GL Class - Talk to me

GL Class - Talk to me

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007singh

Original Poster:

268 posts

167 months

Wednesday 12th November 2014
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So, with the arrival of addition number 3, we are now faced with the challenge of fitting 3 car seats (age 4 and under) in a car. Aside from the S Max, Touran, Sharan, Galaxy etc - I wanted to see what else I could find that might be a bit more luxurious.

Main issue is to fit 3 car seats in a row where possible (I believe I could get over the issue of hidden seat belt buckle by using short extensions to bring them to an accessible point if needed.

7 Seats is not essential, but if it is there in the car I select, its a bonus. Main thing is comfort and space for 5, plus space for the gubbins that a family with kids needs.

Choices I thought of so far include:

Discovery 4
Mercedes GL

I quite like the fact that the Benz is a rare sight, but I don't like the fact that my budget would probably get me into an previous model one (I hear the COMMAND system is dated). Should this be a concern? What are they really like? Will I get 3 seats across the 2nd row?

350 vs 420/450 CDI - leaning towards the 450 V8 CDI, but is it really worth it?

Reliability and running costs in the real world?

So let me know what you think, even if your advice is to go for a Sharan/MPV and then get something special to enjoy when I can.

Mosdef

1,733 posts

226 months

Wednesday 12th November 2014
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Within the family, we had the previous generation for a few years in 320cdi guise. Whilst it was comfortable enough and very spacious, I think it feels quite dated, both in terms of layout and materials used. I would say its natural competition would be American SUVs and X5s and Q7s (also 7 seats) run rings around it dynamically and in terms of having that premium feel. It's also pretty slow, although might be just about fast enough for family duties. Maybe the V8 diesel would fix that. Reliability wise, we had no problems over a 3 year period and maybe 35k miles.

The newer model is far, far improved. The materials and finish are great and the ride quality is excellent. The Command is much better and you get bluetooth streaming, a better sat nav system etc. It's a much better package and actually handles quite well with very up to date technology. It's not quick but I think it has appropriate performance for the kind of car it is. I can't compare it with a new Range Rover but it's good value compared to that. There have been no niggles with the car in the first nine months of ownership.

As suggested above, a Q7 has 7 seats and I'm sure there will be some good deals on those given the stage in the model cycle.

richarda0109

313 posts

164 months

Wednesday 12th November 2014
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Agreed with previous post. The newer model is much more civilised than the previous model. More car like in handling than truck like. In addition the GL does have certain service issues (air suspension etc) which make it problematic and certainly expensive to fix.

What is your budget?

The offerings from X5, Q7 and even a FFRR must be highly attractive at the moment.

Rgds
Richard

007singh

Original Poster:

268 posts

167 months

Wednesday 12th November 2014
quotequote all
Thanks all for that. I do prefer the new/current GL (post 2012/13 I think), but still very expensive.

I was worried about the dated feel inside - still need to see one in the flesh, but I suspect that won't help matters.

X5 is a no go, as 3 seats won't fit in the 2nd row. I suspect the Q7 is like that too (although will check it out) - best options seem to have flat bench/individual style 2nd row seats, that are actually made for 3 people, not the bucket style/sculpted outer two seats then a small bench seat in-between.

RR is a consideration, but again, I really like the new one and the latest previous gen still hold strong money.

Disco 4 looks appealing in later spec (when they moved to a rotary gear selector like the RR).

GL seems to be a lot of car for your money though, and that whats keep drawing me back.

Lastly I could just lump it and go for a MPV (S Max, Touran, Galaxy/Sharan etc). I know three seats will fit, and it leaves a good boot.

Budget wise I would say below 30k would be ideal. For that I would want relatively modest miles, good spec and new-ish car. If I was to drop to 10k for example, I would be sure I could easily pick up a MPV for the mundane stuff and keep the difference. That said, the latest Touran and Sharan are 20k mark for entry to decent spec etc.


akeithj

320 posts

209 months

Wednesday 12th November 2014
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A few years back John Barker from EVO magazine was running an E92 M3 Frozen edition and also had three young children, from memory he wrote quite a positive review on a new product at the time that enabled you to have three child seats bolted together and they fitted into the back of the M3, can't remember the name of the product though, but you may find it through Google.

007singh

Original Poster:

268 posts

167 months

Wednesday 12th November 2014
quotequote all
akeithj said:
A few years back John Barker from EVO magazine was running an E92 M3 Frozen edition and also had three young children, from memory he wrote quite a positive review on a new product at the time that enabled you to have three child seats bolted together and they fitted into the back of the M3, can't remember the name of the product though, but you may find it through Google.
I think you refer to the Multimac seat system - I am aware of it, I too recall that article. I have considered it as an option, but would rather find a car that fits all in the normal manner. If all else fails, or does not seem like a good choice, I would consider one.

Whilst it gives you the benefit of fitting the seat into a car, if the car has limited boot space for the 3 kid's worth of stuff then I am still going struggle on that front.

Mosdef

1,733 posts

226 months

Monday 17th November 2014
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Have you looked at the Mercedes R Class? Just having looked at Autotrader, you can get a 2 year old 350 diesel with 17k miles for £29,750. That is a huge amount of car for the money and the drive is better than the previous GL (we had both and I preferred the drive of the R Class). I don't believe they have air suspension and although it has the same Command system, for some reason I think it all presents better.

The R Class has lots of space and should suit your brief quite well. The raised ground clearance and 4wd is helpful and ride, body control etc were better than the previous generation GL.

