sbasham

While I'm not new to the forum (wife has 2010 e350), I am new to the thought of purchasing a GL450. I've got just a couple of questions if someone could help me.

Short of ordering a vehicle, it doesn't look like I'm going to be able to find one with the off-road package that would include the Adaptive Damping System. How will a vehicle without ADS ride compared to one that has is? Specifically, will it be as smooth if it doesn't have the comfort setting? I'm looking for that "hovercraft" type ride that someone mentioned in an earlier post. I currently drive a 2012 LR4 and love the ride it has. Looking to trade out my wife's car for a GL that rides similar or better.

Second question, I have found a vehicle that pretty much fits the bill, but doesn't have 3-zone air. I'm in KY and it gets hot and humid in the summer. Dealer is telling me that it's not needed because rear air is controlled by the passenger side of zone 2 system. Without driving back 90 miles, can anyone tell me the cooling potential of the system without the 3-zone air? Are there vents, etc...?

Thanks so much..

fabbrisd1

Well, that dealer kindof is not forthcoming - 3rd zone air adds total 6 vents to the rear cabin - and rear zone can be either independently controlled as separate 3rd zone from the rear - or controlled under "one zone" total cabin from the front console.. follow your original intuition, dang ATL dealers will always pitch what they have quite well..

sbasham

thanks fab...

What about the ride?

octurbo

Ride is great, even without the adaptive suspension. The airmatic suspension of the GL is the best in class in my opinion

sbasham

Thanks! I haven't been in one with the adaptive, but I just put 400 miles on my new 2014 GL. My dad and I took a quite a rode trip to pick one up for my wife.

Ended up with a Diamond White GL450, black leather, 3-zone, split view and a few other things for safety. It says it has a heated washer reservoir- do I have to turn it on?

Thanks again for your input.

BlownV8

Hold out for the 3 zone system if you are going to use the 3rd row often in the summer. It's the one feature that I wish my GL had.

Ah_gl450

I have a 2012 GL450, and the three-zone climate control is one feature I regret NOT getting. There are only 2 vents mounted on console to provide air to 5 people in the back...which sucks if you have a full car.

I believe the 2014 GL's are the same way, and this is definitely an option I'm getting when my lease is up.

a330captain

Were in NC, like you Hot/Humid. We decided its a must have for comfort not only in the 2nd row but the 3rd as well (where the kids sit). Who said I'm not a good Dad.

Also have the Pano, I like it open. "It make the interior feel light and airy" (can believe I said that)

Id hold out

sbasham

Thanks guys and gals. Just in case I wasn't clear with my follow up post, I did end up going with the 3-zone air. I required nearly an 800-mile round trip drive to find one with the right color, options, etc..., but I'm glad we got it and will be even more so in a few months when the summer sun beats down on the pano roof.

As far as my question about how it rides, this one seems to ride great. However, I have no reference since I didn't drive one with the adaptive damping system.

JimBarnhart

I've never been in one with ADS, but I agree that the airmatic ride of the X166 is very nice.

Acropora

The kids in the 3rd row have asked me multiple times to make it more hot/cool back there. Glad to be able to oblige.