GLS580 or SQ7?
#26
MBWorld Fanatic!
The new Lexus TX looks nice. Comparable size to the GLS. I just wish it had a little more power.
#27
#28
MBWorld Fanatic!
I think once you actually see and sit in the TX, it won’t be in the same league as the GLS. Not because of materials or fit/finish, but just size and snugness. It’s based on the Highlander, which our GLS actually replaced (2013 previous gen model). We adored our Highlander, probably the best vehicle we’ve ever owned before. But when we went to look for its replacement, we started with the highlander and found it to be way too small for us now. The other thing about Toyota in general, they tend to apply the torque differently than the Germans when diving. Quite shift happy, wants to use the gears, and tend to downshift for the simplest incline when driving.
The 48v hiccup isn’t something that would deter me from a GLS. As noted earlier, those who haven’t had any problems with it are likely not on web forums talking about it. I’m a 2020 and have been fine for nearing 70k miles.
the transmission is unique and should be considered when you test drive your car. Make sure you're comfortable with the way it stops in a normal suburban neighborhood type of way.
it’s easy to praise something when it’s new to you, and even easier to pick at something that no longer has that luster for you. We’re 3 years in and nearly 70k miles and can say that we are still quite happy with ours. Yeah, some annoyances have occurred (one being fixed as I speak - seat covers), but nothing that would make us say forget it, we’re getting rid of it and going elsewhere. It is pretty easy to live with.
The true secret to MB is staying OUT of your dealership. $700 oil changes, $200 windshield wilper inserts, that sort of junk. I’ve said this before because someone once told me the same thing that has worked well for me over the past many years - ask the guy at the gas station in the older mercedes benz where they get it serviced, and go there instead. For us, the BIGGEST drawback to owning now two MB’s have been dealing with the dealerships on repairs. In my area it is so bad that I am likely not to go the route of the GLC as the replacement for my 2014 E350, and will probably go back to the VW Audi world instead, which treated me very well over a 12 year span across three of their cars in two cities. For instance, right now as the GLS is into day 3 for two seat covers to be replaced, I set the appointment a month out to ensure a loaner would be available and they would have the parts onsite. No loaner (so they’re paying enterprise for a car instead), and I doubt they had the seat covers and waiting for them to come in. It doesn't take three days to remove two screws and some plastic clips…. I can do it myself in about an hour (and have on my w212)… first world problems for sure, and not a big deal, but just annoying!
The 48v hiccup isn’t something that would deter me from a GLS. As noted earlier, those who haven’t had any problems with it are likely not on web forums talking about it. I’m a 2020 and have been fine for nearing 70k miles.
the transmission is unique and should be considered when you test drive your car. Make sure you're comfortable with the way it stops in a normal suburban neighborhood type of way.
it’s easy to praise something when it’s new to you, and even easier to pick at something that no longer has that luster for you. We’re 3 years in and nearly 70k miles and can say that we are still quite happy with ours. Yeah, some annoyances have occurred (one being fixed as I speak - seat covers), but nothing that would make us say forget it, we’re getting rid of it and going elsewhere. It is pretty easy to live with.
The true secret to MB is staying OUT of your dealership. $700 oil changes, $200 windshield wilper inserts, that sort of junk. I’ve said this before because someone once told me the same thing that has worked well for me over the past many years - ask the guy at the gas station in the older mercedes benz where they get it serviced, and go there instead. For us, the BIGGEST drawback to owning now two MB’s have been dealing with the dealerships on repairs. In my area it is so bad that I am likely not to go the route of the GLC as the replacement for my 2014 E350, and will probably go back to the VW Audi world instead, which treated me very well over a 12 year span across three of their cars in two cities. For instance, right now as the GLS is into day 3 for two seat covers to be replaced, I set the appointment a month out to ensure a loaner would be available and they would have the parts onsite. No loaner (so they’re paying enterprise for a car instead), and I doubt they had the seat covers and waiting for them to come in. It doesn't take three days to remove two screws and some plastic clips…. I can do it myself in about an hour (and have on my w212)… first world problems for sure, and not a big deal, but just annoying!
Last edited by nc211; 09-29-2023 at 07:24 AM.
#29
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Join Date: May 2020
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,838
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Mercedes/Mazda/Genesis
I think once you actually see and sit in the TX, it won’t be in the same league as the GLS. Not because of materials or fit/finish, but just size and snugness. It’s based on the Highlander, which our GLS actually replaced (2013 previous gen model). We adored our Highlander, probably the best vehicle we’ve ever owned before. But when we went to look for its replacement, we started with the highlander and found it to be way too small for us now. The other thing about Toyota in general, they tend to apply the torque differently than the Germans when diving. Quite shift happy, wants to use the gears, and tend to downshift for the simplest incline when driving.
#30
Initial reviews have the trunk capacity larger than the GLS, whether third row is up or down! Jury still out on 3rd row leg room.
