Anybody here ever owned/driven the GL450/550? If so, how does the new QX compare to the GL450/550? Which do you prefer to own for long term?

I test drove the GL450 a few times and seriously considered it. I never tried the GL550, because the power of the 450 was ample for me.

I really like the ride of the GL450 and I don't do any offroading.

I mainly chose the QX for interior comfort and tech features.

I'm about to pull the trigger on the QX. Anyone with the wheat interior... how is the upkeep with such a light color? Any recommendation as to keeping it clean (Scotch Guard, etc.)? Thanks.

I also test drove the GL450- the ride is fine, but compared to the QX, no comparison in terms of comfort, convenience, GPS, 3rd row room, etc.

Agree with the post above. I test drove a Mercedes GL and the 2011 QX both twice the same day. For me the QX stood head and shoulders above the GL. I found the whole QX package just stood out as much better overall in ride and all the tech gadgets.

I've has my QX for about a month and happened to pull my 24 foot pontoon boat out of storage the other day and towed it for about an hour on a very windy day at highway speed. The pontoon isn't overly heavy but presents a large area for the very strong crosswind. The SUV performed very well. I certainly knew the boat was back there being towed, but the QX was rock steady and with more power than I needed for the hills.

I like this vehicle.

I guess I should have re-phrased my question. I've owned a GL450. It was a maintenance nighmare so I got rid of it. I am within days from buying the '11 QX56. It is a far superior vehicle than the GL450 in everyway; I hated the navi on that thing-very archaic and not user friendly. I just like Infiniti cars, I guess.

What kind of a deal did you guys get?

I'm about to pull the trigger on the QX. Anyone with the wheat interior... how is the upkeep with such a light color? Any recommendation as to keeping it clean (Scotch Guard, etc.)? Thanks.

I have the wheat interior. Haven't used Scotch Guard. The leather cleaner/condition from the dealer seems to work ok. I just have them clean it when I take my car in for service.

I just sold my wife's GL550 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=22079154631). The vehicle drove incredibly well. She liked the regular mode and I enjoyed the sport mode - true air suspension & works very well. The navigation unit is terrible and the DVD/entertainment unit was downright terrible to try and figure out (and I'm into this type of stuff - my wife - well, she really disliked it!). Overall she would get another one, we test drove the QX recently and I'm ready to give it a shot - It certainly has more goodies and it appears very luxurious inside the cockpit.

Once we find the right QX I'll write a personal review for others to read.

Lance

PS If you have specific questions regarding the GL550 - don't hesitate PM'ing me.

i traded my GL450 for a 2011 QX56 about a week ago and to be honest besides the gas QX is SUPERIOR....

Welcome to the QX family! I've had mine for about 45 days now and absolutely love it! Gas wasn't as much a factor for me since I went from a Dodge RAM so my mpg moving to the QX actually went up :)

i traded my GL450 for a 2011 QX56 about a week ago and to be honest besides the gas QX is SUPERIOR....

Just don't say this on those MB forums; they'll stone you and call you a trader;). Yes, the '11 QX is far superior to the MB GL in every aspect!

I have been a Mercedes guy. You can't beat the QX for the money. Mercedes technology has not advanced. I considered a GL but went with the QX. Loving it aka "The Black Mamba."