Revenge of the Germans: Mercedes GL 420 CDI vs. Range Rover TDV8
Muamer Hodzic December 8, 2006
A week ago, I posted a video made by MSN Cars in the UK, where they compared the Mercedes GL, Audi Q7 and Range Rover V8. It seems that the Germans have seen the video somewhere (possibly here), and have thought to themselves, “Das kann ja wohl nicht wahr sein” or a rough translation “That can’t possibly be true.” Well similar to the Germans (or Autobild at least) I thought the same thing, unfortunately I don’t have the resources to test and see if MSN Cars was correct. Autobild chose to do it for me , but only selected the GL and the TDV8 to be tested, and not the Q7. Now, like always I have the result at the bottom, but if you want to read the entire comparison test, follow the below link, otherwise scroll down to see who won.
Read the entire comparison test at Autobild (Google translation)
The V8 in the Rover runs more flexible and more softly in comparison to the Mercedes, its turbo-hole with the start is noticeably smaller. It sounds less like a Diesel than the somewhat hoarse GL. And the ZF-mechanism works only with six drive positions, sorts these however gently, sovereign and fast. There are no large differences with consumption. The GL has a 11.9 liter fuel tank, while the Rover has a bit smaller one with 11,7 liters.
As enormously as everything else is as expected also the prices: Mercedes GL 420 CDI price was at 79,460 Euro, and the Rover TDV8 SE was at 74.900 Euro. The equipment is more than lavish with both – one may also expect that. Thus with air suspension, air conditioning, all-wheel drive, CD radio and so on. In addition, Rover has leather seats (GL 1781 euro), a high-ending sound system (GL 783 euro) and some other stuff on board. It cannot win the comparison nevertheless. The Mercedes is simply outstanding in many ranges – even if the Rover is a bit bigger.
Conclustion:
Two impressive cars: enormous, with great Diesels and mad handling characteristics. Mercedes wins, because it fulfills, next to desire and luxury, the practical tasks effectivly: more place, better road performances and brakes, larger trunk, higher cargo load. However, when it comes to style, the Range Rover has its nose in front.
