2025 GLS Issues
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
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2016 E250
2025 GLS Issues
Contemplating a 25 GLS 450 4 magic purchase. like almost everything about it. pick up wasn't great and felt I had to step on the skinny pedal more to get it going. like merging onto the highway etc.
Question is I read quite a few 24 owners regretting their purchase. Has anything been sorted for '25???
Also with 26 refresh out in a few months is it worth waiting g for the new tech and fascia? That's more subjective...
Drove a Defender and that was like driving g a $98k jeep... the X7 was nice, but the interior colors are dreadful. was trying to stay away from black again.
Question is I read quite a few 24 owners regretting their purchase. Has anything been sorted for '25???
Also with 26 refresh out in a few months is it worth waiting g for the new tech and fascia? That's more subjective...
Drove a Defender and that was like driving g a $98k jeep... the X7 was nice, but the interior colors are dreadful. was trying to stay away from black again.
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Contemplating a 25 GLS 450 4 magic purchase. like almost everything about it. pick up wasn't great and felt I had to step on the skinny pedal more to get it going. like merging onto the highway etc.
Question is I read quite a few 24 owners regretting their purchase. Has anything been sorted for '25???
Also with 26 refresh out in a few months is it worth waiting g for the new tech and fascia? That's more subjective...
Drove a Defender and that was like driving g a $98k jeep... the X7 was nice, but the interior colors are dreadful. was trying to stay away from black again.
Question is I read quite a few 24 owners regretting their purchase. Has anything been sorted for '25???
Also with 26 refresh out in a few months is it worth waiting g for the new tech and fascia? That's more subjective...
Drove a Defender and that was like driving g a $98k jeep... the X7 was nice, but the interior colors are dreadful. was trying to stay away from black again.
MB is a bad brand, simply put. The cars look nice and when they work, they work well. They don’t work all of the time. This has dire financial consequences for some owners after the warranty period. During the warranty period the owner is “only” put out by the amount of time and hassle it takes to get the repair done at the dealer.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2015
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2016 E250
Had a 21 GLE that was so underpowered, I asked the dealer to buy it back. not problems but had only 3k miles on it. This is unfortunate as I have owned several from 99 to 21 with very little issue
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Contemplating a 25 GLS 450 4 magic purchase. like almost everything about it. pick up wasn't great and felt I had to step on the skinny pedal more to get it going. like merging onto the highway etc.
Question is I read quite a few 24 owners regretting their purchase. Has anything been sorted for '25???
Also with 26 refresh out in a few months is it worth waiting g for the new tech and fascia? That's more subjective...
Drove a Defender and that was like driving g a $98k jeep... the X7 was nice, but the interior colors are dreadful. was trying to stay away from black again.
Question is I read quite a few 24 owners regretting their purchase. Has anything been sorted for '25???
Also with 26 refresh out in a few months is it worth waiting g for the new tech and fascia? That's more subjective...
Drove a Defender and that was like driving g a $98k jeep... the X7 was nice, but the interior colors are dreadful. was trying to stay away from black again.
Member
Joined: Sep 2022
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From: Houston
2021 GLS 450 & 23 GLS 450. Have a Holden Commodore, Jeep, truck, and more
Was it in Eco, comfort, or sport mode? This does make a significant difference. I typically drive V8 vehicles that are on the faster end of the spectrum. That said my GLS450 hasn't felt like it was slow. I was driving my 23 GLS450 on a road trip yesterday and had this exact same feeling. I began to think something was wrong until I realized it was in eco mode. Switched it back to comfort and it felt fine. Not crazy fast, but fine for having luggage and 4 people/ No problem getting on to the interstate, merging,etc.
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Was it in Eco, comfort, or sport mode? This does make a significant difference. I typically drive V8 vehicles that are on the faster end of the spectrum. That said my GLS450 hasn't felt like it was slow. I was driving my 23 GLS450 on a road trip yesterday and had this exact same feeling. I began to think something was wrong until I realized it was in eco mode. Switched it back to comfort and it felt fine. Not crazy fast, but fine for having luggage and 4 people/ No problem getting on to the interstate, merging,etc.
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From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
MB is a bad brand, simply put. The cars look nice and when they work, they work well. They don’t work all of the time. This has dire financial consequences for some owners after the warranty period. During the warranty period the owner is “only” put out by the amount of time and hassle it takes to get the repair done at the dealer.
Come on..... That's a bit too much, but feel free to continue sharing what you think is true. My point is, Mbenz isn't as good as other geman manufacturers, but I'd never say that Mbenz is a bad brand or Mbenz is a low quality manufacturing company. If that was true, I would have sold my Mbenz tomorrow, and am sure you wouldn't still be here on this forum too. My next car will probably be somehting else (not a Mbenz for all the obvious reasons as far as quality and technology that has fallen behind), but I still love my current Mbenz for what I paid for. Would I buy a new benz today? Of course not; they all feel 5-6 years old today technology-wise. Quality? Yeah not that great as a decade or more ago (but again, "not as great" is different than "bad").
