Rubpau

Considering upsizing to a GLS family truck. I either have a choice of a CPO 2018 GLS 550 or a brand new GLS 450 (possibly 580 but trying to keep within the same price range). My only concern is i've heard of a lot of issues with the new 2020/2021 models and 2018s (x166) are much later in the production year with most issues ironed out. The interior of the 2020/2201 is really beautiful though.

That being said, can any 2020/2021 owners and 2017-2019 owners chime in based on your past and current experience of which way you would go if you had the choice? Thanks in advance!

OnlyGerman

If I were in this situation, I would go for the new 2021 as the interior alone is enough to justify it. The x166 interior is getting old.

MuddyBlueJeans

I agree with the above and depending on what seating configuration you want, if middle captains chairs were not offered I would not have one.

c4004matic

2021 GLS no questions asked. I swapped a 2018 550 for a 580. Better car in absolutely every category. As far as suspension, interior and tech the new one is a lot better. I would even step down to a new 450 compared to the 2018 550 for exactly the same reasons. Unless price is a factor, a 550 for 50k for example, I wouldnt consider the old model.

Rubpau

Thanks for the replies, will definitely consider these remarks. How many miles have you guys gotten on your GLS 2021 so far? have you ran into any electronic issues yet or build quality issues?

I also found out these GLSs (i guess its been like this for a while) were/are made in the US. Not to knock on it but it would be in the back of my mind. My 2018 c63 coupe was built in germany and was solid. How have these american GLS builds been going for the update?

c4004matic

1200 miles. Excellent build quality. No issues yet, though there were a few recalls on the 2020. Yes all GLE and GLS are built, and have been, for a long time, built in Alabama.

nc211

I wouldn't even consider the two as the same car other than the "GLS" letters on the back. I went through this decision myself, a beautiful white 550 CPO (2018) or a new 2020 450. Drove both, and without hesitation went for the new 450, didn't even think twice about it. Completely different feel and environment. Also, to me, completely different build approach as well it seems. Old school / new school.

We're at 15,000 miles already on ours (bought in August). Lots of highway cruising back and forth between DC and NC. Only two minor issues - had a strange hiccup one time coming out of the grocery store where it threw an error message over the 48v battery but the car ran normal and was totally back to normal by the time I got home 10 minutes later (I suspect water in the gas triggered something). And we do need to take it in for a warranty claim on the driver's side power window motor, sounds like it's binding on something inside the door. Ok, on that one, I'll chalk it up to growing pains of a new car. But other than that - it's absolutely flawless and love the snot out of it. Get TONS of compliments on it as well. I liked the 550 for the raw power, but it was no where near as refined feeling as the new one is. It felt rougher in operation when compared to the new one. The new 48v system is truly a game changer, from the way the car starts up (like turning on an appliance instead of starting a car) to the power boost of the mild hybrid system that makes that straight 6 feel more powerful than a 3.0 liter 6 should. The car will get up and move when asked to do so. Plenty fast and powerful for this family of 4.

If it gives you any comfort - my play car is a 2015 VW GTI. I bought it new, was one of the first batch to roll off the new Mexico plant - and other than one recall for a potential bumped fuel pump during shipping, and a miss on the painting of the inside portion of the wheels - it's been completely bullet proof. VW replaced the wheels, and fixed the clip on the pump wire. Been stellar ever since - 6 years now and 65k miles (I think).

Cars aren't made like they used to be anymore. A German robot in Alabama is no less German than a German robot in Berlin.

c4004matic

Wholeheartedly concur.

wolds

Agree with many of your points here, noting that I didn't have much personal experience with Mercs prior to my purchase but this wasn't anything specific against the brand, just wasn't on my radar for my needs. I've had a few rentals since purchase though, none the latest MBUX models nor mild hybrid. The cars typically still look appealing but immediately after I get in I always think ...I wouldn't have bought this. It's even more obvious after I first drive off.

I think MB had supreme timing with the intro of this model year vehicle for my needs. I ordered in November 2019, purchased March 2020. Just under 7k miles now which includes a ~1,500 mile road trip. Only 2 issues during ownership effectively. One tiny issue that is only notable because it took 2 visits for a lasting fix, but in hindsight with no additional issues this becomes completely acceptable. The other issue was​​ serious and ended up requiring 2 visits, but it involved a misdiagnosis of an early warning sign I pointed out when I took it in the 1st time, not a failed fix attempt. I think this one was the result of an assembly issue and I'm confident it has been resolved. All things considered, so I'm very happy with the build quality so far.
​​​​​

madkow70

I don't mean to be sounding critical or bad.. I apologize. I'm just curious:

I can totally follow the logic of considering between a CPO 18 GLS 550 and a new 21 GLS 450. for the price point probably is comparable.
Then I would look at some deep dives in pros and cons.
Completely valid thoughts and I would consider that if I were in that situation.

but wouldn't CPO 18 GLS 550 and a new GLS 580 be comparing apples to oranges?
I would think the question on that comparison is more of "can I afford to pay for $65k or $110k?"

having that personal curiosity asked already, I can tell you the new X167 is pretty awesome vehicle.
mine is MY 20, early production. Mine was one of the first ones in Northern Virginia back at the beginning of January last year.
I now have about 9000 miles logged. and am overall very pleased.
only one defect so far. the Distronics sensor up front took about three visits before finally getting replaced.
Overall, I can't whole-hearty agree on MB's claim of "S-Class of SUV" to be honest. I think some of the fit/finish & quality of material can use more improvement... especially compared to GLE.
Unlike the delta between E-class sedan and my S560, the premium difference between GLE and GLS is lacking. They are literally identical, except size. for that, I think MB's claim of "S-Class of SUV" is NOT entirely deserving.
Don't get me wrong. this X167 is a fantastic beast.
I love the 24V system. Especially with e-ABC. Although it's a very expensive option, e-ABC is pretty incredible system.
I don't find Augmented Video for Nav very neat and useful, but since I constantly use WAZE via CarPlay, it's one of those options that can't be used at all.
I would have loved to have Gesture Interior Assistant. I know it's a gimmicky thing that provides a minor convenience, and it can't exist with in combination with Burmester because a speaker goes where the gesture camera needs to go in the ceiling.
I opted for Executive Rear Seat with bench. I find the tablet in the center clunky and unnecessary. but it does look cool AF.
my only complain about the 2nd row bench seat is that it does NOT recline just enough angle. if it reclines a couple of more degrees, it would be super comfortable.
I'm not sure if the captain seat option would angle more or not. I had no ways of comparing this because mine was ordered so early on sight unseen.

next one is on MBUX, not just on X167:
The CarPlay integration on MBUX is retarded. When outdated Command System does full-screen CarPlay, newer MBUX can't use the entire screen???? I really don't understand that.
also, wireless CarPlay would have been more useful. the wireless QI charging is completely worthless, if you have to plug in your iPhone in order to run CarPlay anyway.... that's a absurd shortcoming in technology implementation. Hopefully they'll be able remediate this in the future software updates.
I use Carply2Air aftermarket device to use wireless CarPlay. but that's not an ideal solution, for I have four drivers in the house (myself, wife plus two kids) and CarPlay2Air can only do two driver profiles.

RUBPAU, whether you go with GLS450 or GLS550, I concur with others before me here that X167 is a fantastic SUV.

JaTe

I have a 2018 GLS450 and while it is a great vehicle with no issues, the newer GLS is even better. I got a 2020 GLS450 as a loaner last year for a few days and the quality, interior and tech just blows the previous gen away. So much that I started considering upgrading myself.

Paxfobiscum

Its a choice between

1) An old used car;
2) A new very good car; and
3) A new excellent, and very expensive car.

I honestly do not understand the question.

c4004matic

😆👍

c4004matic

Im so enamored with our 580 that Im tempted to trade my E43 for a GLS 63!

nc211

Don’t get me wrong - the previous generation that OP is considering is truly a beauty and a timeless classic design that really is showered in the MB heritage as well. It’s like the previous generation of the E class sedan - sharp lines with perfect proportions on everything. It will look beautiful in 10 years as well. I love that series, especially the 550’s. Awesome cars!!!

But if the money is close to the same, then it’s an easy pick to go for the new design. If you want to spruce it up (assuming 450), do it with the wheels. Go for the 21” inch wheels.

The car has driver profiles that you pick when you get in. My setting is the sport suspension with the eco transmission. Given the 48v mild hybrid aspect, the eco setting makes it as close to S-Class smooth as any SUV could ever possibly get. The sport mode on the suspension lowers the car down a an inch or two, and with the 21” wheels, just looks menacingly awesome.

This GLS is by far the nicest vehicle I have ever owned or had access to use in my life. My dad was a car guy, and one point had 14 at one time, ranging from a truly prestige 73’ Cadillac to a Dodge Ram pickup to another truly cherry 1985 S500 sedan. BMW’s, etc. He used to tell me that he loved those days when the hardest decision he had to make was which car to go play with. I too am a car guy, and aspire to one day having the toughest decision I have to name is which car to take. And I’ve had some really nice rides over the years (now 47 years old), but nothing even remotely compares to this GLS. Even new cars out there, while all extremely nice and in the GLS comp set, just don’t have that “it factor” as a total package that this new GLS has. Not the Lincoln, X7, Audi, Lexus (especially the Lexus), Caddy, and so on, and several of them are more expensive by a good margin! I paid around $87k for ours out the door, and it’s optioned up pretty well, we have zero complaints with the features. When compared to the comps, it’s a pretty good deal to be honest. We have an autistic daughter who is 10 - and since the day I brought it home, one of her favorite places to be on this earth is in spot in the back seat just playing on her iPad and looking up through that incredible sunroof! There hasn’t been a day since that she hasn’t gone out to the garage and just sat in it just giggling and being happy. It’s like her zen place...

