GL Class - Talk to me

[007singh]

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.

[007singh]

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.

[007singh]

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.

[007singh]

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.

[007singh]

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.

[007singh]

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]

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]

Here it is:

[007singh]

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.