Ordering a '25 GLS 450 with all bells and whistles including the AMG 23's. I do not see where there are suspension choices on the 450 but only as an option on the 580 (E Active Body control DC7).

E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
An innovative suspension combines enhanced capabilities with uncanny comfort. E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL can scan the road surface ahead via a stereo camera and adapt the spring rate, damping and leveling at each wheel. Benefiting from the vehicle's 48-volt electronics, the system can quickly counteract lean, pitch and dive, and even tilt into curves, to quell uneven surfaces and reduce the forces felt by passengers. It can even help rock the vehicle free in sand by rapidly "pumping" the suspension.
Under the '24MY MBUSA Configurator ('25 not displaying as of yet) Comp Specs shows the following below.

Since we want the 23's, we also want a comfortable ride, is the 450's ride comfortable on the 23's with its ADS on comfort?

Also, what's the big difference between ADS and ADS Plus?

Thx

 

You're not going to get a comfortable ride on 23s no matter how good the suspension is. Go with 20" wheels and get tires with a higher aspect ratio.

 

Thanks, but they're too small for our taste on such a large SUV, plus the amg pkg requires a min of 21's.

Fwiw we have 22's on our Grand Wagoneer Level lll Obsidian and it rides like a dream (non-run flats of course)

As an example - I'd rather have 23's on non-RF's than 20's with RF's they're so bad. Had 20 RF on our S Coupes and they ruined the ride, the minute we switched to non it was like a whole new car, in addition to being a softer ride, non-RF's provide less unsprung weight.

 

I love the look of my 23s, but comfortable they are not. They like to chase imperfections in the road and on any but the smoothest roads you'll be able to feel most imperfections, even on comfort.
The 20s I had on over the winter were a much more serene ride and I bought half decent wheels, so they didn't look all bad, but I did enjoy putting the 23s back on.

Also just swapped the rears out at around 15k miles, of which 2.5k were on winters, so spent about a dollar every ten miles on rear tires alone. Fronts have a bit more life left in them.

 

Thanks, I wonder how our GW pulls it off so well on its 22's, it must have something like MB's ABC. Is your GLC a 450, or the 580, and if so, does it have the ABC? I really don't want the 580 just to get ABC, but if the 23's are that uncomfortable then I may have no choice. The 580's also get ADS Plus, any idea what the plus does?

 

450 without ABC, don't think it was an option for the 2024, but someone may correct me.

My wife drives the car most of the time, she never complains, so it can't be that bad. My favorite driver is an A207 with AMG Package, so, again, I am not complaining, but the 23s are not for wafting...

Haven't really engaged with the 2025 DOG, not sure what ADS/Plus does.

 

thanks for the extra info. Assuming the wife keeps it on comfort.
the ABC is a 580 only option and I had it on my S Coupes which was quite good at the time and I’m sure even better now. MB touts it as “uncanny comfort” (quite an endorsement), and handling etc.This should be an option when ordering the AMG pkg and 23’s.
I’ll find out what the plus is in the ADS PLUS tomorrow and post back.

 

E-ABC was no longer an option since the MY24 refresh, I think. If you splash for the cost of the GLS580, then you probably have the coin for the costly repairs if it ever goes down out of warranty!

I have 21" wheels on my GLS450 and have zero desire for E-ABC as I feel the suspension is pretty comfortable as it is! If you have tons of pot-holes or uneven surfaces where you live, then E-ABC may be worthwhile...

 

It appears if one wants ABC, MB is forcing the 580 which also is now a MHEV, it's still a gas hog and being in CA that's not good. Road are pretyy smooth around here but the counrty surrounding roads aren't the smoothest, no potholes, just ripples. AS mentioned, out GW with 22 does a fine job of smoothing these out with AS 22's and I'm thinking it must have something similar to MB's ABC which I'll check into.

Once we saw the GLS in Alpine Gray with the AMG stiff and esp the black 23's with the machined silver lip it really blew us away and no other wheel choice makes the vehicle stand out/look as good as these do.

 

That's the one I got. First one in the area. Unfortunately, along with my factory order, the dealer placed a few copy/paste orders (with less nice interiors and smaller wheels), so that I know that there are at least six others like it driving around here. Fortunately, 10 months in, I have yet to see one.

 

This is same thing that came up with my GL350, with Sport/Comfort Modes, almost a decade ago. "20" wheels will be uncomfortable and harsh", they said. I went with 20's anyway. I have 23"ers on my GLS 580 and E-ABC.

 

So how's the ride and the E-ABC? Any trans rough shifts up/down? How many miles so far?

 

I mean, I haven't anything to compare it with other than my GL350. It feels slightly different/better however, when the stars align, one can barely feel some speed humps which is fantastic.

My only issues are the frequency of tire replacement and until I get snow tires/wheels I will not be able to drive in snow.

 

22” actually has the tallest sidewall.