Experience with Mercedes GLK350 and GL450

[Dan2010]

Wife got to test drive the GL450 and the new Dodge Durango. I know by "name", it seems the Mercedes is the way to go but I am here to tell you based on driving the Durango and the totally new features and build, I am leaning Durango. Add that its half the price...........hmmmm.

However, my wife did like the GL450 she drove today as well. It doesnt really matter to me as she is going to be the one driving it with my 3 year old in the back seat.

[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by Dan2010

Wife got to test drive the GL450 and the new Dodge Durango. I know by "name", it seems the Mercedes is the way to go but I am here to tell you based on driving the Durango and the totally new features and build, I am leaning Durango. Add that its half the price...........hmmmm.

However, my wife did like the GL450 she drove today as well. It doesnt really matter to me as she is going to be the one driving it with my 3 year old in the back seat.

Check out the Grand Cherokee as well if you don't need the 3rd row. Top of the line is the Highlander Summit, it's a beautiful car, and even with V8 and 4WD, should be well less than $50K out the door.

[gwalker]

I got a GL550 as a courtesy car 3x in the past year when we were having out SL550 serviced. I really liked it and probably drove it a total of 10 days combined. I've driven X5s, RRs, LX570s, and a few other various luxury SUVs and I really liked the GL550. I'm not sure how I'd feel about the 450 as I don't know what kind of power it has. I'm a huge MB fan and our SL550 is about as good as it gets for a luxury roadster in that price range. That said I love the MB cars but for a SUV I'd rather have a new Tahoe, Denali, or Escalade. The american SUVs are a better SUV IMHO. I will say the new Durango is a beast as well. My brother in law has a dodge dealership and its pretty freaking impressive. I use my SUVs and trucks as they were intended and not as a grocery getter. If you are going European GL all the way but if you are going off road or towing look elsewhere.

[Ebruner]

I agree with the above post 100%. I have owned a Mercedes-Benz of some sort for the past 20 years and am a hugh MBZ fan. Currently have a 2012 SL550. That being said I also have a 2012 Escalade. I pull stumps out with my US Big Block. Tow my boat, pull a ridiculous sized trailer down the road at 75MPH. You cannot beat the big US SUV's.

-Eddie

[cayenne]

Had a 2011 GL450 for a brief time... Not a fan. Got rid of it for a Rover, but for SUV's I wouldn't go for the GL450 or GLK line. Like others have already mentioned the GLK is based on a C class and drives/behaves like one.

I had a GLK as a loaner when my GL was in the shop for one of it's many visits, and it almost feels like you are driving a mini cooper around.

[jamesbondOO7]

One is girl's car with a V6, the other one a guy's car with a V8. Absolute no-brainer decision.

[GermanyMatt]

LR4 is another option. The 8-speed transmission should be included for the upcoming model year. It's a nice car; wish they would bring the diesel to the US.

[Sixshooter]

Originally Posted by GermanyMatt

LR4 is another option. The 8-speed transmission should be included for the upcoming model year. It's a nice car; wish they would bring the diesel to the US.

We have had a LR4 for a few months now. Loving it, and no issues yet If they would have had a diesel version over here I would have been all over it.

OP, that's too bad about Dodge. They should take better care of repeat customers. Enjoy the MB!

[jamesbondOO7]

The LR4 is a magnificent car. I have the Discovery 3 TDV6 and absolutely love it. Now, if I lived in the US, I would have a Navigator or an Escalade.

[z32turbo]

I'd go for the GL as the GLK is way too small. You may like the ML if the GL is too big.

[Dan2010]

Well, things look to working themselves out. Wife has zero interest in the GLK or ML. We have had 2 Suburbans and not looking to buy another for no reason other than to get something different. She really has no interest in any other brands SUV other than the GL450 or the 2012 Dodge Durango. Well, I have been negotiating with Dodge and they have thoroughly pissed me off. I have personally bought 6 brand new vehicles from them in the last 8 years and I am expecting them to make a deal. For some reason that makes no sense to me, they are being quite silly on their price negotiations. Evidently, loyalty no longer matters to Dodge so it looks pretty good at this point we will be paying extra and getting the Mercedes GL450.

So, Dodge, while I love my truck and due to the lifetime powertrain warranty and the lifetime bumper to bumper warranty I will never get rid of it, you have lost a very well qualified and formerly loyal customer.

Mercedes, I look forward to a long and lasting relationship.

[BH13GMT]

Alternative to the Gl is the R-class, same interior space. People either love them or hate them. The mrs has one and she loves it. Same running gear in many areas just with a different look.

[Zed Homme]

Porsche 911, let the wife drive your truck.

[Dan2010]

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

Porsche 911, let the wife drive your truck.

Funny you say that. I have always wanted a Porsche and it may be my next personal car.

[Dan2010]

Well damn, Dodge changed their tune and gave me what I wanted. Just drove home in the 2012 Dodge Durango and saved the company $40k..................thats how a CFO works.......lol

Seriously though, this thing has everything and more than what the Mercedes GL450 has except the price tag and the prestige. I got the wife The Citadel model which has everything including blind spot indicators and front crash warning. I challenge anyone to check out the 2011 and newer Durangos before they poo poo that its a Dodge. Not the same Dodge of yester year.............

Anyways, thanks for the input and advice.

[gwalker]

Originally Posted by Dan2010

Well damn, Dodge changed their tune and gave me what I wanted. Just drove home in the 2012 Dodge Durango and saved the company $40k..................thats how a CFO works.......lol

Seriously though, this thing has everything and more than what the Mercedes GL450 has except the price tag and the prestige. I got the wife The Citadel model which has everything including blind spot indicators and front crash warning. I challenge anyone to check out the 2011 and newer Durangos before they poo poo that its a Dodge. Not the same Dodge of yester year.............

Anyways, thanks for the input and advice.

My brother in law was driving 2012 at our cousins wedding last weekend. SICK ride. I'd give it a chance before I got a Tahoe again and I LOVE tahoes. I never rode in it but nosed around its beautiful. Huge congrats. American SUVs are best if you need a SUV. European SUVs are ok to go to soccer practice and the grocery store.

[Zed Homme]

I hope she enjoys it! idk about the Durango, but I know the JGC has come a long way in the past year.

Get the Porsche, I'll probably get one this summer or fall.

[Dan2010]

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

I hope she enjoys it! idk about the Durango, but I know the JGC has come a long way in the past year.

Get the Porsche, I'll probably get one this summer or fall.

I liked your last one......I am going to kick you at the Atlanta GTG for selling it.........

[liuk3]

Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Drives like a car, but you get the space of an SUV. Very fun SUV to tool around in.

[FNFZ4]

My Brother has the 2011 GL450 as a daily driver.
Sister GLK350 2011 CPO

Me...Im just their driver most of the time.... I prefer the GL

I just Switched from a Z4 as a daily to a Lexus CT200H

[Joey_V]

My brother bought a GLK350 and he likes it a lot. It's quite new so I don't know about reliability.