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I totally agree that the creaks/squeaks in the interior are a big problem with Mercedes. Its literally the only thing that bothers me about my S580, I have tracked them all down for the most part but every once and a while the interior will just give off a loud plastic/plastic crack and it feels and sounds very low rent. Something that should be very simple for them to remedy.
If we could go 2 row there are LOTS of good options, but we need the 3 row.
It the Cayenne is a candidate, you might compare with an AMG GLE 63 or AMG53 with AMG ARC.
The Cayenne with PDCC is similar to the AMG ARC, which improves both the ride and handling. In my carefully constructed 70 mile test drives in both, I preferred the AMG53 over the Cayenne. The AMG63 has ARC standard.
I didn't like the lack of physical switches in the Cayenne, but maybe Porsche has relented and re-introduced switches.
I've not had squeaks / creaks in my 53, but perhaps it's the "Exclusive Napa Leather / Diamond Stitching" (leather everywhere) interior.
Makes sense and I appreciate the feedback, but if am still in the Mbenz SUV domain, there is no reason at all (for me) to go with the GLE when the GLS is there. Technically the same exact car, but GLS is better for me. Going the Cayenne route (as a virtual option for now) is just because of the things that are less than ideal in the GLS that would be better in Porsche. Going with 2-row SUV is a very low probability, and if so, it won't be a Benz SUV for sure.
Rattles am referring to are there in almost every loaner I've had. It's not like it squeaks and rattles 24/7, but you kinda hear them and feel them on rough roads from time to time, at least not the same level of refinement I've had or have in my other cars, but it's not terrible either. It just takes away from the joy of being in the car a tiny bit. I have no doubts that it's just the way it is. I might be more sensitive to it than you.
Makes sense and I appreciate the feedback, but if am still in the Mbenz SUV domain, there is no reason at all (for me) to go with the GLE when the GLS is there. Technically the same exact car, but GLS is better for me. Going the Cayenne route (as a virtual option for now) is just because of the things that are less than ideal in the GLS that would be better in Porsche. Going with 2-row SUV is a very low probability, and if so, it won't be a Benz SUV for sure.
Rattles am referring to are there in almost every loaner I've had. It's not like it squeaks and rattles 24/7, but you kinda hear them and feel them on rough roads from time to time, at least not the same level of refinement I've had or have in my other cars, but it's not terrible either. It just takes away from the joy of being in the car a tiny bit. I have no doubts that it's just the way it is. I might be more sensitive to it than you.
I've never met anyone more sensitive to squeaks and rattles than I. Never.
If I start on a drive or trip and I hear anything, I stop and address it. My wife thinks I'm obsessed. She's probably right.
When I worked at dealerships, I was the one tasked with finding noises in customer cars. I've also been a consultant for electronics and speaker manufacturers as a paid "Listener."
Take my word that the Exclusive Napa leather just doesn't creak. It's uncanny how much difference when all touch surfaces are prime leather. A $5k option and quiet is one advantage (combined with Acoustic Comfort). I spent ten grand for "quiet!"
It's similar to the "full leather" option on Porsches, which also eliminates or reduces creaking.
I've only driven a GLS on one test drive and it wa too ponderous. Perhaps the additional wheelbase contributes to chassis flexing. My ML166 was a bit creaky, and I wouldn't have been in a 167 if chassis rigidity hadn't been improved. I wouldn't have been in a Mercedes.
I thought you told us that you are considering a two row car.
I've never met anyone more sensitive to squeaks and rattles than I. Never.
If I start on a drive or trip and I hear anything, I stop and address it. My wife thinks I'm obsessed. She's probably right.
When I worked at dealerships, I was the one tasked with finding noises in customer cars. I've also been a consultant for electronics and speaker manufacturers as a paid "Listener."
Take my word that the Exclusive Napa leather just doesn't creak. It's uncanny how much difference when all touch surfaces are prime leather. A $5k option and quiet is one advantage (combined with Acoustic Comfort). I spent ten grand for "quiet!"
It's similar to the "full leather" option on Porsches, which also eliminates or reduces creaking.
I've only driven a GLS on one test drive and it wa too ponderous. Perhaps the additional wheelbase contributes to chassis flexing. My ML166 was a bit creaky, and I wouldn't have been in a 167 if chassis rigidity hadn't been improved. I wouldn't have been in a Mercedes.
I thought you told us that you are considering a two row car.
The longer chassis exaggerating all of this makes sense.
Leather surfaces isn’t everything.
I removed so many panels myself to install multiple dashcams around the GLS. I’ve noticed how bad the clips are compared to my X7 and the leather packs isn’t going to change that (my guess). There is a lot of plastic to plastic parts behind the panels and no felt material on these surfaces that we don’t see like on my X7.
