2026 GLS 450 or 580
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2026 Porsche Macan GTS , 2026 Chevy HD2500 Silverado
2026 GLS 450 or 580
I'm sure this has been discussed before but a quick search didn't provide me a whole lot of info on the 2026 cars. I know they haven't had a major update (guess that's coming on the 27's), but am looking at buying now. General opinion is to go with the 450 for a smoother ride, better gas mileage and ample power. Was wondering, are the seats better in the 580, is the ride worse than the 450, and does the 450 have enough (subjective) power, If so, I'll go that way. It is $25k cheaper.
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2024 S580
The 450 and 580 are the same except for the engine. Ride the same, feel the same, seats are all the same. The 580 comes with some things standard that the 450 has optional, like AMG line, leather, the 22" wheels, exclusive trim package with multicontour seats in the front etc.
Only ride issue is the wheels, personally I would want the 21 inch wheels to maximize ride quality and to make allseason tires easier to buy, the 580 locks you into the 22s. If I were buying for me to drive I would get the 580, as a family vehicle I would get the 450.
Only ride issue is the wheels, personally I would want the 21 inch wheels to maximize ride quality and to make allseason tires easier to buy, the 580 locks you into the 22s. If I were buying for me to drive I would get the 580, as a family vehicle I would get the 450.
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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
The 450 and 580 are the same except for the engine. Ride the same, feel the same, seats are all the same. The 580 comes with some things standard that the 450 has optional, like AMG line, leather, the 22" wheels, exclusive trim package with multicontour seats in the front etc.
Only ride issue is the wheels, personally I would want the 21 inch wheels to maximize ride quality and to make allseason tires easier to buy, the 580 locks you into the 22s. If I were buying for me to drive I would get the 580, as a family vehicle I would get the 450.
Only ride issue is the wheels, personally I would want the 21 inch wheels to maximize ride quality and to make allseason tires easier to buy, the 580 locks you into the 22s. If I were buying for me to drive I would get the 580, as a family vehicle I would get the 450.
Also agree on the wheels. These eat up the rear tires in general. The softer the rubber (summer tires) the less you'll see. On the all-seasons for the 21's, they last roughly 25-ish in general with basic driving style. The fronts are fine to about 40k-ish (I run Michelins).
On the AMG version of the GLS, it's not terribly uncommon for them to barely see 10k miles...
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2024 S580
If you lease right now the lease rates on the GLS are very good, especially on the 580 for some reason. A 580 is only ~ $100 more a month despite the price delta. For $100 a month I'd spring for the 580...
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2026 Porsche Macan GTS , 2026 Chevy HD2500 Silverado
Thanks much for the replies, it's my driver and I put on 30-35k a year living in the mountains, hope to scale that back when we leave Colorado about this time next year. I like the larger engine but should probably drive the 450 as it might be enough,
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2012 GL450, 1998 E300, 2014 GLK350, 2004 Ram 2500 with the Cummins
I service a good friend of mine cars. His wife got the 26 GLS580 earlier this year and brought it by for its first service at ~10k miles. It already needed a new RR tire.
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2024 S580
Once you drive the 580 you're going to want that lol. I always make sure not to drive the bigger engine if I don't want to select the bigger engine...because once I drive it I'm gonna want it.
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Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
My suggestion is to pay close attention to how the car shifts with both engines.
Am not gonna tell you choose this or that, but think about how they shift and how they pull from still-stand, and more importantly how they shift under both normal as well as aggressive driving conditions.
That’s exactly what I did and I’d pay actually more money for the engine I got than the other one; it’s all based on what you like and value. It might be worth it to also read about both engines, given your mileage, long-term reliability and maintenance aspect should be a big factor. If you are new to Mbenz, spend enough time with this car and notice the shifts. Mbenz makes the worst transmissions among all german brands, and you may or may not find it acceptable for one engine vs the other.
