GLS Class (X167) Produced 2020 to present

2020 GLS 580's have Sport +?

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Old Jan 13, 2026 | 07:02 PM
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GL350 Bluetec and GLS580
2020 GLS 580's have Sport +?

I've seen in a few magazines over the years that pictured 2020 580's with a sport plus option. I just thought they were errors in reporting, but just the other day an old video on Youtube showed up and I saw it with my own eyes, a sport + option on the MBUX screen of a 580, Can anyone personally confirm this?
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Old Jan 13, 2026 | 07:33 PM
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S but not S+ like my AMG. Only one S setting.To me for an S+ there needs to also be a "just S"...what ever that means

Last edited by OldManAndHisCar; Jan 13, 2026 at 07:34 PM.
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Old Jan 13, 2026 | 08:55 PM
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The linked thread may give you some insight. It appears, Sport+ is there if the vehicle is equipped with the E-ABC suspension. That also adds the Curve mode. Similarly, the offroad package adds the Offroad mode. So modes depend on equipment. You also have to look at the details of what Sport+ actually changes. In some cases, Sport+ doesn't do much in regular Mercedes-Benz models. In some models, all it does is pump in more sound through the speakers, but doesn't actually change anything else. Or in case of the GLS, Sport+ is there, because the E-ABC suspension has more capabilities than the standard air suspension.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...-only-amg.html
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Old Jan 14, 2026 | 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by superswiss
The linked thread may give you some insight. It appears, Sport+ is there if the vehicle is equipped with the E-ABC suspension. That also adds the Curve mode. Similarly, the offroad package adds the Offroad mode. So modes depend on equipment. You also have to look at the details of what Sport+ actually changes. In some cases, Sport+ doesn't do much in regular Mercedes-Benz models. In some models, all it does is pump in more sound through the speakers, but doesn't actually change anything else. Or in case of the GLS, Sport+ is there, because the E-ABC suspension has more capabilities than the standard air suspension.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...-only-amg.html
I can confirm this. I have a 2020 580 w/ E-ABC and I definitely use it. I don’t know the complete list of what it does, but what I’ve experienced is that it lowers the vehicle, makes the accelerator more aggressive, tightens up the suspension, and opens up the exhaust sound. I love it. Didn’t realize that non-E-ABC equipped models didn’t have it until now.
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 10:50 AM
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Interesting, our 2021 does have E-ABC but no S+ only S. I know it can be added with variant coding.
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 11:13 AM
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Okay, I am offically confused. So, some cars have S AND S+, not just "S"?
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by OldManAndHisCar
Okay, I am offically confused. So, some cars have S AND S+, not just "S"?
I can confirm that my 2020 w/ E-ABC has 6 modes - Off Road, ECO, Curve, Comfort, Sport, Sport+
I've never used the first 3, just Comfort and Sport+
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by ksalno
I can confirm that my 2020 w/ E-ABC has 6 modes - Off Road, ECO, Curve, Comfort, Sport, Sport+
I've never used the first 3, just Comfort and Sport+
I need to look harder. It is the other halves car and when I put it into S she gives me "the look" on the rare occasion I drive it.
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by OldManAndHisCar
I need to look harder. It is the other halves car and when I put it into S she gives me "the look" on the rare occasion I drive it.
My car always starts in Comfort and I use the up/down lever on the center console to push it up to see Sport and Sport + and then down to see the others. They don't all show up on the screen at the same time.
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by jkaetz
Interesting, our 2021 does have E-ABC but no S+ only S. I know it can be added with variant coding.
Look again, but there are some weird configurations out there from during the pandemic when there were parts shortages. Your car may be missing a part.
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Old Jan 15, 2026 | 04:28 PM
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Thanks, I have a 2021 with E-ABC but no Sport+. I guess the mystery is solved, 2020 is the lucky year.