I LOVE the GLS. I just know it’s isn’t perfect. The perfect SUVs are small. Life is all about compromises anyway. 70% chance that our next SUV is another GLS anyway
The longer chassis exaggerating all of this makes sense.
Leather surfaces isn’t everything.
I removed so many panels myself to install multiple dashcams around the GLS. I’ve noticed how bad the clips are compared to my X7 and the leather packs isn’t going to change that (my guess). There is a lot of plastic to plastic parts behind the panels and no felt material on these surfaces that we don’t see like on my X7.
I LOVE the GLS. I just know it’s isn’t perfect. The perfect SUVs are small. Life is all about compromises anyway. 70% chance that our next SUV is another GLS anyway
100% agree with you, and is a key disappointment for me on the car itself. Not saying it's horrible, but why they made it so cheap on the most important part, the interior, is as stupid as their stubborn windshield wipers. Especially on a car that was advertised to be flying through sand dunes, and a suspension system that could make the car hop up and down. I mean, didn't anyone say "hey, we may want to beef up the mounting hardware for the inside panels here" when they were designing this thing? We get some rattle noises from the back via imperfections on the road now. But at 6 years and nearly 100k miles on ours, we don't really care anymore. It's been paid off for a few years, not worth much anymore, so it's all just a +1 for us now until it becomes a -1. Still pretty damn good though. Enough for me to put a few grand into it soon for some maintenance to make sure it runs at its best. It's going to become the college hauler wagon later this year for a place that is about 150 miles from us.
100% agree with you, and is a key disappointment for me on the car itself. Not saying it's horrible, but why they made it so cheap on the most important part, the interior, is as stupid as their stubborn windshield wipers. Especially on a car that was advertised to be flying through sand dunes, and a suspension system that could make the car hop up and down. I mean, didn't anyone say "hey, we may want to beef up the mounting hardware for the inside panels here" when they were designing this thing? We get some rattle noises from the back via imperfections on the road now. But at 6 years and nearly 100k miles on ours, we don't really care anymore. It's been paid off for a few years, not worth much anymore, so it's all just a +1 for us now until it becomes a -1. Still pretty damn good though. Enough for me to put a few grand into it soon for some maintenance to make sure it runs at its best. It's going to become the college hauler wagon later this year for a place that is about 150 miles from us.
Honestly, my wife was just saying the same this weekend "Why are you even looking for another SUV (now)?" The true answer is: it's just me (3 years and that's the peak ownership period). But honestly as I think about it, the best decision is to keep it longer for a few more years.
My only concern is that our warranty will expire in 2027. The GLS has been super reliable over 10s of thousands of miles. Only one service visit for a ball joint (+ the famous purge valve). I don't even consider any of these as mechanical issues. So I might risk it and try to keep it for 1-2 years until more SUV options are available. Am super excited for the new X7 that's rumored to be larger with same/better capacity as the GLS. The mild-hybrid Inline-6 in both cars is awesome, especially the X7.
In the next few weeks, we'll try to test-drive a new Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport, and the Range Rover Velar....Just to close the chapter of (potentially better but 2-row SUV options)
Also excited about a slightly larger X7. My 2024 GLS creaks and pops like a cheap used Chrysler I used to drive. We have a 2025 X5 that is absolutely silent on the inside. Come on Mercedes you've failed on interior noise.
I put our Pacifica in the shop the other day and sat in a new Grand Wagoneer on the showroom floor, the refresh model. It is seriously nice inside, very high quality with great materials. I think the refresh also looks much better...$100k sticker but I'm sure with rebates and all its buyable for $25k less. Massive though, just climbing up into it I wouldn't want to do that every day.
I also read today that the next generation VW Atlas will have a PHEV option with ~ 60 miles of range...
Update: Nothing much after seeing the Cayenne. Great car, but we know even the best 2-row SUV won't be a good fit.
HOWEVER.... We also test-drove a new X7 just for fun (though we had 3 before and know it well). I gotta say, the X7 40i with Dynamic Handling Package or DHP ( very rare to find on the 40i) is an EXCEPTIONAL ride. GLS is still more versatile, but what a nice ride. Back home with the GLS and the title. Looks like it's staying home for another year maybe unless something happens or a nice SUV convinces us to trade sooner.
Even with the handful of warts, the GLS is a hard one to replace. Certainly some out there that may be nicer in spots here and there, but not so much to warrant the cost. You almost have to want a totally different type of car to get out of the GLS. I think that's where we're headed ourselves. It may be a smaller VW Tiquan and a fun little toy car (mini perhaps) to go along with it. It is nice to be entering a phase of life where we don't need the large family haulers anymore and can go for some smaller / sportier options. Neighbors went from a Lexus LX570 to a BMW X3M a few years ago as their youngest went off to college, and they love it.
