2025 GLS Issues
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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I see. I doubt 20s will clear the brakes anyways?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
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Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 235
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2012 E Cabrio, 2015 GL , 2017 B ED & 2024 GLS
My 2024 GL450 is coming up to 30k miles. Still the nicest car I'll probably ever need. The only criticism is the harsh downshifts (someone else suggested there may be a software fix, but I asked them nicely at the last service and they weren't forthcoming) and the somewhat over-harsh ride on the 23s. And, you know, the replacement frequency on those tires. However, both of those, in my view, are made up for by how the wheels look when you walk up to the car.
Software works quite well. I am not a fan of Carplay/AA, and have found the MB system to be perfectly fine. I love the ChatGPT-like integration and my kids will quiz the car all day long on long drives.
I have the car perfume system and the bottle is still full because I clearly couldn't be bothered to work out how to make it work properly, so I wouldn't recommend buying that. That's probably the only thing I regret paying for. All the other goodies (we have most of them) are great and working well.
Honestly, this is not the fastest car I own, but I regularly tow stuff and I enjoy driving spiritedly, I have never felt like this car was underpowered. I don't need my 7-seater to drive the same as my wife's electric car or my E Cabrio.
I'd definitely buy again. Except, hopefully I won't have to until they bring out the X169 or so...
Software works quite well. I am not a fan of Carplay/AA, and have found the MB system to be perfectly fine. I love the ChatGPT-like integration and my kids will quiz the car all day long on long drives.
I have the car perfume system and the bottle is still full because I clearly couldn't be bothered to work out how to make it work properly, so I wouldn't recommend buying that. That's probably the only thing I regret paying for. All the other goodies (we have most of them) are great and working well.
Honestly, this is not the fastest car I own, but I regularly tow stuff and I enjoy driving spiritedly, I have never felt like this car was underpowered. I don't need my 7-seater to drive the same as my wife's electric car or my E Cabrio.
I'd definitely buy again. Except, hopefully I won't have to until they bring out the X169 or so...
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
My 2024 GL450 is coming up to 30k miles. Still the nicest car I'll probably ever need. The only criticism is the harsh downshifts (someone else suggested there may be a software fix, but I asked them nicely at the last service and they weren't forthcoming) and the somewhat over-harsh ride on the 23s. And, you know, the replacement frequency on those tires. However, both of those, in my view, are made up for by how the wheels look when you walk up to the car.
Software works quite well. I am not a fan of Carplay/AA, and have found the MB system to be perfectly fine. I love the ChatGPT-like integration and my kids will quiz the car all day long on long drives.
I have the car perfume system and the bottle is still full because I clearly couldn't be bothered to work out how to make it work properly, so I wouldn't recommend buying that. That's probably the only thing I regret paying for. All the other goodies (we have most of them) are great and working well.
Honestly, this is not the fastest car I own, but I regularly tow stuff and I enjoy driving spiritedly, I have never felt like this car was underpowered. I don't need my 7-seater to drive the same as my wife's electric car or my E Cabrio.
I'd definitely buy again. Except, hopefully I won't have to until they bring out the X169 or so...
Software works quite well. I am not a fan of Carplay/AA, and have found the MB system to be perfectly fine. I love the ChatGPT-like integration and my kids will quiz the car all day long on long drives.
I have the car perfume system and the bottle is still full because I clearly couldn't be bothered to work out how to make it work properly, so I wouldn't recommend buying that. That's probably the only thing I regret paying for. All the other goodies (we have most of them) are great and working well.
Honestly, this is not the fastest car I own, but I regularly tow stuff and I enjoy driving spiritedly, I have never felt like this car was underpowered. I don't need my 7-seater to drive the same as my wife's electric car or my E Cabrio.
I'd definitely buy again. Except, hopefully I won't have to until they bring out the X169 or so...
Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 235
Likes: 91
2012 E Cabrio, 2015 GL , 2017 B ED & 2024 GLS
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MBWorld God!
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Member
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Mercedes E63 AMG
Telluride vs GLS
So with respect to good brand, bad brand... anyone aware of an unbiased head-to-head comparison of the GLS vs the Kia Telluride? (I can already hear the gasping.)
I drive a W212 E63 (the last body style with any real character), my wife and I share a G04 X5... so I don't need to be sold on the goodness of cars from the fatherland. The X5 will be retired soon, so I've started replacement recon. I know the Telluride is ubiquitous on the road, but all I know is that every time I see one, my eye is drawn to it. And when I looked into it, it has greater cargo capacity that a GLS, despite being classed as a mid-size. Puppy coming into the family this autumn, and there's a part of me that likes the concept of getting a Kia and not obsessing over where I park, whether the dog has muddy paws, and delighting with paying half the cost of a GLS580.
