After a year in my GLS500
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 318
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Australia
'24 GLB250. Previously '23 GLB250 '17 GLS500 '14 C250 '13 ML500 '12 C250 '08 ML500 '07 E500 '03 A160
After a year in my GLS500
Hey guys, just thought I’d say gidday from the other side of the pond, and let you know how my GLS is going after just over a year of ownership and 16,000kms. Also a few comparisons to my previous 2013 W166 ML500 that I drove for over 4 years and 59,000kms.
No warranty issues at all, so far!:
The GLS is the only car I’ve ever purchased new that did not have any warranty issues to report when I took it for its first service recently. I was quite impressed with that as there’s always usually something, even if they’re just small issues. Unfortunately, some other GL/GLS owners haven’t been so lucky after reading through this forum.
‘designo’:
For those considering the designo Exclusive Package I highly recommend you stay away from the porcelain/black combination, especially if you have a family! The designo nappa leather is extremely soft, particularly on the seats. The diamond pattern looks fantastic, and extremely classy, and just about everybody who sees it comments and is wowed by it! It’s been a nightmare to look after and keep clean though, and after only a year is showing terrible signs of wear. Especially on the edges of the seats where you slide in & out, on the edges of the backrest sides (where we have the multi-contour settings set to no. 5 and the leather is permanently creased from the position of aircushions), plus on the doors where you grab the handle to close the doors and the oil or whatever from my hands has already started to change the colour and look of the leather. I now try to utilise the running boards when getting into the car, so I can almost bypass sliding over the side cushion of the seat and just plonk my butt down right in the middle, but this isn’t really possible when getting out as there’s no grab handle anywhere, so I can see the wearing of the side part of the seat just getting worse over time. I use these leather wipes frequently (www.meguiars.com.au/interior-care/gold-class-rich-leather-wipes/) and they work great but it’s hard yakka and requires very regular maintenance to keep the seats looking clean and free of any marks or stains. We don’t have any kids, so it’s generally only myself, and at times my partner, in the car, so I would hate to think how bad it would be if the car was being used by a family all the time. I had the full black designo interior on my ML and it was so much better and easier to look after. Unfortunately, MB dropped the full black designo interior in the GLE/GLS range a while back (but still available on a GLC though!?) so it’s only a porcelain/black combo, or espresso brown. If I could go back to last year and order this car again I would choose the standard black leather interior and save the $10k the designo Exclusive Package costs.
Doesn’t drive as good as the GLE (or my old ML500):
The GLS is a total beast and really is terrific to own, although it’s really way too big for our requirements. Early last year I sold my ML500 and I really just wanted to upgrade to a new GLE500 but unfortunately for me MBAuP had recently dropped the 500 from the GLE range. If I had have known this was going to happen I would have acted sooner as I only missed out by a few months. I still wanted a Benz SUV with the non-AMG V8, so that’s how I ended up in the GLS. I have had to completely change the way I drive now though. MB’s specifications show the GLS is only about 30cm longer than a GLE, otherwise basically the same dimensions, but the GLS is a completely different driving experience. The GLS takes longer to stop and being a lot bigger and heavier it really drives like a truck or huge SUV, unlike the GLE which feels more like a car. You also sit a lot higher in the GLS, and I expected it to be much smoother and comfortable on a long highway drive (like an SUV based on the S-Class should be, right?) but I haven’t really found that to be the case at all. You have to “drive” the GLS and keep your mind on the job. It hates really windy days, so I don’t know if this Crosswind Assist feature really does anything. It often bounces about on country roads if they’re a little rough and you really have to hold on. I have Airmatic and Active Curve System too, but it’s still too floaty in Comfort mode, and too rough in Sport mode. The ML was so smooth and effortless to drive, and that also had Airmatic & ACS. After 7-8 hours in the GLS I am totally knackered, but that was never the case in the ML, I always seemed to be relatively okay after a long drive. Perhaps I’m just getting older too.
