2025 GLS450 Ride Quality
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25 GLS 450.. awful awful awful ride, whether psi is set to 32 all around, as was delivered, or 38/40ish for heavier loads..
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
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Joined: Dec 2024
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From: Panama
2024 GLS450 2020 BMW X6 2022 Land Cruiser Prado
25 GLS 450.. awful awful awful ride, whether psi is set to 32 all around, as was delivered, or 38/40ish for heavier loads..
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
22 o 23 in?
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Member
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 75
Likes: 15
From: Panama
2024 GLS450 2020 BMW X6 2022 Land Cruiser Prado
mine is the 23 ....not good at all... but not harsh to be honest.... its kinda weird.. cause also they are pirelli pzero pz4's
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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
25 GLS 450.. awful awful awful ride, whether psi is set to 32 all around, as was delivered, or 38/40ish for heavier loads..
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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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
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25 GLS 450.. awful awful awful ride, whether psi is set to 32 all around, as was delivered, or 38/40ish for heavier loads..
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
Does the 26 have different tire combo? Did you match the PSI on both cars? Maybe the tires?
As for your comment about the GLS vs X5/X7/i7, I had ALL these cars as well as the GLS. Do not expect the GLS to be as good as the i7 (it’s not fair to make that comparison), but it should be as comfy as the X7 without DHP and much much more comfy than the X5. X7 with DHP and small wheel sizes is slightly more confident on the road.
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2026 is the same exact car. This confirms with 100% confidence that there is something wrong with your GLS, and that it is not a standard/general observation.
Does the 26 have different tire combo? Did you match the PSI on both cars? Maybe the tires?
As for your comment about the GLS vs X5/X7/i7, I had ALL these cars as well as the GLS. Do not expect the GLS to be as good as the i7 (it’s not fair to make that comparison), but it should be as comfy as the X7 without DHP and much much more comfy than the X5. X7 with DHP and small wheel sizes is slightly more confident on the road.
Does the 26 have different tire combo? Did you match the PSI on both cars? Maybe the tires?
As for your comment about the GLS vs X5/X7/i7, I had ALL these cars as well as the GLS. Do not expect the GLS to be as good as the i7 (it’s not fair to make that comparison), but it should be as comfy as the X7 without DHP and much much more comfy than the X5. X7 with DHP and small wheel sizes is slightly more confident on the road.
re tires, PSI same all around mine vs loaner...21" AMG all season setup on both (RWH 5 SPOKE)..tires: one has Michelin Primacy, the other Pirellis
big question is : how to remedy? transmission being rough then maybe software and coding outdated...but what about rough ride? could same be true for Airmatic software?
f
Last edited by bonboon; Nov 5, 2025 at 05:44 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
thanks for the notes, bud...agree on the comps..
re tires, PSI same all around mine vs loaner...21" AMG all season setup on both (RWH 5 SPOKE)..tires: one has Michelin Primacy, the other Pirellis
big question is : how to remedy? transmission being rough then maybe software and coding outdated...but what about rough ride? could same be true for Airmatic software?
f
re tires, PSI same all around mine vs loaner...21" AMG all season setup on both (RWH 5 SPOKE)..tires: one has Michelin Primacy, the other Pirellis
big question is : how to remedy? transmission being rough then maybe software and coding outdated...but what about rough ride? could same be true for Airmatic software?
f
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 721
Likes: 78
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From your description and posts, you noted that the differences in ride quality is HUGE. If so, a technician should be able to notice that too. Why don't you ride with the technician, both SUVs back to back. Once he aknowledges the differences, perhaps that will get you a good argument to just replace parts within the airmatic system. I doubt this is a software issue though. I wish I have better answers for you, but I don't.
wish i had a better handle on what gear shifts are most problematic so i can point them in right direction. think 1 to 2 in any mode (comfort, etc) is most problematic.
i was told, not sure if accurate, that software is different on 26 for both airmatic and transmission vs the 25..will keep you posted, great dealership i work with so they are taking concern seriously
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GLE 580
appreciate your help...
wish i had a better handle on what gear shifts are most problematic so i can point them in right direction. think 1 to 2 in any mode (comfort, etc) is most problematic.
i was told, not sure if accurate, that software is different on 26 for both airmatic and transmission vs the 25..will keep you posted, great dealership i work with so they are taking concern seriously
wish i had a better handle on what gear shifts are most problematic so i can point them in right direction. think 1 to 2 in any mode (comfort, etc) is most problematic.
i was told, not sure if accurate, that software is different on 26 for both airmatic and transmission vs the 25..will keep you posted, great dealership i work with so they are taking concern seriously
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
I don't have a GLS but I did have a 23 loaner for over a week when I had my S560 and right before I got my S580. I will say, they ride okay but the ride quality is nothing like a big sedan. I also believe the X7 rides better, as does the X5. My main issue with the GLS is that it really felt kind of all over the place. Not a hard ride, but a more busy ride. I actually would put the loaner into Sport mode to firm up the suspension and I found that improved the ride.
If I were buying a vehicle as a family vehicle, I would get the GLS for the better size. I also like the looks of it more inside and out. If I was getting a car for me to drive every day though I would get the X7 for the better ride and drive.
