2008 BMW 550 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL. (335 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 695 kg more than 2008 BMW 550.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL. (459 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 550 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 550 | GL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 2425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