Before you start..... STOP. I get it. They're two different animals. A loaded Telluride is not a GLS580. But damn... it's a pretty compelling option for a DD. And to the good company/bad company folks, it's been getting rave reviews since it debuted a few years ago.
I've never gotten close a Telluride, I've never driven one, never been to a dealer, zero first-hand experience with the brand.
But FWIW, USN&WR seems to think it's a "good car" from a "good brand." I might have to learn more about it.
I drive a W212 E63 (the last body style with any real character), my wife and I share a G04 X5... so I don't need to be sold on the goodness of cars from the fatherland. The X5 will be retired soon, so I've started replacement recon. I know the Telluride is ubiquitous on the road, but all I know is that every time I see one, my eye is drawn to it. And when I looked into it, it has greater cargo capacity that a GLS, despite being classed as a mid-size. Puppy coming into the family this autumn, and there's a part of me that likes the concept of getting a Kia and not obsessing over where I park, whether the dog has muddy paws, and delighting with paying half the cost of a GLS580.
Before you start..... STOP. I get it. They're two different animals. A loaded Telluride is not a GLS580. But damn... it's a pretty compelling option for a DD. And to the good company/bad company folks, it's been getting rave reviews since it debuted a few years ago.
I've never gotten close a Telluride, I've never driven one, never been to a dealer, zero first-hand experience with the brand.
But FWIW, USN&WR seems to think it's a "good car" from a "good brand." I might have to learn more about it.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
So with respect to good brand, bad brand... anyone aware of an unbiased head-to-head comparison of the GLS vs the Kia Telluride? (I can already hear the gasping.)
I drive a W212 E63 (the last body style with any real character), my wife and I share a G04 X5... so I don't need to be sold on the goodness of cars from the fatherland. The X5 will be retired soon, so I've started replacement recon. I know the Telluride is ubiquitous on the road, but all I know is that every time I see one, my eye is drawn to it. And when I looked into it, it has greater cargo capacity that a GLS, despite being classed as a mid-size. Puppy coming into the family this autumn, and there's a part of me that likes the concept of getting a Kia and not obsessing over where I park, whether the dog has muddy paws, and delighting with paying half the cost of a GLS580.
Before you start..... STOP. I get it. They're two different animals. A loaded Telluride is not a GLS580. But damn... it's a pretty compelling option for a DD. And to the good company/bad company folks, it's been getting rave reviews since it debuted a few years ago.
I've never gotten close a Telluride, I've never driven one, never been to a dealer, zero first-hand experience with the brand.
But FWIW, USN&WR seems to think it's a "good car" from a "good brand." I might have to learn more about it.
I drive a W212 E63 (the last body style with any real character), my wife and I share a G04 X5... so I don't need to be sold on the goodness of cars from the fatherland. The X5 will be retired soon, so I've started replacement recon. I know the Telluride is ubiquitous on the road, but all I know is that every time I see one, my eye is drawn to it. And when I looked into it, it has greater cargo capacity that a GLS, despite being classed as a mid-size. Puppy coming into the family this autumn, and there's a part of me that likes the concept of getting a Kia and not obsessing over where I park, whether the dog has muddy paws, and delighting with paying half the cost of a GLS580.
Before you start..... STOP. I get it. They're two different animals. A loaded Telluride is not a GLS580. But damn... it's a pretty compelling option for a DD. And to the good company/bad company folks, it's been getting rave reviews since it debuted a few years ago.
I've never gotten close a Telluride, I've never driven one, never been to a dealer, zero first-hand experience with the brand.
But FWIW, USN&WR seems to think it's a "good car" from a "good brand." I might have to learn more about it.
Spoiler alert: OP (of linked thread) still ended up getting the GLS.
MBWorld God!
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I didn't end up finding your images, do you mind helping me out?
Member
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Mercedes E63 AMG
Since you are throwing Telluride in the thread I am going to throw CX-90 in the mix as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...nt-needed.html
Spoiler alert: OP (of linked thread) still ended up getting the GLS.
Spoiler alert: OP (of linked thread) still ended up getting the GLS.
