G63 or ML63 AMG for family duties?
G63 or ML63 AMG for family duties?
Author
Discussion

kbf1981

Original Poster:

2,346 posts

229 months

Thursday 29th November 2012
quotequote all
I've a new baby on the way - our first! So need to swap one of the supercars for a BIG 4x4 that I'll like driving. I'd also consider a CLS 63 AMG but I think the ML has more road precense, space, and the 4x4 means I might move when it's a bit snowy.

So.......there are deals on everything at the moment. Which would you go for? Anyone driven both? I drove the ML and that was excellent. I expect the G would be more old school, less fun, and look cool whilst actually being more of a pain to use day to day. Lots of fun, looks cool, but not actually as good as the ML63 at the job of moving baby stuff, gf and other bits and bobs around day to day.

mez3

356 posts

248 months

Thursday 29th November 2012
quotequote all
If I had that kind of money it would have to be the GL.

I have a cdi ml and I wish I had got the gl as it has so much more space.

The cls is not that roomy and only has 2 seats in the back and access to the boot is not great compared to the ml/ gl for the likes of prams and other baby stuff.

The g wagon even with its latest makeover won't drive like the ml/ gl. I love them for their quirkiness but given the choice the gl for me would win.

If the gl doesn't have enough space for all your stuff you might need to consider a sprinter!

Good luck


'

kbf1981

Original Poster:

2,346 posts

229 months

Thursday 29th November 2012
quotequote all
Are GL63's available now? I thought the GL was getting changed over next year and the 63 will only come out with the new model?

Stu R

21,634 posts

244 months

Thursday 29th November 2012
quotequote all
Ml63 has plenty of room IMO, I certainly wouldn't be desperate to upsize if the missus was to land *that* surprise on me - You can get a lot of stuff in them.

The GL is massive. I like them, but I wouldn't consider them essential for baby carrying duties by any means.

matc

4,736 posts

236 months

Thursday 29th November 2012
quotequote all
New GL63 is not out for a while yet, I reckon it'll be sept next year before customer cars land in the uk.

We handed over a G55 today, and as much as its an awesome bit of kit, the space in the back is pretty poor, I can't see that sitting in the back would be very comfortable!

I'd have an ML63, or look at a RR/Cayenne.

kbf1981

Original Poster:

2,346 posts

229 months

Friday 30th November 2012
quotequote all
matc said:
New GL63 is not out for a while yet, I reckon it'll be sept next year before customer cars land in the uk.

We handed over a G55 today, and as much as its an awesome bit of kit, the space in the back is pretty poor, I can't see that sitting in the back would be very comfortable!

I'd have an ML63, or look at a RR/Cayenne.
The ML63 I like much better than the RRS / RR Supercharged, and the Cayenne they're asking strong money for basic options that should be included in the price. Think I'll stick with my ML idea smile Thanks!

kryten22uk

2,350 posts

260 months

Friday 30th November 2012
quotequote all
kbf1981 said:
and the 4x4 means I might move when it's a bit snowy
Does the ML actually have any 4x4 capabilities, or is it useless like the X5?

GT3ZZZ

1,007 posts

199 months

Friday 30th November 2012
quotequote all
I had a 2008 ML63 from new for 2 years on the co car fleet. It did 60,000 miles flawlessly and put a smile on my face every time I drove it. It coped with children, dogs and snow admirably. Its not a genuine off-roader like the G but much more refined on the road. I changed it for a RR TDV8 and can't say the RR was any better in bad road conditions but the RR was better finished and more comfortable. The 63 was much quicker point to point.

Not surprisingly, the best thing about the 63 was the engine and it just kept getting quicker with age. My miles were motorway long runs and I dont think many 63's really do high miles and loosen up to their full potential. It was easily sub 10s to 100 in its first year and closer to 9 when it went back.

Edited by GT3ZZZ on Friday 30th November 21:45

T5R+

1,226 posts

238 months

Saturday 1st December 2012
quotequote all
If it is the GL you refer to - they are too big to throw around*. The ML is better suited to UK roads.

My suspicion is that you will see more MLs than GLs in this specification.

