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The new Sport SUV Value Leader: The ML550

10K views 53 replies 21 participants last post by  reevlak 
#1 ·
Well isn't this shameful:

The 2013 ML550 was just tested by C&D to a 13.4 @106, 0-60 in 4.9, .85g. Its starting price? $59,705 with destination. Looking at the benz site, that's hardly a stripper model and seems like it would atleast match the acceleration (perhaps the 19" wheels needed for the skidpad grip) that C&D got.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550 4MATIC Instrumented Test – Reviews – Car and Driver


For reference, the 2012 SRT8 GC was most recently tested by C&D to a 13.7 @ 103 (yes I know they are good for low 13s, much as the benz but it seems the benz has a MPH advantage), 0-60 in 5.0, and .87g. The 2013 SRT8 starts at $60,295.


Atleast the SRT brakes better and handles a touch better but the fact that a Benz equals the acceleration AND the price of the SRT pretty much invalidates the Jeep's price for performance/ segment value leader argument. The Benz of course has better gas mileage, snob appeal, dealer service etc.

I'd hope this would spurn pricing correction by Jeep but I think we know that's QUITE a stretch. Let's hope the 8 speed moves the Jeep into the 1/4 mile territory it should have been at release - 12.8s or better.

Good effort to the Daimler boys. WAKE UP JEEP. (I say this as someone likely to buy a '14 WK2 not as a WK1 fanboy)
 
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#2 · (Edited)
Add to that - underneath...they are essentially the same vehicle...the only thing that is performance oriented about the 2012 GC SRT8 is the price...

They need a way to get more power out of their drivetrains and get rid of the weight - or Jeep will soon be but a dot in the overweight, underperforming, and way overpriced for what you get mirror.

When Land Rover starts to focus on shedding weight to the tune of 800lbs out of the Rangie line-up...other sport ute manufacturers should take notice. The redesigned Ranger Rover comes in at around 0-60 in 4.5 seconds.

They(Lnd Rover) don't even tought performance or a racing heritage...but when you sing it from the tallest mountain tops as SRT does over and over and over - you need to deliver.

Wake up Ralph.
 
#13 ·
Add to that - underneath...they are essentially the same vehicle...the only thing that is performance oriented about the 2012 GC SRT8 is the price...

They need a way to get more power out of their drivetrains and get rid of the weight - or Jeep will soon be but a dot in the overweight, underperforming, and way overpriced for what you get mirror.

When Land Rover starts to focus on shedding weight to the tune of 800lbs out of the Rangie line-up...other sport ute manufacturers should take notice. The redesigned Ranger Rover comes in at around 0-60 in 4.5 seconds.

They(Lnd Rover) don't even tought performance or a racing heritage...but when you sing it from the tallest mountain tops as SRT does over and over and over - you need to deliver.

Wake up Ralph.
You're talking 80K+ for a new RR Sport minimum. The big Rover is the one with the new aluminum chassis so far that has posted the redesign. No way the big boy does 0-60 in 4.5 even with an 800lb loss. A new one of those RR's loaded will be in the 120K range.

Not really apple to apples comparison here
 
#3 ·
Well isn't this shameful:

The 2013 ML550 was just tested by C&D to a 13.4 @106, 0-60 in 4.9, .85g. Its starting price? $59,705 with destination. Looking at the benz site, that's hardly a stripper model and seems like it would atleast match the acceleration (perhaps the 19" wheels needed for the skidpad grip) that C&D got.
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550 4MATIC Instrumented Test – Reviews – Car and Driver


For reference, the 2012 SRT8 GC was most recently tested by C&D to a 13.7 @ 103 (yes I know they are good for low 13s, much as the benz but it seems the benz has a MPH advantage), 0-60 in 5.0, and .87g. The 2013 SRT8 starts at $60,295.


Atleast the SRT brakes better and handles a touch better but the fact that a Benz equals the acceleration AND the price of the SRT pretty much invalidates the Jeep's price for performance/ segment value leader argument. The Benz of course has better gas mileage, snob appeal, dealer service etc.

I'd hope this would spurn pricing correction by Jeep but I think we know that's QUITE a stretch. Let's hope the 8 speed moves the Jeep into the 1/4 mile territory it should have been at release - 12.8s or better.