9G-TRONIC transmission with Off-road pack:
The 9-speed in the GLS is so much better than the old 7-speed which was occasionally clunky in the ML. The ML was quite bad when it was new, but after a visit to the dealer (one of many during my first year), a software update and more driving it really improved over time. Haven’t had any transmission issues with the GLS so far. It’s smooth as silk! I also have the Off-road Engineering Package but haven’t taken it off road yet, apart from driving around the muddy paddocks on our farm. Seems to handle that okay but would be better without highway tyres of course. Only selected this option for the farm, and we do like to go snow skiing occasionally, and it wasn’t that expensive, so I figured it will be good for resale.
The wonderful non-AMG biturbo V8:
The engine just seems be getting better all the time, especially lately since I’ve passed the 10,000km mark. The 4.7 litre biturbo non-AMG V8 really is a terrific engine and isn’t ridiculously heavy on fuel if you don’t drive it hard (or in Sport mode). Not quite as fuel efficient as the ML was but pretty close. My normal consumption during city driving hovers around 14-15l/100km but I have managed to get that down to around 10-11l/100km on a longer highway drive (ML used to be around 12l city and around 9.5l highway!) Not bad considering the size & weight of the GLS, and when comparing it to a friend’s 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland (5.7 Hemi) and another friend’s 2017 Lexus LX570 the GLS is possibly 30-40% more fuel efficient. Again, very impressive!
Technology has improved heaps:
The updated technology over the last 5 years is amazing too. Of course, comparing the technology on the newer GLS isn’t really fair as the ML was built in late 2012. The small creature comforts that are standard on the GLS (like massaging seats and heated/cooled cupholders) are also a very nice touch. The Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with Steering Pilot is a very cool feature and is very easy to use. It’s great fun having friends in the car and watching them freak out when you let go of the wheel, then see them amazed when the car drives, steers itself and stays in the lane, then stops if the traffic in front does, and then continues driving again all by itself when the traffic starts moving again. It all seems to work relatively well, but I can see there's still improvements to be made. I can also see a huge improvement with the GLS’ PRE-SAFE system compared with the ML, so I can only imagine where all of that autonomous driving technology is going over the coming years. Very exciting times ahead! The other improvements to the COMAND system, and the vehicle settings are also pretty awesome.I love the engine data screen which shows you kW & Nm and exact engine temperature. Can't comment on Apple Car Play or Andoid Auto as I've never used either of those features sorry. I also find I don't use the touchpad at all, as I'm just not used to it. Everything I do with COMAND is either via the buttons on the dash/steering wheel or the controller wheel under the touchpad. The LINGUATRONIC has also improved a lot too, and I often use that for various functions without any issues.
Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system & Entertainment Package with TV tuner:
I have the HK surround sound combined with the EP and the sound quality is truly mind-blowing! Especially while watching movies or TV. I can only imagine how good the B&O system is, but it’s very expensive and you lose your spare wheel. I’ve had my TV tweaked by www.dvdinmotion.com so it works while driving also. This was so simple and easy to setup and works brilliantly if anyone else is considering doing it. Two things that still disappoint me though are Blu-ray DVDs still can’t be played, and there’s still no HDMI auxiliary input for the rear screens. Pretty lame on MB’s behalf as Blu-ray DVD & HDMI technology have been around for many years now. I believe the new S-Class plays Blu-ray though, so I guess the next gen X167 GLS’ & W167 GLEs will be the same. Another small gripe is MB have changed the remote control which comes with the Entertainment Pack. It now only operates the 2 screens in the rear, not also the COMAND unit in front like my ML used to do. This was handy if I was allowing somebody else to drive, and I was sitting in the rear. I still had full control of the COMAND system from the rear but now that’s no longer the case which is no fun. Don’t know why MB would have changed this!!??
Issues with rear storage area:
The 3rd row seats on the GLS have never been used, and I keep them folded down all of the time to take advantage of the extra storage space in the rear. I really miss the net that the ML had that used to go all the way to the ceiling behind the 2nd row seats, which rolled out of the same mechanism as the sliding cargo cover (I don’t think this net was available in the US though). Even though the GLS has a longer rear storage area we find we can’t load it up as much as the ML as we can’t load cargo all the way to the ceiling anymore as we are concerned about safety and cargo sliding forward in the event of an accident. Another small gripe is having to actually climb into the rear of the GLS to access the storage area right behind the 2nd row seats. I am unfortunately not tall enough to reach that far if I’m just standing outside. Climbing in and out isn’t that easy as there’s really nothing to grab onto, and I have to be very careful not to scratch the rear bumper with my shoes while doing so. There’s also only 1 shopping bag holder in the rear of the GLS, compared with the ML which I’m pretty sure had 4-5 from memory. What’s up with that also, MB??
