Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTec

[Autos_Editor]

For Mercedes-Benz, diesel is now an entry-level SUV option, yet Benz's large seven-seat GL 350 BlueTec one of the best diesel bets out there.
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[OliverD]

I've always liked the GL a lot. I love that it still looks like a real SUV.

[Noto]

When the Toronto Auto Show was awesome (not for a few years now  ), and MB had its test-track set up (which required you to be shuttled to the parking lot), the shuttles were all GLs.  They had two versions, though.  The Gas V8 and the Diesel V6.  I recall quite vividly being in the diesel first, gawking at the 14.4L/100km average in the shuttle (all city driving, all day long).  On the way back (after some Jacob-like shenanigans on the 'track'), I was in the petrol version.  It showed 22.8L/100km.  I conceded - these big rigs need diesels.

While 10.1L/100km seems beastly on a highway, consider the alternatives.  Minivans aren't much (if at all?!) better, nor are trucks.  These vehicles are huge and 10L/100km is, accordingly, incredible.

[mixmanmash]

When the Toronto Auto Show was awesome (not for a few years now  ), and MB had its test-track set up (which required you to be shuttled to the parking lot), the shuttles were all GLs.  They had two versions, though.  The Gas V8 and the Diesel V6.  I recall quite vividly being in the diesel first, gawking at the 14.4L/100km average in the shuttle (all city driving, all day long).  On the way back (after some Jacob-like shenanigans on the 'track'), I was in the petrol version.  It showed 22.8L/100km.  I conceded - these big rigs need diesels.

While 10.1L/100km seems beastly on a highway, consider the alternatives.  Minivans aren't much (if at all?!) better, nor are trucks.  These vehicles are huge and 10L/100km is, accordingly, incredible.

My Odyssey has no problem achieving low 8s on the highway with a full load...

That's pretty good in my opinion.

[Fobroader]

My wife loves this thing, wants one oh so badly........fuel mileage, meh, whatever, the biggest concern for me is the reliability, by a long shot.

[Noto]

My Odyssey has no problem achieving low 8s on the highway with a full load...

That's pretty good in my opinion.

Odyssey = FWD.

Sienna AWD is rated at 16 city /23 highway /19 combined (fueleconomy.gov).

23 highway MPG = 10.22L/100km

Even Toyota rates it at 13.0L/100km city, 9.5L/100km highway.  It can only tow 1,000lbs.  This Benz diesel brings a giant SUV into the realm of reasonable.

[ktm525]

My Odyssey has no problem achieving low 8s on the highway with a full load...

That's pretty good in my opinion.

Odyssey = FWD.

Sienna AWD is rated at 16 city /23 highway /19 combined (fueleconomy.gov).

23 highway MPG = 10.22L/100km

Even Toyota rates it at 13.0L/100km city, 9.5L/100km highway.  It can only tow 1,000lbs.  This Benz diesel brings a giant SUV into the realm of reasonable.

Unfortunately you only have to pony up a King's ransom to get that economy.     I can buy a Durango and a lifetime supply of gasoline for that big Hemi.

Diesel is still at at a 20% premium to gasoline here in AB. Don't forget to add that into the economy calculations.

[Noto]

I'm not considering it for its cost savings...that's why I agree that the diesel makes the best 'base' engine!  Forever now, you'd have to pony up big time to save $ at the pumps while losing performance/power.  It makes little sense to a consumer, causing calculations to fly.

Now, if you want the more powerful engine, you pay more and accept that it will use more gas (and you can make your own calculations).  No way the diesel will cost more to operate than the 3.0T though even with the higher price of diesel fuel.  If you want better performance, buy the petrol.  If you are content with basic performance and decent fuel economy, diesel is your base engine.  Perfect, IMO.

...but imagine a 2.1TD C-class, aka C200 with 200hp and 369lb-ft while returning combined 6.5L/100km? 

...and the best part is that it's coming. 

[ktm525]

I'm not considering it for its cost savings...that's why I agree that the diesel makes the best 'base' engine!  Forever now, you'd have to pony up big time to save $ at the pumps while losing performance/power.  It makes little sense to a consumer, causing calculations to fly.

Now, if you want the more powerful engine, you pay more and accept that it will use more gas (and you can make your own calculations).  No way the diesel will cost more to operate than the 3.0T though even with the higher price of diesel fuel.  If you want better performance, buy the petrol.  If you are content with basic performance and decent fuel economy, diesel is your base engine.  Perfect, IMO.

...but imagine a 2.1TD C-class, aka C200 with 200hp and 369lb-ft while returning combined 6.5L/100km? 

...and the best part is that it's coming. 

Will it make those numbers once the stricter North American emission standards are met?

[whaddaiknow]

snip...
This Benz diesel brings a giant SUV into the realm of reasonable.

Is it $10k better than the diesel Q7? For the money, the interior looks more like GLK than E- or S- class

[Noto]

I'm not considering it for its cost savings...that's why I agree that the diesel makes the best 'base' engine!  Forever now, you'd have to pony up big time to save $ at the pumps while losing performance/power.  It makes little sense to a consumer, causing calculations to fly.

Now, if you want the more powerful engine, you pay more and accept that it will use more gas (and you can make your own calculations).  No way the diesel will cost more to operate than the 3.0T though even with the higher price of diesel fuel.  If you want better performance, buy the petrol.  If you are content with basic performance and decent fuel economy, diesel is your base engine.  Perfect, IMO.

...but imagine a 2.1TD C-class, aka C200 with 200hp and 369lb-ft while returning combined 6.5L/100km? 

...and the best part is that it's coming. 

Will it make those numbers once the stricter North American emission standards are met?

It does in the GLK, why wouldn't it in the C-Class?

[OliverD]

snip...
This Benz diesel brings a giant SUV into the realm of reasonable.

Is it $10k better than the diesel Q7? For the money, the interior looks more like GLK than E- or S- class

GL is bigger, no?

And it's actually $15k more, but you need to add a $2500 package to the Q7 in order to get the third row seats. Then the Q7 has a pano roof which requires the premium package in the GL...

Long story short, the GL ain't cheap.