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I picked up my 2024 GLS this weekend and figured I'd share a few things, but first... Thanks to everyone on here for sharing information (especially the bootleg copy of the order guide) that helped me make great decisions. Long time forum lurker here, first time poster. Maybe these few things will pay it forward:
Upgraded and upgauged from a BMW X3. (Bigger kids --> bigger car!) The X7 was my first inclination, so I rented one for a weekend. Too many annoyances -- no hard buttons for HVAC, odd interior ambient lighting, and it didn't feel luxurious enough for the price.
Ordered the GLS mid-June and secured a first week of August build slot. (I think it was the dealer's second or third allocation.) Arrived in Phoenix 8/22.
No dealer markup, no haggling, just straight MSRP. When I ordered, base pricing wasn't out but all of the options I chose were priced. On arrival, however, the AMG package was $1100 cheaper than quoted on the build sheet, so that was a nice surprise.
Obsidian Black with Catalana Beige interior. I was a bit nervous about the interior -- there wasn't a GLS or GLE in town with it when I ordered, so all I had was the picture on the order guide. But Machiato Beige seemed too light with the kids and Bahia Brown was too dark for me, so I rolled the dice and I'm thrilled. The Catalana color is a perfect, classic camel color that looks really good with the black inside and out.
At $3250, the AMG package is worth every penny if you like the look -- especially on a black car. The painted trim versus the base black plastic trim makes a strinking difference, and the upgraded steering wheel avoids introducing a lot of shiny black plastic into the interior.
I skipped running boards -- I'm a tall guy, and I find running boards exist primarly to get my pants dirty. Glad I did -- the car looks sleeker and frankly not as big without them.
There are a few little nits -- the Mercedes Me Connect app feels 5 years old. It should do more, be Siri-responsive and have a widget. (Without remote start on the keyfob, it needs to be damned easy on the phone and it just isn't.) Also, the parking sensors are super sensitive; the screen pops up and the noise blares at almost every red light when another car pulls up alongside. I'm going to have service take a look at that.
A couple of things about kids (7 and 8) and second row captains chairs: I really wish there was a setting to disable the rear HVAC controls and power seat adjustments. Maybe that's more Chrysler minivan than Mercedes SUV, but I'm already annoyed at how often they are turned into toys. And the cupholder situation back there is just crap -- one to share. I'm tempted by an aftermarket center console, but I shudder at an Amazon solution for a $95K car.
I came to like the pre-production PR photos without the GLS450 and 4Matic badging on the back. So I'm thinking of having those removed and letting the star be the star. (Is that a terrible idea?)
All in all, I'm thrilled -- it's handsome, quiet, powerful enough and feels worth what I paid for it.
Congrats on the purchase and hopefully we can collectively learn from your MY24 ownership experience!
I do have some comments below.
Originally Posted by gc4osu
Upgraded and upgauged from a BMW X3. (Bigger kids --> bigger car!) The X7 was my first inclination, so I rented one for a weekend. Too many annoyances -- no hard buttons for HVAC, odd interior ambient lighting, and it didn't feel luxurious enough for the price.
I do think BMW and others who are going away from physical buttons will find nothing short of a revolt as accidents start to increase from customers not being able to pay attention to the road while drilling down in touchscreen menus to do the most common things! I considered the X7 myself but the trunk was too small w/all rows up as well as overall passenger space (we settled on a MY23 GLS450).
Originally Posted by gc4osu
No dealer markup, no haggling, just straight MSRP. When I ordered, base pricing wasn't out but all of the options I chose were priced. On arrival, however, the AMG package was $1100 cheaper than quoted on the build sheet, so that was a nice surprise.
This is surprising as I've never known MB to give customers a break on pricing. Does your car still have the "Sport brake system with perforated brake discs and brake calipers with "Mercedes-Benz" lettering" from the MY23 Order Guide?
Originally Posted by gc4osu
Obsidian Black with Catalana Beige interior. I was a bit nervous about the interior -- there wasn't a GLS or GLE in town with it when I ordered, so all I had was the picture on the order guide. But Machiato Beige seemed too light with the kids and Bahia Brown was too dark for me, so I rolled the dice and I'm thrilled. The Catalana color is a perfect, classic camel color that looks really good with the black inside and out.
