Comfort vs. Sport Mode
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7
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From: Long Island
GL550, MDX, S2000
Comfort vs. Sport Mode
Hi everyone. Apologies ahead of time if this was already posted but I couldnt find anything when doing a search.
Do you guys usually stay in comfort or sport mode? Is there more wear and tear on the car by putting it in sport mode? Is there supposed to be a difference in MPG as well? Thanks!
Do you guys usually stay in comfort or sport mode? Is there more wear and tear on the car by putting it in sport mode? Is there supposed to be a difference in MPG as well? Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 34
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Ford Lightning, GL350 and a couple of outbacks
we keep it in comfort mode, the ride is much nicer on the highway in town. There's some stretches of road that are bumpy and comfort really dampens that out. I originally thought i would keep it in sport more, but i find I don't like cornering a huge SUV like my old mini cooper S.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 762
Likes: 166
From: Oregon USA
2023 Mercedes EQS 580 SUV, 2023 Bentley Bentayga, 2023 Genesis GV60
On winding country roads, I do Sport. Otherwise, all Comfort all the time.
Sport changes throttle response, so uses more petrol.
Sport changes throttle response, so uses more petrol.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 526
Likes: 203
From: Texas
2021 GLE 53 AMG Coupe
Ditto on the comfort setting.
Coming from an X5 w/ sport pkg just last week, I thought I would have it in sport mode more, but turns out that I immediately got used to the plusher comfort ride.
So I may only put it in sport mode if the road dictates it or if I need quicker acceleration.
Neurobit
Coming from an X5 w/ sport pkg just last week, I thought I would have it in sport mode more, but turns out that I immediately got used to the plusher comfort ride.
So I may only put it in sport mode if the road dictates it or if I need quicker acceleration.
Neurobit
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 762
Likes: 166
From: Oregon USA
2023 Mercedes EQS 580 SUV, 2023 Bentley Bentayga, 2023 Genesis GV60
In the SPORT program, the steering and – in the case of vehicles with AIRMATIC – suspension are stiffer and more sportily attuned to each other, providing more agility and dynamism, a more spontaneous throttle response and modified gear change points (for vehicles with 7G-TRONIC PLUS).
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 26
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From: DFW
CLK63 AMG Black, SL65 AMG Black, GL550 (X166), G63 AMG
I use Sport mode frequently,... in traffic to have faster throttle response and anytime there are twisties. The Active Curve system is awesome,... this truck brings a smile to my face everytime I rip through curves. For a big monstrous hauler, this truck has some nice moves. Love it!
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Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: FL
2015 GL550 2013 ESV Platinum 2008 Hummer H2 LE UM
The sport and comfort you see only involves with the suspension on 2013-2016 GL models. Only the GL63 has that type of feature where the engine is effected, not the GL550s and lower.
The refresh GLS version, the turn dial, has modes that involved with engine throttle and suspension.
Sport suspension is more of a rougher ride which lowers the vehicle, which I prefer because I fall asleep easily with comfort suspension. Comfort is a little more raised and give it that boaty feel.
The tires there is nothing you can do. The suspension design is causing the tires to wear out, negative camber. Reason being is because of better handling and more surface area on the tires to grip the road better. Best to do is to find tires with a high treadwear rating, like the ExtremeContacts DWS 06.
The refresh GLS version, the turn dial, has modes that involved with engine throttle and suspension.
Sport suspension is more of a rougher ride which lowers the vehicle, which I prefer because I fall asleep easily with comfort suspension. Comfort is a little more raised and give it that boaty feel.
The tires there is nothing you can do. The suspension design is causing the tires to wear out, negative camber. Reason being is because of better handling and more surface area on the tires to grip the road better. Best to do is to find tires with a high treadwear rating, like the ExtremeContacts DWS 06.
Last edited by Nihsel10; Feb 6, 2016 at 10:57 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
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From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
The sport and comfort you see only involves with the suspension on 2013-2016 GL models. Only the GL63 has that type of feature where the engine is effected, not the GL550s and lower.
The refresh GLS version, the turn dial, has modes that involved with engine throttle and suspension.
Sport suspension is more of a rougher ride which lowers the vehicle, which I prefer because I fall asleep easily with comfort suspension. Comfort is a little more raised and give it that boaty feel.
The tires there is nothing you can do. The suspension design is causing the tires to wear out, negative camber. Reason being is because of better handling and more surface area on the tires to grip the road better. Best to do is to find tires with a high treadwear rating, like the ExtremeContacts DWS 06.
The refresh GLS version, the turn dial, has modes that involved with engine throttle and suspension.
Sport suspension is more of a rougher ride which lowers the vehicle, which I prefer because I fall asleep easily with comfort suspension. Comfort is a little more raised and give it that boaty feel.
The tires there is nothing you can do. The suspension design is causing the tires to wear out, negative camber. Reason being is because of better handling and more surface area on the tires to grip the road better. Best to do is to find tires with a high treadwear rating, like the ExtremeContacts DWS 06.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: FL
2015 GL550 2013 ESV Platinum 2008 Hummer H2 LE UM
Interesting. My '15 550 doesn't have any of that. Just the suspension settings for sport and comfort. If I wanted sport throttle, I would have to switch it to manual by holding the paddles.
I am wondering why they didn't put the normal sport and comfort on my GL550 just like the others in the MB fleet.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 127
Likes: 3
2014 GL450
It might be linked to the off-road package on US models. I have a '14 450 with off-road and it has the works including the throttle/steering/suspension/shift tweaks in sport mode. The throttle also changes in some of the other modes like snow mode for example.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 101
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From: FL
2015 GL550 2013 ESV Platinum 2008 Hummer H2 LE UM
Yeah the on/off road changes the throttle response, but thats like a $2000 option. The 63 has actual sport mode and sport plus mode. Shame my didn't come with it.