GLS trunk volume (all rows up) = 17.4 ft3
Grand Highlander trunk volume (all rows up) = 20.6 ft3
GLS trunk volume (third row down) = 48.7 ft3
Grand Highlander trunk volume (third row down) = 57.9 ft3
That's nearly 10 ft3 more space back there!
The TX is going have similar interior dimensions to the Grand Highlander!
https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/grand-highlander/
GLS trunk volume (all rows up) = 17.4 ft3
Grand Highlander trunk volume (all rows up) = 20.6 ft3
GLS trunk volume (third row down) = 48.7 ft3
Grand Highlander trunk volume (third row down) = 57.9 ft3
That's nearly 10 ft3 more space back there!
The TX is going have similar interior dimensions to the Grand Highlander!
https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/grand-highlander/
#31
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Florida
Posts: 2,838
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982 Posts
Mercedes/Mazda/Genesis
Initial reviews have the trunk capacity larger than the GLS, whether third row is up or down! Jury still out on 3rd row leg room.
GLS trunk volume (all rows up) = 17.4 ft3
Grand Highlander trunk volume (all rows up) = 20.6 ft3
GLS trunk volume (third row down) = 48.7 ft3
Grand Highlander trunk volume (third row down) = 57.9 ft3
That's nearly 10 ft3 more space back there!
The TX is going have similar interior dimensions to the Grand Highlander!
https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/grand-highlander/
GLS trunk volume (all rows up) = 17.4 ft3
Grand Highlander trunk volume (all rows up) = 20.6 ft3
GLS trunk volume (third row down) = 48.7 ft3
Grand Highlander trunk volume (third row down) = 57.9 ft3
That's nearly 10 ft3 more space back there!
The TX is going have similar interior dimensions to the Grand Highlander!
https://www.edmunds.com/toyota/grand-highlander/
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EWL5 (09-29-2023)
#32
#33
I looked at and evaluated Q7, X7, and GLS this year and went with GLS.
Q7 felt like the lowest quality of the the three. The interior details, seating, capacitive touch screen, and the drive, all felt interior. The exterior was attractive but I was disappointed with the interior.
X7 was good and felt quality as well but it was more sporty with interior and exterior design and I wasn’t looking for that.
I loved everything about GLS including the more subtle exterior looks and the premium feeling of the cabin. The drive was amazing too and the full size seats in the back were almost comfortable enough for a long ride for a tall fellow like me. I was not concerned about a powerful engine so that did not play into my decision.
Q7 felt like the lowest quality of the the three. The interior details, seating, capacitive touch screen, and the drive, all felt interior. The exterior was attractive but I was disappointed with the interior.
X7 was good and felt quality as well but it was more sporty with interior and exterior design and I wasn’t looking for that.
I loved everything about GLS including the more subtle exterior looks and the premium feeling of the cabin. The drive was amazing too and the full size seats in the back were almost comfortable enough for a long ride for a tall fellow like me. I was not concerned about a powerful engine so that did not play into my decision.
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Splaktar (03-27-2024)
#34
Junior Member
I am watching this thread. 2023 SQ7 was not on my radar at all until I learned about $7500 rebate expiring this Sat. With an additional $1.5%K rebate for Costco members, it's $9K discount. So the lease price with the same cash on delivery is almost identical between $105K SQ7 and $93K GLS450. SQ7 is quick and grabby and feels "smaller" on the road. Inside it feels more like a passenger car than a truck. GLS feels more like a truck and the seating position is much higher. GLS feels more comfortable on the road as far as comfort during driving. I am leaning towards GLS despite $9K price advantage with 2023 SQ7. Thoughts?
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EWL5 (09-29-2023)
#36
My wife has a 2021 Q7. I had a 2021 SQ8 and was very happy to get rid of it after 10 months. They dropped a V8 into the SQ7/8, but didn’t update the transmission or software. It has lots of power, but is very rough. The auto start-stop will kill the engine as you slow down. With the V6 it is not too bad. With the V8, the whole car lurched. MMI was somewhat unreliable too. My S580 W221 isn’t perfect, but much much better. Maybe Audi have updated the transmission/software now…
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chassis (10-01-2023)
#37
Member
we ended up with 2024 GLS450. The comments about the acoustic package were correct. under 50 mph it's quiet inside and at higher speeds noise does come in.
#38
#39
Member
we had several loaner MB cars with wireless CP and it's convenient but we have not been using CP. Maybe we should start using it. Typically I use built-in car navigation and stream music from my phone (Tidal or Apple Music) to the car.
#40
There's a bit of additional TX news w/pricing. Speculation is that the top hybrid model will command more than $80k!
This will be an interesting offering since the Germans will either be ICE or straight EV and nothing in b/w.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...us-tx-pricing/
Most hybrids in my area are still commanding ADM so that $80k could easily approach $100k!
This will be an interesting offering since the Germans will either be ICE or straight EV and nothing in b/w.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...us-tx-pricing/
Most hybrids in my area are still commanding ADM so that $80k could easily approach $100k!
#41
MBWorld Fanatic!
