gl class 320cdi vs 420cdi

[dh5927]

Hello all, i would very much appreciate any advice you guys may be able to offer on mercedes gl 4x4s
im looking to change my alpina d3 biturbo for something "slightly" more substantial. Does anybody have first hand experience of the 320/420cdi engines?

[steve_amv8]

dh5927 said:

Hello all, i would very much appreciate any advice you guys may be able to offer on mercedes gl 4x4s
im looking to change my alpina d3 biturbo for something "slightly" more substantial. Does anybody have first hand experience of the 320/420cdi engines?

I have a GL320CDI with the Brabus performance kit fitted. It's a good engine and I regularly average 26-28mpg. It's superb for towing and has a comfortable and smart interior. The UK-spec cars has a lot of goodies as standard - MB UK seemed to avoid the entry-level spec you can get in other countries. Build quality is superb - mine is 3 years old in Sept and has had no niggle or problems whatsoever.

The GL is pretty rare and doesn't seem to suffer the same stigma some of the other large 4x4s have. It is also very capable through seriously muddy fields, even on the normal road tyres (mine pulled us out of a real bog two years ago, at the Air Tattoo in Fairford, even though it was up to the axles in soggy mud).

Tyres aren't cheap, particularly on the 20" MB optional rims - there are only two MO-approved tyres available at the moment and stock seems limited at times! That said, I got four new Continentals for approx £900 in February.

[dh5927]

thank you steve, is there anything particular i should be looking out for on a 07/08 plate model? did you test the 420cdi by any chance? whats the 320cdi like with all 7 seats occupied?

[AKA8]

We have an R320 Cdi with seven seats, and I've driven it with all seven seats occupied. The answer is, it's quite slow in the first place but probably fine for what it's intended for. Unless you plan on doing lots of overtaking, I'm sure it will provide adequate performance for the type of car it is.

[nickedwards]

We have an Ml420cdi which is just amazing. Got it about 6 months ago and also have a TDV8 range rover. the v8 diesel mercedes engine is so smooth the Range Rover is on its way, being replaced by a GL420. Economy isnt most important to us, but it averages 25-26mpg overall. Well worth losing a couple of mpg for that v8 grunt, it is incredible and makes the car so much better.

Good luck

[dh5927]

thank you guys... had a test drive on the weekend in an 08 GL 320CDI. must admit it was a lovely place to be, unfortunately i felt the 320cdi felt a little underpowered. i think the 420 cdi is going to prove more my tool- just need to find the right spec and price now!

[AR]

Just got an 08 plate for the wife with the D8 kit and the Brabus exhaust, and it flies, no lack of pace at all. TBH it is hard work sticking to the NSL on motorways as diesel is so refined. With the Brabus exhaust it sounds superb from the outside.