Good effort to the Daimler boys. WAKE UP JEEP. (I say this as someone likely to buy a '14 WK2 not as a WK1 fanboy)
For what it's worth their test model was a $72,950. The base model would not come anywhere close to handling as well since the test model had 2 handling packages on it. But I know people want to put the Jeep down and I have come to expect that.
 
#4 ·
For what it's worth their test model was a $72,950. The base model would not come anywhere close to handling as well since the test model had 2 handling packages on it. But I know people want to put the Jeep down and I have come to expect that.

Isnt it funny how no one ever catches that? You can add 15-20K in options on a BMW or Merc SUV just to get even with the SRT. Although, I dont know where a new one could be bought, but I dont think it would be close to where you can buy an '13 SRT right now.



I like the M550, M63 and the GL line, but dang you're gonna take a bath in the first 3 years on them. Most Mercedes models depreciate almost as fast as the Range Rover line.
 
#6 ·
If it only added 5k to the price where is the other 8k at? Tested price $72,950 - Base price $59,705 = $13,245.........
 
#10 ·
Per the article:

"The 2012 ML550 we tested had a base price of $58,465 ........The Dynamic Handling bundle was packed in, too, bringing active cruise control, adaptive damping with Comfort and Sport modes, air suspension (which lowers ride height at freeway speeds and can raise it three inches for off-pavement operation), Active Curve Control (with hydraulic actuators to reduce body roll during cornering), and 20-inch AMG-styled wheels ($5150). "


So for ~$65k you would have performance equal to the tested vehicle, and to a ~$61k SRT8 .


If acceleration parity is your only performance goal then the price is pretty much equal.
 
#7 ·
Oh and $72,950 is pre-taxes im sure add taxes to that and you'll end up paying closer to 80k
 
#11 ·
Im quite certain you still pay taxes on a WK2 SRT8.

The point is that from a performance standpoint, you can get roughly equal (or better per the MPH) performance for roughly equal the price while getting a vehicle from a premium brand with all that entails (and better MPG).

Sure it may have fewer options but the base ML550 is no stripper.
 
#8 ·
I just built one for 72.3K The handling packages, blind spot mess, etc, etc was towards the end. I still cant figure out if this included ventilated front seats.....surely it does. There were more options like an additional 2.3K for a premium 20" wheel above the standard 20" and there was a air ride suspension option with two speed t-Case I left off. You could easily option this thing out near 80K.
 
#9 ·
My dad got a 2013 ML 350 last month it is very nice it is the Auburn Brown color with 20 inch wheels.
 
#16 ·
Keep trying to compare. The math just won't add up between the two when you compare the vehicles with the same equipment. At least $10k difference. Just because it says Mercedes on it does not make it a better vehicle either. You can't just use a 0-60 time. It vary's from location to location. There are Jeeps that have hit 4.2 stock. Mine did 4.5 with CAI and Borla axle back. For a few hundred dollars it will get better. If you don't like the WK2 fine, keep what you have. I can afford the Mercedes, but wouldn't buy it. I like the looks of the Jeep better and it's still on the same platform as the Mercedes.
 
#23 ·
Keep trying to compare. The math just won't add up between the two when you compare the vehicles with the same equipment. At least $10k difference. Just because it says Mercedes on it does not make it a better vehicle either.
You absolutely can compare, you dont need to load the benz with features that arent even available on the SRT8 to match the performance - this is a performance oriented website isn't it? The base model ML550 includes almost every standard feature that the SRT8 does and will equal or better acceleration performance. Add the handling packages and you equal the handling performance for only what 7% more than an SRT8.

You can't just use a 0-60 time.
I didn't just use a 0-60 time, I used 1/4 and most importantly MPH.

It vary's from location to location. There are Jeeps that have hit 4.2 stock. Mine did 4.5 with CAI and Borla axle back.
The point of reference is a magazine test. Im certain the in cool air the benz will significantly better the magazine test (particularly as forced induction responds best to cold air). Magazine tests by the same magazine are about as apples to apples as you can get unless you are running vehicles on the same night at the same track.

