GLS Class (X167) Produced 2020 to present

Thinking of buying GLS450 AWD

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Old Dec 16, 2024 | 12:24 PM
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2022 AMG GT 53, 2020 Sl450. Did drive 2018 S450
Thinking of buying GLS450 AWD

How many years before the model is updated? Anyone have major issues with the 2025 version? looking to get one. Thanks!
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Old Dec 16, 2024 | 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Merserybenze
How many years before the model is updated? Anyone have major issues with the 2025 version? looking to get one. Thanks!
2026-27 is when we can expect the x168. The Inline 6 in the 450 is solid. Some folks prefer getting later iterations of a model so that many of the kinks have been addressed so rather than waiting for the x168, perhaps you may want to consider buying a x167 now.

Last edited by wildta; Dec 16, 2024 at 03:20 PM.
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Old Dec 17, 2024 | 06:04 AM
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Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
The X167 will survive another (3rd) generation cycle. Most leaks suggest that there won’t be a new model, but instead, MBenz is aiming for a minor facelift update, likely including star tail lights and some MBUX software changes. Spy photos confirmed this theory a few weeks ago. The GLS is an exceptional modern-looking SUV, and I can’t blame MBenz for making that decision. The car is selling exceptionally well, so why take a risk when all their R&D focus is on EV? The same chassis, manufacturing tools, and body styling will remain and that’s just easier for them.

The inline-6 M256 engine is incredibly reliable. Read some technical papers to understand why. It’s also a newly designed core (around 2017), not based on an older platform or core with minor updates. The 48V system, which I initially disliked but now appreciate, seems to stabilize and reduce engine stress. If you program the car to stay in eco-pro mode, the engine will “sail” and shut off even when the car is moving while you’re not accelerating. I think this should extend the engine’s life or improve its mileage compared to the odometer. I’ve driven from one state to another, and even on a downhill stretch, I could drive 5 miles+ with the engine off. Similarly, in city driving, you can coast to stop signs and traffic lights if you time your stopping distance naturally.

Based on my experience, this is the only Benz engine I’ve driven in the past 10 years that truly harmonizes just fine with the trashyBenz transmission without causing excessive hard shifting (although some GLE owners have reported issues). My 22 GLS 450 shifts just as smoothly as my BMWs. This is the only MBenz I’ve driven in the past decade that shifts flawlessly like other German cars, and it’s consistent across all the 450s I’ve tested-driven (so my experience isn’t just a lucky one-of-a-kind situation).

Having owned an X5, X7, and previously a Lincoln Navigator, I can confidently say that our GLS is the only SUV that offers the best of both worlds: the benefits of vans and SUVs, without any compromises while still driving like a smaller car compared to its actual size. It also has great ground clearance. There is plenty of space for off-road or rough routes without compromising on comfort. The comfort level is really great…. The sound insulation is excellent.. it is so quiet even with larger AMG wheels. Most of my other SUVs had a noticeable annoying sound from the rear tailgate, this one doesn’t.

The X167 in general is practical too, easily fitting six adults and all their luggage. I have a rooftop cargo carrier that allows my family and visitors to sit in the car, travel long distances comfortably without any issues.

The second row of seats in the GLS is well designed. The tunnel between the seats is wide enough for adults to pass through and access the third row, unlike the tight tunnel in my previous X7. The movement of the second row also allows the child car seat to stay on the seat while electronically moving forward and tilting for third-row access …. Not too slow nor too fast.

I also like the driver’s seat in the X167…. great view, a very comfortable seat, and excellent cooling and ventilation if you don’t get the massage seats. There are now new leather options available, but I highly recommend trying the MBTEX leather before making a choice. It’s easier to clean and incredibly soft, which I love. BMW vegan leather is still superior, but I believe the automotive industry has reached a point where vegan leather is comparable in quality in some cars and can even be better in some cases.