Not sure that's helpful but it's an easy car to overlook.

Mosdef

1,733 posts

226 months

Monday 17th November 2014
quotequote all
Have you looked at the Mercedes R Class? Just having looked at Autotrader, you can get a 2 year old 350 diesel with 17k miles for £29,750. That is a huge amount of car for the money and the drive is better than the previous GL (we had both and I preferred the drive of the R Class). I don't believe they have air suspension and although it has the same Command system, for some reason I think it all presents better.

The R Class has lots of space and should suit your brief quite well. The raised ground clearance and 4wd is helpful and ride, body control etc were better than the previous generation GL.

Not sure that's helpful but it's an easy car to overlook.

numtumfutunch

4,705 posts

137 months

Monday 17th November 2014
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My own thoughts are that I looked at the previous generation GL for the reasons you describe but discounted it on account of being just too big
Mind you a Q7 isnt that much smaller - arguably also "just too big"

And dont worry about COMMAND being outdated - a smartphone will have far better nav and traffic capability anyway

Cheers!

007singh

Original Poster:

268 posts

167 months

Monday 24th November 2014
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Cheers all for the info.

As it happens, number 3 made an early arrival - 7 weeks ahead of schedule! All is well though, and both mother and baby are now home. Neonatal intensive care is an amazing service, what they do is out of this world. Never really paid much attention to it until we needed it.

Anyway, back to motoring - R class is not right from a looks perspective for my tastes. Not ugly, just a bit awkward if you get me.

Will look at the GL before I make a decision, as even by halving my budget I can get a first gen one - and that seems a lot for your money, and then I guess its a gamble with warranty. That aside, I still want to check out a Q7.

Will keep you all posted.

gizlaroc

17,251 posts

223 months

Tuesday 25th November 2014
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Is the GL actually any bigger than an ML other than third row/boot space?

10 plate FFRR would be my choice.

In Stornaway Grey with Ivory interior it still looks better than just about any other car out there.





007singh

Original Poster:

268 posts

167 months

Tuesday 25th November 2014
quotequote all
gizlaroc said:
Is the GL actually any bigger than an ML other than third row/boot space?

10 plate FFRR would be my choice.
The reason for looking at the GL was that I did not think the ML had the width to take 3 seats in the middle row. If what you say is correct, then the GL is no better for being a bigger car.

FFRR is tempting, will look at it.

footsoldier

2,251 posts

191 months

Thursday 27th November 2014
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I've got 4 kids, and we have had an s-max, then an R class, and last month changed to a 2011 GL 350cdi.
A mile more refinement than the s-max (which was good enough to drive), and half a mile better than r-class.

I didn't like my kids being right against back window of Ford, in case of accident. which is why we went to R. Kept it for 5 years, and no complaints,

I then bought a 61 Reg GL from a Merc finance auction for £30.5k, FSH, 50k miles, fully specced (reverse camera, rear DVdS etc). Just had to put new (winter) tyres on it.

Don't see many about, and I'd definitely recommend it. Engine much better performer than the 3.5l petrol we had in R.

Pretty big though! That's a Golf, next to mine...


007singh

Original Poster:

268 posts

167 months

Monday 8th December 2014
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Thanks to all for the input so far. I took a look at a previous generation GL at the weekend, and with 80k on it, it looked quite tired inside. It had wear to the leather than had gone almost all the way through, the lever for the seat lift was broken, there was no rear cover etc.

Whilst it is very roomy, it did seem a bit overkill for what I need and seems a very big car for daily use. That said, I am going to try a new LR Discovery tomorrow, and will see how that presents itself. The dealer has a HSE Lux on demo, which I think it tempting fate, its really nice!

007singh

Original Poster:

268 posts

167 months

Wednesday 17th December 2014
quotequote all
So i pulled the trigger on a 2012 model Discovery 4 HSE, with the SDV6 engine and 8 speed box. Its a 1 owner, 35,000 mile car and arrives tomorrow. Can't wait. My first LR product, so will be keen to see how the experience goes, but overall, it looks a great family hack (and is obviously tried and tested). GL was nice, but it needed to be a current model and most of what I wanted was out of budget.

007singh

Original Poster:

268 posts

167 months

Thursday 18th December 2014
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Here it is:








gizlaroc

17,251 posts

223 months

Thursday 18th December 2014
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That looks lurveeeelyyyy!!

Enjoy!

007singh

Original Poster:

268 posts

167 months

Thursday 18th December 2014
quotequote all
gizlaroc said:
That looks lurveeeelyyyy!!

Enjoy!
I will do. Moves damn well for car of that heft. Can only imagine what a remap would do.

Cyb3rDud3

198 posts

225 months

Sunday 28th December 2014
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Nice one. Sorry I was late to this party. I've actually got a current model GL. We were all set to buy a Discovery 4 to change out of our Prius as NONE of the other 4x4 could handle 7 adults. We only have 2 children. But since LR wouldn't budge on the price I was annoyed and looked around and notice the new GL out and a dealer local had one to test drive. And like the Disco 4, it can actually handle adults in the third row. I preferred the gearbox in the Mercedes, and the full air suspension with active cornering seems to proof Newton and others wrong. The command system is great, and the highresolution screen both in dash and between the dials compared to Land Rovers 8-bit 80's style version is good as well.

I still think both (Disco and GL) are absolutely lovely. We've now down 20K miles from new in our GL and it is absolutely brilliant and regularly have 7 in the car.