Why not softer seats?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 27
From: Southeast PA
2024 911 Turbo S, 2023 Denali 2500 HD, 2026 G63
Why not softer seats?
Why does MB not use softer cushions? This is a luxury vehicle correct? We have had our ML for about a month and this last weekend was the first time I have driven it for a long period of time. After 2 hours I was uncomfortable. I am not a big guy at 165 lbs. I can see having stiffer seats in a sports car but this is supposed to be a luxury SUV. Anybody else agree or are you happy with the seats? Maybe the cushions will soften up a little bit over time.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
Its not a Bentley...But sit in any Beemer and your opinion of "hard" seats will change pretty quickly. OR for that matter try out a Ferrari for hard seats, my 612 Scaglietti has the hardest seats in the world!
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
Why does MB not use softer cushions? This is a luxury vehicle correct? We have had our ML for about a month and this last weekend was the first time I have driven it for a long period of time. After 2 hours I was uncomfortable. I am not a big guy at 165 lbs. I can see having stiffer seats in a sports car but this is supposed to be a luxury SUV. Anybody else agree or are you happy with the seats? Maybe the cushions will soften up a little bit over time.
http://www.motorweek.org/reviews/roa..._ml350_bluetec
They mention it at about the 1:28 minute mark in that video. But they also go on to say that they do become more comfortable over time. So, maybe they just need to be broken in.
While I found the seats in my old 2012 BMW X5 to be also very firm, they did soften up a bit. But what made them more immediately comfortable was the fact that I ordered the multi-contour seats that had, I think, about 18 different adjustments for the back and bottom. The most important was the one that extended the bottom out to support my thighs. So, after after I dialed in all the adjustment, it conformed perfectly to my body and was very comfortable, but kept me in place for those corner-flat turns.
My big grip with the ML seats is that they seem small to me, especially when compared to the S class and others. I'm kinda big, so that's probably a lot to do with it. So, I was disappointed when I went to order an MY12 that the seat controls were so limited. When I learned MY13 now included the multi-contour seats, I canceled my MY12 order for a MY13. Although now I'm in limbo, with availability of those seats pushed to an August build, and now I'm hearing September. But I plan to be driving this car for the next five years, so I'm guessing it will be worth it.
I wonder if those seats could be added to an MY12 once the parts became available.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 625
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From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
I have only test driven the W166 so far, and the seats are definitely shorter in the squab than the W164 but they feel to have they same firmness.
I have been very happy with the W164 seats even after 6 hours straight on many occassions.
The only concern I ever had was at first we had the lumbar support turned up too high. Now we drive with it set near minimum and we are very pleased.
I have been very happy with the W164 seats even after 6 hours straight on many occassions.
The only concern I ever had was at first we had the lumbar support turned up too high. Now we drive with it set near minimum and we are very pleased.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Most German seats are firm, which I like. Hard to make a seat that fits everyone well, though. The Sport seats in my W164 have been very comfortable for the past 6 years, and they haven't broken down.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: ON, Canada
2014 ML550 4MATIC
I've been driving our ML350 for a month now and I find the seats to be extremely comfortable (much more cushion than the GLK). I've made several 6+ hour road trips and never felt fidgety due to the seat.
As mentioned before, it's hard to design something that will accommodate everyone's frame. Maybe that's why the field of ergonomics isn't the rock star of the sciences.........
As mentioned before, it's hard to design something that will accommodate everyone's frame. Maybe that's why the field of ergonomics isn't the rock star of the sciences.........
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 326
Likes: 27
From: Southeast PA
2024 911 Turbo S, 2023 Denali 2500 HD, 2026 G63
My other car is a SL550 and those seats are more plush. I guess I will have to get used to the ML seats. They are still nicer than the 2007 ML that we had.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
Love the firm seats!! Did a 22 hour drive in an 04 BMW X3 about 7 years ago and those seats were rock hard but so supportive I had zero pain after a super long drive like that.
Going to take the 550 to Florida this fall and flying the family down so I can try another indurance drive with no passengers along to slow me down. Have no doubt the seats in the 550 will be perfect for me on that drive!
Going to take the 550 to Florida this fall and flying the family down so I can try another indurance drive with no passengers along to slow me down. Have no doubt the seats in the 550 will be perfect for me on that drive!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
At the very least you need brand new seats. If there's a control module then it may or may not be easily retrofitted. Good call holding out for the 13 as retrofitting the multicontour seats will be a major expense/ headache.