As you are coming from an X3, is Catalana Beige similar to BMW Cognac or is it lighter?
Originally Posted by gc4osu
At $3250, the AMG package is worth every penny if you like the look -- especially on a black car. The painted trim versus the base black plastic trim makes a strinking difference, and the upgraded steering wheel avoids introducing a lot of shiny black plastic into the interior.
We got the Night Package ourselves. I also hated the look of the plastic wheel arches on the non-AMG models. I'm hopeful you can give us some insight on the new capacitance steering wheel as there's very little feedback on that so far.
Originally Posted by gc4osu
I skipped running boards -- I'm a tall guy, and I find running boards exist primarly to get my pants dirty. Glad I did -- the car looks sleeker and frankly not as big without them.
My kids use them all the time. My wife is also on the shorter side so it helps her as well since it's primarily her car.
Originally Posted by gc4osu
There are a few little nits -- the Mercedes Me Connect app feels 5 years old. It should do more, be Siri-responsive and have a widget. (Without remote start on the keyfob, it needs to be damned easy on the phone and it just isn't.) Also, the parking sensors are super sensitive; the screen pops up and the noise blares at almost every red light when another car pulls up alongside. I'm going to have service take a look at that.
Owning fairly recent BMW and Benz models, I'd say the Mercedes Me app is quite comparable to the MyBMW app in functionality. It takes about the same number of clicks to perform remote start on the Benz as for the BMW. The added advantage of the app remote start vs the physical button is that the distance required from the car is virtually unlimited (keyfob would be 50-100 ft?). The parking sensors are sensitive (even in MY23) but I think you can adjust it in menu.
I do have digital key in my X3 and wish MB started rolling that out as an option as well. Just used it recently when I thought it wouldn't be useful. Out of curiosity, which car maker allows the phone app to be Siri-responsive?
Originally Posted by gc4osu
A couple of things about kids (7 and 8) and second row captains chairs: I really wish there was a setting to disable the rear HVAC controls and power seat adjustments. Maybe that's more Chrysler minivan than Mercedes SUV, but I'm already annoyed at how often they are turned into toys. And the cupholder situation back there is just crap -- one to share. I'm tempted by an aftermarket center console, but I shudder at an Amazon solution for a $95K car.
The GLS is definitely not a complete minivan replacement (I miss my old Sienna)! The driver can disable 2nd and 3rd row HVAC via menu and I believe there's a "button" that can lock them out. I hear you about the seat controls being on the door but convenience has a price, right? I think there should be cupholders in the door pockets but uncertain for MY24.
Originally Posted by gc4osu
I came to like the pre-production PR photos without the GLS450 and 4Matic badging on the back. So I'm thinking of having those removed and letting the star be the star. (Is that a terrible idea?)
I wouldn't do it just because it would reduce resale value. If you have your heart set on it, I would at least wait until the car has cleared the original warranty period!
Great looking car. Can you post pic of center console. Hoping it’s natural grain wood and not black, bc someone else has a Mia build on this forum (I hope).
GLS 450 (2022), EQE SUV 350 (2025). GLS 450 (2007)
I've owned one for a year, and the only things I don't like about it are 1) the engine sounds like crap compared to nice smooth V8 in my older GL 450, and 2) the hood is quite high when compared to the older GL 450, and visibility can be limited on steep inclines. But the GLS is very comfortable, the MPG is relatively good, and largely as a result of all of the driver assistance systems, I've been able to drive it for 22 hours straight (in a Covid emergency) without stopping for anything except gas.
Oh, and the Mercedes gal inside the MBUX is even dumber than Siri. Hopefully she'll get smarter with time.
I've owned one for a year, and the only things I don't like about it are 1) the engine sounds like crap compared to nice smooth V8 in my older GL 450, and 2) the hood is quite high when compared to the older GL 450, and visibility can be limited on steep inclines. But the GLS is very comfortable, the MPG is relatively good, and largely as a result of all of the driver assistance systems, I've been able to drive it for 22 hours straight (in a Covid emergency) without stopping for anything except gas.
