GLS vs. X7
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 13
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From: Florida
Tesla Model S Plaid
GLS vs. X7
Hi. I am almost getting delivery of a 2024 X7, but I read many complaints about the A/C being weak, so I decided to go to the dealer and try it in person. Yes, the air comes cold enough, but the amount of air is very low.
I live in South Florida and a strong A/C is a must. Even though I prefer the X7's design and features, I am seriously considering switching to a GLS. A weak A/C is something not negotiable for me.
I know this is a MB forum, but for those of you who had or have an X7, how's your experience in all other aspects compared to the GLS?.
Thank you.
I live in South Florida and a strong A/C is a must. Even though I prefer the X7's design and features, I am seriously considering switching to a GLS. A weak A/C is something not negotiable for me.
I know this is a MB forum, but for those of you who had or have an X7, how's your experience in all other aspects compared to the GLS?.
Thank you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 310
'23 GLS450
Here's my post from another thread when I was cross-shopping the X7 and the GLS. Lots of helpful members here so hopefully others chime in!
One more note: if you get a MY24 GLS w/wheels 22" or bigger, you will most likely not get a spare but the Tirefit sealant kit!
@S_W222 As some have said, comparing your X7 M50i to a GLS450 is not very "apples to apples". Many of the "higher end luxuries" like air ambience package, upper Burmester sound system, etc. can more likely be found on GLS580 models. These last couple of weeks, I've been cross-shopping the '23 GLS450 against the '24 X7 40i and have seen nearly every build under the sun and the nicer packages like B&W audio are rare even on the M60i, let alone the 40i. Seems like you already decided a while ago to stick with your current X7 which is financially sound and the heart wants what the heart wants!
Here are some of my observed additional differences b/w GLS450 and X7:
X7
- Uses USB-A for possible music playback from a thumbdrive. I confirm discrete audio from MCH FLAC files is possible on the HK system.
- No spare tire as RFTs are standard
- With the third row up, the trunk had me wondering why I'm not also considering the Q7, which has similar interior dimensions (I know, the horror)!
- Not the nicest looking grille w/o the M Sport package.
- Very hard to find builds w/running boards on lots.
- Easier to find builds w/packages you want on lots.
- Most physical controls are gone. '24 models can be upgraded to iDrive 8.5 this summer.
- Semi-autonomous driving up to 85 mph (prior model limited to 40 mph).
GLS450
- Uses USB-C for possible music playback from a thumbdrive (I had to buy a new USB-C thumbdrive to hear my tunes on the test drive). I confirm discrete audio from MCH FLAC files is possible on the base Burmester system.
- Spare tire is included.
- Even more trunk space than my current '16 GL450.
- The GLS450 looks great even w/o any AMG package.
- Very easy to find builds w/running boards on lots.
- Harder to find everything you like since simple things like HUD is not part of a package and typically is a special order. Mercedes really likes "a la carte"!
- Physical buttons still there.
If not having a spare tire is not a big deal, then why are there hundreds of posts on this in Bimmerpost?!!!
I'm giving a pass on the '24 GLS450 since I absolutely can't deal with the steering wheel w/capacitive buttons and fewer physical controls (despite the more powerful base engine).
My 2 cents!
Here are some of my observed additional differences b/w GLS450 and X7:
X7
- Uses USB-A for possible music playback from a thumbdrive. I confirm discrete audio from MCH FLAC files is possible on the HK system.
- No spare tire as RFTs are standard
- With the third row up, the trunk had me wondering why I'm not also considering the Q7, which has similar interior dimensions (I know, the horror)!
- Not the nicest looking grille w/o the M Sport package.
- Very hard to find builds w/running boards on lots.
- Easier to find builds w/packages you want on lots.
- Most physical controls are gone. '24 models can be upgraded to iDrive 8.5 this summer.
- Semi-autonomous driving up to 85 mph (prior model limited to 40 mph).
GLS450
- Uses USB-C for possible music playback from a thumbdrive (I had to buy a new USB-C thumbdrive to hear my tunes on the test drive). I confirm discrete audio from MCH FLAC files is possible on the base Burmester system.
- Spare tire is included.
- Even more trunk space than my current '16 GL450.
- The GLS450 looks great even w/o any AMG package.
- Very easy to find builds w/running boards on lots.
- Harder to find everything you like since simple things like HUD is not part of a package and typically is a special order. Mercedes really likes "a la carte"!
- Physical buttons still there.
If not having a spare tire is not a big deal, then why are there hundreds of posts on this in Bimmerpost?!!!
I'm giving a pass on the '24 GLS450 since I absolutely can't deal with the steering wheel w/capacitive buttons and fewer physical controls (despite the more powerful base engine).
My 2 cents!
Last edited by EWL5; Oct 31, 2023 at 09:56 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 776
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Hi. I am almost getting delivery of a 2024 X7, but I read many complaints about the A/C being weak, so I decided to go to the dealer and try it in person. Yes, the air comes cold enough, but the amount of air is very low.