For a few hundred dollars it will get better. If you don't like the WK2 fine, keep what you have.
And what do you think a tune is going to do for a TT V8? A hell of a lot more than it will for the 6.4.

I can afford the Mercedes, but wouldn't buy it.
I know, because its the same price as your vehicle.

I like the looks of the Jeep better.
Me too, its shameful that that is really the only advantage aside from braking.
 
#19 ·
I think the Srt8 is a good value it comes standard with heated and a/c seats, heated stearing wheel, rain sensing wipers, auto high beams, nav, back up camera, rear park assist remote start.. Awsome brembo brakes . Many of these features are extra on the perfomance suv's.
 
#22 ·
You guys are seriously worse than the retards at bimmerpost. If it doesn't offend you that you can purchase an SUV from a PREMIUM manufacturer that will equal or better acceleration performance of the WK2 for the SAME price then I suppose you deserved to be bent over by Ralph.

I will gladly fork over my $65k next year if the 8 speed does what it should and I guess ill be seeing you all in my rear view.
 
#24 · (Edited)
It turns out that the 2013 ML550 is actually optioned differently than the tested 2012.

The agility suspension is now standard, probably removing the need to add any options packages to equal the handling performance. So basically equal performance in both handling and acceleration for slightly less $ (performance is what our interest is, in buying a performance SUV - right?). However, if you do want to option the suspension identically to the test vehicle then you can get the offroad on road package which adds air suspension and a two mode transfer case for $3.5k (two things not available on the SRT8).

Or you can take that $3.5k and instead purchase the premium package which gets you 80gb nav, back up cam, power steering wheel, power folding mirrors etc etc that you have all been screaming is missing from the ML (again, I thought this was a performance enthusiast website). So you get equal performance and equal options for $64k vs $61k. I would hope that the price advantage for basically identically optioned vehicles - one from a premium manufacturer with higher quality interior materials, better dealer exerpeince, and better gas mileage- would be a whole hell of a lot better than 5%.


The STANDARD features of the ML550 are found here by clicking show standard options (includes SUNROOF heated ventillated seats, rain sensitive wipers, park assist, 7" media screen, bluetooth blahblahblah:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/model/class-M/model-ML550#performance
 
#26 ·
Man you really need to do some more research on what is standard and what is not on these vehicles. Wow!!! An upgraded ECU for my CL63 is $3500. That's more than a couple of hundred dollars. You can't just hook up a trinity to a Mercedes. For the same equipment the Mercedes is more than $10k more, what part of that don't you get. Distronic, Park assist, Driver assist, Leather seats, Heated and cooled seats, Navigation, Bi-Xenon headlights and such are NOT included in the price of the Mercedes.
 
#28 ·
Sure tuning is going to be more expensive but it will also be far more effective.

MHP got gains of 170hp and 300lb ft of torque from a tune on a new benz tt v8. Sure this tune is 3k but It would take perhaps 10k to get the same gains in the jeep assuming a supercharger was even available.

ModernHorsepower.com - 730HP & 873lb/ft SAE (v3 CDT, Tune Only), Gains of 169HP & 298lb/ft SAE Over Stock

And i implore you to look at the standard features of the ML. It may not be equal (again I thought we were concerned with performance here not ACd seats) but it is very far from a stripper model.
 
#30 ·
I think I can help you out Dave. The reason so many people are getting mad at you is because you came on this website about a vehicle that most of us own and are "comparing" to the MB saying you should buy a MB instead of a Jeep. No one wants to hear that so go put it on a MB forum. We are all on this forum because we either like the Jeep or own it (minus P-Dawger he hates the Jeep too) so can you see why people might be upset? Not telling you what you can do or not do just letting you know why people might be upset, I myself don't care because I am very happy with mine, different strokes for different folks enjoy your ML 550.
 
#32 ·
i can afford both, but i chose the SRT cuz of looks and the value to the money.
i mean common the base ML has NOT much options
but come to look at the jeep almost everything is in it

a proper comparison would be to a FULLY loaded ML550 then we can talk money.

cant compare apples to oranges.
 
#34 ·
The ML is made in Alabama I think.

The previous generation ML550 wasn't any slouch either. Heck, even the GL550 is pretty friggin' quick.