Oh, and the Mercedes gal inside the MBUX is even dumber than Siri. Hopefully she'll get smarter with time.
I had a '16 GL450 w/a bi-turbo V6. I'm pretty sure only the GL550 had the V8.
Mine's an old one from 2007, and back then V8s were still used. I think I bought the first model year, or maybe it was the second.
You are correct! Those much older GLs had V8s! Based on the Edmund's comparison below, it looks like going from the V8 to the bi-turbo V6 considerably increased not only HP and torque, but much better fuel economy:
GLS 450 (2022), EQE SUV 350 (2025). GLS 450 (2007)
That's true. My old V8 can get 21 MPG on the road, but the new GLS easily gets 27 on long trips. Not bad considering the level of safety and comfort provided.
I picked up my 2024 GLS this weekend and figured I'd share a few things, but first... Thanks to everyone on here for sharing information (especially the bootleg copy of the order guide) that helped me make great decisions. Long time forum lurker here, first time poster. Maybe these few things will pay it forward:
Upgraded and upgauged from a BMW X3. (Bigger kids --> bigger car!) The X7 was my first inclination, so I rented one for a weekend. Too many annoyances -- no hard buttons for HVAC, odd interior ambient lighting, and it didn't feel luxurious enough for the price.
Ordered the GLS mid-June and secured a first week of August build slot. (I think it was the dealer's second or third allocation.) Arrived in Phoenix 8/22.
No dealer markup, no haggling, just straight MSRP. When I ordered, base pricing wasn't out but all of the options I chose were priced. On arrival, however, the AMG package was $1100 cheaper than quoted on the build sheet, so that was a nice surprise.
Obsidian Black with Catalana Beige interior. I was a bit nervous about the interior -- there wasn't a GLS or GLE in town with it when I ordered, so all I had was the picture on the order guide. But Machiato Beige seemed too light with the kids and Bahia Brown was too dark for me, so I rolled the dice and I'm thrilled. The Catalana color is a perfect, classic camel color that looks really good with the black inside and out.
At $3250, the AMG package is worth every penny if you like the look -- especially on a black car. The painted trim versus the base black plastic trim makes a strinking difference, and the upgraded steering wheel avoids introducing a lot of shiny black plastic into the interior.
I skipped running boards -- I'm a tall guy, and I find running boards exist primarly to get my pants dirty. Glad I did -- the car looks sleeker and frankly not as big without them.
There are a few little nits -- the Mercedes Me Connect app feels 5 years old. It should do more, be Siri-responsive and have a widget. (Without remote start on the keyfob, it needs to be damned easy on the phone and it just isn't.) Also, the parking sensors are super sensitive; the screen pops up and the noise blares at almost every red light when another car pulls up alongside. I'm going to have service take a look at that.
A couple of things about kids (7 and 8) and second row captains chairs: I really wish there was a setting to disable the rear HVAC controls and power seat adjustments. Maybe that's more Chrysler minivan than Mercedes SUV, but I'm already annoyed at how often they are turned into toys. And the cupholder situation back there is just crap -- one to share. I'm tempted by an aftermarket center console, but I shudder at an Amazon solution for a $95K car.
I came to like the pre-production PR photos without the GLS450 and 4Matic badging on the back. So I'm thinking of having those removed and letting the star be the star. (Is that a terrible idea?)
All in all, I'm thrilled -- it's handsome, quiet, powerful enough and feels worth what I paid for it.
Great looking car. Can you post pic of center console. Hoping it’s natural grain wood and not black, bc someone else has a Mia build on this forum (I hope).
Mine is the walnut wood grain, as expected. I saw that post about piano black on the console -- definitely not what I would expect with a wood trim selection...
Any chance you can do some more interior pictures? That interior color has been impossible to find in-real life and is currently our top choice.
Sure thing. I took two -- one in the shade of the garage and one out in the run with the sunshade open. Lighting definitely makes a difference, and even with the iPhone pro its hard to capture it right.
I picked up my 2024 GLS this weekend and figured I'd share a few things, but first... Thanks to everyone on here for sharing information (especially the bootleg copy of the order guide) that helped me make great decisions. Long time forum lurker here, first time poster. Maybe these few things will pay it forward:
Upgraded and upgauged from a BMW X3. (Bigger kids --> bigger car!) The X7 was my first inclination, so I rented one for a weekend. Too many annoyances -- no hard buttons for HVAC, odd interior ambient lighting, and it didn't feel luxurious enough for the price.