Tyres (or tires if you prefer):
I’ll probably need new tyres soon. I have the 21” 5 twin-spoke wheels and they came with Pirelli PZEROs from the factory, but I will most likely replace them with Continentals. I think I’ve got around 5,000kms left before replacement is due, so that will mean I drove for approximately 20,000kms on the Pirelli tyres from new. Big difference from the ML with the 20” rims and Pirelli Scorpion tyres from the factory as I drove for just over 30,000kms before replacement was needed on those. I knew the GLS would chew through tyres faster though, so no real surprise there.
I think I’ve covered everything for now. That’s probably enough anyway, I know I tend to babble on a bit sometimes, but hopefully some of you find it interesting and helpful!
I am now very excited about the new W167 GLE that’s due out soon and hoping to get back into a smaller SUV. I’ve also heard MB is bringing back the non-AMG V8 from the S-Class to the GLE so perhaps a new GLE560 (assuming that's what it will be called) will be my next car if everything goes to plan. Not sure what the 4.0 litre biturbo V8 is like in non-AMG form. I trust MB know what they’re doing, and it will also be a great engine.
Cheers to everyone from freezing Melbourne and stay safe on the roads out there!
No warranty issues at all, so far!:
The GLS is the only car I’ve ever purchased new that did not have any warranty issues to report when I took it for its first service recently. I was quite impressed with that as there’s always usually something, even if they’re just small issues. Unfortunately, some other GL/GLS owners haven’t been so lucky after reading through this forum.
‘designo’:
For those considering the designo Exclusive Package I highly recommend you stay away from the porcelain/black combination, especially if you have a family! The designo nappa leather is extremely soft, particularly on the seats. The diamond pattern looks fantastic, and extremely classy, and just about everybody who sees it comments and is wowed by it! It’s been a nightmare to look after and keep clean though, and after only a year is showing terrible signs of wear. Especially on the edges of the seats where you slide in & out, on the edges of the backrest sides (where we have the multi-contour settings set to no. 5 and the leather is permanently creased from the position of aircushions), plus on the doors where you grab the handle to close the doors and the oil or whatever from my hands has already started to change the colour and look of the leather. I now try to utilise the running boards when getting into the car, so I can almost bypass sliding over the side cushion of the seat and just plonk my butt down right in the middle, but this isn’t really possible when getting out as there’s no grab handle anywhere, so I can see the wearing of the side part of the seat just getting worse over time. I use these leather wipes frequently (www.meguiars.com.au/interior-care/gold-class-rich-leather-wipes/) and they work great but it’s hard yakka and requires very regular maintenance to keep the seats looking clean and free of any marks or stains. We don’t have any kids, so it’s generally only myself, and at times my partner, in the car, so I would hate to think how bad it would be if the car was being used by a family all the time. I had the full black designo interior on my ML and it was so much better and easier to look after. Unfortunately, MB dropped the full black designo interior in the GLE/GLS range a while back (but still available on a GLC though!?) so it’s only a porcelain/black combo, or espresso brown. If I could go back to last year and order this car again I would choose the standard black leather interior and save the $10k the designo Exclusive Package costs.