I know some of this is not just for 450 but for X167 more broadly, but just wanted to share my experience. It’s an AWESOME SUV

Last edited by S_W222; Dec 17, 2024 at 06:25 AM.
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Old Dec 17, 2024 | 10:04 AM
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Originally Posted by S_W222
The X167 will survive another (3rd) generation cycle. Most leaks suggest that there won’t be a new model, but instead, MBenz is aiming for a minor facelift update, likely including star tail lights and some MBUX software changes. Spy photos confirmed this theory a few weeks ago. The GLS is an exceptional modern-looking SUV, and I can’t blame MBenz for making that decision. The car is selling exceptionally well, so why take a risk when all their R&D focus is on EV? The same chassis, manufacturing tools, and body styling will remain and that’s just easier for them.

The inline-6 M256 engine is incredibly reliable. Read some technical papers to understand why. It’s also a newly designed core (around 2017), not based on an older platform or core with minor updates. The 48V system, which I initially disliked but now appreciate, seems to stabilize and reduce engine stress. If you program the car to stay in eco-pro mode, the engine will “sail” and shut off even when the car is moving while you’re not accelerating. I think this should extend the engine’s life or improve its mileage compared to the odometer. I’ve driven from one state to another, and even on a downhill stretch, I could drive 5 miles+ with the engine off. Similarly, in city driving, you can coast to stop signs and traffic lights if you time your stopping distance naturally.

Based on my experience, this is the only Benz engine I’ve driven in the past 10 years that truly harmonizes just fine with the trashyBenz transmission without causing excessive hard shifting (although some GLE owners have reported issues). My 22 GLS 450 shifts just as smoothly as my BMWs. This is the only MBenz I’ve driven in the past decade that shifts flawlessly like other German cars, and it’s consistent across all the 450s I’ve tested-driven (so my experience isn’t just a lucky one-of-a-kind situation).

Having owned an X5, X7, and previously a Lincoln Navigator, I can confidently say that our GLS is the only SUV that offers the best of both worlds: the benefits of vans and SUVs, without any compromises while still driving like a smaller car compared to its actual size. It also has great ground clearance. There is plenty of space for off-road or rough routes without compromising on comfort. The comfort level is really great…. The sound insulation is excellent.. it is so quiet even with larger AMG wheels. Most of my other SUVs had a noticeable annoying sound from the rear tailgate, this one doesn’t.

The X167 in general is practical too, easily fitting six adults and all their luggage. I have a rooftop cargo carrier that allows my family and visitors to sit in the car, travel long distances comfortably without any issues.

The second row of seats in the GLS is well designed. The tunnel between the seats is wide enough for adults to pass through and access the third row, unlike the tight tunnel in my previous X7. The movement of the second row also allows the child car seat to stay on the seat while electronically moving forward and tilting for third-row access …. Not too slow nor too fast.

I also like the driver’s seat in the X167…. great view, a very comfortable seat, and excellent cooling and ventilation if you don’t get the massage seats. There are now new leather options available, but I highly recommend trying the MBTEX leather before making a choice. It’s easier to clean and incredibly soft, which I love. BMW vegan leather is still superior, but I believe the automotive industry has reached a point where vegan leather is comparable in quality in some cars and can even be better in some cases.

I know some of this is not just for 450 but for X167 more broadly, but just wanted to share my experience. It’s an AWESOME SUV
Yup, the the second facelift is coming for both the GLE and GLS
For the GLS, it is getting vertical stars:
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2...ts-239284.html
https://carbuzz.com/spy-shots-merced...december-2024/
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Old Dec 17, 2024 | 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Yup, the the second facelift is coming for both the GLE and GLS
For the GLS, it is getting vertical stars:
https://www.autoevolution.com/news/2...ts-239284.html
https://carbuzz.com/spy-shots-merced...december-2024/
Ugh those star lights are so tacky IMO. All the more reason to stick with the 167.
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Old Dec 17, 2024 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by wildta
Ugh those star lights are so tacky IMO. All the more reason to stick with the 167.
I agree but apparently we are in the minority and a lot more people like it here on the forums. The main deal breaker for me with the W214 was the taillights, until... that grows on me.
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Old Dec 17, 2024 | 04:56 PM
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Originally Posted by wildta
Ugh those star lights are so tacky IMO. All the more reason to stick with the 167.
I agree.
I have a similar view of the monster Star in the grille, but it's been gigantic for for a couple of decades. I feel like I'm a poseur or status seeker.
Reminds me of '80s VW grille emblems with the Beastie Boys wannabe's.
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