Ordered the GLS mid-June and secured a first week of August build slot. (I think it was the dealer's second or third allocation.) Arrived in Phoenix 8/22.
No dealer markup, no haggling, just straight MSRP. When I ordered, base pricing wasn't out but all of the options I chose were priced. On arrival, however, the AMG package was $1100 cheaper than quoted on the build sheet, so that was a nice surprise.
Obsidian Black with Catalana Beige interior. I was a bit nervous about the interior -- there wasn't a GLS or GLE in town with it when I ordered, so all I had was the picture on the order guide. But Machiato Beige seemed too light with the kids and Bahia Brown was too dark for me, so I rolled the dice and I'm thrilled. The Catalana color is a perfect, classic camel color that looks really good with the black inside and out.
At $3250, the AMG package is worth every penny if you like the look -- especially on a black car. The painted trim versus the base black plastic trim makes a strinking difference, and the upgraded steering wheel avoids introducing a lot of shiny black plastic into the interior.
I skipped running boards -- I'm a tall guy, and I find running boards exist primarly to get my pants dirty. Glad I did -- the car looks sleeker and frankly not as big without them.
There are a few little nits -- the Mercedes Me Connect app feels 5 years old. It should do more, be Siri-responsive and have a widget. (Without remote start on the keyfob, it needs to be damned easy on the phone and it just isn't.) Also, the parking sensors are super sensitive; the screen pops up and the noise blares at almost every red light when another car pulls up alongside. I'm going to have service take a look at that.
A couple of things about kids (7 and 8) and second row captains chairs: I really wish there was a setting to disable the rear HVAC controls and power seat adjustments. Maybe that's more Chrysler minivan than Mercedes SUV, but I'm already annoyed at how often they are turned into toys. And the cupholder situation back there is just crap -- one to share. I'm tempted by an aftermarket center console, but I shudder at an Amazon solution for a $95K car.
I came to like the pre-production PR photos without the GLS450 and 4Matic badging on the back. So I'm thinking of having those removed and letting the star be the star. (Is that a terrible idea?)
All in all, I'm thrilled -- it's handsome, quiet, powerful enough and feels worth what I paid for it.
Happy to help anyone on the fence!
Very nice car, congratulations. Good choice of colors on this inside!!!
Gc4osu -- Your 2024 GLS, like my 2024 GLS, is missing the finger print sensor on the center console, which is described in the Operator's Manual and Brief Overview brochure. It is not clear if the sensor is standard equipment, though it is a new feature of MBUX NTG7. I've have an inquiry with Mercedes customer service and am awaiting a substantive reply. I'm guessing a supply chain problem or software defect resulted in deletion from early builds, but it may be included with optional equipment that I did not order.
I traded a Black 2020 GLS 450 for a Cardinal Red 2024 GLS 450. Like you, I skipped the running boards, which I disliked on the 2020. They are ok for children, but they are useless for most adults and transfer dirt onto pantlegs. Also, I prefer the sleeker, less cluttered look of the standard rocker panel. I like your choice of the AMG package with Black paint. On the other hand, I skipped the AMG package in favor of standard trim, because I wanted an aggressive appearance that comes with contrasting black molding trim and Cardinal Red paint. Like Tiger Woods on Sunday
Congratulations on a handsome ride. 2024 GLS 450 Cardinal Red
Last edited by DesertGolfer; Aug 30, 2023 at 12:30 PM.
Phoenix local here! How was your experience with Arrowhead? Did you inquire with any other local dealerships? And beautiful GLS. That's a great color combo.
Phoenix local here! How was your experience with Arrowhead? Did you inquire with any other local dealerships? And beautiful GLS. That's a great color combo.
It was a great experience at Arrowhead. Too easy and pleasant, really.
I shopped for 2023s at a few dealers in the Valley, but when I decided to order I went closest to home when they committed to no “market adjustment” BS on an order.
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2024 GLS delivered! Thanks y'all for the help.