Update: Nothing much after seeing the Cayenne. Great car, but we know even the best 2-row SUV won't be a good fit.
HOWEVER.... We also test-drove a new X7 just for fun (though we had 3 before and know it well). I gotta say, the X7 40i with Dynamic Handling Package or DHP ( very rare to find on the 40i) is an EXCEPTIONAL ride. GLS is still more versatile, but what a nice ride. Back home with the GLS and the title. Looks like it's staying home for another year maybe unless something happens or a nice SUV convinces us to trade sooner.
The Porsche 3-Row might come out as early as next year
Even with the handful of warts, the GLS is a hard one to replace. Certainly some out there that may be nicer in spots here and there, but not so much to warrant the cost. You almost have to want a totally different type of car to get out of the GLS. I think that's where we're headed ourselves. It may be a smaller VW Tiquan and a fun little toy car (mini perhaps) to go along with it. It is nice to be entering a phase of life where we don't need the large family haulers anymore and can go for some smaller / sportier options. Neighbors went from a Lexus LX570 to a BMW X3M a few years ago as their youngest went off to college, and they love it.
Yeah going smaller opens up a lot of really attractive options...we still need the three rows though...
Even with the handful of warts, the GLS is a hard one to replace. Certainly some out there that may be nicer in spots here and there, but not so much to warrant the cost. You almost have to want a totally different type of car to get out of the GLS. I think that's where we're headed ourselves. It may be a smaller VW Tiquan and a fun little toy car (mini perhaps) to go along with it. It is nice to be entering a phase of life where we don't need the large family haulers anymore and can go for some smaller / sportier options. Neighbors went from a Lexus LX570 to a BMW X3M a few years ago as their youngest went off to college, and they love it.
The GLS likely wouldn’t have been as successful if there had been a true direct competitor offering the same combination of luxury, size, and versatility in one SUV like the GLS. It’s a great SUV that benefited from competing in a segment where very few SUVs successfully blend the luxury, comfort and real versatility in a single SUV, but again the cabin creaks is a major flaw in the GLS and Mbenz in general. Regardless...the GLS is still the best or one of the best 3-row options ... The X7 is very close.
Other than that, the american brands are just too huge, floaty and the drivetrain is always an issue (Escalade is a great option but the drivetrain is terrible and many of those on the road needed a new engine under the new recall). I had a navigator before and it was one of the very best SUVs we ever had, but my wife thinks it is just massive and that the GLS has the perfect combo of exterior dimensions and interior cabin space.
Originally Posted by wildta
The Porsche 3-Row might come out as early as next year
I saw that, but it's a Porsche electric, and Porsche doesn't value range that much. I expect the range to be very low and hence it won't be a good fit for a family cruiser. I prefer PHEV or ICE for SUVs, or a proper electric SUV with at least 350 miles of actual real range. The only company that delivers on their claimed range on highways is BMW. Porsche, Tesla, and most others experience a huge reduction on highways compared to their advertised range.
I drove an XC90 PHEV and a Lexus TX500h today. The 550h+ PHEVs are really hard to come by. I liked them both a lot. The XC90 is considerably smaller than the GLS inside, too small for us probably but the TX was pretty close and surprisingly I didn't hate the 4 cyl non PHEV hybrid powertrain. Felt very solid and comfortable.
You might consider the AMG GLS, which has AMG ARC (AMG Ride Control) which enhances both ride (makes it more supple) and handling (active roll bars).
Best of both worlds.
I would not have bought another Mercedes SUV had I not experienced the ARC. I like "supple" and "responsive." MUCH smoother ride than standard Air suspension. Second choice was a Cayenne with PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) with active sway bars.
Get the most premium leather and you'll likely experience few creaks. Mine is silent (VERY silent) at 52,000 miles of track use, off-road and towing. https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/cl...s/suv/type-amg
You might consider the AMG GLS, which has AMG ARC (AMG Ride Control) which enhances both ride (makes it more supple) and handling (active roll bars).
Best of both worlds.
I would not have bought another Mercedes SUV had I not experienced the ARC. I like "supple" and "responsive." MUCH smoother ride than standard Air suspension. Second choice was a Cayenne with PDCC (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control) with active sway bars.
Get the most premium leather and you'll likely experience few creaks. Mine is silent (VERY silent) at 52,000 miles of track use, off-road and towing. https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/cl...s/suv/type-amg
I heard that that the ARC is geat. However, the ride quality isn’t an issue at all; in fact I think the Airmatic in the GLS is more than perfect. Excellent, simple, reliable and great for road trips.. Great point though about the premium leather although all the creaks seem to come from plastic parts behind the panels or around seats and dash that are shared among all leather trims, so I don’t know. It’s not something that bothers that much anyway, but I’d love to carefully search and try everything around this time.