Doesn’t drive as good as the GLE (or my old ML500):
The GLS is a total beast and really is terrific to own, although it’s really way too big for our requirements. Early last year I sold my ML500 and I really just wanted to upgrade to a new GLE500 but unfortunately for me MBAuP had recently dropped the 500 from the GLE range. If I had have known this was going to happen I would have acted sooner as I only missed out by a few months. I still wanted a Benz SUV with the non-AMG V8, so that’s how I ended up in the GLS. I have had to completely change the way I drive now though. MB’s specifications show the GLS is only about 30cm longer than a GLE, otherwise basically the same dimensions, but the GLS is a completely different driving experience. The GLS takes longer to stop and being a lot bigger and heavier it really drives like a truck or huge SUV, unlike the GLE which feels more like a car. You also sit a lot higher in the GLS, and I expected it to be much smoother and comfortable on a long highway drive (like an SUV based on the S-Class should be, right?) but I haven’t really found that to be the case at all. You have to “drive” the GLS and keep your mind on the job. It hates really windy days, so I don’t know if this Crosswind Assist feature really does anything. It often bounces about on country roads if they’re a little rough and you really have to hold on. I have Airmatic and Active Curve System too, but it’s still too floaty in Comfort mode, and too rough in Sport mode. The ML was so smooth and effortless to drive, and that also had Airmatic & ACS. After 7-8 hours in the GLS I am totally knackered, but that was never the case in the ML, I always seemed to be relatively okay after a long drive. Perhaps I’m just getting older too.
9G-TRONIC transmission with Off-road pack:
The 9-speed in the GLS is so much better than the old 7-speed which was occasionally clunky in the ML. The ML was quite bad when it was new, but after a visit to the dealer (one of many during my first year), a software update and more driving it really improved over time. Haven’t had any transmission issues with the GLS so far. It’s smooth as silk! I also have the Off-road Engineering Package but haven’t taken it off road yet, apart from driving around the muddy paddocks on our farm. Seems to handle that okay but would be better without highway tyres of course. Only selected this option for the farm, and we do like to go snow skiing occasionally, and it wasn’t that expensive, so I figured it will be good for resale.
The wonderful non-AMG biturbo V8:
The engine just seems be getting better all the time, especially lately since I’ve passed the 10,000km mark. The 4.7 litre biturbo non-AMG V8 really is a terrific engine and isn’t ridiculously heavy on fuel if you don’t drive it hard (or in Sport mode). Not quite as fuel efficient as the ML was but pretty close. My normal consumption during city driving hovers around 14-15l/100km but I have managed to get that down to around 10-11l/100km on a longer highway drive (ML used to be around 12l city and around 9.5l highway!) Not bad considering the size & weight of the GLS, and when comparing it to a friend’s 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland (5.7 Hemi) and another friend’s 2017 Lexus LX570 the GLS is possibly 30-40% more fuel efficient. Again, very impressive!
Technology has improved heaps:
The updated technology over the last 5 years is amazing too. Of course, comparing the technology on the newer GLS isn’t really fair as the ML was built in late 2012. The small creature comforts that are standard on the GLS (like massaging seats and heated/cooled cupholders) are also a very nice touch. The Distance Pilot DISTRONIC with Steering Pilot is a very cool feature and is very easy to use. It’s great fun having friends in the car and watching them freak out when you let go of the wheel, then see them amazed when the car drives, steers itself and stays in the lane, then stops if the traffic in front does, and then continues driving again all by itself when the traffic starts moving again. It all seems to work relatively well, but I can see there's still improvements to be made. I can also see a huge improvement with the GLS’ PRE-SAFE system compared with the ML, so I can only imagine where all of that autonomous driving technology is going over the coming years. Very exciting times ahead! The other improvements to the COMAND system, and the vehicle settings are also pretty awesome.I love the engine data screen which shows you kW & Nm and exact engine temperature. Can't comment on Apple Car Play or Andoid Auto as I've never used either of those features sorry. I also find I don't use the touchpad at all, as I'm just not used to it. Everything I do with COMAND is either via the buttons on the dash/steering wheel or the controller wheel under the touchpad. The LINGUATRONIC has also improved a lot too, and I often use that for various functions without any issues.
Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system & Entertainment Package with TV tuner:
I have the HK surround sound combined with the EP and the sound quality is truly mind-blowing! Especially while watching movies or TV. I can only imagine how good the B&O system is, but it’s very expensive and you lose your spare wheel. I’ve had my TV tweaked by www.dvdinmotion.com so it works while driving also. This was so simple and easy to setup and works brilliantly if anyone else is considering doing it. Two things that still disappoint me though are Blu-ray DVDs still can’t be played, and there’s still no HDMI auxiliary input for the rear screens. Pretty lame on MB’s behalf as Blu-ray DVD & HDMI technology have been around for many years now. I believe the new S-Class plays Blu-ray though, so I guess the next gen X167 GLS’ & W167 GLEs will be the same. Another small gripe is MB have changed the remote control which comes with the Entertainment Pack. It now only operates the 2 screens in the rear, not also the COMAND unit in front like my ML used to do. This was handy if I was allowing somebody else to drive, and I was sitting in the rear. I still had full control of the COMAND system from the rear but now that’s no longer the case which is no fun. Don’t know why MB would have changed this!!??
