Djemba

I am thinking of getting GLS 450 with wood steering wheel. Is wood steering wheel better than the sport wheel? Also, which is more durable?

lthlc63

there are very few manufactures that will make a true wood wheel for you. id say 90% of them are a water transfer with epoxy on top. Thats how I do it aswell, it allows more shaping variation

so in terms of durability both will outlive the car most likely. or at least outlive your ownership

Luck of Irish

My experience has been that Mercedes wood steering wheels are very beautiful to look at, but hard on the hands and fingers after hours behind the wheel on long trips.

The standard rubbery steering wheel is not so attractive but makes more practical sense.

Your call.

AR_motorwerkz

Wood steering wheel still looks great even at today’s standards. Just dont a get splinter. Hahaha

Djemba

Can you please explain. I didn't get the joke.

lthlc63

you can get a splinter from wood....wont happen on a steering wheel but thats the joke

ACC2

I think the herring bone wood steering wheel is the best detail in the car. Hugely elevates the interior.

TonyCA

Wood steering wheel definitely looks nice. I had wood one on my prior GLS but the wood portion got very hot under the California sun in the summer so I chose the regular steering wheel for my '21 GLS.

Djemba

I like the look of the MB wood/leather steering wheel too. I have never driven a car with one before. Just wondering if it is comfortable on the hand. I live in Georgia. It doesn't get too hot.

z32

Wood looks more luxurious but if u have rings on your fingers it'll feel odd on the wood steering wheel. Full (real / fake) leather / would feel more comfortable IMO for prolonged use. Never had experience with alcantara hence cannot comment on that.

ACC2

Wood feels comfortable enough for me though I haven't had more than 2 hours behind the wheel at a stretch. 9 & 3 o'clock positions are still padded leather, so no difference holding there. I don't wear rings and heat hasn't been an issue for me, but I've only had the car a month and it's not hot. If the look doesn't really excite you, you could skip it.

TonyCA

Leather is comfy on hands and I like the padded and soft feeling but not the hard wood portion that somehow felt thinner for me when I grabbed it during turns. See if your dealer has any car with wood and leather steering wheel to try out.

will_atl

We have a wood steering wheel in our ‘22 and it’s a matte finish rather than glossy, which is really nice. We previously had a GLE350 with wood steering wheel, we live in GA and have never had any issue With them getting too hot.

The new new matte finish looks much nicer than the glossy IMO.

I just got a ‘19 S450 and it is the first Mercedes I’ve had for while that doesn’t have a leather AMG package steering wheel, glossy wood here! So leather and wood all the way in our house!

Djemba

Great idea! Will check with the dealer.