*Defy any testosterone loaded person not to boot a 63 in any model guise - in the GL (sub 5 seconds to 60mph in a car that weighs ~2.5tonnes) physics will play more of a part.

slippery

14,093 posts

268 months

Saturday 1st December 2012
quotequote all
kryten22uk said:
kbf1981 said:
and the 4x4 means I might move when it's a bit snowy
Does the ML actually have any 4x4 capabilities, or is it useless like the X5?
With the off-road pro pack, yes, plenty. yes

MarsellusWallace

1,180 posts

230 months

Saturday 1st December 2012
quotequote all
No competition for me- Id be buying the G for its rarity,character and sense of occasion.The fact that Ive always loved G's since I was a kid makes me think that if Ive not tired of the shape 30 years on then I probably never will.

Thats even before you have taken the residual values into consideration.


kbf1981

Original Poster:

2,346 posts

229 months

Saturday 1st December 2012
quotequote all
GT3ZZZ said:
I had a 2008 ML63 from new for 2 years on the co car fleet. It did 60,000 miles flawlessly and put a smile on my face every time I drove it. It coped with children, dogs and snow admirably. Its not a genuine off-roader like the G but much more refined on the road. I changed it for a RR TDV8 and can't say the RR was any better in bad road conditions but the RR was better finished and more comfortable. The 63 was much quicker point to point.

Not surprisingly, the best thing about the 63 was the engine and it just kept getting quicker with age. My miles were motorway long runs and I dont think many 63's really do high miles and loosen up to their full potential. It was easily sub 10s to 100 in its first year and closer to 9 when it went back.

Edited by GT3ZZZ on Friday 30th November 21:45
Thanks that's really useful - the new ones seem very well finished compared to the RRS I borrowed for a while. I borrowed a new RRS Autobiography and then test drove a new ML63 and the AMG stuff they've put inside the new ones now was on a par with the RRS. I agree the RRS was more comfy, the ML wasn't vastly different though, a little bit firmer but you'd expect that in an AMG.

Glad to hear they're ok in snow. To be honest, if an RS4 is ok in snow, then I can't see an ML63 being any different. All you need is 2 wheel traction and you tend to go in the snow. My old 911's even moved a *little* because of the rear engine. The Cayman and mid engined stuff just go no where. I think the ML AMGs look a bit cooler than the estates personally and 4wd would come in handy for winter.

orbtar

443 posts

212 months

Saturday 1st December 2012
quotequote all
Why do you need such a large car for one baby? G Wagen is great but way too big. New ML is absolutely hideous, one of the ugliest cars that you can buy. If you must have a fast SUV then it should be a Cayenne Turbo, they are in a totally different league to ML and G Wagen and surprisingly economical (relatively speaking).

r129sl

9,518 posts

232 months

Saturday 1st December 2012
quotequote all
Lack of range would bore me with either of these vehicles. Having to waste 15minutes filling up every other journey is a serious constraint on usability.

The other pain is the size of the vehicle relative to the size of a standard parking space. This is doubly important when you're loading a child.

I've no idea how stiff the suspension is on either car but with a family vehicle, it's more about your passengers' comfort than your driving pleasure.

The arrival of a child does not necessitate such a large vehicle but then a lot of folk can't help but cart around tons of stuff they don't really need. All you really need is a changing bag, its contents, and a papoose.

Anyway, nice to choice to have: I don't begrudge you it, but if it were me and I had the means, I'd special order an E500 Elegance estate and buy a set of winter wheels and tyres.

Edited by r129sl on Saturday 1st December 22:06

FalconWood

1,373 posts

226 months

Sunday 2nd December 2012
quotequote all
orbtar said:
Why do you need such a large car for one baby? G Wagen is great but way too big. New ML is absolutely hideous, one of the ugliest cars that you can buy. If you must have a fast SUV then it should be a Cayenne Turbo, they are in a totally different league to ML and G Wagen and surprisingly economical (relatively speaking).
I have a ML of the Brabus variety and love it! I think size wise it will do the job for tge OP, it will put a vast smile on his face as he transports his precious cargo (sorry cargoes as we must not forget tge wife). I disagree with the view that it is hideous, think it is laughable that you express that view then suggest a Cayenne which are now looking two a penny on the roads and are arguably truly hideous! In my experience the ML are rarer and discerning drivers know it is special and different. The OP should get one, he will NOT be disappointed! smile

kbf1981

Original Poster:

2,346 posts

229 months

Sunday 2nd December 2012
quotequote all
orbtar said:
Why do you need such a large car for one baby? G Wagen is great but way too big. New ML is absolutely hideous, one of the ugliest cars that you can buy. If you must have a fast SUV then it should be a Cayenne Turbo, they are in a totally different league to ML and G Wagen and surprisingly economical (relatively speaking).
Doesn't sound as good and everything's an option. Also ML is a bit more comfy. I don't *need* that much space but I want to be able to fit a Christmas tree in the back, take a dog out for walks in the boot, and if I must have a big car.....it might as well be enourmous and massively practical. I really liked the new ML63 when I test drove it - and I think it looks great in white. So great in fact that today I bought one, picking it up Tuesday smile


kbf1981

Original Poster:

2,346 posts

229 months

Sunday 2nd December 2012
quotequote all
FalconWood said:
orbtar said:
Why do you need such a large car for one baby? G Wagen is great but way too big. New ML is absolutely hideous, one of the ugliest cars that you can buy. If you must have a fast SUV then it should be a Cayenne Turbo, they are in a totally different league to ML and G Wagen and surprisingly economical (relatively speaking).
I have a ML of the Brabus variety and love it! I think size wise it will do the job for tge OP, it will put a vast smile on his face as he transports his precious cargo (sorry cargoes as we must not forget tge wife). I disagree with the view that it is hideous, think it is laughable that you express that view then suggest a Cayenne which are now looking two a penny on the roads and are arguably truly hideous! In my experience the ML are rarer and discerning drivers know it is special and different. The OP should get one, he will NOT be disappointed! smile
Done! Picking up a brand new one on Tuesday! In diamond white with lots of nice options including pan roof.

Everyone needs to listen / watch this before saying anything lol....how EPIC does this sound? biggrin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0R8MKHuq9Y

Stu R

21,634 posts

244 months

Sunday 2nd December 2012
quotequote all
Looks lovely, congratulations on the purchase biggrin

amg master

625 posts

224 months

Sunday 2nd December 2012
quotequote all
kbf1981 said:
Done! Picking up a brand new one on Tuesday! In diamond white with lots of nice options including pan roof.

Everyone needs to listen / watch this before saying anything lol....how EPIC does this sound? biggrin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0R8MKHuq9Y
Congratulations on your new car,I think the ml63 is 1 of the best cars on the road discreet,fast and you don't see many of them around. Did you manage to get a big discount off the 1 that you have gone for? Did you go for the performance pack it seems expensive for what it is. I think the panroof is a must on a white ml as is the 21inch wheels,keyless go is nice to.
I've been looking at the new ml63 but I don't think it looks as aggressive as the last of the facelift ml63 amg did. I had the 1st gen ml63 in 2007 and now have the facelifted version and one thing I can tell you is that they can run with the best of them.

kbf1981

Original Poster:

2,346 posts

229 months

Sunday 2nd December 2012
quotequote all
amg master said:
kbf1981 said:
Done! Picking up a brand new one on Tuesday! In diamond white with lots of nice options including pan roof.

Everyone needs to listen / watch this before saying anything lol....how EPIC does this sound? biggrin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0R8MKHuq9Y
Congratulations on your new car,I think the ml63 is 1 of the best cars on the road discreet,fast and you don't see many of them around. Did you manage to get a big discount off the 1 that you have gone for? Did you go for the performance pack it seems expensive for what it is. I think the panroof is a must on a white ml as is the 21inch wheels,keyless go is nice to.
I've been looking at the new ml63 but I don't think it looks as aggressive as the last of the facelift ml63 amg did. I had the 1st gen ml63 in 2007 and now have the facelifted version and one thing I can tell you is that they can run with the best of them.
I got a great deal tbh - Merc are doing some big deposit contributions, 4.4% APR so cheap money and doing the finance gives you the contribution, and the dealer worked with me on getting a good price for my F430 (selling that, keeping the other one).

I think it's quite subtle, but then it's still quite meaty. If you get it in a loud colour then I think it still looks a bit bling, which tbh is partly what I like....I don't really like subtle lol! The ML is loud on the road, has a big precense, and in white stands out.

The options off the top of my head:
- pan roof
- 21 wheels
- keyless go
- surround sound harman
- reversing camera
- some other stuff I forget, and loads comes as standard on the 63....heated seats, designo etc.

Should be fun picking it up! Do you need to run them in much? I was thinking just don't floor it for the first 1000 miles and after that, just use as normal!