Model Year | 2017 | 2017 | 2017 | 2011 | 2011 |
Model | GLS | GLS | GLS | X3 | X3 |
Trim | GLS450 | GLS550 | AMG GLS63 | xDrive28i | xDrive35i |
Engines | |||||
Transmissions | |||||
Drivetrains | |||||
Tires | |||||
Audio Systems | |||||
Accessories | |||||
Powers devices with a regular home electrical outlet. Limited wattage: forget about using it to power a blow drier. | |||||
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value. | |||||
Pulls door tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort. | |||||
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | |||||
Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob. | |||||
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | |||||
Check on car and remotely control various functions (remote start, locks, lights, and/or HVAC) from a telephone or computer. Can require a monthly fee. | |||||
Can turn on air conditioning system remotely using the key fob, to cool down the car before getting into it. Some also enable this with heat. | |||||
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||
Remote start the car using a phone-based app. Complimentary for at least three years. | |||||
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | |||||
Automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. Driver operates the transmission, and sometimes also the brake and accelerator. | |||||
One-time charge for special order options | |||||
Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors. | |||||
Homelink. | |||||
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | |||||
Rear disc brakes. | |||||
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common. | |||||
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | |||||
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | |||||
Small external cameras provide a top-down view all around the vehicle, to reduce blind spots while parking. | |||||
If collision detection system senses imminent collision, applies moderate braking. | |||||
Automatically brakes car to avoid low-speed collisions. | |||||
Selectively applies the brakes to guide vehicle back into the original lane when detects that a lane change will cause a collision with a vehicle in the blind spot. | |||||
Mirror-mounted lights indicate when another vehicle is in a blind spot. | |||||
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | |||||
Adjusts seats and/or head restraints when sensors detect that the car is likely to be hit from the rear. Might also flash rear lights to warn approaching car. | |||||
System scans for vehicles approaching from either side at an intersection, then assists with braking force if the driver starts to brake. | |||||
Warns of traffic coming from either direction when vehicle is in reverse, to prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces. | |||||
Warns when driver is drowsy and needs to pull over. | |||||
Alerts driver when approaching the preceding car too quickly. | |||||
Mandatory, in all cars. | |||||
Selectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes. | |||||
Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle. | |||||
Brakes lightly applied to help prevent the vehicle from inadvertently traveling out of its intended lane. | |||||
Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane. | |||||
Proactively helps keep the car centered inside a detected lane via steering assistance. | |||||
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | |||||
Warns driver of pedestrians in path of car. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Prepares brakes (and sometimes also seat belts) for use when radar detects an imminent collision. Might also move seats and close windows. Early Lexus system used laser. Since automatic braking became common it has been unclear which models have this feat | |||||
Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags. | |||||
Rearview camera connected to display screen on the instrument panel. Often requires navigation system. | |||||
Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others. | |||||
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | |||||
Airbags contained just above the window level. Cover all three rows. | |||||
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | |||||
Select electronic chassis control settings for a specific terrain type. | |||||
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | |||||
Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire. | |||||
Uses the brakes to channel torque to the outside wheels and counteract understeer. Similar to stability control, but proactive, and acting to improve cornering performance rather than prevent loss of control. | |||||
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | |||||
Automatically applies a front brake to counteract sway induced by a trailer. | |||||
Cargo Management | |||||
No crossbars. | |||||
Net extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops. | |||||
Hitch rated for up to 10,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower. | |||||
No crossbars. | |||||
Large storage area beneath the load floor, often compartmentalized. | |||||
Includes seven-wire harness, necessary for larger trailers. | |||||
Climate Control | |||||
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air. | |||||
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value. | |||||
Heats entire washer fluid system for greater effectiveness. | |||||
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features. | |||||
Ionizes air to clean it. Might create high levels of ozone. | |||||
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | |||||
Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling. | |||||
Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls. | |||||
Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents. | |||||
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | |||||
A second evaporator provides cool air to rear vents. Does not include the value of these vents. Includes rear heater. | |||||
Washer fluid nozzles replaced by many small holes in the wiper blade, to spray a precise amount just ahead of the blade. | |||||
Drivetrain | |||||
The center differential can be manually locked using a button. Only for use at low speeds on loose surfaces. Engaging low range (where available) usually locks the center differential automatically. | |||||
Engine / Motor | |||||
Automatically cuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped and restarts it when the driver lifts off the brake pedal. Not listed for hybrids, where it is generally part of the powertrain system. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Smart alternator recharges battery only while braking, to improve fuel economy. | |||||
Exterior | |||||
Protective cladding extending partly onto the doors. | |||||
Protective cladding extending partly onto the doors. | |||||
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | |||||
