When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
When I took delivery of my 2013 GL450 I was really concerned that it was going to have a lot of problems because it was a first year production vehicle. When I got my 2021 GLS 450, I was happy because it was a 2nd year production vehicle and wouldn't have problems. I've now been wrong twice.
My GLS 2021, (made in October 2021) has really surpised me with the number of problems. Mostly minor but in sum are really getting annoying. First the tow hook cover fell off, which the dealer replaced happily. Then the rear interior cargo panels started falling off, I've popped those back into place. Now my rear interior door panel has come loose 3 times causing a horrid rattle. The dealer has fixed it twice and told me my 10 year old kid must be pulling it off. On Tuesday, I left the dealer with it "fixed" and it fell down the next morning without my kid even being in the car. I called Mercedes in Burlington, MA, to ask what next steps are and they never got back to me.
My favorite x167 feature by far is the remote key fob (in)action. I can walk up to the car with my hands full of packages, bundles, kids, whatever and the doors or rear hatch never unlock unless I pull the key fob out of my pocket. However, I can be sitting in a restaurant half a mile away with the key fob in my pocket and somehow the rear hatch opens. Prompting friends and waiters to inform me that my rear hatch is open. Did I know?
From my searches, I don't think I can do much about the key fob action. But the interior upper door panel is driving me a bit mad. It rattles over every bump and every time someone closes the rear door. I'm thinking a 3 inch wood deck screw, drilled through the door might do the trick. The Passenger side rear door is fine. That side even has the rowdier kid. Just the upper section separates. Dealer says everything looks fine. Clips are fine. They just reattach it. They say its my kid causing the problem.
When I took delivery of my 2013 GL450 I was really concerned that it was going to have a lot of problems because it was a first year production vehicle. When I got my 2021 GLS 450, I was happy because it was a 2nd year production vehicle and wouldn't have problems. I've now been wrong twice.
My GLS 2021, (made in October 2021) has really surpised me with the number of problems. Mostly minor but in sum are really getting annoying. First the tow hook cover fell off, which the dealer replaced happily. Then the rear interior cargo panels started falling off, I've popped those back into place. Now my rear interior door panel has come loose 3 times causing a horrid rattle. The dealer has fixed it twice and told me my 10 year old kid must be pulling it off. On Tuesday, I left the dealer with it "fixed" and it fell down the next morning without my kid even being in the car. I called Mercedes in Burlington, MA, to ask what next steps are and they never got back to me.
My favorite x167 feature by far is the remote key fob (in)action. I can walk up to the car with my hands full of packages, bundles, kids, whatever and the doors or rear hatch never unlock unless I pull the key fob out of my pocket. However, I can be sitting in a restaurant half a mile away with the key fob in my pocket and somehow the rear hatch opens. Prompting friends and waiters to inform me that my rear hatch is open. Did I know?
From my searches, I don't think I can do much about the key fob action. But the interior upper door panel is driving me a bit mad. It rattles over every bump and every time someone closes the rear door. I'm thinking a 3 inch wood deck screw, drilled through the door might do the trick. The Passenger side rear door is fine. That side even has the rowdier kid. Just the upper section separates. Dealer says everything looks fine. Clips are fine. They just reattach it. They say its my kid causing the problem.
Thansk for the post, sorry to hear about the experience. MB new vehicle delivered quality is poor, this is another of many examples to throw on the large and growing heap.
The door panel on the rear left door of my 2020 GLS 450 did the same thing. I was able to bang it back into place from time to time, but when I took it in for maintenance, the dealership ended up replacing the door panel. I would have thought the clips could be replaced, but apparently a full replacement is the only fix. I wondered if my daughter might have pulled the panel off at some point when closing the door, but sure the panel should be attached more securely than that.
For the rear hatch, if there is any slight obstruction that prevents full closure, the hatch will reopen. I have had this happen a couple of times when a blanket impeded closure and thinking it closed, finding out later the issue. Lesson I learned is to check that the floor is clear before pushing the close button and walking away. Otherwise almost 4K miles in and my 2022 has been trouble free.