Originally Posted by ksalno
I can confirm that my 2020 w/ E-ABC has 6 modes - Off Road, ECO, Curve, Comfort, Sport, Sport+
I've never used the first 3, just Comfort and Sport+
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Old Jan 17, 2026 | 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by DC-BENZ
Thanks, I have a 2021 with E-ABC but no Sport+. I guess the mystery is solved, 2020 is the lucky year.
I realized my 21 w/ EABC was missing S+ too. I may have it coded by Benzninja
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Old Jan 17, 2026 | 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by DC-BENZ
Thanks, I have a 2021 with E-ABC but no Sport+. I guess the mystery is solved, 2020 is the lucky year.
Originally Posted by qxron
I realized my 21 w/ EABC was missing S+ too. I may have it coded by Benzninja
Sounds like they may have had a change of heart and eliminated S+. TBH, S+ is kinda questionable for a regular Mercedes-Benz. If you want more sport, there are the 43, 53 and 63 models for that. Coding it in after the fact is also questionable. Coding it in just makes it show up in DYNAMIC SELECT, but in order to do anything, there need to be maps for that mode in the ECU etc. So what you actually get with S+ coded in might be unfinished/untested maps, or the same maps as S. May need a tuner to actually tune proper maps for it. C,S,S+ are just mode selectors that tell the different components in the car to select specific maps, but those maps have to exist and be properly tested in the individual components.
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Old Jan 17, 2026 | 05:57 PM
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To code it one would probably just need to code the "TCU" not ecu; there are plenty of companies that do that, "off the shelf". "I" think that sport plus mode mostly controls the shift speed. Note 2020 GLS's are quicker from 0-60 (that's what caught my eye about the whole sports + thing to start with).

Originally Posted by superswiss
Sounds like they may have had a change of heart and eliminated S+. TBH, S+ is kinda questionable for a regular Mercedes-Benz. If you want more sport, there are the 43, 53 and 63 models for that. Coding it in after the fact is also questionable. Coding it in just makes it show up in DYNAMIC SELECT, but in order to do anything, there need to be maps for that mode in the ECU etc. So what you actually get with S+ coded in might be unfinished/untested maps, or the same maps as S. May need a tuner to actually tune proper maps for it. C,S,S+ are just mode selectors that tell the different components in the car to select specific maps, but those maps have to exist and be properly tested in the individual components.

Last edited by DC-BENZ; Jan 17, 2026 at 05:59 PM.
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Old Jan 17, 2026 | 08:54 PM
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Originally Posted by DC-BENZ
To code it one would probably just need to code the "TCU" not ecu; there are plenty of companies that do that, "off the shelf". "I" think that sport plus mode mostly controls the shift speed. Note 2020 GLS's are quicker from 0-60 (that's what caught my eye about the whole sports + thing to start with).
Have to code both. Technically the modes control the throttle map, shift speed and shift points. One without the other doesn't get you the whole deal. Then there's the suspension mapping for Sport+ as well.
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Old Jan 17, 2026 | 09:25 PM
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Maybe so, "I" don't know, because I do not code nor have seen what the 2020 GLS sport + code looks like. However "off the shelf" and separately for sale by many companies for the GLS 580 are performance upgraded ECU's, TCU's , and CPC's. "I" believe the TCU upgrade will get you a 2020 GLS 580 sport +'s 0-60 time if you have a 2021.

Originally Posted by superswiss
Have to code both. Technically the modes control the throttle map, shift speed and shift points. One without the other doesn't get you the whole deal. Then there's the suspension mapping for Sport+ as well.
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Old Jan 17, 2026 | 11:58 PM
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My 2020 GLE with E-ABC also has S+. I bet @EleBest could probably add it for other model years.

The GLE is a backup car now but I used S+ and never S when I wanted a sportier driving experience. S wasn't enough for me, it has less road feel and did not feel as planted.
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Old Jan 18, 2026 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by wildta
My 2020 GLE with E-ABC also has S+. I bet @EleBest could probably add it for other model years.

The GLE is a backup car now but I used S+ and never S when I wanted a sportier driving experience. S wasn't enough for me, it has less road feel and did not feel as planted.
I have Sport S+ or Sport Plus drive mode (as well as Snow mode and also off-road mode) all coded by @EleBest to my GLS 450. I can tell a big difference especially in Sport Plus in terms of suspension firmness, height as well as engine/transmission response. Car turns into a track-like mode, so it is not for day-to-day drives, but when you are in a rush or having fun on a highway or long stretch, it's awesome.

