In the last year I purchased 2 new vehicles from my Volvo/MB dealer in Fredericksburg, Va. - a Volvo Inscription XC90 and a GLS450 MB.

The Volvo shifts smoothly at all times as did my prior GL450 and E400.

In my GLS450 I frequently experience harsh downshifting - usually starts with going from 5th gear to 4 to 3 to 2.

If I break hard it does not occur.

Breaking slowly and that's when you feel a strong shift from 5th to 4th, to 3rd and then to 2nd.

This occurs with the ECO start/stop feature on or off.

There are no problems with the upshifting - none at all.

Recently I brought the car to my dealer because the engine warning light came on. That issue was resolved but when I told my service writer about the shifting he told me the car wouldn't be broken in until I hit 10K miles.

I will be bringing in the car again to the service department to have it checked out.

Otherwise the vehicle is great and what you'd expect at the price point.

But - the rough downshifting is definitely annoying! I also worry about possible damage to the transmission.