Buy the new one - trust us, you won’t regret it!

Paxfobiscum

Therein lies my bewilderment with the OP's question. The money is NOT THE SAME for all three options. Not even close.
... and that's just the money factor. Technology, body, engines, electronics, reliability - they are all different. At least for Choice A versus B and C.

nc211

I agree, I think the 550 and 450 are probably aligned pretty close, but the 580 is out there on its own.

OP, the 2018 is going feel more MB to you at first. It’ll feel heavy, it’ll feel somewhat dated in a very tasteful way, it’ll ride and steer like what you expect from a Benz.

The new one will feel much lighter, more composed by engineering instead of beefed up suspension. It feel more neutral in several ways, which also makes it extremely easy to live with in day to day life. It will feel like all of the other MB’s now as they continue to make these changes to their cars. Some may be a die hard old school person. Me personally, I feel far more MB heritage when I get into my 2014 E350 and drive it around, and i truly love that feeling and have no desire whatsoever to replace that car any time soon. I’m at 52k and want to see 150k someday with it.

but I’m also starting get that same feeling a bit when I get into the GLS, just a litter differently . Love it.

mercedesmax

No the money isn't the same. A new GLS 450 is going to sticker between $78-88,000, don't count on getting much if any discount.
A CPO 2018 GLS 550 is going to be between $60-65,000 depending on miles.

If the OP is really considering a used GLS, he isn't a buyer for a new GLS.
I get this all the time, and if you really drill down the buyer 9 times out of 10 they aren't going to spend new car money.

tinke

I had a 2017 GLS, that I traded to 2020 GLS in November 2019.
This car is one of the firsts for the new model and I have not had any major issues with it. It has now 15k miles

It has been to dealer service for the following:
A service
Seal replacement in the rear window spoiler, just below the brake light
Seal replacement for both A pillars
2nd row seat back replacement for a cosmetic flaw
Ambient light issue, fixed with updated SW
Fragrance unit replaced (airBalance)

The 2017 was great car, put 60 k miles on, it did not have any major issues, I do like the 'old' exterior styling better.

2020 has nicer interior, I have the captain seats on 2nd row which makes it look much more spacious and the kids love their 'own seats and the fact that they have space between the seats.

Technology in 2020 is also more advanced with dual displays, better driver assistance functions, etc. I am very happy with the 2020.

tinke is online now Report Post

Rubpau

thank you for the replies, went out to test drive a gls450 2020, what a vehicle!

Coming from an AMG owner (if that matters to anyone) , i am pretty satisfied with the performance that i don't really would need to pay the extra premium for the 580. Not sure what's behind it but the SUV handles quite well considering the weight...took some curves slightly aggressive and still amazed with the handling. Felt smooth to drive, all around great package. The cabin itself felt very high end, and i think the MB tex is nice enough to not need a leather upgrade (i had a nappa leather upgrade on my c63).

nc211

That was my feeling as well after driving the CPO 550 before getting our 2020 450. I think the added 48v kick is the differentiator in the feeling. Immediate electric influence that carries through the turbo lag and then off you go. It’s a bit amazing technology and engineering. And no noticeable change over between the two. Electric goes 100% on a stomping of the gas, then eases back as the turbo takes over. The 450 may not be the rocket ship the 580 likely is, but it’ll absolutely get out of its own way and will get you up (and well past) freeway speed in a short amount of time. Any shorter is really kind’ve silly in my opinion for a vehicle like the GLS. I’m sure it’s a ton of fun though, but wasn’t worth the extra money for me to consider it. The 450 does it, and does it quite well without sounding like you’ve killed the hamster. Actually sounds pretty damn good if you ask me!

R Al Shamsi

Go for 2020+ models and don't think a lot if you can afford it whether it's the 450 or 580

jerryseinfeld

c4004matic

The 450 is amply powered. Im a little distressed however that they are not offering the EABC on it anymore. Again EABC is my favorite option of the GLS. Essential if you want sporty handling from your GLS.

Paxfobiscum

I have to confess: I wish I had EABC on my 450.
While this is already the most loaded 450, I had to get it from inventory because ordering one last Feb would mean that I would have to wait until Aug to get it and I plan to drive a lot before then.
Maybe if I get crazy I will trade it in for a 580 with EABC.

Hhmm....