After 5 months wait! Taking delivery on Wednesday

 

How's it running so far? Any issues?

I think there's too many posts of negative experiences with the GLS 63 and not enough of people posting positive experiences.

 

Seriously lol
They can't be that bad right lol

 

Put it this way, lifelong and loyal MB owner who will not buy an MB that is newer than a 2019 and with the 48V system.

 

If you don't mind me asking? How has your experience been so far?

 

I did end up buying a 2024 GLS63 in April this year. I can share my 6,000 mile experience so far.

So far it's been mostly good. No reliability issues. Very comfortable, especially on long drives. Suspension is soft and airy like S-class when in Comfort mode and cruising. The seats are very comfortable - they're not soft and sofa-like as in Lexuses, but snug and huggy. Sport plus makes it a rocket ship. I always keep the auto-start-stop off because it's annoying. Distronic is very helpful and works great. The massages are fantastic and best I've seen in a car. The handling is great - it has no business being this large and handling so nimbly. The brakes have good bite and are quite powerful. The Navigation and HUD are great. And the exhaust tone is just perfect. I think this car is the best balance of comfort and performance that you can buy. Last thing is I got 22 inch wheels - this was the right call IMO. 23 inch wheels affect ride quality.

I regret not getting the upgrades Burmester sound system. It's a very expensive upgrade but would have been worth it. The base sound system is ok (better than most luxury cars), but not quite as good as the premium Harman-Kardon in BMWs.

The bads:

1. I hear a weird knocking sound coming from the rear at low speeds. I had it checked out at the dealership. They said it's nothing don't wry about it. So far no drivability or comfort issues but it's a bit annoying (especially with the acoustic comfort package you can hear any minor rattle or knock).
2. There was a droopy armrest in the second row. Dealership fixed it at cost. Happened on day 1 when I took the car home. Makes you question quality control.
3. The brakes/wheels get very dirty if you don't clean them regularly.
4. I had a nail in the front right tire on day 3. Dealer and tire repair shop both said it's too close to the sidewall and can't be repaired. Had to pay around $700 to get a new tire. These tires are expensive and currently no all-season options are available.
5. I'm having to pay prop taxes on this car in my county. It's one thing to plan for it, and another to have to actually write the check. These taxes add up the longer you own the car.
6. This car has really bad value retention. I paid around $160k out the door. Its current trade value is hardly $115k (I've checked with many dealers - no one seems to want it and are giving a f-u price). I think in hindsight this car is a good CPO buy. Keep it for a couple years, then move on to something else.
7. You're going to spend a lot at the gas station.
8. The tire and brake replacement is going to cost a lot of money. Owning this car after four years of warranty is going to cost a lot of money.
9. It's not much of a looker. It's not like a "ooh look an AMG". It's subtle. That could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you're looking for.

Overall I think my ownership so far has been a mix of joy and regret. Mostly joyful, with an regretful aftertaste.

 

When it comes time for brake pads, look into Powerstop Z23 or Z26 brake pads. They are some sort of carbon ceramic blend that work great with the oem rotors. I have them on my 2018 S63 and they reduced brake dust by more than 90% and they feel and perform exacstly the same as OEM brake pads. There's also another brand that guys use to reduce brake dust, but I can't remember the name.

Great car, hope you enjoy every last mile!!

 

I've had very good experience with EBC Redstuff brake pads on my 2017 GLS63. Significantly extended life over OEM pads, less dust, better bite. No complaints.

I use Brembo or Zimmermann rotors; whatever is available at lower price.

Look at the free lifetime replacement part plan offered by FCP Euro. I haven't always been able to source my desired parts from them, but it's a great deal if you can work it.

 

Amazing and very appreciated review of your first 6k miles! Extremely detailed and exactly what I was looking for. Based on this and a lot of other reviews and research, I think the goal is to find a low mileage 2023 or 2024 CPO and like you said keep it until warranty runs. Your negatives werent enough to scare me away lol. I have the Burmester 3D in my s560 and love it so it's a must for me. Also switched out my pads so almost zero dust. Wish they still made the magic sky roofs 😩 love mine. I just gotta make sure it's not a flood car unfortunately. Thanks again!