One or more glass panels in the roof that cannot be opened or removed. | |||||
Reduces interior noise, prevents side windows from shattering. | |||||
Front glass panel retracts over a fixed glass roof panel. Entire unit covers nearly the entire roof. | |||||
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | |||||
Protects part of the underbody from rocks when off-roading. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Extensions to the wheel opening, both decorative and protective. | |||||
Infotainment | |||||
Requires compatible Android phone. | |||||
Touchscreen and/or voice control over apps that can include online search, Facebook, Twitter, Pandora, OpenTable, and MovieTickets.com. Requires connected compatible phone. Fees may apply after first three years. | |||||
Requires compatible Apple iPhone. | |||||
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | |||||
Uses Bluetooth rather than a cable to integrate audio device. Requires compatible audio device and/or phone. | |||||
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | |||||
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data. | |||||
A DVD player and two front headrest-mounted screens. | |||||
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees. | |||||
Connects car to the Internet to update systems, download information, and/or browse. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee. | |||||
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port. | |||||
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | |||||
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | |||||
Screen-based navigation system. | |||||
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | |||||
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription. | |||||
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader. | |||||
In BMWs includes baseplate in center console that provides a connection to an external antenna, but that requires an additional adapter. | |||||
Converts text messages to speech. | |||||
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | |||||
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system plus turn-by-turn navigation (no map display). For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months. | |||||
Information about traffic plus weather, gas prices, sports news, and/or movie times. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | |||||
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | |||||
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | |||||
Phone or other device operated via the vehicle's voice command system. Requires a compatible device--all aren't supported. | |||||
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | |||||
Includes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model. | |||||
Provides Wi-Fi within the car. Includes internal modem, usually requires car-specific broadband service with monthly fee. | |||||
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | |||||
Based on input from a camera, individual lighting modules are dynamically and independently aimed and dimmed to produce the optimal light pattern for the situation, such as upcoming curves. | |||||
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||
High beams automatically turned on and off. | |||||
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | |||||
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | |||||
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it. | |||||
Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog. | |||||
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | |||||
Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road. | |||||
Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | |||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | |||||
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | |||||
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. Can change the colors of the lights. | |||||
LED headlights last longer and use less energy than other types. | |||||
Front row reading lights. | |||||
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb. | |||||
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | |||||
Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | |||||
Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots. | |||||
Displays the current speed limit. Included with nav on an increasing number of cars. No feature value here because incomplete info on availability. | |||||
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | |||||
Reports engine speed. | |||||
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | |||||
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | |||||
Seats and Interior Trim | |||||
Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | |||||
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | |||||
Leather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | |||||
Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||
Manually adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||
Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back. | |||||
Power lumbar or vibration used to massage lower back. | |||||
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | |||||
Seats tumble forward at the press of a button. Must be returned to upright position manually. | |||||
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | |||||
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns. | |||||
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | |||||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment. | |||||
Seat powers flat to enlarge cargo area. Also powers back upright. Replaces manual folding seat, and includes the value of that feature. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe. | |||||
Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars. | |||||
Synthetic suede steering wheel rim. | |||||
No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | |||||
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | |||||
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | |||||
Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim. | |||||
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | |||||
Motors joining the left and right halves of the stabilizer bars twist them to further reduce roll in turns and disengages them to improve ride quality when not turning. | |||||
Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting. | |||||
Air springs automatically level the vehicle and enable manual adjustment of ride height. | |||||
Adjusts the suspension to counteract the effect of crosswinds. | |||||
Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Alloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | |||||
Steering ratio gets quicker the farther the wheel is turned. | |||||
Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels. | |||||
Transmission | |||||
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. |
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