The best drive mode so far that he coded for me is the Snow mode though. It's sucks that Mercedes did not make it available to all of us by default. I was told it is available in some regions in countries only by default but hidden in others and the US.
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Old Jan 18, 2026 | 11:58 AM
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@S_W222 That does "kinda" make sense to me. Over the years I have seen MANY folks blow up thier cars after "snow mode". Heck, I have almost done it a time or to.

Have an issue, get into L or 4WDL - get out of the pickle you are in. Next thing you know your redlined at 35mph trying to figure out why you cant merge and the car sounds like it is blowing up. In our GLS a time or two in sand I have put the car into what ever mode (and lifted it). More than once I have forgot to put the car back in the regluar old "drive me" mode. Thankfully I have never blown up a car (that way). I know many folks who have...mostly back when I was living in the snow zones.
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Old Jan 18, 2026 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by superswiss
Look again, but there are some weird configurations out there from during the pandemic when there were parts shortages. Your car may be missing a part.
Individual, Sport, Comfort, Curve, Eco, Off-Road, Off-Road+ (keeps center diff clutch engaged permanently)

Originally Posted by superswiss
Have to code both. Technically the modes control the throttle map, shift speed and shift points. One without the other doesn't get you the whole deal. Then there's the suspension mapping for Sport+ as well.
My understanding of variant "coding" is mostly enabling/disabling different code paths that are already present in the various modules. I doubt MB wants to waste time and effort creating a half dozen different software packages for each combination of car thus you code the software into all of them and then turn things on and off with variables.

This is completely different from ecu/tcu tuning where someone is actually logging things and making changes to the fuel/spark/boost/shift points to gain more power or response.

Last edited by jkaetz; Jan 18, 2026 at 01:29 PM.
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Old Jan 18, 2026 | 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by S_W222
Car turns into a track-like mode, so it is not for day-to-day drives, but when you are in a rush or having fun on a highway or long stretch, it's awesome.

The best drive mode so far that he coded for me is the Snow mode though. It's sucks that Mercedes did not make it available to all of us by default. I was told it is available in some regions in countries only by default but hidden in others and the US.
Fun on an empty highway is exactly when I use S+. And yes the throttle response is a very noticeable change from S.

I should probably hit up @EleBest as I don't have snow mode but use the old Mercedes as the ski trip car now. Thanks for mentioning this.
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Old Jan 19, 2026 | 07:33 AM
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Originally Posted by wildta
Fun on an empty highway is exactly when I use S+. And yes the throttle response is a very noticeable change from S.

I should probably hit up @EleBest as I don't have snow mode but use the old Mercedes as the ski trip car now. Thanks for mentioning this.
My GLS is VERY capable in snow. It’s my preferred daily in winter and on snow days. Better than any other sedan or SUV under those conditions. I was VERY surprised. Not just by the Snow Mode, but by how the GLS handles slippery roads/conditions.
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Old Jan 19, 2026 | 07:56 AM
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@S_W222 Being from up north...seriously, best car I ever drove in the (resaonable) snow was my 911 Turbo, as crazy as that seems. Sure, not 6" of snow...but wintery roads? Nothing beat the Porsche.
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Old Jan 19, 2026 | 09:20 AM
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Originally Posted by OldManAndHisCar
@S_W222 Being from up north...seriously, best car I ever drove in the (resaonable) snow was my 911 Turbo, as crazy as that seems. Sure, not 6" of snow...but wintery roads? Nothing beat the Porsche.
I believe it. Track-ready cars are awesome in snow. My Alpina B8 was just as good too in snow and on slippery roads.
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Old Jan 19, 2026 | 04:56 PM
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Originally Posted by OldManAndHisCar
@S_W222 Being from up north...seriously, best car I ever drove in the (resaonable) snow was my 911 Turbo, as crazy as that seems. Sure, not 6" of snow...but wintery roads? Nothing beat the Porsche.
Makes sense. The same thing that makes them good on the track, maximize traction and control at the limits, makes them good on the snow/rain. Most don't notice how bad their vehicles are at the limits of traction until then are in the snow or rain because they're normally never near the limit.
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