Last edited by S_W222; Apr 21, 2025 at 11:12 PM.
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'23 GLS450
Despite a shaky start due to the electronics, my MY23 GLS450 has been performing admirably thus far. I would have expected the mid-cycle refresh (MY24 and newer) to be even better but it seems the gremlins are still at it!
@dfar, don't expect anything ground breaking for MY26. It should be business as usual as Mercedes is most likely getting ready for a full EV conversion!
@dfar, don't expect anything ground breaking for MY26. It should be business as usual as Mercedes is most likely getting ready for a full EV conversion!
Last edited by EWL5; Apr 22, 2025 at 08:06 AM.
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Listen, we know that Mbenz has missed the point technologically and material/quality wise recently, but to post under almost every thread you can including cars you own and don't own with the same negative tune, including words like (Mbenz is a bad brand) and (Mercedes is a low quality manufacturing company) is a bit funny and extreme, lol.
Come on..... That's a bit too much, but feel free to continue sharing what you think is true. My point is, Mbenz isn't as good as other geman manufacturers, but I'd never say that Mbenz is a bad brand or Mbenz is a low quality manufacturing company. If that was true, I would have sold my Mbenz tomorrow, and am sure you wouldn't still be here on this forum too. My next car will probably be somehting else (not a Mbenz for all the obvious reasons as far as quality and technology that has fallen behind), but I still love my current Mbenz for what I paid for. Would I buy a new benz today? Of course not; they all feel 5-6 years old today technology-wise. Quality? Yeah not that great as a decade or more ago (but again, "not as great" is different than "bad").
Come on..... That's a bit too much, but feel free to continue sharing what you think is true. My point is, Mbenz isn't as good as other geman manufacturers, but I'd never say that Mbenz is a bad brand or Mbenz is a low quality manufacturing company. If that was true, I would have sold my Mbenz tomorrow, and am sure you wouldn't still be here on this forum too. My next car will probably be somehting else (not a Mbenz for all the obvious reasons as far as quality and technology that has fallen behind), but I still love my current Mbenz for what I paid for. Would I buy a new benz today? Of course not; they all feel 5-6 years old today technology-wise. Quality? Yeah not that great as a decade or more ago (but again, "not as great" is different than "bad").
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Now he's stuck with a questionable generation Cayenne. He's also "Chassis" on the Rennlist.
It's a shame, because he has good knowledge to share.
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Agree. According to his profile, he owns what (IMO) was one of the worst examples of MB SUV's - a 2017 GLE350 (supreme boat) with a lame engine (V6). That engine was never enough to move a GLE, and mileage suffered.
Now he's stuck with a questionable generation Cayenne. He's also "Chassis" on the Rennlist.
It's a shame, because he has good knowledge to share.
Now he's stuck with a questionable generation Cayenne. He's also "Chassis" on the Rennlist.
It's a shame, because he has good knowledge to share.
I am not too familiar with bmw or porsche. I dislike Porsche but I think they too make great cars just their cars aren't for me. Different product for different folks.
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
To be honest all new cars from all brands are a huge question mark. IMO the problem is that the car manufacturers were really good at making mechanical things. Now so much of a car is controlled by software and a complex computer network manufacturers are struggling to transition from mechanical expertise to technological expertise. Then throw in the race to minimize manufacturing costs and meet unrealistic government regulations and you land us in the current environment of great cars when they work, but questionable longevity.
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To be honest all new cars from all brands are a huge question mark. IMO the problem is that the car manufacturers were really good at making mechanical things. Now so much of a car is controlled by software and a complex computer network manufacturers are struggling to transition from mechanical expertise to technological expertise. Then throw in the race to minimize manufacturing costs and meet unrealistic government regulations and you land us in the current environment of great cars when they work, but questionable longevity.
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From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
To be honest all new cars from all brands are a huge question mark. IMO the problem is that the car manufacturers were really good at making mechanical things. Now so much of a car is controlled by software and a complex computer network manufacturers are struggling to transition from mechanical expertise to technological expertise. Then throw in the race to minimize manufacturing costs and meet unrealistic government regulations and you land us in the current environment of great cars when they work, but questionable longevity.
However, saying that (Mbenz is a bad brand) and (Mercedes is a low quality manufacturing company) is closer to trolling at this point. They are obviously moving slowly towards becoming a bad brand, but not yet, they could make a u-turn still. If Mbenz is a bad and low quality manufacturing today, then what about other brands? Do Mbenz owners not drive/rent brands that are commonly known as lower quality brands? Plastic everywhere, squeaks, rattles and and poor driving dynamics. Mbenz is still a top choice, but not as good as some other german brands for sure nowadays, but not a bad brand or low quality manufacturing company (that’s trolling and mostly an effort to poke/trigger people around).