I know on the new GLS models, the sport mode on the turn dial is legit sport mode that changes the engine behavior and suspension at the same time. I had a loaner 2016 GLE that had the turn dial, makes a complete difference.
The snow mode on the on/off road package is related to the transfer case to improve traction, I presume.
I know on the new GLS models, the sport mode on the turn dial is legit sport mode that changes the engine behavior and suspension at the same time. I had a loaner 2016 GLE that had the turn dial, makes a complete difference.
The snow mode on the on/off road package is related to the transfer case to improve traction, I presume.
Last edited by Nihsel10; Feb 6, 2016 at 06:26 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 127
Likes: 3
2014 GL450
If you can dig up the PDF of the 2014 manual you can see it talks about some of this in more detail as I recall. The snow mode tweaks the throttle response to be even less aggressive than comfort mode. Sort of an anti-Sport mode. I think it also raises the suspension height a bit.
As for Sport mode it does change all the characteristics I mentioned. The throttle response is much sharper than Comfort mode which tends to be kind of laggy feeling. And the shift points are altered so you wind up crusing in a lower gear which is why I generally don't use it except for "certain situations" :-) Suspension is also noticeable stiffer, including the Active Curve system on mine so it corners very flat in this mode.
As for Sport mode it does change all the characteristics I mentioned. The throttle response is much sharper than Comfort mode which tends to be kind of laggy feeling. And the shift points are altered so you wind up crusing in a lower gear which is why I generally don't use it except for "certain situations" :-) Suspension is also noticeable stiffer, including the Active Curve system on mine so it corners very flat in this mode.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 356
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From: San Francisco, CA
'16 GL550, '12 C350
I have a GL550, I'm pretty sure that the manual notes that sport mode not only tunes suspension but also sharpens steering - you can feel the boost change in the steering between comfort and sport modes. As for throttle and transmission response I haven't noticed a change in sport mode.
Nonetheless, I use sport on the highway and on curvy roads... Always use comfort in the city and around town. As well as rough roads.
Nonetheless, I use sport on the highway and on curvy roads... Always use comfort in the city and around town. As well as rough roads.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 127
Likes: 3
2014 GL450
I dug up the 2014 GL manual. Link is here:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...class=GL-Class
starting on page 254 of the manual is a description of the modes for vehicles equipped with the Off-road package.
For the Sport program (again, only if you have the Off-road package), it explains the following are tweaked: ride height, suspension damping, transmission shift points, accelerator pedal/throttle curve, steering assist level.
The Snow, trailer, and off road modes are explained on following pages.
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servic...class=GL-Class
starting on page 254 of the manual is a description of the modes for vehicles equipped with the Off-road package.
For the Sport program (again, only if you have the Off-road package), it explains the following are tweaked: ride height, suspension damping, transmission shift points, accelerator pedal/throttle curve, steering assist level.
The Snow, trailer, and off road modes are explained on following pages.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Ford Lightning, GL350 and a couple of outbacks
the off road package wasn't available on the US GL350s, but there was a special order package called ADS that just gave you a basic sport/comfort button and all it adjusts I think is the suspension. Works well and you can tell a difference in the ride quite a bit.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: FL
2015 GL550 2013 ESV Platinum 2008 Hummer H2 LE UM
Yeah I am stuck with ADS setting only. It's only responsible for the suspension only, not the throttle.
If you want to have a change in throttle response, you have to add the On/Off Road Package for an extra $2050.
pg.220
http://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/DigitalA...al/2015_GL.pdf
If you want to have a change in throttle response, you have to add the On/Off Road Package for an extra $2050.
pg.220
http://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/DigitalA...al/2015_GL.pdf
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,313
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From: Toronto
2005 ML350, 2008 GL320, 2013 Gl350
I dont have the on/off road package nor was it offered in Canada for 2013-2016 model years, maybe for the refresh but not before. That being said I did switch into sport mode and as soon as I did the engine downshifted and held gears for a longer time.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 947
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From: NYC
18 E63s Wagon 15 GL63 (sold), 10 Turbo TT MT, A36 Bonanza, 20 JLU Rubicon
the sport mode appears to tweak the engine but it simply changes the shift points (giving a sportier feel) 450/550 non off road package.. it will also start the car off in 1st gear instead of the typical 2nd gear as it usually does in Comfort. suspension is soft
with my GL63...
Comfort has lower shift points, starts in second.. (car feels sluggish)
AMG I .. changes shift points, starts in first... stiffens suspension a bit
AMGII.. changes shift points, starts in first.. stiffens suspension to full sport.. steering rate is tightened..car lowers.. and is very tied to throttle input.
in the 2017, (other than giving the GL450/550/350 a 9 speed transmission..(GL63 sticks with the same AMG 7 speed).. the system breaks down all of these options to make it more user programmable. (IE more confusing for the typical user though I wish I could have those options on my GL63)
with my GL63...
Comfort has lower shift points, starts in second.. (car feels sluggish)
AMG I .. changes shift points, starts in first... stiffens suspension a bit
AMGII.. changes shift points, starts in first.. stiffens suspension to full sport.. steering rate is tightened..car lowers.. and is very tied to throttle input.
in the 2017, (other than giving the GL450/550/350 a 9 speed transmission..(GL63 sticks with the same AMG 7 speed).. the system breaks down all of these options to make it more user programmable. (IE more confusing for the typical user though I wish I could have those options on my GL63)