When I took delivery of my 2013 GL450 I was really concerned that it was going to have a lot of problems because it was a first year production vehicle. When I got my 2021 GLS 450, I was happy because it was a 2nd year production vehicle and wouldn't have problems. I've now been wrong twice.
My GLS 2021, (made in October 2021) has really surpised me with the number of problems. Mostly minor but in sum are really getting annoying. First the tow hook cover fell off, which the dealer replaced happily. Then the rear interior cargo panels started falling off, I've popped those back into place. Now my rear interior door panel has come loose 3 times causing a horrid rattle. The dealer has fixed it twice and told me my 10 year old kid must be pulling it off. On Tuesday, I left the dealer with it "fixed" and it fell down the next morning without my kid even being in the car. I called Mercedes in Burlington, MA, to ask what next steps are and they never got back to me.
My favorite x167 feature by far is the remote key fob (in)action. I can walk up to the car with my hands full of packages, bundles, kids, whatever and the doors or rear hatch never unlock unless I pull the key fob out of my pocket. However, I can be sitting in a restaurant half a mile away with the key fob in my pocket and somehow the rear hatch opens. Prompting friends and waiters to inform me that my rear hatch is open. Did I know?
From my searches, I don't think I can do much about the key fob action. But the interior upper door panel is driving me a bit mad. It rattles over every bump and every time someone closes the rear door. I'm thinking a 3 inch wood deck screw, drilled through the door might do the trick. The Passenger side rear door is fine. That side even has the rowdier kid. Just the upper section separates. Dealer says everything looks fine. Clips are fine. They just reattach it. They say its my kid causing the problem.
Lots of annoying issues for us too on our 2021 GLS450. The handle for one of the AC vents in the 2nd row came off. A cheap plastic peg that held up the storage net in the front passenger well came off as well. The stitching on the steering wheel and driver seat has frayed. The rear wiper blade came off randomly. We have <20,000 miles on the car! Disappointing.
I'm sorry to hear these stories. We have the seat cover issue, had a defect with the driver's door mounting clip and a piece of tape from the factory on one of the HVAC blower motor blades. But otherwise, it's been a solid car so far for us. We have the power shades on the back doors as well. They rattle when you close the door too hard, but I would expect that personally. But the trim coming off, that's not acceptable by any means.
Be glad it's not a Lincoln though. I have a continental sitting in my driveway right now (dad's car). The quality control on that thing is pathetic. There is a stereo connector speaker wire sticking out of the passenger door trim instead of being connected. The windshield mirror's cover just fell off in my hands a few minutes ago. There is chrome everywhere on the dash that catches the sunlight and blinds you. Door/window moldings on every door is twisted and messed up. I drove it, and um no. It slams into gear and way way way too twitchy. I don't get the pitch about their seats either. Hard as stone and uncomfortable as hell. Honestly, feels just like my 212 did that I had to fix - bottomless pit in the back of the cushion area with a hard bar feeling running across the backside of my thighs. And good luck not needing a chiropractor for your neck every time you get in/out and whack your head on the door opening. Said he never had a Lincoln before and wanted to try one (he's 82). Bought a 2019 with 20k on it in Naples.....from the Mercedes dealer who took it in on trade.... I can see why... I suspect he'll have a previous generation GLE before too long instead (which is what I told him to get in the first place...) In Naples and the surrounds, it's not hard to find a 3-4 year old car with barely any miles on it in superb condition. Old lady cruisers everywhere that hardly go anywhere. He's one of them! They just sold their 2005 PT Cruiser GT convertible with 30,000 miles on it (bought it with 6k already on it). 24k miles, in 17 years.... I've done that in one year on this GLS already!
Mercedes-Benz Recalls SUVs to Fix Loose Window Trim
Mercedes-Benz is recalling 161,000 GLE and GLS SUVs from the 2020 and 2022 model years because the rear-door window trim may detach. If this happens while the vehicle is moving, it may create a hazard.
In documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the automaker says it is aware of 75 cases where window trim has detached. None of these have caused crashes, injury, or third-party property damage.
Mercedes-Benz dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, reinstall the trim, free of charge.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: Certain 2020-2022 GLE350, GLE450, and GLS450 SUVs, 2021-2022 AMG GLE53 SUVs, 2020-2021 GLE580 and GLS580 SUVs, and 2021 GLE400e, AMG GLS63, AMG GLE63 S, and Maybach GLS600 SUVs. Only vehicles manufactured before April 25, 2022 are included in this recall.
The problem: Due to a manufacturing error, a piece of the rear-door window trim—known as the rear window trim bar—may detach.
The fix: Mercedes-Benz dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, secure the rear trim bars, free of charge.
How to contact the manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz will notify owners of recalled vehicles by mail starting on Nov. 11, 2022. Owners may also contact the automaker at 800-367-6372.
NHTSA campaign number: 22V680
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
The GLS has never been an S-class quality... But, coming from other SUVs, I think the GLS has much better noise/wind insulation than all three X7s I had, and surely better than the X5. Fitment of panels around is also great (I don't hear and noises at all). The problem is materials around the cabin.... Some excessive use of plastic trim specifically in the 3rd row (same for the X7 though). Also, no matter what leather trim you choose, it's not as good as the S-class, and I feel it's not as good as the Full Merino Leather in BMWs. MbTex is a logical choice in this case as it's easier to clean and may last longer, since all other options are still textured anyway. The semi-aniline leather is the way to go with this SUV but it's not offered. My point is, regardless of all these issues, it's still better than almost any other 3-row SUV out there, especially with regards to noise insulation and comfort. It's as close as any SUV can get to an S-class from a ride quality prospective. Surely materials selection can get better, but even for the newer W223 Mercedes has made some interesting choices to better control the cost. I doubt it will get better with time (take a look at what they did with EQS and EQS-SUV...). As long as these cars continue to drive like a benz, am not worried about materials as I don't keep our cars for decades to worry about long-term wear and tear. Having said that, with proper care and maintenance, keeping the cabin clean and conditioned, I think the materials and cabin should easily last for decades. I can't think of any car nowadays that has the same leather quality we used to get in the 90s or earlier in luxury cars.
This is one of the reasons why I'm driving a GLE. I would have certainly splurged for a GLS with an S-class cabin. The GLE/GLS driver's seat is nice but it's not as nice as the S-Class. Now if they brought back the S-Class estate from the early 90s, that would be my ideal choice.
The GLS has never been an S-class quality... But, coming from other SUVs, I think the GLS has much better noise/wind insulation than all three X7s I had, and surely better than the X5. Fitment of panels around is also great (I don't hear and noises at all). The problem is materials around the cabin.... Some excessive use of plastic trim specifically in the 3rd row (same for the X7 though). Also, no matter what leather trim you choose, it's not as good as the S-class, and I feel it's not as good as the Full Merino Leather in BMWs. MbTex is a logical choice in this case as it's easier to clean and may last longer, since all other options are still textured anyway. The semi-aniline leather is the way to go with this SUV but it's not offered. My point is, regardless of all these issues, it's still better than almost any other 3-row SUV out there, especially with regards to noise insulation and comfort. It's as close as any SUV can get to an S-class from a ride quality prospective. Surely materials selection can get better, but even for the newer W223 Mercedes has made some interesting choices to better control the cost. I doubt it will get better with time (take a look at what they did with EQS and EQS-SUV...). As long as these cars continue to drive like a benz, am not worried about materials as I don't keep our cars for decades to worry about long-term wear and tear. Having said that, with proper care and maintenance, keeping the cabin clean and conditioned, I think the materials and cabin should easily last for decades. I can't think of any car nowadays that has the same leather quality we used to get in the 90s or earlier in luxury cars.