Thread Starter
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2016 E250
Spoke with a local service manager. 24-25 issues are mostly worked out. there is a programming recall for the hard downshift. that seems to be a fix, as no repeat complaints.
He just finished training on the new MBUX super screen system and he said it's def worth the wait. looks like MB is finally catching up more surpassing everyone. the passenger has their own screen which acts like a tablet connected to the internet. screen is from a pillar to a pillar. Will be in the E and S def and pretty sure GLE and GLS. Looks like GLA as well, so across the board and an option in some classes.
He just finished training on the new MBUX super screen system and he said it's def worth the wait. looks like MB is finally catching up more surpassing everyone. the passenger has their own screen which acts like a tablet connected to the internet. screen is from a pillar to a pillar. Will be in the E and S def and pretty sure GLE and GLS. Looks like GLA as well, so across the board and an option in some classes.
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2021 GLS580 | 2011 ML350 BlueTec | 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP
I'd take that with a huge grain of salt. Service Advisors and customer service people always say a fix is on the way and there are no major issues.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
To be honest all new cars from all brands are a huge question mark. IMO the problem is that the car manufacturers were really good at making mechanical things. Now so much of a car is controlled by software and a complex computer network manufacturers are struggling to transition from mechanical expertise to technological expertise. Then throw in the race to minimize manufacturing costs and meet unrealistic government regulations and you land us in the current environment of great cars when they work, but questionable longevity.
The Supreme Court ruled twice, in 2012 and in 2016, at the EPA must give that guidance, but they refuse. Bosch et al sued, saying that they (and car manufacturers in general (thus the et al) could be more environmentally responsible and save money.
I called it entrapment. (AKA dieselgate, Which the EPA calls one of the biggest feathers in their cap.)
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Not only can those government regulations be unrealistic, the EPA refuses to give guidance as to what they might be in the future, leaving it up to manufacturers to "give it their best guess."
The Supreme Court ruled twice, in 2012 and in 2016, at the EPA must give that guidance, but they refuse. Bosch et al sued, saying that they (and car manufacturers in general (thus the et al) could be more environmentally responsible and save money.
I called it entrapment. (AKA dieselgate, Which the EPA calls one of the biggest feathers in their cap.)
The Supreme Court ruled twice, in 2012 and in 2016, at the EPA must give that guidance, but they refuse. Bosch et al sued, saying that they (and car manufacturers in general (thus the et al) could be more environmentally responsible and save money.
I called it entrapment. (AKA dieselgate, Which the EPA calls one of the biggest feathers in their cap.)
MBWorld God!
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Exactly, and well stated!. Question mark on technological expertise, longevity and minimizing manufacturing cost are the right words.
However, saying that (Mbenz is a bad brand) and (Mercedes is a low quality manufacturing company) is closer to trolling at this point. They are obviously moving slowly towards becoming a bad brand, but not yet, they could make a u-turn still. If Mbenz is a bad and low quality manufacturing today, then what about other brands? Do Mbenz owners not drive/rent brands that are commonly known as lower quality brands? Plastic everywhere, squeaks, rattles and and poor driving dynamics. Mbenz is still a top choice, but not as good as some other german brands for sure nowadays, but not a bad brand or low quality manufacturing company (that’s trolling and mostly an effort to poke/trigger people around).
However, saying that (Mbenz is a bad brand) and (Mercedes is a low quality manufacturing company) is closer to trolling at this point. They are obviously moving slowly towards becoming a bad brand, but not yet, they could make a u-turn still. If Mbenz is a bad and low quality manufacturing today, then what about other brands? Do Mbenz owners not drive/rent brands that are commonly known as lower quality brands? Plastic everywhere, squeaks, rattles and and poor driving dynamics. Mbenz is still a top choice, but not as good as some other german brands for sure nowadays, but not a bad brand or low quality manufacturing company (that’s trolling and mostly an effort to poke/trigger people around).
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Thread Starter
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2016 E250
He didn't deny the issues at all. just said some of the issues haven't come up or programming g seemed to fix them, as the customer didn't come back for the same issue. Did say he had quote a few trans issues that seemed to be resolved through programming g. That seems to be confirmed on other boards as well. who knows.
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He didn't deny the issues at all. just said some of the issues haven't come up or programming g seemed to fix them, as the customer didn't come back for the same issue. Did say he had quote a few trans issues that seemed to be resolved through programming g. That seems to be confirmed on other boards as well. who knows.
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At least they look good... Show us some pictures : ) and I thought 22s were harsh, 21ish is good for this vehicle (I think) 20s it will look small (wait is 20s even an option on this vehicle?)
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'23 GLS450
I don't think 20s were available for the most recent models. I had 20s on my X166 and that allowed for a square setup compared to my current 21s (which I'm sure will be a challenge to find all 4 tires in stock simultaneously).
