Agent-A01

We are looking at getting into a GT but have some issues with a 2017 we test drove.

It was just a standard 2017 GT; the ride was extremely harsh like a wagon.

Are there any difference in ride quality between the newer model years or even the GTS?

Coming from a S550 Coupe, the comfort is worlds apart. I'd say the ride is much worse than the previous 2015 CLS63 we had.

Any ideas?

rbf41000

I would expect you to find the ride harsh when compared to a S550, I daily drive my GT and came from a SL550 and it is a little bit harder than that.
Having always had other cars as well as my DD (at the moment a Lamborghini) I find my GT to be quite acceptable, I did just read a thread on here where someone DDs a GTR and reduces the tire pressure by a few pounds to make it a little more compliant.

MalibuScott

There are two sets of tire pressure figures in my car, one on the door jamb (38+) and the other on the inside of the fuel filler door (31-32)r. As long as you're travelling at legal speeds (give or take an additional 20-30 MPH). And the two sets of figures make a world of difference. If the tires are 38psi+ the ride will be harsh. Miraculously, taking the pressures down to 31psi-f and 32psi-r gives you a comfortable ride. Of course, the tires will wear out at an amazing rate, but that's the fix.

thecutter64

It’s a sports car. It is stiff. You won’t compress a vertebrae or forget how to do math but it will be rough.

If comfort is is your goal , get a S63s

Rausky

It's a sports car dude, of course it's going to be harsher than a CLS or S550...

kumizi

It's my only minor complaint with my GTS. I do have the dynamic plus package. "In addition to dynamic engine and transmission mounts, it offers a more firmly tuned sports suspension and special steering tuning."

Over bumpy roads in the softest setting, my GTS rides noticeably bumpier/rougher than my previous GT3 and Z06 type sports cars. Most modern sports cars I've driven have a bigger difference between comfort mode and sports mode. I have not spent time in another GT(S) without the dynamic plus package. Maybe look into that.

kumizi

helpful advice

badbenzz

I came out of an S550 cab and yes the ride is harsher as expected. But I wish the seats had just a little more padding. Formerly had a CLK63 black series which was more comfortable than the GTS, I believe because the seats had more padding. Despite that comfort mode on the streets is not comfortable lol.

N-4Speed

I had a 2016 GTS and now a 2018 GTS. I daily drive my GTS and can't tell a difference between the 2. I keep my tires around 31 PSI all around and to me the ride is comfy. Perhaps test drive another one maybe the dampers had issues?

Keon

I'm considering switching from an SL550 to a GT C cabriolet. How do the two compare? How much faster does it feel?

rbf41000

I am happy with my switch from an SL to a GT roadster.

Things I notice

Exhaust noise is much greater on the GT even with the roof up, I love the burble in S+
Road noise is much greater on the GT even with the roof up, concrete roads are the worst.
Cabin in the GT has way less storage area and cubby holes than the SL
GT is lower at the front so a little more care is needed on steep inclines etc
Seats on the GT are way less padded and are tighter fit than the SL, no active bolsters or massage function. Not a problem for me at 5ft 7 and 175lb though
Roof on the GT opens and closes faster than the SL and operates up to 35 mph so no worries when using it at a stop light.
Trunk is smaller but I can still get 2 roll on bags in.
GT feels a little faster but not much I have a base GT and came from a twin turbo SL.
Steering on the GT is much more precise on the GT
Brakes seem about the same as the SL
Gearbox on the GT is light years better than the SL when it comes to fast gear changes, I can use the paddles where as on the SL it was so slow to change I never did
I like to sit low in my cars so in the GT I find the side mirrors are blocking my view a bit and rear visibility from the center mirror is bad, if you move seat higher up it gets a bit better though.

Sorry if this seems like a list of bad things but the biggest positive I have is the look of the car and the way it makes me feel when driving, my wife even smiles when she gets in it, I have no regrets.

Bijan Kohan

Sorry but this post made me laugh. That is one thing I really admire about the car. Mercedes went all out and made a proper sports car with an ultra firm ride and tight cockpit.

I actually have H&R lowering springs on my car and it feels even tighter and I love the ride.

If you honestly think that the ride is too “harsh” then you belong in an S coupe or SL. I have a S63 sedan as my DD and that car is way too smooth.

Just my 2 cents.

xbox

Not sure if/what spec constraints there are in the US market, but the GT may not have had AMG Switchable Suspension. Has always been an option on a GT base EU-spec.

Wolfman

It's a $1500 option but I have seen several cars on dealer lots without it. Many dealer configs are head scratchers. $10k Solarbeam paint and then no performance exhaust/suspension, etc. I take the performance bits and an upgraded interior over a paint option...

Wolfman

I have to say that the roadster cockpit is tight (on space ). The coupe has tons of space vs. the roadster and rear visibility is poor due to the high rear panel/folding top compartment.
Our E63s is much firmer than the GTC...

HRDWRKR

ok test drove e63s and highly upset. could feel every bump and crack in the road. did comfort mode , comfort suspension etc. ready to cross it off the list. i

If I got 18 inch tires would "the ride" be as comfortable and refined as my 2013 e550 4 matic?