There's a lot of great performance SUVs out there. The FX50S is also a wonderful SUV that is hugely quick. The X5 50i with it's turbo V8 is no slouch. Some people (a lot of people) will like those cars, they come with more brand cache than the Jeep does for sure. But none of them are the Jeep, none of them have that same sinister look, they don't have the fantastic seats, and they just don't have the attitude.

Different strokes for different folks. That's why they sell the 300C and the Charger. Some people want an in your face monster like the SRT8, others want something more subdued and regal.

I doubt very many people cross shop the ML550 with the SRT8 Jeep anyways. Maybe n Overland or Summit, but the ML550 is still not a full on sports SUV, it's just MB sticking in a V8 that happens to be very potent.
 
#35 ·
This guy has obivoulsy never owned a Benz.. People call it a "premium" line, I would take any car in the world over a Benz especially the ML. My Dad had an SL63 for 1.5yrs spent more time in the shop than the garage. Absolute piece of crap. They are one of the most depreciating valued cars on the road, hell that SL63 was bought for 28k, is was 4 yrs old and had 15k miles, but 180k new!!!!
I cant argue on what options each on has, but I will tell you Id much rather have an SRT8 that has class, character and balls rather than an ML housewives drive, no pun intended to anyone who has one. The SRT8 Jeeps are a waaaay better buy because of them being highly desirable and will hold value. Also you are comparing 2 COMPLETELY different classes of appeal by comparing these 2 SUVS, the ML is a "luxury" SUV and the SRT8 is a sport, compare it to the X5M, or RR Sport, etc..
 
#41 ·
LOL....youre on a jeep forum! Of course members are gonna defend their rides! If we were bashing your LR's...and you liked them...would you defend them?

Like....consumer reports just reported that LR is LAST...dead LAST in cost of ownership over the last 5 years. Jeep is 3rd by the way with acura being #1.
 
#42 ·
LOL....youre on a jeep forum! Of course members are gonna defend their rides! If we were bashing your LR's...and you liked them...would you defend them?

Like....consumer reports just reported that LR is LAST...dead LAST in cost of ownership over the last 5 years. Jeep is 3rd by the way with acura being #1.
Touche touche...all in fun. I have learned to be ride "agnostic"...

There is plenty to pick on with Land Rover...but they don't make rap songs about the Jeep?

For reliability here is my thread when my 06 SRT8 tranny with 20k on it decided to take a siesta:

2006 20k miles - Transmission KABOOM! - Page 2 - SRT8 Forums ...


To be fair other than that and a dead battery way too soon - it was trouble free and I beat it like a drum.

The service from the dealer is an issue though - sux.

Jeep needs to up the service game. I can roll into the Land Rover dealership in my tired 01 with 218k on the clock and roll out with a 2013 Jag XK as a loaner, along with a croissant and a latte. They will even deliver my truck to me when it has been serviced and pick up the loaner - if I choose. All for free, Now that is service and incidentally how you establish brand loyalty. No car is perfect and they all shit the bed major at least once...but with service they can make the memory of that go away.

But I digress. And I am just messing with you guys. I really am hoping deep down that we get more power.
 
#45 · (Edited)
Of course you can add options to the ML and raise the price to $70k because MB offers more options than Jeep. If Jeep has the same options as the ML then sure you can build a Jeep up to $70k. Second, you can't compare the ML to the Jeep, yes the Jeep is fast and a nice car but the ML is not a full sporty SUV. Also, the ML has a better tranny, better engine, much better interior quality and trim. Jeep is still far behine everyone with their 5 speed tranny, very big engine with low hp/L. And for the performance, the ML with its twin turbo engine is veery fast, I saw one last week and i was amazed with how fast it is.

Anyway, if you want to compare the ML to the Jeep then you must take the ML63 because it is in the same league despite having higer price tag.
 
#47 ·
uhhhhh....the Jeep was tested at 4.6 and 13.3 by many other reputable mags...motortrend etc. Also...many owners...including myself have gotten better times than that.
 
#48 ·
My Jeep with 1000 miles on it did 13.04 @ 105 at the track. 4.3 0-60 is best I've timed so far.
 
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