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Hope you are all doing well. I am currently an owner of 2024 X5 LCI looking forward to upgrade and move to the Mercedes Benz family. I have been thinking of getting myself a GLS but I am still gathering information about the engine/configuration I should look for. Want to hear some tips from your guys - what is the most reliable engine, what are the main issues with the model, which year I should aim for.
I am searching for more business than sporty experience - therefore I am not looking for 580 or AMG versions. As far as I know from random internet reviews the most reliable engine option is the gasoline 450, but I would appreciate some information from specialized forum like this one. There is only one dealer in my country and in case of trouble the waiting list for getting in a service is long enough so I am mainly searching for the most healthy engine/configuration. Just want to avoid as much as possible warranty covered issues and waiting to get in the dealers service for weeks. I am in Europe so diesel is an option as well. Warranty is a must so I am going either for a brand new one or up to 2 years with MB exclusive warranty and option to expand it. Would be thankful as well if you can share your opinion on the must have extras.
Thanks for your answers.
Last edited by Epotuka; Jun 9, 2025 at 09:14 AM.
Reason: giving more detailed explanation of the topic
Hope you are all doing well. I am currently an owner of 2024 X5 LCI looking forward to upgrade and move to the Mercedes Benz family. I have been thinking of getting myself a GLS but I am still gathering information about the engine/configuration I should look for. Want to hear some tips from your guys - what is the most reliable engine, what are the main issues with the model, which year I should aim for.
I am searching for more business than sporty experience - therefore I am not looking for 580 or AMG versions. As far as I know from random internet reviews the most reliable engine option is the gasoline 450, but I would appreciate some information from specialized forum like this one. There is only one dealer in my country and in case of trouble the waiting list for getting in a service is long enough so I am mainly searching for the most healthy engine/configuration. Just want to avoid as much as possible warranty covered issues and waiting to get in the dealers service for weeks. I am in Europe so diesel is an option as well. Warranty is a must so I am going either for a brand new one or up to 2 years with MB exclusive warranty and option to expand it. Would be thankful as well if you can share your opinion on the must have extras.
Thanks for your answers.
580 with the V8 is a smooth experience, it is not meant to be sporty, AMG yes but a V8 that is comfort tuned is not meant to be sporty. There is a reason why S-Class have V8s.
That said, the inline-6 in the 450 is smooth and the horsepower might be enough for your needs.
If you are coming from the X5 40i, you really will LOVE the mbenz Inline-6. Much more responsive, very powerful and perfect for this car.
You said you are looking for “more business than sporty experience”, which was also my goal for the SUV, and hence I’d certainly recommend the GLS 450. I have a fun weekend V8 sedan, and another SUV with the V8. The GLS 450 is ideal for how we use it (family hauler, long trips, or whenever we need the space or going to the mountains).
The car is absolutely awesome for off-road, long trips or highway trips. Even in town, in sport mode it drives like a beast. I love the 450 engine more than I thought I would. It is much smoother than the 580 in my view, and definitely shifts better. The engine is so easy to work on too. Service time and getting to spark plugs for instance is easier and takes much less time for a DYI or indy shop. Obviously it will cost less to maintain (cheaper service, better gas mileage).
You will also be surprised if you have snow in winter. This car handles better than any of my BMWs in winter. Truly outstanding in Snow drive mode.
Suspension, surprisingly, is much more stable than the X5 and X7 40i. The only SUV that’s better is the X5 or X7 M50/M60 with the Dynamic Handling Package (DHP). Otherwise, 40i vs GLS (580 or 450), the GLS wins hands down. No experience with E-ABC, and I would suggest you pass too. The standard Airmatic in the GLS is already outstanding.
My experience comes personal real-ownership: owning a GLS 450 with the AMG package, with overlapping ownership X7 M60 with DHP, I also had an X5 40i regular suspension and previously X5 M50 with DHP.
If you are coming from the X5 40i, you really will LOVE the mbenz Inline-6. Much more responsive, very powerful and perfect for this car.
You said you are looking for “more business than sporty experience”, which was also my goal for the SUV, and hence I’d certainly recommend the GLS 450. I have a fun weekend V8 sedan, and another SUV with the V8. The GLS 450 is ideal for how we use it (family hauler, long trips, or whenever we need the space or going to the mountains).
The car is absolutely awesome for off-road, long trips or highway trips. Even in town, in sport mode it drives like a beast. I love the 450 engine more than I thought I would. It is much smoother than the 580 in my view, and definitely shifts better. The engine is so easy to work on too. Service time and getting to spark plugs for instance is easier and takes much less time for a DYI or indy shop. Obviously it will cost less to maintain (cheaper service, better gas mileage).
You will also be surprised if you have snow in winter. This car handles better than any of my BMWs in winter. Truly outstanding in Snow drive mode.
Suspension, surprisingly, is much more stable than the X5 and X7 40i. The only SUV that’s better is the X5 or X7 M50/M60 with the Dynamic Handling Package (DHP). Otherwise, 40i vs GLS (580 or 450), the GLS wins hands down. No experience with E-ABC, and I would suggest you pass too. The standard Airmatic in the GLS is already outstanding.