I live in South Florida and a strong A/C is a must. Even though I prefer the X7's design and features, I am seriously considering switching to a GLS. A weak A/C is something not negotiable for me.
I know this is a MB forum, but for those of you who had or have an X7, how's your experience in all other aspects compared to the GLS?.
Thank you.
I live in South Florida and a strong A/C is a must. Even though I prefer the X7's design and features, I am seriously considering switching to a GLS. A weak A/C is something not negotiable for me.
I know this is a MB forum, but for those of you who had or have an X7, how's your experience in all other aspects compared to the GLS?.
Thank you.
Member
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 93
Likes: 64
From: Saint Louis, MO
2024 GLS450
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 333
Likes: 12
From: South Florida
I also live in SoFl and both my previous GL63 and current GLS63 zero issues with AC cooling. In the GLS63, one can set the fan speed in the menu for the Auto temp. I also have 5 zone AC and of course vented seats and thermo windows/windshield, tinted windows and car lives in garage. On the rare occasion I park outside in the sun, it gets comfortable very quickly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 310
'23 GLS450
https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...pare-tire.html
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 90
From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
They're a choice in the DC area too, but I just love the look of them. After years of owning microcars with tiny wheels, I've become pretty adept at spotting potholes... the damn frost heaves are what will get you.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Sweden - Europe
E320 CDI -04
I am currently owning a 2023 X7 Lci with all options. I don't like it and just ordered the 2024 GLS.
The X7 drives fantastic but every week there is a new bug in the I-drive system.
The headlights are weak
No Comfort access on rear doors.
In don't live in a hot country but find the AC annoying ang the fan very loud
Lack of physical buttons is also something that I miss and also to possibility to turn off the start/stop function. The car behaves quite jerky in the city.
Other than that its nice, but the Pre Lci is more premium.
The X7 drives fantastic but every week there is a new bug in the I-drive system.
The headlights are weak
No Comfort access on rear doors.
In don't live in a hot country but find the AC annoying ang the fan very loud
Lack of physical buttons is also something that I miss and also to possibility to turn off the start/stop function. The car behaves quite jerky in the city.
Other than that its nice, but the Pre Lci is more premium.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 1,205
GLE 580
The amount of blowing air in the 2nd row of my GLE isn't the greatest. Do GLS owners suffer from the same issue? The front is great though and blows plenty of air to make up for the low CFM from the 2nd row vents if you really need to cool the car down quickly.
Some people here get the stinky AC odor that can develop, so you'll get a stench for the first 10-20sec until you get your evap coils cleaned.
Some people here get the stinky AC odor that can develop, so you'll get a stench for the first 10-20sec until you get your evap coils cleaned.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 509
Likes: 217
From: Beech Mountain, NC
E63s SL550 GL450
The amount of blowing air in the 2nd row of my GLE isn't the greatest. Do GLS owners suffer from the same issue? The front is great though and blows plenty of air to make up for the low CFM from the 2nd row vents if you really need to cool the car down quickly.
Some people here get the stinky AC odor that can develop, so you'll get a stench for the first 10-20sec until you get your evap coils cleaned.
Some people here get the stinky AC odor that can develop, so you'll get a stench for the first 10-20sec until you get your evap coils cleaned.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 310
'23 GLS450
The amount of blowing air in the 2nd row of my GLE isn't the greatest. Do GLS owners suffer from the same issue? The front is great though and blows plenty of air to make up for the low CFM from the 2nd row vents if you really need to cool the car down quickly.
Some people here get the stinky AC odor that can develop, so you'll get a stench for the first 10-20sec until you get your evap coils cleaned.
Some people here get the stinky AC odor that can develop, so you'll get a stench for the first 10-20sec until you get your evap coils cleaned.
I used to get stinky AC from my older '16 GL450 but that issue is largely resolved in the newer cars. How old is your GLE?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,135
Likes: 1,205
GLE 580
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 115
Likes: 25
GLS 450
Hi. I am almost getting delivery of a 2024 X7, but I read many complaints about the A/C being weak, so I decided to go to the dealer and try it in person. Yes, the air comes cold enough, but the amount of air is very low.
I live in South Florida and a strong A/C is a must. Even though I prefer the X7's design and features, I am seriously considering switching to a GLS. A weak A/C is something not negotiable for me.
I know this is a MB forum, but for those of you who had or have an X7, how's your experience in all other aspects compared to the GLS?.
Thank you.
I live in South Florida and a strong A/C is a must. Even though I prefer the X7's design and features, I am seriously considering switching to a GLS. A weak A/C is something not negotiable for me.
I know this is a MB forum, but for those of you who had or have an X7, how's your experience in all other aspects compared to the GLS?.
Thank you.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Tesla Model S Plaid
@Tatoweb, any luck finding a build you like at a decent price?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 310
'23 GLS450
