10000 mile review
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
10000 mile review
I hadn't driven my wife's car for a week or two but took it out for some errands today. Without a doubt the 580 is simply a joy to drive, and, I think that is pretty much the sum of how to describe it. Pretty much perfect in every dimension.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 287
Likes: 55
From: McLean, VA
2011 Audi A4, 2014 E63S Wagon, 2020 GLS 580
We love ours, as well. Huge improvement over the 2010 GL350 we had previously. Ours in 2020 and we only have about a quarter of the miles you have. The only minor annoyance I have is the nonlinear throttle pedal. I find it difficult to be smooth when starting from a dead stop sometimes. It also seems to want to back out of the garage at first very quickly and when I tap the brakes to ensure the mirrors clear, then it bogs and bucks a little. I know why they went to electronic throttles but I really miss the old throttle cable accelerators.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,679
Likes: 4,579
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I find that Sport mode gives a more linear, or controllable, pedal response. I select Sport mode immediately after pressing the ignition button, every time I drive my W166.
And it helps to know that engine torque production (spark advance, cam phasing and fuel delivery) is highly sensitive to pedal velocity, more so than to pedal position. This can easily be detected while playing with different combinations of pedal speed and pedal position. Fast pedal velocity at low pedal position gives a jerky response. Fast pedal velocity at medium pedal position commands a downshift, while slow pedal speed at medium pedal position does not command a downshift. Sport mode makes all of the above more linear across pedal speed and position in my experience.
And it helps to know that engine torque production (spark advance, cam phasing and fuel delivery) is highly sensitive to pedal velocity, more so than to pedal position. This can easily be detected while playing with different combinations of pedal speed and pedal position. Fast pedal velocity at low pedal position gives a jerky response. Fast pedal velocity at medium pedal position commands a downshift, while slow pedal speed at medium pedal position does not command a downshift. Sport mode makes all of the above more linear across pedal speed and position in my experience.
Last edited by chassis; Jul 18, 2021 at 03:51 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 4,524
Likes: 1,181
From: WI
17 E43; 21 GLS580
I find that Sport mode gives a more linear, or controllable, pedal response. I select Sport mode immediately after pressing the ignition button, every time I drive my W166.
And it helps to know that engine torque production (spark advance, cam phasing and fuel delivery) is highly sensitive to pedal velocity, more so than to pedal position. This can easily be detected while playing with different combinations of pedal speed and pedal position. Fast pedal velocity at low pedal position gives a jerky response. Fast pedal velocity at medium pedal position commands a downshift, while slow pedal speed at medium pedal position does not command a downshift. Sport mode makes all of the above more linear across pedal speed and position in my experience.
And it helps to know that engine torque production (spark advance, cam phasing and fuel delivery) is highly sensitive to pedal velocity, more so than to pedal position. This can easily be detected while playing with different combinations of pedal speed and pedal position. Fast pedal velocity at low pedal position gives a jerky response. Fast pedal velocity at medium pedal position commands a downshift, while slow pedal speed at medium pedal position does not command a downshift. Sport mode makes all of the above more linear across pedal speed and position in my experience.
Personally I always drive in curve mode. Though electronic throttles are less predictable in some situations you get used to their settings. Comfort is geared for economy thus if you drive with a light foot it will respond in a more natural fashion.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 771
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
We like ours too. We’re at 27k miles and a year old. A few minor quirks in quality control to get fixed, but nothing major. Drivers seat cover is splitting (MBTex, shocker), drivers window makes a clunking noise when going up/down, and now the HVAC blower fan has an annoying growl to it at anything past the 4 speed setting.
not a big fan of the electric throttle either. The car is really hard to drive smoothly sometimes, and always clunky when coming to a gentle stop.
I am a little surprised at how flimsy the side pieces of the cabin are installed, mostly in the back along the interior wall. They don’t feel attached to the car’s body, but instead in between other pieces. I suspect however that’s for the curtain airbags. Doesn’t rattle, and hope it doesn’t start.
not a big fan of the electric throttle either. The car is really hard to drive smoothly sometimes, and always clunky when coming to a gentle stop.
I am a little surprised at how flimsy the side pieces of the cabin are installed, mostly in the back along the interior wall. They don’t feel attached to the car’s body, but instead in between other pieces. I suspect however that’s for the curtain airbags. Doesn’t rattle, and hope it doesn’t start.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 35
Likes: 20
From: Texas
'21 GLS450, '16 Metris Pass. Van; '14 E350 Coupe; '09 C300; '88 190E 2.3
Thanks, nc211, for mentioning the clunky brakes. I've observed the same thing when trying to do gentle stops. It seems like the regenerative braking, transmission downshifting, and mechanical brakes all end up stepping on each others toes under light braking. Brake harder and it's fine. It confirms my observation and "it's not just me." I'm sure it's all down to a software thing that could fix this if MB were so inclined... pity they don't have a suggestion box...