My experience comes personal real-ownership: owning a GLS 450 with the AMG package, with overlapping ownership X7 M60 with DHP, I also had an X5 40i regular suspension and previously X5 M50 with DHP.
I was hoping you chime in, still gorgeous and still a great paint colour, enjoy in good health.
I would say study the packages very well and decide which ones make sense for you. If you are happy with 450, that's fine, but the 580 comes standard with certain packages that are optional on the 450.
Also, when you say business what do you mean, you value luxury more, comfort more ? For example : There is rear executive package that was a must for us after we learnt about it and so was the V8 for me. So try out a bunch of cars with different options and see which ones make sense for you.
thanks for the responses so far! I am aiming both for comfort ride and luxurious experience as I tried to achieve in the x5 I am owning at the moment - air suspension, ventilated and massage seats on both front and back seats. My x5 is 298hp 30d and going to 450 is an upgrade as far as I am aware.
Long story short - I’m pretty much into switching asap, just kinda afraid of some forum posts about warranty covered issues (mainly software), that I find annoying when you get a brand new luxury vehicle and just want to minimise the risk as much as I can.
thanks for the responses so far! I am aiming both for comfort ride and luxurious experience as I tried to achieve in the x5 I am owning at the moment - air suspension, ventilated and massage seats on both front and back seats. My x5 is 298hp 30d and going to 450 is an upgrade as far as I am aware.
Long story short - I’m pretty much into switching asap, just kinda afraid of some forum posts about warranty covered issues (mainly software), that I find annoying when you get a brand new luxury vehicle and just want to minimise the risk as much as I can.
Usually getting the facelift is a good idea, worse is getting first model year but things like chio shortage complicated things. 2024 model year was the facelift for the X167 GLS though.
That said, the inline-6 in the 450 is smooth and the horsepower might be enough for your needs.
Owning one and having driven the other (as a service loaner). The 450 is VERY under powered, has issues passing and feel anemic, as compared to the V8.
Owning one and having driven the other (as a service loaner). The 450 is VERY under powered, has issues passing and feel anemic, as compared to the V8.
Owning one and having driven the other (as a service loaner). The 450 is VERY under powered, has issues passing and feel anemic, as compared to the V8.
I disagree with that. If the OP wanted a world of difference, he'd stick w/BMW and get the X7 M60i (with slightly better fuel econ to boot)! I think anyone who's ever driven an M60i and GLS580 back to back knows what I mean!
I've been on my GLS450 for multiple road trips and never complained about being able to pass. The Sport mode also gives me that extra oomph any time I do feel I need it (like on a steep incline and passing).
@EWL5 Sure, in the V8 you do not NEED "Sport Mode" and transmission games to pass. The economy is about equal for fuel between the two as well, by all real world assessments (I know for sure as we had a 450 for just over three weeks waiting on a part for the 580 some time ago). It sure was nice getting back into the big one - not to mention Designo and our other options.
@EWL5 Sure, in the V8 you do not NEED "Sport Mode" and transmission games to pass. The economy is about equal for fuel between the two as well, by all real world assessments (I know for sure as we had a 450 for just over three weeks waiting on a part for the 580 some time ago). It sure was nice getting back into the big one - not to mention Designo and our other options.
I'm not sure how you drove that GLS450 but I routinely get 20-21 mpg in mixed driving.
We (she) averages right at 20-21. Clinic is about five miles from home, there and back....on the highway we also get about that or greater, 22 or so if we are set on cruise at 70mph. Continental tires, straight street tires as we never ever see snow, mud, sand....towing I have heard over and again they are equal in economy. Obviously the six has to work harder than the eight.
Now, when I am driving - NO WHERE near that. In my car. hell, 15 if I am lucky (I check milage about twice a year, I kinda dont care).
We have a 2024 GLS580 and routinely get 20+ mpg on trips, in town is a bit lower, especially when we are testing things. We have about 6K miles on it and it's showing an average of 19.6 mpg.
My 2020 GLE (not GLS) got low to mid 20s mile per gallon in town, low 30s on the open road. Once broken in, it would break traction if I floored it to insert into a gap in traffic, but that was on the 20 inchers it came with, which was not enough Tire.
I live above 5,000 feet, and I never had trouble passing. There's plenty of power until it runs into a wall of air at about 105 mph.
I've been kind of an inline six person anyway, ever since my XK 120M. (And my 700,000 mile Land cruiser FJ45.)
So I now own an AMG53, with the smoothness of a six
Gained 45hp, Don't run into that wall of air until 120, but I've lost five MPG.
If I were to replace the car with a Mercedes, It would have to be an AMG 63S - not for the engine but for the AMG Active Ride Control, because I wouldn't own any Mercedes SUV without ARC. Too floaty.
I disagree with that. If the OP wanted a world of difference, he'd stick w/BMW and get the X7 M60i (with slightly better fuel econ to boot)! I think anyone who's ever driven an M60i and GLS580 back to back knows what I mean!