Issues with rear storage area:
The 3rd row seats on the GLS have never been used, and I keep them folded down all of the time to take advantage of the extra storage space in the rear. I really miss the net that the ML had that used to go all the way to the ceiling behind the 2nd row seats, which rolled out of the same mechanism as the sliding cargo cover (I don’t think this net was available in the US though). Even though the GLS has a longer rear storage area we find we can’t load it up as much as the ML as we can’t load cargo all the way to the ceiling anymore as we are concerned about safety and cargo sliding forward in the event of an accident. Another small gripe is having to actually climb into the rear of the GLS to access the storage area right behind the 2nd row seats. I am unfortunately not tall enough to reach that far if I’m just standing outside. Climbing in and out isn’t that easy as there’s really nothing to grab onto, and I have to be very careful not to scratch the rear bumper with my shoes while doing so. There’s also only 1 shopping bag holder in the rear of the GLS, compared with the ML which I’m pretty sure had 4-5 from memory. What’s up with that also, MB??
Tyres (or tires if you prefer):
I’ll probably need new tyres soon. I have the 21” 5 twin-spoke wheels and they came with Pirelli PZEROs from the factory, but I will most likely replace them with Continentals. I think I’ve got around 5,000kms left before replacement is due, so that will mean I drove for approximately 20,000kms on the Pirelli tyres from new. Big difference from the ML with the 20” rims and Pirelli Scorpion tyres from the factory as I drove for just over 30,000kms before replacement was needed on those. I knew the GLS would chew through tyres faster though, so no real surprise there.
I think I’ve covered everything for now. That’s probably enough anyway, I know I tend to babble on a bit sometimes, but hopefully some of you find it interesting and helpful!
I am now very excited about the new W167 GLE that’s due out soon and hoping to get back into a smaller SUV. I’ve also heard MB is bringing back the non-AMG V8 from the S-Class to the GLE so perhaps a new GLE560 (assuming that's what it will be called) will be my next car if everything goes to plan. Not sure what the 4.0 litre biturbo V8 is like in non-AMG form. I trust MB know what they’re doing, and it will also be a great engine.
Cheers to everyone from freezing Melbourne and stay safe on the roads out there!
Last edited by Benz Werd; Aug 6, 2018 at 09:45 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
I would like to echo your review since it fits my expiriences with a few more kms under my belt. Unlike you I have used the third row not infrequently. In regards to comfort and sport, I always use individual, with the engine on comfort and everything else in sport. Regarding stopping distances (compared to my E43) it always takes me a few stops to adjust but its not due to lack of braking power, the 550 simply takes a little "firmer leg" since its a little less sensitive in initial bite. If you like the tech on the 550 you will be blown away by the next gen. Everything simply works better and is much better organized and thought out, particarly the self driving portion of it. Another plus for us in freezing climates, the radar control is not affected by snow since in the latest version the radar antenna is heated! In fact one of the few qualms I had when I bought it was that it didnt have the latest MB systems as my 43 has, however, I wasnt willing to wait 2 years either. For the time being the tech (which mirrors latest c class) was good enough.
One last recommendation if a windy day is buffeting too much set the suspension in sport, it completely eliminates any wind buffeting. IMO comfort is so soft mostly for the offroad mission and also a result of not having an infinitely variable air suspension as in the new AMG and S class vehicles. On the tire front I very pleaaed with the OEM contis they provide here.
One last recommendation if a windy day is buffeting too much set the suspension in sport, it completely eliminates any wind buffeting. IMO comfort is so soft mostly for the offroad mission and also a result of not having an infinitely variable air suspension as in the new AMG and S class vehicles. On the tire front I very pleaaed with the OEM contis they provide here.