TX isn't going to be anything like the GLS. Might be as spacious, but its transverse/FWD with macpherson struts, just from a design perspective not in the same league as the GLS.
Q7/SQ7 is a great vehicle but much smaller than the GLS. Even the X7 is too small for our needs as a family vehicle. Now a vehicle for me to drive that can seat a third row in a pinch, thats a different story.
Q7/SQ7 is a great vehicle but much smaller than the GLS. Even the X7 is too small for our needs as a family vehicle. Now a vehicle for me to drive that can seat a third row in a pinch, thats a different story.
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BenjaminKohl (10-03-2023)
#44
MBWorld Fanatic!
Absolutely. If you're ordering no reason not to
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rickth (10-04-2023)
#46
There's a bit of additional TX news w/pricing. Speculation is that the top hybrid model will command more than $80k!
This will be an interesting offering since the Germans will either be ICE or straight EV and nothing in b/w.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...us-tx-pricing/
Most hybrids in my area are still commanding ADM so that $80k could easily approach $100k!
This will be an interesting offering since the Germans will either be ICE or straight EV and nothing in b/w.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a4...us-tx-pricing/
Most hybrids in my area are still commanding ADM so that $80k could easily approach $100k!
"But if you want the most powerful (and what will likely be the most expensive) TX on offer, the 550h+ is it. It does feel the quickest in a straight line, but the big difference is that CVT. Because there are no gears, the V6 never quiets down when you're accelerating. It constantly rumbles its way through the firewall, and after just a few minutes we were bemoaning the constant interruption in the 550h+'s cabin and resorted to putting in EV mode for most of our drive."
https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/tx/
#47
Member
@CityBoy, how are you liking your '24 GLS so far?
Off-topic: I test drove '24 GLE 63s coupe and was offered a deal on it as a replacement for my '20 AMG S63. I prefer my older '20 S63 over GLE 63s and plan on keeping S63.
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EWL5 (10-31-2023)
#48
It's nicer than '21 my wife had before this one. As others said - having wireless car play is convenient. I wish it had acoustic package and soft close doors as I used to those options and like them. But my wife was dead set on white interior and chosen this particular car.
Off-topic: I test drove '24 GLE 63s coupe and was offered a deal on it as a replacement for my '20 AMG S63. I prefer my older '20 S63 over GLE 63s and plan on keeping S63.
Off-topic: I test drove '24 GLE 63s coupe and was offered a deal on it as a replacement for my '20 AMG S63. I prefer my older '20 S63 over GLE 63s and plan on keeping S63.
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CityBoy (11-01-2023)
#49
MBWorld Fanatic!
Looks like the top TX is not as bulletproof as I would've liked:
"But if you want the most powerful (and what will likely be the most expensive) TX on offer, the 550h+ is it. It does feel the quickest in a straight line, but the big difference is that CVT. Because there are no gears, the V6 never quiets down when you're accelerating. It constantly rumbles its way through the firewall, and after just a few minutes we were bemoaning the constant interruption in the 550h+'s cabin and resorted to putting in EV mode for most of our drive."
https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/tx/
"But if you want the most powerful (and what will likely be the most expensive) TX on offer, the 550h+ is it. It does feel the quickest in a straight line, but the big difference is that CVT. Because there are no gears, the V6 never quiets down when you're accelerating. It constantly rumbles its way through the firewall, and after just a few minutes we were bemoaning the constant interruption in the 550h+'s cabin and resorted to putting in EV mode for most of our drive."
https://www.edmunds.com/lexus/tx/
Whats interesting is I now have a V6 plug in hybrid CVT Chrysler Pacifica, and I resisted this hybrid model each time we got a Pacifica (this is our third one) because I hate the way Toyota/Lexus hybrids feel and sound because of their CVT, but this hybrid Pacifica is a delight. You would never know it was a CVT unless you were just sustained WOT...so its something in how the Toyota eCVT works. I was in a friends Lexus RX hybrid the other day and it sounds awful.
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EWL5 (10-31-2023)
#50
Senior Member
yep, sounds like a Toyota/Lexus hybrid to me.
Whats interesting is I now have a V6 plug in hybrid CVT Chrysler Pacifica, and I resisted this hybrid model each time we got a Pacifica (this is our third one) because I hate the way Toyota/Lexus hybrids feel and sound because of their CVT, but this hybrid Pacifica is a delight. You would never know it was a CVT unless you were just sustained WOT...so its something in how the Toyota eCVT works. I was in a friends Lexus RX hybrid the other day and it sounds awful.
Whats interesting is I now have a V6 plug in hybrid CVT Chrysler Pacifica, and I resisted this hybrid model each time we got a Pacifica (this is our third one) because I hate the way Toyota/Lexus hybrids feel and sound because of their CVT, but this hybrid Pacifica is a delight. You would never know it was a CVT unless you were just sustained WOT...so its something in how the Toyota eCVT works. I was in a friends Lexus RX hybrid the other day and it sounds awful.