For safety reasons. GLS' curb weight is ~5,400 lbs to the Telluride's ~4,400 lbs. In a collision, I want to be in the heavier vehicle. Knock on wood, I've never been in one of those... but we drove up on one yesterday 3-4 minutes after it happened, before first responders arrived. Someone appears to have crossed the double yellow on a single lane highway in a 55 zone... and the debris field went on for hundreds of feet. Heft matters, and the GLS has 25% more of it over the Telluride.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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Well... my post about the Telluride notwithstanding, I too may end up at the GLS.
For safety reasons. GLS' curb weight is ~5,400 lbs to the Telluride's ~4,400 lbs. In a collision, I want to be in the heavier vehicle. Knock on wood, I've never been in one of those... but we drove up on one yesterday 3-4 minutes after it happened, before first responders arrived. Someone appears to have crossed the double yellow on a single lane highway in a 55 zone... and the debris field went on for hundreds of feet. Heft matters, and the GLS has 25% more of it over the Telluride.
For safety reasons. GLS' curb weight is ~5,400 lbs to the Telluride's ~4,400 lbs. In a collision, I want to be in the heavier vehicle. Knock on wood, I've never been in one of those... but we drove up on one yesterday 3-4 minutes after it happened, before first responders arrived. Someone appears to have crossed the double yellow on a single lane highway in a 55 zone... and the debris field went on for hundreds of feet. Heft matters, and the GLS has 25% more of it over the Telluride.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 330
Likes: 119
From: Tennessee
2015 MB S550 & 2020 MB GLS 450
So with respect to good brand, bad brand... anyone aware of an unbiased head-to-head comparison of the GLS vs the Kia Telluride? (I can already hear the gasping.)
I drive a W212 E63 (the last body style with any real character), my wife and I share a G04 X5... so I don't need to be sold on the goodness of cars from the fatherland. The X5 will be retired soon, so I've started replacement recon. I know the Telluride is ubiquitous on the road, but all I know is that every time I see one, my eye is drawn to it. And when I looked into it, it has greater cargo capacity that a GLS, despite being classed as a mid-size. Puppy coming into the family this autumn, and there's a part of me that likes the concept of getting a Kia and not obsessing over where I park, whether the dog has muddy paws, and delighting with paying half the cost of a GLS580.
Before you start..... STOP. I get it. They're two different animals. A loaded Telluride is not a GLS580. But damn... it's a pretty compelling option for a DD. And to the good company/bad company folks, it's been getting rave reviews since it debuted a few years ago.
I've never gotten close a Telluride, I've never driven one, never been to a dealer, zero first-hand experience with the brand.
But FWIW, USN&WR seems to think it's a "good car" from a "good brand." I might have to learn more about it.
I drive a W212 E63 (the last body style with any real character), my wife and I share a G04 X5... so I don't need to be sold on the goodness of cars from the fatherland. The X5 will be retired soon, so I've started replacement recon. I know the Telluride is ubiquitous on the road, but all I know is that every time I see one, my eye is drawn to it. And when I looked into it, it has greater cargo capacity that a GLS, despite being classed as a mid-size. Puppy coming into the family this autumn, and there's a part of me that likes the concept of getting a Kia and not obsessing over where I park, whether the dog has muddy paws, and delighting with paying half the cost of a GLS580.
Before you start..... STOP. I get it. They're two different animals. A loaded Telluride is not a GLS580. But damn... it's a pretty compelling option for a DD. And to the good company/bad company folks, it's been getting rave reviews since it debuted a few years ago.
I've never gotten close a Telluride, I've never driven one, never been to a dealer, zero first-hand experience with the brand.
But FWIW, USN&WR seems to think it's a "good car" from a "good brand." I might have to learn more about it.
Also, info on the 2026 redesign of the Palisade/Telluride has recently been released and they are taking it up a notch, particularly the interior.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 37
Likes: 12
I'll give Kia their due in that the interiors of their vehicles do not creak, squeak, rattle, or pop. We recently replaced our family hauler 2017 Kia Sorento with a CPO 22 GLS 450 and one thing that irks me is this vehicle rattles to a similar degree as my archaic w163.
We cross shopped the Telluride SX Prestige but ultimately a few things were dealbreakers:
- the 3.8L V6 in the Kia is anemic, no ability to produce escape velocity on freeway on ramps, etc.
- the Kia ages like a cheap car, the headlamps yellow, the paint oxidizes, black plastic fades at a rate much faster than I have seen in a Mercedes or BMW.
- Dealers are just bad. Now, in all fairness, I've had bad experiences at BMW and Mercedes dealers. I'd go so far as to say just about every dealership is poor, but Kia might be true bottom barrel. They refused to let me test drive a Stinger once and their service department at all dealers in my area were always booked out months and acted with no sense of urgency (all recall related, no less).
