Originally Posted by CityBoy

EDIT: I ended up leasing 2023 GLS450

We have 2021 GLS 450 with about 35K miles - just slightly above the allowance. We have 5 months left on the lease. The dealer offered a new 2023 GLS 450 (with a good discount) with about the same monthly lease payment as the current car's lease. It has a bit fewer options, but it's fine by us. I like the current car but do not love it. My wife, who drives it - likes it. Should I refinance the current 2021 GLS 450 to keep it or switch to a new lease?

If we refinance, the dealer suggested going through them rather than doing a buyout through MBFS. My friend said some dealers would sell it back to me at a reduced cost, is this true, and if so any recommendations for a dealer (in or out of CT state)? I am in Norwalk, CT 06851. Extended warranty or CPO status is not important to me. There is a balance of factory warranty but it will be wiped out if the car is re-sold by the dealer, correct?

Originally Posted by EWL5

Too late now but I would have suggested you finish out your 5 months on the lease (5 months of downpayment lost) and look for a deal on the '24 models, which has significant changes from prior years. Also, your '21 model probably has features you can't get on a '23 due to de-contenting and supply chain constraints.

If you ever wanted to tap into the equity of your current lease, never just give up your current car w/o a fight because what you owe w/a check to MBFS (buyout) is probably less than what your dealer is willing to give you. The strange post-Pandemic used car market is still quite in demand (especially w/UAW strikes), albeit slowly dying off.

Originally Posted by EWL5

The extra $200 a month is worth it if you factor in the crazy inflation we've had since you last leased. Consider the following additional differences on the '24:

1) '23 has wired CP/AA while the new '24 has wireless.
2) '24 has a new capacitive touch steering wheel. I didn't wait for the '24 because I could see accidental "swipes" getting old real fast!
3) Driving Assistance Package is now standard
4) MBUX 2.0 vs 1.0
5) Burmester audio system can now process Dolby Atmos
6) Transparent Hood feature allows you to "see" underneath the car for better maneuverability

Agreed that the look of the car is now way more polarizing than before but the above improvements are well worth the additional $200/month (especially if you factor in inflation).
Honestly, I think you may miss the acoustic comfort option. Road noise is very obvious once you drive the car for a while.

Remember, if you follow my advice and finish out your lease, the new '24 model should be less than $200/month extra by then (not to mention you can probably spec it the way you like it)!
The dealer is not doing you a "favor" by getting you out of your lease early as they will get max profit from a highly sought after older car w/more features!