Do you have acoustic glass on your car as it's not standard on the GLS450!
I found the X7 to be quieter than the GLS during test drives last year and acoustic glass is still very difficult to get as an option off the lot!
The GLS has never been an S-class quality... But, coming from other SUVs, I think the GLS has much better noise/wind insulation than all three X7s I had, and surely better than the X5. Fitment of panels around is also great (I don't hear and noises at all). The problem is materials around the cabin.... Some excessive use of plastic trim specifically in the 3rd row (same for the X7 though). Also, no matter what leather trim you choose, it's not as good as the S-class, and I feel it's not as good as the Full Merino Leather in BMWs. MbTex is a logical choice in this case as it's easier to clean and may last longer, since all other options are still textured anyway. The semi-aniline leather is the way to go with this SUV but it's not offered. My point is, regardless of all these issues, it's still better than almost any other 3-row SUV out there, especially with regards to noise insulation and comfort. It's as close as any SUV can get to an S-class from a ride quality prospective. Surely materials selection can get better, but even for the newer W223 Mercedes has made some interesting choices to better control the cost. I doubt it will get better with time (take a look at what they did with EQS and EQS-SUV...). As long as these cars continue to drive like a benz, am not worried about materials as I don't keep our cars for decades to worry about long-term wear and tear. Having said that, with proper care and maintenance, keeping the cabin clean and conditioned, I think the materials and cabin should easily last for decades. I can't think of any car nowadays that has the same leather quality we used to get in the 90s or earlier in luxury cars.
Maybe it's just me but does the GLS seem much quieter than previous models with the windows down? Example fronts down at any level with rears at least half way.
with the key fob in my pocket and somehow the rear hatch opens.
This happens to me every time I’m carrying something. The object presses on my key fob, which opens the hatch. I put adhesive velcro (the soft side) on all the metal parts of my garage door because the hatch kept opening into the closed overhead door. Very annoying. I’d rather use my phone as the key and not carry a fob, but $107,000 MSRP wasn’t enough to fund that feature.
This happens to me every time I’m carrying something. The object presses on my key fob, which opens the hatch. I put adhesive velcro (the soft side) on all the metal parts of my garage door because the hatch kept opening into the closed overhead door. Very annoying. I’d rather use my phone as the key and not carry a fob, but $107,000 MSRP wasn’t enough to fund that feature.
The dealer can reprogram your key for a double press to open the hatch.
I hope for more clarity here.
I asked my dealer if they could do it and they said no on the double press.
I've had to clear out space in front of my car in the garage, so I can drive far enough forward so when I secretly open the tailgate it won't hit the garage door.
And at a motel last month the owner called and said it was open again.
I hope for more clarity here.
I asked my dealer if they could do it and they said no on the double press.
I've had to clear out space in front of my car in the garage, so I can drive far enough forward so when I secretly open the tailgate it won't hit the garage door.
And at a motel last month the owner called and said it was open again.
Did your dealer give any reason why they weren't able to do the programming for you? Just curious because they were able to do it on my 2020.
My dealer just told me they aren't able to reprogram the fob to a double-press to open hatch. I could see on the service bay camera, they had 2 techs in there for a while trying to figure it out but no success.
@BenzNinja Are you able to reprogram key fob operation so that the hatch only opens with a double-press on the key fob? Or maybe even disable the hatch button on the fob.
Do you have acoustic glass on your car as it's not standard on the GLS450!
I found the X7 to be quieter than the GLS during test drives last year and acoustic glass is still very difficult to get as an option off the lot!
Originally Posted by DC-BENZ
Maybe it's just me but does the GLS seem much quieter than previous models with the windows down? Example fronts down at any level with rears at least half way.