I've been on my GLS450 for multiple road trips and never complained about being able to pass. The Sport mode also gives me that extra oomph any time I do feel I need it (like on a steep incline and passing).
I agree with your points. Having experienced both (kind of), I own a GLE 580 and rented a GLS 450 for 3.5 weeks last summer. During that time, I frequently drove with seven passengers (six adults and one child) through mountainous terrain. In all situations during that trip, the GLS 450 had sufficient power. The only time it might be lacking is if you were considering passing someone already traveling at 80 mph on a two-lane highway with a fully occupied three-row SUV – a maneuver I'd personally avoid. Naturally, I love the M176 engine and would still opt for it if I were to upgrade to the GLS. I get around 13-14 MPGs around town (tons of hills and short stop/go) and 20-21 MPGs on the freeway (75-80 MPH) on my GLE 580.
I also have E-Active Body Control (E-ABC) on my GLE 580 and found that I preferred its performance over the GLS 450's Airmatic suspension. While not a direct comparison, the drive modes on my GLE with E-ABC are significantly more noticeable. On the GLS 450, the difference between Comfort and Sport modes was barely perceptible, and I definitely noticed more body roll and a feeling of floatiness. I've become accustomed to the E-ABC keeping the car remarkably flat through turns, even in Comfort mode, which creates a sensation of a much lower center of gravity. The Curve mode offers an even more impressive feeling, allowing the car to lean into turns similar to a motorcycle.
If I were to replace the car with a Mercedes, It would have to be an AMG 63S - not for the engine but for the AMG Active Ride Control, because I wouldn't own any Mercedes SUV without ARC. Too floaty.
I share a similar sentiment. I could only replace my E-ABC with an AMG Airmatic/ARC suspension, or get E-ABC again. Airmatic alone is great for most people but not for me.
I disagree with that. If the OP wanted a world of difference, he'd stick w/BMW and get the X7 M60i (with slightly better fuel econ to boot)! I think anyone who's ever driven an M60i and GLS580 back to back knows what I mean!
I've been on my GLS450 for multiple road trips and never complained about being able to pass. The Sport mode also gives me that extra oomph any time I do feel I need it (like on a steep incline and passing).
The GLS 450 has sufficient power and never feels anemic. It isn't fast but it has adequate power for an SUV and will tow 6000lb with authority. In economy mode it has produced a best mpg of 26. Go drive one and you will be surprised with the 48v hybrid component the power is instant off idle because peak toque is fairly low rpm. 580 is definitely a better engine but given the nature of the GLS, I feel the 450 powertrain is more than adequate.
The GLS 450 has sufficient power and never feels anemic.
Until you drive a 550, 580 or 63, Hell, my E63S feel very powerful and ready...until I get into my neighbors Lamborghini or recon back to my 911 TurboS....it is perspective. To say a 450 has the same "feel" or performance as an 8 is silliness. For me, I would never ever get a 450 after having a 550 and 580....more so as we on occasion tow (heavy) things.
Until you drive a 550, 580 or 63, Hell, my E63S feel very powerful and ready...until I get into my neighbors Lamborghini or recon back to my 911 TurboS....it is perspective. To say a 450 has the same "feel" or performance as an 8 is silliness. For me, I would never ever get a 450 after having a 550 and 580....more so as we on occasion tow (heavy) things.
I have to agree, we towed a fully loaded 24ft trailer through the PA mountans with our ML350 and thought it performed beautifully. Now that we have the 580, the ML feels sluggish. We still love it for in town driving, but there's no comparison on the highway or when towing.
The GLS 450 has sufficient power and never feels anemic. It isn't fast but it has adequate power for an SUV and will tow 6000lb with authority. In economy mode it has produced a best mpg of 26. Go drive one and you will be surprised with the 48v hybrid component the power is instant off idle because peak toque is fairly low rpm. 580 is definitely a better engine but given the nature of the GLS, I feel the 450 powertrain is more than adequate.
If GLS 450 with the M256 is bad, I can't imagine the M264 four cylinder in the GLS, thankfully not an option, but standard in the GLE in the form of the GLE 350.
Until you drive a 550, 580 or 63, Hell, my E63S feel very powerful and ready...until I get into my neighbors Lamborghini or recon back to my 911 TurboS....it is perspective. To say a 450 has the same "feel" or performance as an 8 is silliness. For me, I would never ever get a 450 after having a 550 and 580....more so as we on occasion tow (heavy) things.
Originally Posted by Dynamicpulse
I have to agree, we towed a fully loaded 24ft trailer through the PA mountans with our ML350 and thought it performed beautifully. Now that we have the 580, the ML feels sluggish. We still love it for in town driving, but there's no comparison on the highway or when towing.
We do get spoiled by nice things I would say. For example going from S-Class to Rolls-Royce, how will you get back down? I mean, everything below will be like a compromise. It is at that point you decide what is the best balance of everything and not excess.
We really need to experience the V12 or the W16 to really appreciate how much better those are to the V8, then we will also decide the V8 is bad/not as smooth as those much more refined cylinders from the likes of Rolls Royce and Bentley.
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