We cross shopped the Telluride SX Prestige but ultimately a few things were dealbreakers:
- the 3.8L V6 in the Kia is anemic, no ability to produce escape velocity on freeway on ramps, etc.
- the Kia ages like a cheap car, the headlamps yellow, the paint oxidizes, black plastic fades at a rate much faster than I have seen in a Mercedes or BMW.
- Dealers are just bad. Now, in all fairness, I've had bad experiences at BMW and Mercedes dealers. I'd go so far as to say just about every dealership is poor, but Kia might be true bottom barrel. They refused to let me test drive a Stinger once and their service department at all dealers in my area were always booked out months and acted with no sense of urgency (all recall related, no less).
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
I'll give Kia their due in that the interiors of their vehicles do not creak, squeak, rattle, or pop. We recently replaced our family hauler 2017 Kia Sorento with a CPO 22 GLS 450 and one thing that irks me is this vehicle rattles to a similar degree as my archaic w163.
We cross shopped the Telluride SX Prestige but ultimately a few things were dealbreakers:
- the 3.8L V6 in the Kia is anemic, no ability to produce escape velocity on freeway on ramps, etc.
- the Kia ages like a cheap car, the headlamps yellow, the paint oxidizes, black plastic fades at a rate much faster than I have seen in a Mercedes or BMW.
- Dealers are just bad. Now, in all fairness, I've had bad experiences at BMW and Mercedes dealers. I'd go so far as to say just about every dealership is poor, but Kia might be true bottom barrel. They refused to let me test drive a Stinger once and their service department at all dealers in my area were always booked out months and acted with no sense of urgency (all recall related, no less).
We cross shopped the Telluride SX Prestige but ultimately a few things were dealbreakers:
- the 3.8L V6 in the Kia is anemic, no ability to produce escape velocity on freeway on ramps, etc.
- the Kia ages like a cheap car, the headlamps yellow, the paint oxidizes, black plastic fades at a rate much faster than I have seen in a Mercedes or BMW.
- Dealers are just bad. Now, in all fairness, I've had bad experiences at BMW and Mercedes dealers. I'd go so far as to say just about every dealership is poor, but Kia might be true bottom barrel. They refused to let me test drive a Stinger once and their service department at all dealers in my area were always booked out months and acted with no sense of urgency (all recall related, no less).
Does Hyundai own Kia as well?
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 37
Likes: 12
Hyundai and Kia may as well be one and the same brand. Genesis has some great looking options but my understanding is that they share the same dealer network. The GV80 and GV80 Coupe are very compelling as they are essentially lux versions of the Telluride/Palisade but I feel you'd run into the same quality issues and dealer experience.
I'm a huge fan of the Korean brands whether it's cell phones, TVs, rice coolers, whatever but I don't think I am at the point to commit 100k for one of their vehicles at this point.
I'm a huge fan of the Korean brands whether it's cell phones, TVs, rice coolers, whatever but I don't think I am at the point to commit 100k for one of their vehicles at this point.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
Hyundai and Kia may as well be one and the same brand. Genesis has some great looking options but my understanding is that they share the same dealer network. The GV80 and GV80 Coupe are very compelling as they are essentially lux versions of the Telluride/Palisade but I feel you'd run into the same quality issues and dealer experience.
I'm a huge fan of the Korean brands whether it's cell phones, TVs, rice coolers, whatever but I don't think I am at the point to commit 100k for one of their vehicles at this point.
I'm a huge fan of the Korean brands whether it's cell phones, TVs, rice coolers, whatever but I don't think I am at the point to commit 100k for one of their vehicles at this point.
I am using Samsung so in a sense I do like South Korean products.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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Genesis also have deliver to home services in certain places
What I also heard is that, some states also have dealerships willing to drive the loaner to your house and drive your vehicle back to the dealership for service. I seen MB dealerships do that actually but I don't remember which ones as they are all independently owned or by automotive groups.
What I also heard is that, some states also have dealerships willing to drive the loaner to your house and drive your vehicle back to the dealership for service. I seen MB dealerships do that actually but I don't remember which ones as they are all independently owned or by automotive groups.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 1,201
GLE 580
So with respect to good brand, bad brand... anyone aware of an unbiased head-to-head comparison of the GLS vs the Kia Telluride? (I can already hear the gasping.)
