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So my S560 is at the dealer for a valve cover leak repair, and I have a GLS 450 loaner. We test drove GLSs for my wife but living with the car for a couple days gives you a new perspective. I like a lot of things about it, its not as solid and dynamic as the S Class, but it rides well and obviously has a lot more capability and practicality. I always think about going to an SUV but I have never pulled the trigger. I love the high driving position.
I would get a 580, I miss the V8...its about $15,000 cheaper than an S580 build, but the discounts are much better on the S Class so if anything at the end of the day the GLS is a little more expensive.
Has anybody gone from an S Class or other similar sedan to a GLS? Would be interested in your thoughts.
Here's the loaner in my garage, fits great, hatch still opens in the back and everything
If you don't care about the 2nd (no exec seats on the GLE) and 3rd rows (3rd row on GLS is much more usable than GLE), a GLE rides the same but IMO more dynamic vs the GLS. Something to consider since the GLE driver's seat environment is virtually no different vs the GLS.
As much as Mercedes like to claim that the GLS is the S Class of SUVs, it ain't. I've had 4 S class and 4 GLS, and the S class experience always leaves me feeling cosseted and comfortable. The GLS600 Maybach comes close though. I too love the high riding form factor of the GLS.
As much as Mercedes like to claim that the GLS is the S Class of SUVs, it ain't. I've had 4 S class and 4 GLS, and the S class experience always leaves me feeling cosseted and comfortable. The GLS600 Maybach comes close though. I too love the high riding form factor of the GLS.
What are the main differences of the Maybach GLS and the regular GLS anyways, obviously I don't expect it to be anywhere near the S-Class Maybach but is it the Maybach drive mode in the GLS, the better sound insulation, the more comfortable tires or is it the more comfortable seats? It can't be because the Maybach badges customers feel more relaxed right.
Your loaner looks no newer than my MY23 GLS450 (MY24 has a bigger grille).
My gut feeling is the S Class is still the better car w/more stuff standard compared to the GLS, IMHO.
Yeah its a 23. S Class is the better car for sure, but the GLS has utility that the S Class doesn't have.
Originally Posted by jbattan
As much as Mercedes like to claim that the GLS is the S Class of SUVs, it ain't. I've had 4 S class and 4 GLS, and the S class experience always leaves me feeling cosseted and comfortable. The GLS600 Maybach comes close though. I too love the high riding form factor of the GLS.
Yeah the S Class is on another level, its all tradeoffs...
Steve, you may recall that I enjoyed the 2015 S550 that I bought in 2019 so much that I broke my 20 year string of MDXs, and in November 2022 purchased a 2020 GLS 450. As an aside, before I bought the S550 I had several older LS sedans as an extra vehicle in the stable. I am very happy with the GLS. The GLS is a very solid and comfortable SUV, with great technology. I will say, however, that the S550 is a smoother ride, even being a 2015.
I have been daily driving SUVs since a 1996 Yukon, generally just commuting and on road trips. The GLS is obviously head and shoulders above the MDX on all fronts, so I am very satisfied. Your big decision is that you have been daily driving Lexus and MB sedans, and you may spend several hours a day in your vehicle. Is the GLS going to provide sufficient comfort and luxury compared to what you have been used to?
Steve, you may recall that I enjoyed the 2015 S550 that I bought in 2019 so much that I broke my 20 year string of MDXs, and in November 2022 purchased a 2020 GLS 450. As an aside, before I bought the S550 I had several older LS sedans as an extra vehicle in the stable. I am very happy with the GLS. The GLS is a very solid and comfortable SUV, with great technology. I will say, however, that the S550 is a smoother ride, even being a 2015.
I have been daily driving SUVs since a 1996 Yukon, generally just commuting and on road trips. The GLS is obviously head and shoulders above the MDX on all fronts, so I am very satisfied. Your big decision is that you have been daily driving Lexus and MB sedans, and you may spend several hours a day in your vehicle. Is the GLS going to provide sufficient comfort and luxury compared to what you have been used to?
Could tires plays a role by chance, what tires does the vehicle come equipped and they are not run flats right? What cold tire pressures are inflated to and is it based on the values on the gas fuel door? Just curious : ) Want to see if we can improve the ride for you.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; 05-31-2024 at 08:25 AM.
Could tires plays a role by chance, what tires does the vehicle come equipped and they are not run flats right? What cold tire pressures are inflated to and is it based on the values on the gas fuel door? Just curious : ) Want to see if we can improve the ride for you.
I think wheel size would be go to know first. If it's 22-23" wheel, it prob won't matter if it's RFT or not for comfort!
Could tires plays a role by chance, what tires does the vehicle come equipped and they are not run flats right? What cold tire pressures are inflated to and is it based on the values on the gas fuel door? Just curious : ) Want to see if we can improve the ride for you.
I inflate tires to fuel door values. Sometimes a couple pounds higher on GLS if loaded heavily for trips.
The 15 S550 has staggard 20” summer run flats (the Goodyear OEM tire). The GLS was purchased as CPO and apparently was originally a special order. MSRP 105k with 3D Burmester, E-ABC, etc, but oddly has the standard 19” wheels (Conti CC LX25 tire).
Don’t get me wrong, the GLS is a great ride, I just believe the S550 is smoother, even with the run flats, which most folks seem not to like.