For someone who lives in the mountain like you, the GLS is an AWESOME choice. You will love it. I’ve been to all mountains around the country with this car, including Colorado. Really that’s where it shines on these long cruise trips. It also tows very well….
Good luck!
Last edited by S_W222; May 15, 2026 at 09:56 PM.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I'll bet the 450 gets +10mpg over the 580. Which, I assume, would be similar to my AMG53 in mpg.
I miss my 30-32 highway mpg - in Colorado.
The 450 pulls strongly to about 90mph, and my 429hp 53 pulls to 105, for reference. (Passing power.)
A little extra reserve.
The 450 was plenty for towing my 6,000lb 27 ft RV. In Colorado.
I miss my 30-32 highway mpg - in Colorado.
The 450 pulls strongly to about 90mph, and my 429hp 53 pulls to 105, for reference. (Passing power.)
A little extra reserve.
The 450 was plenty for towing my 6,000lb 27 ft RV. In Colorado.
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Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
I'll bet the 450 gets +10mpg over the 580. Which, I assume, would be similar to my AMG53 in mpg.
I miss my 30-32 highway mpg - in Colorado.
The 450 pulls strongly to about 90mph, and my 429hp 53 pulls to 105, for reference. (Passing power.)
A little extra reserve.
The 450 was plenty for towing my 6,000lb 27 ft RV. In Colorado.
I miss my 30-32 highway mpg - in Colorado.
The 450 pulls strongly to about 90mph, and my 429hp 53 pulls to 105, for reference. (Passing power.)
A little extra reserve.
The 450 was plenty for towing my 6,000lb 27 ft RV. In Colorado.
Towing wise, I think all GLS tow just as good like you said. I did a lot of towing in my 450 and it was awesome. I just wish if the full drive assist would stay do the full lane centering/adjustment in towing mode like other cars. It's stupid that it doesn't or was not designed to be safe enough in tow mode. One of the few things i hate on road trips when am towing.
Last edited by S_W222; Yesterday at 01:05 PM.
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
I'll bet the 450 gets +10mpg over the 580. Which, I assume, would be similar to my AMG53 in mpg.
I miss my 30-32 highway mpg - in Colorado.
The 450 pulls strongly to about 90mph, and my 429hp 53 pulls to 105, for reference. (Passing power.)
A little extra reserve.
The 450 was plenty for towing my 6,000lb 27 ft RV. In Colorado.
I miss my 30-32 highway mpg - in Colorado.
The 450 pulls strongly to about 90mph, and my 429hp 53 pulls to 105, for reference. (Passing power.)
A little extra reserve.
The 450 was plenty for towing my 6,000lb 27 ft RV. In Colorado.
The 450 is plenty of power but the 580 has that effortlessness that is very addictive once you are used to it
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
FWIW the shorter GLE has a better towing geometry than the GLS, because a determining factor is the ratio of the rear overhang to the wheelbase. A longer wheelbase Is only part of the equation, since that rear overhang defines the lever action on the chassis itself.
Both are better tow vehicles in my mind than a 3/4 ton BOF pickup. Modern suspension, bigger brakes, better ratio, minimal chassis flex.
Both are better tow vehicles in my mind than a 3/4 ton BOF pickup. Modern suspension, bigger brakes, better ratio, minimal chassis flex.
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2009 ML350, 2026 GLS 450
I leased the 26 GLS450 in February and have loved most everything about it. Power is good, ride is awesome, cabin noise is very low (I got the option for double pane windows and additional sound insulation). Interior space is great, have used all 7 seats for short drives with adults. There have been a few issues that could come with either 450/580... Rear driver seat massage function didn't work on delivery, front passenger seat ventilation fan rubbing and the whole seat cushion needs to be replaced. Mechanically it's been great. Power on the 450 has been great. No shortage of get up and go when needed. Keep an eye on the tired you get. My 450 came with summer tires for a delivery in February in DC with 12" of snow on the ground. You can easily find all season tires for 21". Difficult to find all season 22". I did and they have been fine so far. Good luck.
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2024 S580
