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It's a year now I got my 2018 GLS 550. This is my second Mercedes Benz but my first SUV. I am not sure if all the SUV works the same way. But I am not very happy with its handling powers.
Importantly this car is too shaky in windy situations. And I leave in Virginia not even Chicago.
Most Importantly my experience of driving in snow was worst. I saw smaller cars passing by me more comfortably and they were not even AWDs
Right now I have factory installed Continental tires. Hoping to get Michelin tires in future. May be that will help in better handling.
Did anyone else faced the similar kind of handling issues.
I am a newbie SUV user so any advice is welcome. 2018 gls550
2021 GLS580 all black. 2014 GLK black (kids car). formerly: 2014 GL550 Palladium Silver (US)
I have a '14 550 GL with a second set of wheels with Pirelli Scorpion. I have no problems in snow. I believe they are 19"?
I bought the winter set thru the dealer after negotiating to get close to discount Tire dealer prices.
The GLS comes with performance all season tires. They suck in the snow. You need to plop another couplef of k for winter tires. On comfort, if its windy, it can feel buffeted, that's what the individual setting is for. Set the suspension and steering in sport and the leave the engine in comfort, presto, no more wind buffeting. If you don't mind the brutal acceleration just use sport mode, sport mode is probably a bad idea in snow or slippery conditions. Another good setting is the snow setting but that leaves the suspension very soft.
I have a '14 550 GL with a second set of wheels with Pirelli Scorpion. I have no problems in snow. I believe they are 19"?
I bought the winter set thru the dealer after negotiating to get close to discount Tire dealer prices.
You can get the winter scorpions in 20s, thats what I got from mb, the rims are not great looking but they are ok.
The GLS comes with performance all season tires. They suck in the snow. You need to plop another couplef of k for winter tires. On comfort, if its windy, it can feel buffeted, that's what the individual setting is for. Set the suspension and steering in sport and the leave the engine in comfort, presto, no more wind buffeting. If you don't mind the brutal acceleration just use sport mode, sport mode is probably a bad idea in snow or slippery conditions. Another good setting is the snow setting but that leaves the suspension very soft.
One more thing I learnt was the tire pressure. It should be very well adjusted to get the best handling. Like most of the times I am driving alone so my tire pressure should not be more than 32 psi. Thanks for your tips though.
Tires. 100% tires. I thought the GLS 550s came with UHP Summer Tires. My 2017 did. Horrid for anything other than warm dry pavement. Silly on this car, really.
Get at least an All-Season performance tire or just a solid all-season. Virginia probably doesn't warrant winter or snow tires, don't need them in the Carolinas either, even in the mtns.
01-29-2019, 01:40 PM
2018 GLS 550 Handling in bad weather