I tested all of them. The GLS with regular glass is just as quite (slightly better) than the X7. For noise insulation, I felt that the GLS with acoustic glass was just a gimmick (heat reflection is great and works, but no difference in terms of noise against regular glass at all). So, in all cases, the GLS regardless of that option was just as good or better than the X7. There was no noticeable difference in insulation with or without the acoustic glass. If was buying new, I wouldn’t pay for it and instead would rather use that money to get a high quality film on all windows. For pre-owned, it was on my (nice to have) list not the (must have). X7 suspension is much better on turns and roundabouts, but the GLS is more comfortable and more subtle on highways and in-town (especially rough and bouncy roads).
I haven’t tested the prev GLS gen, but we had a GL long time ago, but of course that car is 2 generations old, so certainly the new GLS is quieter no doubt.
I agree on the acoustic glass. I see the benefits for heat/uv protection (but has been noted to weaken cell signals for some), but never really found the noise to be bad in general in the GLS at all. If wind noise bothers a person, then some RainX on all of the glass will fix that quite well. Once every 2-3 years I will spend a weekend detailing one of our cars. Full clay bar, polish, many coats of ceramic. The end result is a car that is virtually silent to wind noise as it rolls down the highway. I recently bought a Ford Bronco with a near 90 degree windshield. They're not known for being quiet in general (which I actually really like). The difference between new from the factory and post-weekend detail on the wind noise is dramatic.
FWIW my 2015 Lexus LS460 (a bastion of quality) had the same thing that happened with one of the rear door panels. I had to smack it back into place every now and again.
I agree on the acoustic glass. I see the benefits for heat/uv protection (but has been noted to weaken cell signals for some), but never really found the noise to be bad in general in the GLS at all. If wind noise bothers a person, then some RainX on all of the glass will fix that quite well. Once every 2-3 years I will spend a weekend detailing one of our cars. Full clay bar, polish, many coats of ceramic. The end result is a car that is virtually silent to wind noise as it rolls down the highway. I recently bought a Ford Bronco with a near 90 degree windshield. They're not known for being quiet in general (which I actually really like). The difference between new from the factory and post-weekend detail on the wind noise is dramatic.
One of the things I do, in all of my cars, is to put the 3M Crystalline window film (CR70, CR80, CR90 etc) on all glass surfaces of my car. In case of my E450 and the GLE450, it includes the Panoramic moon-roof, the front-windshield etc, in addition to all other glass surfaces.. The film is really pricey (roughly $1600-2000 depending on the car) and since it is totally transparent (not dark), it does not impact outward visibility at all.
What the film does is, 100% of the UV is filtered out, and nearly 100% of the IR (the heat we feel) is also filtered out, keeping things pleasant inside the car. The A/C works quicker in the summer (side-benefit being better mileage) and the UV being filtered out prevents the degradation of the interior and the fabrics etc.
PS: I do the detailing you describe above, every year, including the full clay bar process, multiple ceramic coats (with curing between the coats) etc. Keeps the coat shiny ! And repeat the process once the winter months are done.
One of the things I do, in all of my cars, is to put the 3M Crystalline window film (CR70, CR80, CR90 etc) on all glass surfaces of my car. In case of my E450 and the GLE450, it includes the Panoramic moon-roof, the front-windshield etc, in addition to all other glass surfaces.. The film is really pricey (roughly $1600-2000 depending on the car) and since it is totally transparent (not dark), it does not impact outward visibility at all.
What the film does is, 100% of the UV is filtered out, and nearly 100% of the IR (the heat we feel) is also filtered out, keeping things pleasant inside the car. The A/C works quicker in the summer (side-benefit being better mileage) and the UV being filtered out prevents the degradation of the interior and the fabrics etc.
PS: I do the detailing you describe above, every year, including the full clay bar process, multiple ceramic coats (with curing between the coats) etc. Keeps the coat shiny ! And repeat the process once the winter months are done.
3M is reformulating their crystalline line. Their existing tint is good but I don't think it's as good as Llumar (particularly Air 80). However, I think 3M's new stuff might be good. Best to wait for the updated version IMO (Q1 2025).
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Quality has Really Gone Down x166 vs x167
