GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

Active Curve/Dampening for GL350

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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 09:36 AM
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yk0786's Avatar
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2014 GL350
Active Curve/Dampening for GL350

Hi

New member on this forum. I ordered a GL350 and expecting an end of May delivery. I have couple more weeks to make changes to the order. I was curious to see if what everyone thought on Active Curve/Dampening option for the GL350. Does it make a huge difference? Is it worth cost and special order upcharge.

I am upgrading from a mini-van as FYI.

My order currently has:

Black Color
Black MB-Tex (have kids, thus didnt go with the leather)
P1 package
19" rims
Manual 2nd row sunshades
Lighting package
Panorama Sunroof
Trailer Hitch
3-zone Automatic Climate Control
Eucalyptus Wood Trim
HK Sound System
Illuminated Running Boards
Rear Seat Entertainment System
Keyless Go
Parking Assist Package
Driver Assist Package

Thanks for your input!
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 11:16 AM
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2014 GL350
I did get it on mine and it seems to handle better than our previous SUV (Mazda CX-9 which I think is one of the better handling ones out there). Having said that, I can't really compare to what the car would have felt like without that. I do wish they would let you customize more driving modes more than just comfort and sport, but they are both pretty useful (this comes with the adaptive suspension that you need to also add active curve I believe). I pretty much leave it in sport unless we are driving on bad roads and then it is nice to be able to dial up comfort.
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Old Mar 21, 2014 | 06:04 PM
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Here's an Idea

I test drove the 350 Bluetec and could see what the GL feels like without the Active Curve System and then I drove a GL550 which has the Active Curve System (including adaptive damping) as standard equipment. I could easily see the value of those systems to me. Test drive both vehicles and decide for yourself. That's always the best way to go with most mechanical options. We also compared the comfort seats and the regular seats and went with the comfort seats.
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 01:30 PM
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15 GL550
Originally Posted by Todd in PA
... then I drove a GL550 which has the Active Curve System (including adaptive damping) as standard equipment. ...
I thought the GL550 has ADS (Adaptive Damping System) as standard equipment but not the Active Curve System. On MBUSA's website it doesn't mention anything about the 550 having the active curve system. Could someone please clarify?
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 03:51 PM
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I think you may be correct.

I just checked the 2014 order guide on this forum and in the special option section it does list the Active Curve system as an option for the GL550.
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 06:14 PM
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Mbenz260e's Avatar
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2022 E450 Prior:2021 S580 2012 E350BT, 2013 GL350BT, 2009 ML320BT, 2006 E320CDI, 1987 260E
Would there be a special order upcharge if you are already getting the 2nd row window shades?
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Old Mar 26, 2014 | 09:08 PM
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The "special order charge" is flat $250 for all special order items total.

Good posts/discussion between ADS and Active Curve - think of Active Curve as intelligent anti-sway bars - and frankly Active Curve is awesome !
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