If I were buying a vehicle as a family vehicle, I would get the GLS for the better size. I also like the looks of it more inside and out. If I was getting a car for me to drive every day though I would get the X7 for the better ride and drive.
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Have also found driving in sport to be a touch better with the 23" AMG wheels. I'm going to get the car programmed with Sport+ so I can drive in -2 height and see what improves. Will also speak to coder to see if there's a Comfort+ option.
Very interested about there being a possible software update to Airmatic- would be killer for someone to help verify that or post some documentation if they've got any software update already. If I find myself at the dealership, I'll inquire and find out as much as I can.
Very interested about there being a possible software update to Airmatic- would be killer for someone to help verify that or post some documentation if they've got any software update already. If I find myself at the dealership, I'll inquire and find out as much as I can.
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GLE 580
Have also found driving in sport to be a touch better with the 23" AMG wheels. I'm going to get the car programmed with Sport+ so I can drive in -2 height and see what improves. Will also speak to coder to see if there's a Comfort+ option.
Very interested about there being a possible software update to Airmatic- would be killer for someone to help verify that or post some documentation if they've got any software update already. If I find myself at the dealership, I'll inquire and find out as much as I can.
Very interested about there being a possible software update to Airmatic- would be killer for someone to help verify that or post some documentation if they've got any software update already. If I find myself at the dealership, I'll inquire and find out as much as I can.
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Hopefully you'll get ILS+ coded too. Also, I didn't know this until @S_W222 mentioned it, but you can change the order of the drive modes and maybe the default too.
I don’t know about Sport and Sport+ drive modes, but I feel that car is more comfortable to drive in Comfort mode for sure, but it is less bouncy in Sport mode. It depends on where you live and type of roads. If the roads are perfect around you, Sport mode is the best perhaps.
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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
I don't have a GLS but I did have a 23 loaner for over a week when I had my S560 and right before I got my S580. I will say, they ride okay but the ride quality is nothing like a big sedan. I also believe the X7 rides better, as does the X5. My main issue with the GLS is that it really felt kind of all over the place. Not a hard ride, but a more busy ride. I actually would put the loaner into Sport mode to firm up the suspension and I found that improved the ride.
If I were buying a vehicle as a family vehicle, I would get the GLS for the better size. I also like the looks of it more inside and out. If I was getting a car for me to drive every day though I would get the X7 for the better ride and drive.
If I were buying a vehicle as a family vehicle, I would get the GLS for the better size. I also like the looks of it more inside and out. If I was getting a car for me to drive every day though I would get the X7 for the better ride and drive.
The GLS is the perfect SUV for road trips… 550 miles of highway range in eco mode, smooth 450 drivetrain, and great comfortable 2nd and 3rd row. We’re currently debating between the X7, GLS, and a few other EV SUV options as the next replacement for the GLS in the near future. Rivian is awesome but has the same versatility limitations as the X7. Gravity is flawless and we don’t mind the van-sh look. But given the perfect size and versatility of the GLS as a family hauler, it’s really difficult to risk anything else.. it gets 10/10 especially given it’s price for the 450. Loaded X7 40i to our liking is 125K. Loaded GLS 450 to our liking is 100K. Mbenz with standard speakers, Airmatic and standard AMG wheels are more than enough. BMW with anything less than B&W speakers, DHP suspension package and upgraded wheels is not a car we’d ever consider, and those together adds nearly 10K.
If I were buying a car for myself, I would choose the X7 M60 once again. I very much enjoyed my former X7 M50 and X7 M60…they were among the finest and most exceptional daily drivers I had ever owned.
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Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Last edited by S_W222; Nov 6, 2025 at 11:49 PM.
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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
I agree the GLS is definitely a wallowy ride, further enhanced if you have the staggered setup whereby it feels like the rear is wiggling the front due to the larger tire size on the rear. But as mentioned, on the highway for a cruise, the GLS truly shines. Can eat up miles a hours upon hours of seat time with ease for everyone, which is a key reason we have one. Lots of driving from NC to DC for us. We clocked the first 50,000 miles within 18 months of ownership (covid era) going back and forth. But in everyday normal suburban driving, it's "ok" but not great in regards to ride quality. Lots of pitching left/right.
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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
IMO the air suspension on a non AMG MUST be run in Sport to be acceptable, otherwise it just feels unstable. GLE experience, though.
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
I felt very similar in the GLS I had for that week. I am a big soft suspension person, I always run my S Classes in comfort and I came from Lexus and like a soft ride feel. In the GLS though I would code it to default to individual and set that to sport suspension for all driving.
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From: Atlanta, GA
2023 EQS450 4Matic SUV, 2025 GLS450
25 GLS 450.. awful awful awful ride, whether psi is set to 32 all around, as was delivered, or 38/40ish for heavier loads..
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
have a 26 loaner, MUCH MUCH MUCH smoother ride
has suspension been tuned differently for 26? is there Airmatic firmware that could be the culprit for me?
it's maddening..compared to bmws (x5, x7, i7) and cadillac (escalade esv sport plat) absolutely trash ride.. harsh over bumps beyond believe, lateral grip when going over rough surfaces in curves poor but i can live with. feeling bumps in my bones pisses me off for 105+