The main thing about the AMG are the tires. Replacing the rears every 10k miles would drive me crazy. Plus I don’t there are too many options for all season tires in general for it, which for an “SUV” seems Kind’ve counter intuitive. I’m not sure how well their rims hold up in real world living either? Seems like pothole panic for a bent rim? Sometimes I wonder if Mercedes realizes that they’re the only ones with an autobahn.
I think we're going with the new Range Rover Sport PHEV with 53 PHEV miles with the Stormer Handling Package , if I don't get another GLS. It's right now the 2nd ranked option on my list, and might even become #1.
The only challenge is that it costs more than a nicely options GLS 450 and it's 2 row when fully loaded. The Stormer Handling Package is a must have and it's a 7K option but well worth it to go all in when spec'ing one. I couldn't see if off-MSRP is an option because I didn't want to have a serious discussion yet but leasehackr suggests that 4-5% is reasonable but only for 2025 older/existing stocked units which will not work as non of they are nicely spec'd or loaded.
I looked into your suggestion regarding the leather. They charge $12-13K alone for the MANUFAKTUR Interior Package, which is honestly the (only) real premium interior that could/may make a difference. It’s kinda foolish that we have to pay that amount (>10% of the car MSRP) just to fix an issue, when the standard leather is actually VERY good and easy to clean (and honesty my preference for a family car). The MANUFAKTUR leather looks awesome though!. Full Merino in the X7 costs almost one third or less than half of that, and still in my view even better.
I looked into your suggestion regarding the leather. They charge $12-13K alone for the MANUFAKTUR Interior Package, which is honestly the (only) real premium interior that could/may make a difference. It’s kinda foolish that we have to pay that amount (>10% of the car MSRP) just to fix an issue, when the standard leather is actually VERY good and easy to clean (and honesty my preference for a family car). The MANUFAKTUR leather looks awesome though!. Full Merino in the X7 costs almost one third or less than half of that, and still in my view even better.
If you're already getting the multicountour seats and Exclusive package, the additional cost of the fancy-covers-most-surfaces Black Exclusive Nappa leather is a net $3,690 addition. Different colors than black require the $12.9k (yikes) premium.
Full leather in a Cayenne is about $4,000, and the Full Merino in an X7 costs $4,650 in addition to the Extended Merino $1,950.
At least as far as I can tell.
The way MB packages their MANUFAKTUR Interior Package is excessive IMO, and it doesn't even include Burmester 3D, but forces several other options.
I'd live with Black for <$4k. Unfortunately they no longer include Diamond Stitching, which brings comfort up a notch.
If you're already getting the multicountour seats and Exclusive package, the additional cost of the fancy-covers-most-surfaces Black Exclusive Nappa leather is a net $3,690 addition. Different colors than black require the $12.9k (yikes) premium.
Full leather in a Cayenne is about $4,000, and the Full Merino in an X7 costs $4,650 in addition to the Extended Merino $1,950.
At least as far as I can tell.
The way MB packages their MANUFAKTUR Interior Package is excessive IMO, and it doesn't even include Burmester 3D, but forces several other options.
I'd live with Black for <$4k. Unfortunately they no longer include Diamond Stitching, which brings comfort up a notch.
My '21, a bit under $4k
I see. Honestly I think an exciting cabin and colors is more important to me than a more premium leather, especially when the standard one is excellent. The issue is see with all of this is that I am having to pay that much (about 12K) just to get the creaks and cabin issues (potentially) reduced or eliminated. That's a huge amount for an issue that I shouldn't pay for, and on top of that, it will force me to pay the 12.5K just to get the colors that I like which costs me zero in standard leather option that has no issues at all.
I was just surprised about the cost for the non-black options. Makes zero sense. Premium leather is great, but 12.5K? I think that's a stretch.
Other than the Range Rover Sport PHEV and Volvo XC90 PHEV, I thought I'd look at the Lincoln Aviator but I found it has not been updated to the new interior and tech yet.
Some friends also suggested the 2026 Genesis GV70, but just like the Lexus LX, it looks like a huge downgrade from the GLS, X7, lincoln and others. Might be a better color, but they are smaller and look very basic.
So far the only options that make sense are the GLS, Range Rover Sport, or the Volvo XC90. Am gonna try to take a short trip later this month to a Volvo dealer if they have the new XC90. It's prices really well, and arguably the most reliable out of all 3-row SUVs.
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