I drive a W212 E63 (the last body style with any real character), my wife and I share a G04 X5... so I don't need to be sold on the goodness of cars from the fatherland. The X5 will be retired soon, so I've started replacement recon. I know the Telluride is ubiquitous on the road, but all I know is that every time I see one, my eye is drawn to it. And when I looked into it, it has greater cargo capacity that a GLS, despite being classed as a mid-size. Puppy coming into the family this autumn, and there's a part of me that likes the concept of getting a Kia and not obsessing over where I park, whether the dog has muddy paws, and delighting with paying half the cost of a GLS580.
Before you start..... STOP. I get it. They're two different animals. A loaded Telluride is not a GLS580. But damn... it's a pretty compelling option for a DD. And to the good company/bad company folks, it's been getting rave reviews since it debuted a few years ago.
I've never gotten close a Telluride, I've never driven one, never been to a dealer, zero first-hand experience with the brand.
But FWIW, USN&WR seems to think it's a "good car" from a "good brand." I might have to learn more about it.
I drive a W212 E63 (the last body style with any real character), my wife and I share a G04 X5... so I don't need to be sold on the goodness of cars from the fatherland. The X5 will be retired soon, so I've started replacement recon. I know the Telluride is ubiquitous on the road, but all I know is that every time I see one, my eye is drawn to it. And when I looked into it, it has greater cargo capacity that a GLS, despite being classed as a mid-size. Puppy coming into the family this autumn, and there's a part of me that likes the concept of getting a Kia and not obsessing over where I park, whether the dog has muddy paws, and delighting with paying half the cost of a GLS580.
Before you start..... STOP. I get it. They're two different animals. A loaded Telluride is not a GLS580. But damn... it's a pretty compelling option for a DD. And to the good company/bad company folks, it's been getting rave reviews since it debuted a few years ago.
I've never gotten close a Telluride, I've never driven one, never been to a dealer, zero first-hand experience with the brand.
But FWIW, USN&WR seems to think it's a "good car" from a "good brand." I might have to learn more about it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 310
'23 GLS450
Since you are throwing Telluride in the thread I am going to throw CX-90 in the mix as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...nt-needed.html
Spoiler alert: OP (of linked thread) still ended up getting the GLS.
Spoiler alert: OP (of linked thread) still ended up getting the GLS.
My thoughts on GLS vs Telluride:
GLS Pros
- much more interior space and a true 3rd row
- audiophile sound system available
- stronger engine choices
- higher range for longer trips
- more advanced tech
GLS Cons
- electronics not perfect due to higher complexity
- much higher maintenance cost
- materials starting to cheapen out (and Telluride is getting more upscale)
Telluride Pros
- award-winning car
- much cheaper maintenance
- takes regular gasoline
- bigger trunk with all rows up
- longer warranty and roadside assistance
Telluride Cons
- KIA dealers/service centers seem to be located near worse neighborhoods
- acceleration not smooth
- third row better for small children
- slightly worse fuel economy
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,222
Likes: 6,281
At the time I started the thread, the CX90 was brand spanking new. Luckily, the Mazda dealer wanted ADM so that was the "kiss of death" for me and the rest is history. Besides, I have way more interior space than the Mazda!
My thoughts on GLS vs Telluride:
GLS Pros
GLS Cons
Telluride Pros
Telluride Cons
My thoughts on GLS vs Telluride:
GLS Pros
- much more interior space and a true 3rd row
- audiophile sound system available
- stronger engine choices
- higher range for longer trips
- more advanced tech
GLS Cons
- electronics not perfect due to higher complexity
- much higher maintenance cost
- materials starting to cheapen out (and Telluride is getting more upscale)
Telluride Pros
- award-winning car
- much cheaper maintenance
- takes regular gasoline
- bigger trunk with all rows up
- longer warranty and roadside assistance
Telluride Cons
- KIA dealers/service centers seem to be located near worse neighborhoods
- acceleration not smooth
- third row better for small children
- slightly worse fuel economy
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 310
'23 GLS450
The concierge service is intriguing: does the concierge come to your location in a loaner car? I'd imagine this service is limited by the number of loaners...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 1,201
GLE 580
Dedicated Genesis dealerships/service centers are starting to pop up but quite a bit still working out of Hyundai dealerships! Closest one to me is actually closer than the Benz service center I go to...
The concierge service is intriguing: does the concierge come to your location in a loaner car? I'd imagine this service is limited by the number of loaners...
The concierge service is intriguing: does the concierge come to your location in a loaner car? I'd imagine this service is limited by the number of loaners...
https://www.reddit.com/r/GenesisMotors/s/DOw34s6Smd
