MoterTrend: First Drive of the GL450

[GTA45E]

I can`t believe the GL450 is a staggering 600lbs. lighter than the Cadillac Escalade. Thats quit a feat from Mercedes-Benz.


1.
2.
3.
4.

 

[Merc1]

I was at the local Benz dealer looking around the lot (closed, but cars are out) and what do you know, a GL450 pulled up with dealer/manufacturer plates. This thing is much bigger looking on the road than it looked at the auto shows a few months back. The GL450 is the best looking vehicle out of the Bama-made triplets. Its classier and more conservative than the curvy/swoopy ML and is better proportioned than the R-Class. I predict big numbers for this thing worldwide, but especially in the U.S. It goes on sale in about 10 days here in the U.S!!! For you U.S. folks the base price is $54,900 according to the forums on MBWorld.org. Not a bad starting price and certainly in line with its competitors from Lexus and Cadillac.

M

 

[NarutoRamen]

Thanks for the info guys. I haven't seen one yet, given I haven't been to the dealership, they usually let me see what they have in the back because they know I'm a big mouth and I get the word out..LOL (they let me see an SLR, bless them LOL)

I've been looking at the pics of this car and I do like it very much. I don't know if anyone has been in an escalade or not, but they are very very comfy so I'm wondering if this can beat it. any thoughts?

 

[Yperion]

I 'm sure GL will be a smashing hit in US. It surely is a much better choice than the Escalade.

 

[GTA45E]

I 'm sure GL will be a smashing hit in US. It surely is a much better choice than the Escalade.

I have to agree with Yannis. I believe the GL possesses better core engineering than the Escalade.It might be more comfotable to.

 

[tennmb]

Well guys I've gotten to drive the new GL. I've got mixed views. Inside, the cabin is nothing more than a spruced up ML. There are a few more wood accents, and the dash is treated with a stitched mbtext, which looks so much like leather I ask, why bother killing the cow. The middle row doesn't seem to offer any more space than the ML. This vehicle has a shorter wheel base than the R. I would pick the R if rear seat room and third row access were the issue. The car drives nice and the 450 engine is dreamy. I mean it is nice. It is tight, solid, will out handle the U.S. bloated SUVs and quality is high. The third seat is an actual seat, but it is hard to access, and leaves little knee room for adults.

Other than getting that SUV look, The R is the superior vehicle.

 

[Osnabrueck]

I think the GL is a product MB could and should have had for some time now. I'm somewhat let down that the vehicle's interior gets piecemeal treatment, but Mercedes is being cautious about this model and probably has projections that preclude a all-new interior design.

I like it, but, gas just hit $3.00 a gallon in LA. There's expensive, then there's crap you pants and curse the sky expensive. Like the Q7, the GL is nice, but it's launching in front of a very tough crowd.

 

[Merc1]

Well guys I've gotten to drive the new GL. I've got mixed views. Inside, the cabin is nothing more than a spruced up ML. There are a few more wood accents, and the dash is treated with a stitched mbtext, which looks so much like leather I ask, why bother killing the cow. The middle row doesn't seem to offer any more space than the ML. This vehicle has a shorter wheel base than the R. I would pick the R if rear seat room and third row access were the issue. The car drives nice and the 450 engine is dreamy. I mean it is nice. It is tight, solid, will out handle the U.S. bloated SUVs and quality is high. The third seat is an actual seat, but it is hard to access, and leaves little knee room for adults.

Other than getting that SUV look, The R is the superior vehicle.

Interesting take on the GL, never heard anyone say they thought the R was superior. What has the interest been on the GL so far? It seems that the GL will enjoy a much better launch than that the R did.

M

 

[Merc1]

I think the GL is a product MB could and should have had for some time now. I'm somewhat let down that the vehicle's interior gets piecemeal treatment, but Mercedes is being cautious about this model and probably has projections that preclude a all-new interior design.

I like it, but, gas just hit $3.00 a gallon in LA. There's expensive, then there's crap you pants and curse the sky expensive. Like the Q7, the GL is nice, but it's launching in front of a very tough crowd.

It might have some effect on launch, but not much IMO. All it will do is seperate the people who can make payments as opposed to people who can really "afford" a GL450.

M

 

[tennmb]

The GL may have a better launch, but that is because it has a non-threatening familiar SUV style. Let's face it, we Americans are stupid. If it looks rugged, it must be better, right. The R- will out perform the GL in every category except off-road. how many buyers will venture off-road in a GL? Less than 5% I can safely say.

Under the skin, the R, GL and ML have all the same basic stuff. They all share the same platform. Where the GL really misses the mark is in 2nd row leg room. It just doesn't feel like a full-sized SUV. It is pretty and drives great. They have got to get the 450 motor in more cars. MB is making a mistake IMO not offering this in the ML and R. It is a better engine than the 500. Silky smooth. The S-550 will quit selling (I'm exagerating) when they offer the S-450 in the states. An E450 makes more sense than an E550.

Put a bench seat in the 2nd row of an R and it's a no-brainer, IMO.

 

[Merc1]

The GL may have a better launch, but that is because it has a non-threatening familiar SUV style. Let's face it, we Americans are stupid. If it looks rugged, it must be better, right. The R- will out perform the GL in every category except off-road. how many buyers will venture off-road in a GL? Less than 5% I can safely say.

Under the skin, the R, GL and ML have all the same basic stuff. They all share the same platform. Where the GL really misses the mark is in 2nd row leg room. It just doesn't feel like a full-sized SUV. It is pretty and drives great. They have got to get the 450 motor in more cars. MB is making a mistake IMO not offering this in the ML and R. It is a better engine than the 500. Silky smooth. The S-550 will quit selling (I'm exagerating) when they offer the S-450 in the states. An E450 makes more sense than an E550.

Put a bench seat in the 2nd row of an R and it's a no-brainer, IMO.

I agree with everything you've said. I really think the R will do much better in Europe than here ultimately. I too don't understand why Mercedes isn't putting the new V8s in the M/R yet. It doesn't make sense, unless....unless they're going to modify them with direct injection for our market and launch them next spring as 08's with more power and better fuel ecomomy. Just my lil theory. Though I still won't believe that they aren't changing the V8s in the M/R until a 2007 ML500 or R500 is on the lot with the old 5L SOHC engine!

M