2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec vs. GL450 vs. GL550 Overview
2010 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec vs. GL450 vs. GL550 Overview.
(October 30th, 2009 by BenzOnly -
Exclusive Editorial Review)
When Mercedes-Benz decided to add a 7 passenger Full-Size SUV to the existing family of SUV's: compact-size GLK and mid-size ML, the objective was not just to build a bigger automobile. The goal was to build a vehicle that can outperform any competition in its class in every category. Since Lions don't need to compete with other animals, they still need to compete against other Lions, so let's take a look at the competition of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL Class within its own models.
Dimensions:
All dimensions of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL Class models are absolutely identical - the same length, the same width, the same wheelbase, the same room - the same everything. While, there is a little difference of the exterior styling between GL350 BlueTec and GL450, there is a notable difference when you compare them to GL550, especially in the front grille design. GL550 has a massive front grille that contains the larger Mercedes-Benz Star emblem in the middle of it, comparing to other two GL models, making GL550 look a little larger, even though it has exactly the same size as 350 and 450. Does it make GL550 look better? BenzOnly.com lets you decide.
Performance:
Here is the core difference. GL350 BlueTec has the smallest engine: V6 with just 210 Horsepower, while both GL450 and GL550 have V8 with 335 and 382 Horsepower respectively. Above all, there is a very little difference in the price between GL350 BlueTec and GL450 (!) So why bother with GL350 anyway? Here is why:
GL350 BlueTec Diesel:
2010 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTec has a Diesel engine unlike GL450 and 550 gasoline engines. Although its V6 engine produces just 210 Horsepower, at the same time it outputs
"earth - moving" 400 pound per feet of torque at just 1,600 RPM (!) Why is it important? There is a reason why most big-rig trucks, European taxis and heavy boats prefer the Diesel engine instead of the gasoline. Diesel is a
"workhorse", designed to endure reliably under the heavy loads and at the same time consuming less fuel. GL350 consumes 6 miles per gallon less than GL450 on the highway and 4 MPG less in the City driving. A single tank of fuel can take you an estimated 600 miles (!) Above all, diesel engines can take millions of miles of driving without breaking down and usually outlast the lifespan of the comparable gas engines.
"BlueTec" stands for: "I'm not your old grandma diesel engine that smells and covers entire neighborhood in smoke!" BlueTec engines are very clean and finally approved for sale in all 50 States. Additionally, you may be eligible for the full Alternative Motor Vehicle Tax Credit.
GL450:
For just about $1,000 more (!) - you can get a V8, which gives you one of the most superior car performance on the planet. GL450 engine produces 335 Horsepower, which is 125 more Horsepower, than GL350 BlueTec (!) More power gives you a better handling, astounding 2.2 seconds faster acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, than GL350, and easier maneuverability. Although it does not have the same fuel economy as GL350 BlueTec, at the same time the price for the gallon of gasoline is less expensive, than the gallon of the diesel, in most States. Even though, most diesel enthusiasts say, that Diesel engine will outlast the gas engine, it's fair to answer, that this fact is simply irrelevant to the folks who want to lease for 2-4 years and turn it back, or people who want to buy and sell it or trade it in after 5-7 years, while it still has a good resale value. The statistics shows that overwhelming number of people in the United States doesn't keep their car for more than 6 years.
GL550:
The first thing you notice when comparing GL550 to GL450 is the huge difference in price
- about $23,000 (!). However, when you look closely, you realize that GL550 is almost fully loaded (!) Basically, if you add all of the available packages and options to GL450
- its price tag will climb up nearing the price of GL550, which would be a much better choice, than overloaded with options GL450 - since most options are Standard equipment on GL550. 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL550 produces almost 50 more Horsepower than GL450, while due to its efficient engine
- the fuel economy is almost the same (!) Also, GL550 accelerates half a second faster from 0 to 60 mph. This half a second is an
"eternity" to most car guys! To conclude: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL550 is built for people who want the
"top of the line".
Bottom line:
BenzOnly.com recommends GL450. It is the most adequate and well rounded choice for most situations
- it excels in every aspect: Power, Handling, Safety, Performance and Future Resale Value. Simply put, you can't go wrong by choosing GL450. However, in some circumstances there may be a better choice to go with GL350 BlueTec or GL550. BenzOnly.com aims to give you enough information to digest. After all
- it's your choice.
To see full specifications of 2010 GL-Class, please visit BenzOnly.com
GL-Class page, where you can also download brochure.
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