2025 GLS450 Ride Quality
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Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 82
Likes: 16
From: Atlanta, GA
2023 EQS450 4Matic SUV, 2025 GLS450
Interesting the loaner rides better since it has same tires as mine…and I thought michelins would ride smoother which is what I planned to replace this with. Guess not anymore.
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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
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.
Especially since you can override the Comfort engine and transmission mapping with your right foot. A fast stab of the gas pedal causes the car to think "Sport+," overriding the current settings. In addition to the full throttle sensor, the pedal velocity is an input to the algorithm.
That's why some owners complain that the transmission "hangs" in a lower gear after flooring it. Like 5 seconds before returning to the previous settings.
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bs or not?
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Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 1
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2025 GLS 450 2020 GLS 580
Changing ride quality 2025 GLS 450
I too am having problems with a very harsh/stiff ride quality in my new 2025 GLS 450. I drove 4 different 2025 GLS 450s before purchasing the one I unfortunately have. All of the 2025s rode in varying degrees of harshness except for the one I purchased, which rode very smoothly, much like my 2020 GLS 580, maybe softer. Both of my GLS's have the 21" wheels. After a week to 10 days of driving it, about 300 miles or so, the ride became very harsh, similar to the other 3 I test drove. I took it back to the dealer and they replaced the rear shocks without improvement. They offered to open a case with Mercedes directly, so I took it back to them again, but they failed to open a case. When I asked why not, they told me it rode like every other one they tested and they wouldn't open a case, which really angered me. I didn't make a stink at the time as I had to take my GLS 580 for routine service. When I picked up my 580, the advisor told me that it was the softest riding GLS he has driven and that he now notices all the GLS's all ride harsher, to varying degrees, than my GLS 580. WTF! There has to be something wrong with the programming of the shock dampening/ air suspension that ruins the ride quality and is even inconsistent within the same model. If anyone has any contacts with MB or could advise me how to pursue this further, it would be appreciated.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 82
Likes: 16
From: Atlanta, GA
2023 EQS450 4Matic SUV, 2025 GLS450
I too am having problems with a very harsh/stiff ride quality in my new 2025 GLS 450. I drove 4 different 2025 GLS 450s before purchasing the one I unfortunately have. All of the 2025s rode in varying degrees of harshness except for the one I purchased, which rode very smoothly, much like my 2020 GLS 580, maybe softer. Both of my GLS's have the 21" wheels. After a week to 10 days of driving it, about 300 miles or so, the ride became very harsh, similar to the other 3 I test drove. I took it back to the dealer and they replaced the rear shocks without improvement. They offered to open a case with Mercedes directly, so I took it back to them again, but they failed to open a case. When I asked why not, they told me it rode like every other one they tested and they wouldn't open a case, which really angered me. I didn't make a stink at the time as I had to take my GLS 580 for routine service. When I picked up my 580, the advisor told me that it was the softest riding GLS he has driven and that he now notices all the GLS's all ride harsher, to varying degrees, than my GLS 580. WTF! There has to be something wrong with the programming of the shock dampening/ air suspension that ruins the ride quality and is even inconsistent within the same model. If anyone has any contacts with MB or could advise me how to pursue this further, it would be appreciated.
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Joined: Sep 2019
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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
Yeah, it’s possible that the software in 2024 and beyond will have a different dynamic adjustment mechanism that doesn’t improve things. My 2023 drives are functioning VERY well. Oh well, thanks, Mbenz. The trend continues downward.. not surprised.
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From: Panama
2024 GLS450 2020 BMW X6 2022 Land Cruiser Prado
I preffere the air suspension from my 2020 X6 vs the 2024 GLS airmatic...
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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
An SUV like the X6 will always drive better than a large SUV like the GLS, especially if you had the M50 with DHP (That’s probably as good as any SUV can ever drive, especially in the size of the X6).
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Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 75
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From: Panama
2024 GLS450 2020 BMW X6 2022 Land Cruiser Prado
the way the x6 absorbs bumps... omis better than the gls...
i have both and a side to side comparisonn.... on bad roads....
the X6 isolates soo much better.
the drivee iss faar superior experiencee feel and everything... that doesnt comparee.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 82
Likes: 16
From: Atlanta, GA
2023 EQS450 4Matic SUV, 2025 GLS450
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,106
Likes: 1,490
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Yeah am also interested to know what's going on.
Mbenz has also released a few back to back recalls just for 2025 and 2026 model years to address a number of issues like transmission issues, fuel pump replacements, windshield bonding, the 48V system, but not for the 2024 or 2020-2023 model years. Suspension appears to be an issue for 2025 and 2026 based on forum feedback too.
Something isn't right for 25 and 26 model years in my view.
Mbenz has also released a few back to back recalls just for 2025 and 2026 model years to address a number of issues like transmission issues, fuel pump replacements, windshield bonding, the 48V system, but not for the 2024 or 2020-2023 model years. Suspension appears to be an issue for 2025 and 2026 based on forum feedback too.
Something isn't right for 25 and 26 model years in my view.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 82
Likes: 16
From: Atlanta, GA
2023 EQS450 4Matic SUV, 2025 GLS450
Yeah am also interested to know what's going on.
Mbenz has also released a few back to back recalls just for 2025 and 2026 model years to address a number of issues like transmission issues, fuel pump replacements, windshield bonding, the 48V system, but not for the 2024 or 2020-2023 model years. Suspension appears to be an issue for 2025 and 2026 based on forum feedback too.
Something isn't right for 25 and 26 model years in my view.
Mbenz has also released a few back to back recalls just for 2025 and 2026 model years to address a number of issues like transmission issues, fuel pump replacements, windshield bonding, the 48V system, but not for the 2024 or 2020-2023 model years. Suspension appears to be an issue for 2025 and 2026 based on forum feedback too.
Something isn't right for 25 and 26 model years in my view.
