Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid vs. Mercedez-Benz Gl320 CDI

[91fairladyZ]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*

Not a bad comparison. What do you think?

[suckstobeyou]

it's pretty fair.
Honestly I would've put the Escalade up against the benz, but i think chevy wasn't put to shame, rather complimented by this comparision

[tony1021]

Originally Posted by suckstobeyou

it's pretty fair.
Honestly I would've put the Escalade up against the benz, but i think chevy wasn't put to shame, rather complimented by this comparision

I also agree but think they did this comparison because the escalade isn't out yet

[supraracer]

Originally Posted by 91fairladyZ

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..1.*

Not a bad comparison. What do you think?

Good article. Thanks for the link.

[I-Love-Pontiac]

I don't like how he said the Mercedes would last longer. GM's Vortec drivetrains last forever. And in hybrid form it would be even better.

One thing I really don't like about the Tahoe hybrid (other than the ugly wheels and stickers) is how low the front end is. Yes I know if for aerodynamics, but I wish they would make it motorized or something so you can pull it up when you actually are using it as a truck. And really I wish they would do that for the regular Tahoe as well.

[VCDJ]

Originally Posted by I-Love-Pontiac

I don't like how he said the Mercedes would last longer. GM's Vortec drivetrains last forever. And in hybrid form it would be even better.

One thing I really don't like about the Tahoe hybrid (other than the ugly wheels and stickers) is how low the front end is. Yes I know if for aerodynamics, but I wish they would make it motorized or something so you can pull it up when you actually are using it as a truck. And really I wish they would do that for the regular Tahoe as well.

Diesel Engines usualy last longer. Plus GL can tow more then tahoe and has smother ride. It is a good comparison. This is why Diesel makes more since in large vehicles. Hybrid makes since in small cars.

[pinyon]

Originally Posted by VCDJ

Diesel Engines usualy last longer. Plus GL can tow more then tahoe and has smother ride. It is a good comparison. This is why Diesel makes more since in large vehicles. Hybrid makes since in small cars.

As far as diesels lasting longer it is probably generally true but they are also generally more expensive than gasoline engines. The blanket statement about diesels versus hybrids is a different matter. Any technology that can capture braking energy and store it for improvement of economy of any type of ICE shouldn't be discounted, regardless of size of vehicle. There are already hybrid diesel buses and we will only see more applications of different types of hybrid technologies to all size vehicles.

[Masospaghetti]

I think its fair...the Tahoe hybrid doesn't seem to make much sense, given its price tag. And I am skeptical that the hybrid powertrain will be trouble-free for any length of time.

[Michael_S]

Originally Posted by I-Love-Pontiac

I don't like how he said the Mercedes would last longer. GM's Vortec drivetrains last forever. And in hybrid form it would be even better.

The normal GM Vortec 6.0 liter that is very well used is a non-variable valve timing V8 running the Otto combustion cycle (same valve time on intake and exhaust valves) with a 4-speed hydramatic automatic, and its reliability is proven.

The Tahoe 2-mode 6.0 liter V8 has variable valve timing, uses the Atkinson combustion cycle (shorter valve time on intake than exhaust, and this is the first engine GM has made with that technology that I know of), and has a new electrical system and very special transmission that combines aspects of a continually variable transmissions (CVT) with a traditional 4 speed automatic.

I'm sure GM put a lot of work into the Two Mode powertrain. But I still wouldn't be surprised if some bugs pop up, it's a new technology for them. And I'm not singling out GM either. Even now, I would trust the reliability of a Toyota Corolla over a Prius or a Honda Civic over a Civic hybrid.

Of course, I was under the impression that modern Mercedes' break all of the time anyway. So that's a mark in GM's favor.

[vanshmack]

Of course, most of the people who would buy the diesel Benz live in California...A state where it's not even available.

How about comparing the Hybrid Tahoe to something people can actually buy everywhere?

[BigEnos]

I think that conveniently forgetting that the Mercedes is a buttload more expensive is just not fair. The Tahoe should get points for being much less expensive and 50-state legal. You can buy a lot of gasoline for $14,000.

[VCDJ]

Originally Posted by BigEnos

I think that conveniently forgetting that the Mercedes is a buttload more expensive is just not fair. The Tahoe should get points for being much less expensive and 50-state legal. You can buy a lot of gasoline for $14,000.

2009 Benz in 50 state legal. Plus it is not 14k. Starting price is about the same. Now if you get options it is more expensive. But if you get escalade hybrid it will probably be more expensive then benz.

[Darc Requiem]

Originally Posted by VCDJ

2009 Benz in 50 state legal. Plus it is not 14k. Starting price is about the same. Now if you get options it is more expensive. But if you get escalade hybrid it will probably be more expensive then benz.

No the price isn't the same. If you get the same options on both vehicles the Benz is far more expensive. Edmunds said it the article they could have gotten GL for the same price as the Tahoe but it would have had next to no options.

[91fairladyZ]

Originally Posted by Darc Requiem

No the price isn't the same. If you get the same options on both vehicles the Benz is far more expensive. Edmunds said it the article they could have gotten GL for the same price as the Tahoe but it would have had next to no options.

With the Caddy Hybrid coming, we get to see how the 6.2L performs. I hope to see a rematch seeing as this would be a direct competitor. Some of the complaints of luxury and what not should go away.

[mbukukanyau]

I come from a diesel powertrain loving country. Where diesel is cheaper than gasoline by tons.
I can tell you two things..
#1. Diesels do not last longer than gasoline engines, they die quickly and suck, especially as they age.. it takes them for ever to get up to speed when they age, and if for some reason, you loose compression, you are in deep dudu, dead turbos, almost always mean, you will never get back to the same performance you had before turbos died

#2. Diesel in So Cal is always much more expensive than Gasoline. So, you may get 2 mpg more, but it cost you more to get there