knpnj

Hi All,

We are trying to configure a GLS 550 with following major options:
997 Driver Assistance Package
468 Active Curve System Package

We came across a couple that we do not fully understand -
215 - Adaptive Damper System Plus (ADS Plus) - one dealer mentioned "currently no showing available for GL550".

Can someone please help confirm if that is true? Should we even push for the 215 Adaptive Damper System Plus (ADS Plus), if it is truly not an option for the 550?

The other question is on the -
430 - Off-road Package

Can anyone here please advise whether this is a good option for North East weather conditions (NJ/NY/PA/CT)? Also, we do not imagine going off-road just for the heck of it, but we might unexpected terrain on a camping trip or such. Not sure what extra we gain by putting it in.

TIA!

fabbrisd1

Well - I understand you are looking closely at GLS550 - all to the good - but let me uncross a couple of loose wires:

Please don't forget with GLS Dynamic Select - Your will Have Sport, Comfort, Slippery, and Indiv setting - and yes, for NE Slippery will come in handy.

1) Your 1st suspension option/selection/upgrade is the Mercedes Active Curve System - and this option includes ADS - think of Active Curve as a Intelligent Sway Bars Front/Back - which in effect lowers the center-of-gravity and makes your GLS handle thru curves more like a luxury/performance sedan.

2) Your will not need Off-Road for NE highway driving - adding Off-Road gives you added underside protection and added Off-Road and Off-Road Plus on Dynamic Select.

-----------------------------------------

If you want to get excited - get excited about Active Curve ! Google up a few videos - on the Vance test track I'vee been very/very impressed - and my customers have been very impressed/grateful they ordered with me for their GL/GLS's - if driving is your thing - go for it...

Sorry that dealers choose not to order Active Curve for inventory cars - and that so few salespersons now-a-day have the SUV driving experience to understand what Active Curve really does... for driver and for passengers...

knpnj

OK great thanks much.

ACS has been our requirement from the get go - we wouldn't buy without that for sure.
Our main requirements are:

- 468 - Active Curve System Package (468, SPC 214 ADS)
- 997 - Driver Assistance Package (23P, 233, 237, 238, 253, 266, 268, 271, 300, 513)

Hence wondering about whether to add the Off-road or not, and if there is value in re-sale for the dealer when it comes off the lease.
- 430 - Off-road Package (430, 481, SPC 214 ADS)

Then the ADS+ option popped up within an SPC and no one seemed to know about that. I guess it's redundant with the ACS.

There do seem to be a few cars in dealerships with all three options (468 ACS, 997 DAP and 430 Off-Road).

If we go custom order, the wait seems to be until Feb and we wish to get this done by year end.


The spec sheet so far is -
Port Installed options
980 Accessory Chrome Package (070, 133)
068 Wheel Locks (Wheel Locking Bolts)
Additional Equipment
997 Driver Assistance Package (23P, 233, 237, 238, 253, 266, 268, 271, 300, 513)
430 Off-road Package (430, 481, SPC 214 ADS)
550 Trailer hitch
468 Active Curve System Package (468, SPC 214 ADS)
413 Panorama sunroof
874 Magic Vision Control
297 Manual 2nd Row Sunshades
872 Heated rear seats with climate control panel
866 Rear seat entertainment pre-wiring
843 Power Easy-Entry 2nd Row
443 Heated Steering Wheel
P21 Air Ionization with air filter / Air Balance

Given this, we are not sure why the ADS+ option popped up, and what it really meant?

Thanks!

fabbrisd1

Active Curve auto adds Adaptive+ = means your shock control is more responsive + my term "Intelligent Sway Bars".

Off-Road - if you want to max everything out - if not, don't be concerned.

There are a "few" December changeable order slots left - which will close real/real soon - if you want December delivery I would suggest you lock down with your dealer quickly

knpnj

Thanks Fabbrisd1!

Can you or anyone here recommend any salesman in the NJ area who could pull this off? The couple dealerships I am touch with seem downright unresponsive - are they so busy that they cannot follow through a lead who wants to close right away!?
Please PM if you can recommend anyone.

TIA

Chris D

I can't imagine needing the "engineering off road" option in a 550. Taking a $100k vehicle with 21" low profile wheels into a place when more than the existing offroad driving mode is not sufficient just isn't my idea of a good time.


Active Curve, however - definitely worth considering.

fabbrisd1

Drive up to the closest dealer - fact-to-face - don't be a internet spook.

GLS550's are very tight - so you have to jump on it or you will be out-of-luck this year

Dr3521

Please, any one having ACS on their 2017 GLS truck, Can you please please upload a video or some pic. Of dynamic select dive mode changes appearing on 8 inch command center.
thanks

GeneralToner

I have not been able to find images of the underside protection offered by the Off-Road package and curious if that alone is worth the price (2k on a 110k GLS550 build)?

I understand that the capabilities of the package will likely not be needed for a road car that will occasionally travel around the farm. My reason for considering this option is that PA likes to go with what I call the compost method when things are in the road (branches, dead critters, etc are left in the road for cars to break-down).

We keep our cars for 10 years or so if that matters on this one.

Thoughts?

jbak31

I'd get the off-road option for sure. At 100k 2k won't make a difference. Main reason is the underride protection, in case you hit something. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, as it's been a while, but I think the offroad option gives 1.5-2 inches extra clearance, via ADS setting.

GeneralToner

Similar to my thoughts. Dealer advised that unless true off-road I should pass on it. Goal is to put a build in by end of month, so trying to finalize in my head.

I figured that underside protection alone worth the 2k, but guess I was looking for consensus.

Thanks

knpnj

Not sure, but maybe dealers seem to push back against that option so that you don't come back grumbling to them about incidents related to your escapades? Maybe it also delays the build a bit?

Same thing happened to us - dealer downplayed the off-road option in the beginning, but we went ahead and put it in our spec sheet.

fabbrisd1

"Most" dealers frankly don't have expereince with either Active-Curve or Off-Road...

1. ACS is awesome - think of the "active"/intelligent sway-bars having the net effect of lowering the high-center-of-gravity on your GLS to make it about 8" lower - and how smooth/flat that will affect and "flatten" your handling/tunrs/curves at all speeds.

2. If I was Northeast - or had a lake cabin off a dirt road - heck get Off-Road - that term actually is a mis-label - think of it as great adjustment on your suspension..

3. Thiose dealers who "balk" at inteligent understanding of ACS or Off-Road - if those are your guys - then make sure you march thru the "minor" list off indiv options one-by-one - with this kindof GLS550 build be smart - almsot all miss adding Heated Washer - and many miss adding U09 wrapped lower dash, Magic Vision, etcetc... when they have NetStar open on their PC with you at the desk - just takes 5/10 minutes to run down EVERY indiv option.cost for your decision - even frills like heated/cooled cup-holders if you are a Starbucks guy eather than vac-insulated mugs/who-cares... on and on.

4. If it was me - for a 10-year "buy-n-hold" - you might consider loading up a GLS450 on 20" wheels for better/smoother highway comfort - the GLS550 21" paws are great for handling/in-this-GLS550-theme - but GLS450 20"s give much better highway comfort frankly - especially for women driver's - no sexism intended..

GeneralToner

Thanks for the feedback.

Went with both the ACS and Off-Road for the order. Going to be a long two months.

pavulon

Does option 430 provide lockable center and rear differentials as well as 2-speed transfer case?