Living with a Merc GL?
Discussion
I've been hunting for an LR4 / Disco 4, but they're proving tricky to find in the spec I want, so I'm casting the net a bit further.
Just wondering what they're like to live with really. I've had an ML previously so have a fair idea, but any feedback would be appreciated.
I'll be doing a lot of highway miles, used daily and really all I'm looking for is something big and comfortable with lots of bells and whistles that's reliable and happy to be a daily driver.
I'm based in the US so there's some differences in model nomenclature I think, but I can get a slightly older (2008-2010) GL550, or a slightly newer (2011) GL450, all with pretty low mileage (<50k). I'm not looking for a diesel.
Main questions are concerned with reliability, how heavy they are on consumables etc. Usual stuff.
Also, did anyone who bought the GL also consider an Audi Q7? Interested to hear what tipped the balance towards the GL.
Just wondering what they're like to live with really. I've had an ML previously so have a fair idea, but any feedback would be appreciated.
I'll be doing a lot of highway miles, used daily and really all I'm looking for is something big and comfortable with lots of bells and whistles that's reliable and happy to be a daily driver.
I'm based in the US so there's some differences in model nomenclature I think, but I can get a slightly older (2008-2010) GL550, or a slightly newer (2011) GL450, all with pretty low mileage (<50k). I'm not looking for a diesel.
Main questions are concerned with reliability, how heavy they are on consumables etc. Usual stuff.
Also, did anyone who bought the GL also consider an Audi Q7? Interested to hear what tipped the balance towards the GL.
I've had one for just over a year now in the UK - a 2009 model. Bought it because I wanted lots of space and four isofix car seat points. Disco looked good as well but its reliability reputation is comparatively much worse. Preferred it over the Audi as it seemed better value second hand (i.e. It had depreciated faster from new).
Have really enjoyed having it. Really comfy and quiet to drive. Great visibility when on the road. Kids like being in the back. So far has also been faultless (although diesel engine, so maybe not comparable).
Only downside is finding parking spaces big enough - less of an issue in the US I imagine. Genuinely couldn't think of anything else I don't like about it and can't see us changing any time soon.
Have really enjoyed having it. Really comfy and quiet to drive. Great visibility when on the road. Kids like being in the back. So far has also been faultless (although diesel engine, so maybe not comparable).
Only downside is finding parking spaces big enough - less of an issue in the US I imagine. Genuinely couldn't think of anything else I don't like about it and can't see us changing any time soon.
Edited by sm1tty on Monday 21st April 21:37
Just in case anyone stumbles across this thread wondering what they're like, I thought I'd update it very briefly.
Passed a Mercedes dealership on my way to Ikea last night, so thought I'd make a quick pit-stop. Having had a good paw over a GL550 and a short test drive I can confirm these are seriously wonderful cars. Definitely a cut above the ML class. Sadly they didn't have one to suit my budget (only brand new) but I'm hoping one crops up in the near future. As I suspected, they're significantly bigger in every way to the ML, but what a serene place to munch away at some miles. Very quiet, comfortable to a level that's almost obscene, and despite the roads over here being knackered after a bitterly cold winter that saw temperatures as low as -47, it was silky smooth - consumate highway wafter.
Fuel consumption on the 550 is slightly alarming when pressing on, Ford Raptor rivalling levels of thirst. Not such a big problem when gas is only $3.80/US Gallon. I've been told to check out the Lexus LX570 too, after a brief look at the specs I can certainly see it being a worthwhile comparison, especially given the pedigree the Lexus badge is stuck to.
Passed a Mercedes dealership on my way to Ikea last night, so thought I'd make a quick pit-stop. Having had a good paw over a GL550 and a short test drive I can confirm these are seriously wonderful cars. Definitely a cut above the ML class. Sadly they didn't have one to suit my budget (only brand new) but I'm hoping one crops up in the near future. As I suspected, they're significantly bigger in every way to the ML, but what a serene place to munch away at some miles. Very quiet, comfortable to a level that's almost obscene, and despite the roads over here being knackered after a bitterly cold winter that saw temperatures as low as -47, it was silky smooth - consumate highway wafter.
Fuel consumption on the 550 is slightly alarming when pressing on, Ford Raptor rivalling levels of thirst. Not such a big problem when gas is only $3.80/US Gallon. I've been told to check out the Lexus LX570 too, after a brief look at the specs I can certainly see it being a worthwhile comparison, especially given the pedigree the Lexus badge is stuck to.
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff