ML v GL v Cayenne

[Smart320]

Sorry ML350cdi

 

[Mactech]

Yes, I think your best value would come from an ML from 2010 to 2012. To find an W166 ML inside your budget would compromise selection, and do you really need the extra length and mass of a GL?
The Porsche Cayenne from 2011 is really worth a look and a great car, but unlikely to fit into your budget.
There is a good selection of ML's within your price range, 250, 300 and 350. On the motorway even the 250 is quite happy and good on fuel, but both the 300 and 350 are smoother still.
The 300's offer good value and are both refined and more than quick enough for most. Condition and mileage will dictate the right car for you.

 

[jabrielraja]

Thanks everyone.

Hadn't heard of mercland previously. Looking at their website now.

Are there other sales specialists too? Don't mind where they are based as I'm willing to travel to find the right car. (I've found local Merc specialists for servicing but don't know of other Merc sales specialists.)

 

[jabrielraja]

Yes, I think your best value would come from an ML from 2010 to 2012. To find an W166 ML inside your budget would compromise selection, and do you really need the extra length and mass of a GL?
The Porsche Cayenne from 2011 is really worth a look and a great car, but unlikely to fit into your budget.
There is a good selection of ML's within your price range, 250, 300 and 350. On the motorway even the 250 is quite happy and good on fuel, but both the 300 and 350 are smoother still.
The 300's offer good value and are both refined and more than quick enough for most. Condition and mileage will dictate the right car for you.

Don't necessarily need a GL but I know having 7 seats would come in handy once a month or so. Moving forward, maybe a little more often.

 

[jabrielraja]

Another question, but this is related to the command system.

In a 2007 car the command allows you to save 9 or 10 stations. Has this changed for any of the cars we're discussing to allow more stations to be saved?

 

[Abb]

Regarding the ML W166 in particular the 350cdi, I think you may struggle fo find a W166 for your budget. Since we have owned ours, driven locally it achieves around 22mpg and on a lengthy run may be reach the dizzy heights of high 20s and sometimes even 30. Can only recall seeing above 30 mpg a couple of times during our ownership (approx 2 years), but as you say that isn't a concern to you.
I prefer the looks of the W166 over the W164 but thats a personal thing, like others have said, the final addition of the W164 would be a good place to start to meet your criteria, if it was a MB you wanted.Have not owned the other marques so cannot pass comment.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

The 4x4’s I’ve owned are:
2005 LR Discovery TDV6 HSE
2005 RR Sport TDV6 HSE
2008 RR Sport TDV8 HST
2010 RR Sport TDV8 Autobiography

2008 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI S-Line

2007 Mercedes ML420 CDi Sport
2010 Mercedes ML 350 CDi Sport

2010 BMW X5 3.0 M-Sport

My all round top three would be -

1. RR Sport TDV8 Autobiography
2. Audi Q7 4.2 TDi S-Line
3. Mercedes ML 420 CDi Sport

The worst (and by a long chalk) was the BMW X5; I hated it with a passion within a week of owning it - it drove absolutely hideously, BMW tried to make it feel sporty but it was rock hard with almost deafening tyre roar. If you want a “sporty” 4x4 the Q7 did it so much better.

I will be doing approximately 25k miles a year (90% motorway) so am looking for something comfortable.

If you’re going for an ML make sure it’s got Airmatic suspension; the ML 350 I owned was on springs and it felt like a boat compared to the ML420 on Air.

The 2010 RR Sport was the comfiest on the motorway, it would absolutely glide and would just soak up the miles like they were nothing. Also had by far and away the best seating position and comfort. Still miss that motor.

4. Is there another option? Don't want a BMW. Considered Audi a8 but the rear seats don't fold so not practical enough for my needs. Might consider a VW Tourag (2012) if I fail to find a suitable car from the list above. I just don't know enough about them and never heard of them as being the most reliable or comfortable etc. Not a fan of Volvo so not considering an xc90.

Besides your other options, for your budget a 2010MY + RR Sport will be towards 80k miles but that would be my choice, I’d stretch my budget and go for the newer SDV6 late 2011 engine as well; power of the TDV8 but more economical.

Definitely have a look at a Q7 too if the 7 seats are at the back of your mind. Again, for your budget you should be able to find a nice facelift 2009 + model.

 

[jabrielraja]

Regarding the ML W166 in particular the 350cdi, I think you may struggle fo find a W166 for your budget. Since we have owned ours, driven locally it achieves around 22mpg and on a lengthy run may be reach the dizzy heights of high 20s and sometimes even 30. Can only recall seeing above 30 mpg a couple of times during our ownership (approx 2 years), but as you say that isn't a concern to you.
I prefer the looks of the W166 over the W164 but thats a personal thing, like others have said, the final addition of the W164 would be a good place to start to meet your criteria, if it was a MB you wanted.Have not owned the other marques so cannot pass comment.

Thanks. Guess I need to sit inside both and test drive both to make call on if I should stick to my budget or increase it by maybe £5k.

Out of interest, is this standard fuel or Shell v max (or whatever they call it these days)

 

[T5R+]

Having owned both the GL and ML would say it most definitely depends on your needs/criteria.

The ML feels and is a smaller car to throw around BUT neither the GL or ML are designed for hooligan behaviour. Just too big and too much mass.

Somehow the GL feels more "regal" whilst the ML blends in more. The GL is certainly better for larger families are groups but is compromised on boot space if 7-up.

Do not expect more than 30MPG, in fact resign to yourself to somewhere in the low/mid 20's.

The run out models of the W164 had some great extras fitted.

Do not forget the RFL - known people to get upset when they realise the cost.

 

[Abb]

Thanks. Guess I need to sit inside both and test drive both to make call on if I should stick to my budget or increase it by maybe £5k.

Out of interest, is this standard fuel or Shell v max (or whatever they call it these days)

I always use shell V power

 

[jabrielraja]

Having owned both the GL and ML would say it most definitely depends on your needs/criteria.

The ML feels and is a smaller car to throw around BUT neither the GL or ML are designed for hooligan behaviour. Just too big and too much mass.

Somehow the GL feels more "regal" whilst the ML blends in more. The GL is certainly better for larger families are groups but is compromised on boot space if 7-up.

Do not expect more than 30MPG, in fact resign to yourself to somewhere in the low/mid 20's.

The run out models of the W164 had some great extras fitted.

Do not forget the RFL - known people to get upset when they realise the cost.

Pardon the ignorance but I’m not familiar with the “w” model codes.

Is the w164 the ML or GL? Or is it a reference to an engine? Or is it a ML/GL for a given date range irrespective of engine?

How can one identify these cars when searching online? Do we know what extras these are?

 

[T5R+]

Sorry. W164 is the ML, this ran from approx 2005 thro 2012 with facelift cars late about 2008. The W166 is the 2012 onward car. Massive bodywork differences between between the 2 and cannot confuse one of the other.

The X164 was the 2006 thro 2012 GL range.

For extras you may need to invest some time to pick out and fully appreciate options. I am far from an options spotter but suspect that the Grand Edition in the ML/W64 is a good start point.

 

[sturgeon]

Might be worth a look;
Mercedes-Benz M-Class - Wikipedia

 

[Stratman]

If it's comfort you're after, have you considered the Lexus RX450h? Well equipped and a couple of people I know say they're the most comfortable car they've ever had.

Bear in mind though, the 4WD system is a bit limited. It's another electric motor driving the rear wheels when traction, or lack of, demands it. There's no low range either which may or may not be a problem.

 

[DSM10000]

Two people I know have owned a Cayenne, one second hand and one new. Both had significant and repetitive faults, electrical problems, suspension issues, engine troubles leading to power loss and poor running (the brand new one had to be recovered on the first day after 12 miles), both have sold and moved on.

 

[fabes]

Porsche parts and service costs are worth bearing in mind also......

 

[Oli]

The thing that would put me off any of those cars is the upcoming crucifiction for driving a pre Euro 6 diesel, which they will all be, I'd just say sod it and get the Cayenne Turbo, but then I don't do 25k Miles a Year, more like 8k.
The 2012+ ML is EURO 6 IIRC so if you can get one in budget that would be my pick.

 

[sturgeon]

Hm, there might be a backlash against petrol engine Co2 emissions before that. Who knows?

Cayenne could still be a bottomless money pit though!

 

[Oli]

I've never had a Cayenne so I don't know, always thought the early ones were pretty trouble free.
Disco 4/RR Sport or FFRR is another good bet, my advice would be to get as late a one as possible and get one with the 8 Speed auto as it doesn't tend to have issues like the 6 speed can, think this is 2012 MY for RRS and D4 or 2011 for the FFRR-when it had the 4.4 TDV8 put in.

 

[jabrielraja]

Sorry. W164 is the ML, this ran from approx 2005 thro 2012 with facelift cars late about 2008. The W166 is the 2012 onward car. Massive bodywork differences between between the 2 and cannot confuse one of the other.

The X164 was the 2006 thro 2012 GL range.

For extras you may need to invest some time to pick out and fully appreciate options. I am far from an options spotter but suspect that the Grand Edition in the ML/W64 is a good start point.

Appreciate the explanation. Thanks.