I inflate tires to fuel door values. Sometimes a couple pounds higher on GLS if loaded heavily for trips.
The 15 S550 has staggard 20” summer run flats (the Goodyear OEM tire). The GLS was purchased as CPO and apparently was originally a special order. MSRP 105k with 3D Burmester, E-ABC, etc, but oddly has the standard 19” wheels (Conti CC LX25 tire).
Don’t get me wrong, the GLS is a great ride, I just believe the S550 is smoother, even with the run flats, which most folks seem not to like.
I see, I was hoping we could improve the ride quality for you (like adjusting pressures and other things) but seems like you have them all dialed in already.
Could tires plays a role by chance, what tires does the vehicle come equipped and they are not run flats right? What cold tire pressures are inflated to and is it based on the values on the gas fuel door? Just curious : ) Want to see if we can improve the ride for you.
It’s not that the GLS rides poorly, it rides very well it just doesn’t ride as well as the S Class. It’s also nowhere near as solid and locked in at highway speeds. The S Class feels better the faster you go and the GLS doesn’t want to be driven much over 85 or so in sport mode. In comfort it’s over 75 it feels unhappy.
If you don't care about the 2nd (no exec seats on the GLE) and 3rd rows (3rd row on GLS is much more usable than GLE), a GLE rides the same but IMO more dynamic vs the GLS. Something to consider since the GLE driver's seat environment is virtually no different vs the GLS.
*Also E-ABC isn't an option on GLE anymore.
Unfortunately, the GLE driver's area is a bit smaller in the shoulder space. So it always cramps my left shoulder. Fine for a short loaner, but not some I would own.
It’s not that the GLS rides poorly, it rides very well it just doesn’t ride as well as the S Class. It’s also nowhere near as solid and locked in at highway speeds. The S Class feels better the faster you go and the GLS doesn’t want to be driven much over 85 or so in sport mode. In comfort it’s over 75 it feels unhappy.
The GLS perhaps rides better on poor roads?
I mean, don't SUVs in general don't ride as nice on the highway as sedans (or so I heard)
I've had SUVs for almost 20 years now. Anytime I have to drive a regular car I feel like I'm going to get crushed by everyone else on the road. Can't go back.
I mean, don't SUVs in general don't ride as nice on the highway as sedans (or so I heard)
No, S Class rides better on poor roads. It just rides better in every situation. GLS is more capable in poor weather and obviously offroad, its all about tradeoffs. The S Class is probably the best riding car in the world so saying it doesnt ride as well as the S Class is not really an issue with it, it rides very well.
No, S Class rides better on poor roads. It just rides better in every situation. GLS is more capable in poor weather and obviously offroad, its all about tradeoffs. The S Class is probably the best riding car in the world so saying it doesnt ride as well as the S Class is not really an issue with it, it rides very well.
Unfortunately, the GLE driver's area is a bit smaller in the shoulder space. So it always cramps my left shoulder. Fine for a short loaner, but not some I would own.
I'm average height so I never noticed that when I rented a GLS for a weekend trip before deciding it was too big for me. But that makes sense for those bigger than me.
I took a bunch of people out to lunch in it yesterday and they raved about it…
Hmmm, sounds like you really are liking a lot about the GLS. It might very well be a perfect fit for your next vehicle : ). Maybe you still like the older style MB screens the GLS brings you but with an updated OS compared to the W222, oh and the good ol physical buttons.
Or if you want a Range Rover in that case... aside from the issues it might have I guess.
There is really no comparison in driving dynamic as you noted earlier. Even comparing our 2020 450 to my former 2014 E350, the E was hands down a far more superior highway speed demon cruiser. MB sedans are a unique animal that truly can’t be replicated by an SUV. That being said, in terms of a large SUV that isn’t going to see much beyond the pavement, the GLS is hard to beat. Ours has been good to us. Not great, but pretty damn good. Annoyances have been our only issue and they have been far and few. We’re at 70k on the clock, and it’s still solid. Lots of I95 time between NC and DC. It’s excellent on long cruises, planted but at the expense of the rear tires lasting only 25k miles. Lots of room in the back too, and easy to get in/out for all ages. I would definitely consider the 7 seat configuration, the bench is excellent in the back.
Ours is plenty worn in now. Stil on original brake pads too, but they’re getting close. The transmission is getting a little eager to shift even with new fluid installed at 50k miles. Seems jumpy and getting a little harsh. Likely heading back for another flush service. Never a problem with rotor warp wobble, and we’ve had some hard stops at highway speeds. We usually drive in “eco” mode because the 48v makes it able to in the smoothest fashion possible. I personally think the V8 is not worth the cost. The 450 can boogie when called upon for sure.
my only advice Steve - watch the low profile tires! You’re on the side of DC known for those potholes! We’re on the 21’s staggered and have been ok with a few pothole hits that would have bent the snot out of those old AMG 18’ wheels in my old E. Our rims are chewed up those on the edges. Gave up trying to save them.
it’s very good in bad weather too. Snow isn’t a concern, and does very well in heavy rain at highway speeds. Also does well in heavy crosswinds.
It’s no S class, and if that level of luxury is what you’re after then the GLS will disappoint. I’d say it’s probably 70% of the S class in that regard.
05-29-2024, 11:29 AM
