivan suspension and power have come a long way throughout the years, but suvs have come even longer way no matter how you put it, you can't get the kind of fun suvs give you in minivans. that's how i see it. and driving suv vs driving minivan? driving suv looks a lot better imho 
even the whole new sienna with those swagger whatever commercial? honestly, i feel nothing about it
no matter how you put it, you can't get the kind of fun suvs give you in minivans. that's how i see it. and driving suv vs driving minivan? driving suv looks a lot better imho even the whole new sienna with those swagger whatever commercial? honestly, i feel nothing about it
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 3
From: Alberta
We were very impressed with the GL and had attempted to order one before getting our X5. Unfortunately, we wanted the diesel and were told it would be 5 months for delivery. The X5 was ready in 6 weeks.
If we were starting our SUV shopping over again, we would have bought the GL over our ML. Essentially drives the same, but with the best 3rd row seating in this class with a slightly better interior imo.
Agree with IS SV. Reliability is average at best. Nothing major in our ML but enough annoying issues that it will be the first vehicle to leave our garage fwiw.
If we were starting our SUV shopping over again, we would have bought the GL over our ML. Essentially drives the same, but with the best 3rd row seating in this class with a slightly better interior imo.
Agree with IS SV.
Reliability is average at best. Nothing major in our ML but enough annoying issues that it will be the first vehicle to leave our garage fwiw.
Pole Position
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 0
From: Lake Country, WI
The GL550 isn't worth the cost over the 350 UNLESS you have to have acceleration. The GL takes it over Q7 and X5 for reliability from several mechanics I've spoken to.... maybe a Ford Flex????
And again, I will HIGLY recommend the Sienna!!!
And again, I will HIGLY recommend the Sienna!!!
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Thread Starter
Pole Position
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,733
Likes: 39
From: Alta Loma, CA
Fellas, thanks for all the great input. Wife and I looked at a Sienna, Odyssey is ugly IMO. amazing what that have done with the Sienna. If we could get over the SUV vs mommyvan thing, it would be in the garage already. I agree with all the comments about the new GX, what a disappointment that car was, last GX even with the hanging 3rd row seats is better in the back end....Never considered the R class, will have a quick look
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
Regarding BenzWorld, I do find it useful for getting info on my current gen C-class and previous current gen ML350.
And I do understand why people will rule-out a minivan, despite the obvious practicalty and easy entry/exit.
And I do understand why people will rule-out a minivan, despite the obvious practicalty and easy entry/exit.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,481
Likes: 198
From: San Francisco, CA
I believe there is no longer the GL350. Its either the 450 or the 550, both V8s
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
Not a GL350 in US, only GL450 as entry level GL.
Agreed, the Mercedes 3.5L as used in the US versions of ML, C-class, E-class is more reliable than similar sized Audi and BMW engines per mechanics that I know.
Agreed, the Mercedes 3.5L as used in the US versions of ML, C-class, E-class is more reliable than similar sized Audi and BMW engines per mechanics that I know.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: TX