2011 X5 vs. 2011 GL550
 

I test drove a new 2011 GL550 today....382hp, 391 torque. AMG 21" wheels, running boards, all options, incl. camera pkg, comfort access, UV/Solar glass, heated/cooled seats, LED taillamps and exterior bulbs, nappa leather everywhere incl. the dash and doors, Rear DVD systems for the kiddos, power rear hatch... MSRP $89k

Anyone own a GL? Like it? We have 2 neighbors that have one (a 450 and a 550)...and they love it (but they are not very picky and not really into cars).

My X is driving me f'ing nuts! Today I got the excessive battery discharge warning (but no other warning lights) and yesterday while driving, 2 times the symbol that shows a key with a line thru it (the symbol that displays if you walk away from the car with comfort access, and the car is running & parked it lets you know). But, I was physically driving, on the freeway, and the car is telling me the key is not detected. And the seat crack/snap is honestly getting worse, it's now starting to do it randomly on smooth roads, without cornering or flexing the chassis. My patience is really being tested!! :wow:

My wife's last car was a 2008 GL320 CDI. She LOVED it. We had a 3rd kid and she figured that we needed a bunch more room in the car....She picked out a 2011 Denali Yukon XL....WE HATE IT! Now, 7 months later, I am shopping for a 2012 GL or maybe an R class.
Anyways off topic, but we both really liked the GL. It drives well, ours was very reliable (last model's diesel). Service was a little expensive.
Judging by your sig, you are well versed in luxury SUV's...I don't quite understand why someone would need an '11 G55, '11 RR SC, AND an '11 GL550...but we had a great experience with ours.
As far as the key with the line through it symbol goes...I will get that if my iPhone is in the same pocket with my key. It must block or interfere with the key's signal.

One does not need a GL320, Yukon XL, Range Rover, X5, G55, etc.... :D :stickpoke

Went from a 4.8i to a GL350 and I put on the fender flares and 22" AMG style rims. There are trade offs between the X5 and GL but it depends what your after. I needed the room and honestly, the 3rd row in a GL is a real 3rd row for adults. On top of that, the diesel gives awesome mileage and actually holds its value better than the 450/550 versions. The sportiness of the X5 is a little more favourable especially if you want to wip it around the corner. Keep in mind, these GLs are like 7000 lb vehicles so heavy is an understatement. The NAV setup is a little old but otherwise, no complaints so far.

iPhone definitely kills signal from key. I have to remember to keep them separated otherwise comfort access will not work and I will get the no key detected symbol while driving.

Hey Deutsch
 

Wouldn't a comparison with the ML550 be more realistic to the X5?? I have never driven one but seems to me that would be the way to go??

I don't know how Benz is currently on reliability but it always amazes me that people say with German cars you have to expect reliability issues because they are so complex. Well how about Porsche?? There reliability is towards the best and I am sure they are complex also. Seems to me BMW just brings newer stuff out to quick without checking it out. They more or less think the customer can give them feedback. Just my opinion.

I've had 3 MLs, and I am not a fan. Also, while the GL will be replaced with a newer body in about a year, the all new 2012 ML is already showing on the Mercedes website...and it still looks a little boring and "soccer Mom" to me. The GL550, with that dinner sized plate Mercedes Star on the front grill, 21" AMG wheels, dual exhaust, flared fenders, etc, etc just looks so much better. And with the GL550, you get UV/Thermal glass (all around, incl. the windshield), ventilated seats, Keyless Go, full nappa leather, etc, etc..

Besides from Porsche...yes I find ALL other German automakers to have very spotty reliability issues. I do find BMW has more glitches though, and does wait for customers to be guinea pigs. Mercedes is by no means an angel, but they do seem to test more before releasing. So BMW gets "cooler" technology faster...but as a lot of us know, that can sometimes be a negative!

Since we are kinda on this topic...I have a serious question for you. Which of your SUV's (current or past) do you like the best? Which one would you keep if you had to get rid of all the others?
I love the RR SC, but am scared of the reliability rumors. Also, if you are looking at the GL550 and others, what about a Cayenne? The Turbo is a little expensive, but the Cayenne S is very quick and falls into your price range. No 3rd row option, though.

don't like the way MBs drive. Have test driven a few and mom owns one... hate how "tight" they are - mostly throttle/braking. I'm not even a brand-loyal kind of person, but any BMW > MB in driving feel. I just see MBs as an upgraded Honda, and even then I'd buy Lexus first because of reliability and service perks/reputation.

I'd agree with you on the AMG version of the ML. It really feels like you are trying to "wrestle" the car while you drive it. I'd dissagree that the MB's are upgraded Hondas? I don't track with that thought process. Acura is an upgraded Honda....Lexus is an upgraded Toyota...but now we are WAY OFF the OP's original intent.