Comparing the current 450 to prior gen 450
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2013 GL450
Comparing the current 450 to prior gen 450
Hello all,
Can anyone who has had significant seat time in the current GLS 450 comment on the differences compared to the prior gen. GLS450 (17-19).
We had an 08' 450 which was the family battle wagon. Loved it so much I traded it in for a 13' 450. Big difference but not all good. The 13' was more of a boat. Faster, smoother and more luxurious, it seemed to be sprung less firmly. The old non turbo 450 was like a German suburban.
My wife did not like driving the 13' 450. Felt it was too mushy etc... So I traded that in for a 17' GLS550. Big difference again. The 550 suspension in sport mode is what the 450 should be in "comfort". One thing I dislike about Mercedes is they make you upgrade models to get the best chassis. If you want a stiff riding sporty car you should be able to get a diesel GLS with an AMG pack. Instead you have to get a grenade motor before they tighten up the ride. The 550 is truly too powerful for itself. It churps the 295 tires from a standstill.
Anyway all this background is b/c the 550 lease is up. I'm not getting a 580. I'd consider a 450 but again you can't get any AMG line in the US on a 450. So back to my original question: I didn't like the 13' 450 so much (which had the appearance pack with 20s). Has the suspension changed that much? Is the car tighter at all in its ride quality, or still trying to replicate a magic carpet ride? Dealership test drives tell you next to nothing so I'd welcome some feedback. BTW, they killed the Active Body Control for the 450 in the US. Again with the pay to play motto from Mercedes.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks-
DRP
Can anyone who has had significant seat time in the current GLS 450 comment on the differences compared to the prior gen. GLS450 (17-19).
We had an 08' 450 which was the family battle wagon. Loved it so much I traded it in for a 13' 450. Big difference but not all good. The 13' was more of a boat. Faster, smoother and more luxurious, it seemed to be sprung less firmly. The old non turbo 450 was like a German suburban.
My wife did not like driving the 13' 450. Felt it was too mushy etc... So I traded that in for a 17' GLS550. Big difference again. The 550 suspension in sport mode is what the 450 should be in "comfort". One thing I dislike about Mercedes is they make you upgrade models to get the best chassis. If you want a stiff riding sporty car you should be able to get a diesel GLS with an AMG pack. Instead you have to get a grenade motor before they tighten up the ride. The 550 is truly too powerful for itself. It churps the 295 tires from a standstill.
Anyway all this background is b/c the 550 lease is up. I'm not getting a 580. I'd consider a 450 but again you can't get any AMG line in the US on a 450. So back to my original question: I didn't like the 13' 450 so much (which had the appearance pack with 20s). Has the suspension changed that much? Is the car tighter at all in its ride quality, or still trying to replicate a magic carpet ride? Dealership test drives tell you next to nothing so I'd welcome some feedback. BTW, they killed the Active Body Control for the 450 in the US. Again with the pay to play motto from Mercedes.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks-
DRP
