GLE T E class?
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Glc 300
GLE T E class?
Got a GLE coming off lease next year. Thinking about moving back to a sedan. I'm a geezer (73) and went with an SUV mainly for ease of enrty/exit and better visibility, both good things I'm happy with the GLE on. But, I don't really need the extra space of the SUV and I would enjoy the better diving dynamics of a sedan. Anybody gone this direction and have feedback? Is E class really low to the ground, hard to access?
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From: DFW Texas
GL450, E450, Porsche 718 GTS
Got a GLE coming off lease next year. Thinking about moving back to a sedan. I'm a geezer (73) and went with an SUV mainly for ease of enrty/exit and better visibility, both good things I'm happy with the GLE on. But, I don't really need the extra space of the SUV and I would enjoy the better diving dynamics of a sedan. Anybody gone this direction and have feedback? Is E class really low to the ground, hard to access?
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Got a GLE coming off lease next year. Thinking about moving back to a sedan. I'm a geezer (73) and went with an SUV mainly for ease of enrty/exit and better visibility, both good things I'm happy with the GLE on. But, I don't really need the extra space of the SUV and I would enjoy the better diving dynamics of a sedan. Anybody gone this direction and have feedback? Is E class really low to the ground, hard to access?
- Al least half my mileage is highway mileage. The Sedan is more comfortable, handles better, is quieter, and of course gets much better mpg. This all results is a more relaxing drive.
- While the extra space is nice, in reality, even when I go skiing, I have plenty of room for all my ski gear in my E450.
- Even though the GLE450 and the E450 have similar MSRP's, the SUV's being in greater demand, there are more discounts on the sedan
Hope this helps
Last edited by JTK44; Mar 28, 2025 at 04:51 PM.
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Glc 300
Thanks, maybe I should rent one for a week. Gotten so used to the easy in/out of the GLE and the commanding view of the road, not sure I can give it up. But, as I said, the additional comfort and diving feel of the e class is enticing. I'm kind of tired of the somewhat lumbering feel of the GLE and the body roll.
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Joined: Jun 2024
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From: DFW Texas
GL450, E450, Porsche 718 GTS
Thanks, maybe I should rent one for a week. Gotten so used to the easy in/out of the GLE and the commanding view of the road, not sure I can give it up. But, as I said, the additional comfort and diving feel of the e class is enticing. I'm kind of tired of the somewhat lumbering feel of the GLE and the body roll.
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
There have been some complaints about the new E-Class W214 being harder to get in and out of. I'm still a young 56 and don't have any issues, but I did notice a difference from my prior W212 where it was easier than my W214. I can't speak for the GLE, but the new E is supper smooth and quiet to drive. You should definitely test one out before making a decision. Preferably the E450 which has plenty of power to be fun yet very much a luxury sedan first. A fantastic car IMHO.
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W214 E350
I'm actually in the opposite boat. will be looking for either a GLE or Cayenne around the Fall of this year for our second vehicle, but I am much younger than some of you MBWorld Vets, and I cannot say anything bad about the E compared to the GLE.
Sticks to the ground well compared to the GLE, has better highway mpg, a very nice suspension regardless all in the E class sedan even if you go Airmatic or not, and has plenty of power even from the 350 variant, especially given town/city driving conditions.
I've had the opportunity to have two 25' GLE loaners already, one being a 53 AMG and the second being a 350 and I must say both SUV variants have much more of a floaty/bouncy feeling, you will have more space in the GLE but I find that the E sedan has plenty enough for when I go snowboarding. Although the 53 AMG is a bit less bouncy but the cornering abilities are sacrificed compared to the Cayenne.
On the other hand, I love the older style of the GLE interior compared to the new tech of the E due to the simplicity of interior not being too high-tech and having the touch pad and not having to use my steering wheel or poke my screen constantly when in drive is a big bonus for me.
Sticks to the ground well compared to the GLE, has better highway mpg, a very nice suspension regardless all in the E class sedan even if you go Airmatic or not, and has plenty of power even from the 350 variant, especially given town/city driving conditions.
I've had the opportunity to have two 25' GLE loaners already, one being a 53 AMG and the second being a 350 and I must say both SUV variants have much more of a floaty/bouncy feeling, you will have more space in the GLE but I find that the E sedan has plenty enough for when I go snowboarding. Although the 53 AMG is a bit less bouncy but the cornering abilities are sacrificed compared to the Cayenne.
On the other hand, I love the older style of the GLE interior compared to the new tech of the E due to the simplicity of interior not being too high-tech and having the touch pad and not having to use my steering wheel or poke my screen constantly when in drive is a big bonus for me.
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From: Pittsburgh PA
2024 E450 2024 GLE350
I have both. Both are 2024’s The GLE is quieter and rides softer. It feels more solid than my E450.
The E450 is quicker and has better driving dynamics. The tech and styling is better.
The E450 is quicker and has better driving dynamics. The tech and styling is better.
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
One thing that may enter into you're decision is the Tariffs. I believe the GLE is made in USA and I'm sure the E class sedans are made in Germany so will probably have the Tariffs affects after April 2nd in a few days. As far as ease of access and entry the new E class sedans are definitely harder getting in and out than the former 213 and 212's. The doors do not open as wide and the seat is located further back in the cabin so the door center post is kinda in the way with the seat back all the way if the seat is all the way back. It helps getting in and out if you move up the seat a little bit like a couple of inches and raise it up. I have these setting in the #2 seat memory and every time getting out I push memory 2 and once I'm back in hit Memory #1. Of course I'm kind of tall and transferring in from a wheelchair doesn't help out either, I probably should have got a mini van, but I like Mercedes Sedans. My S class is a very easy car to get in and out, quite the difference over the new 214 E class. Yes, renting one or trying out a dealer loaner might be a good idea before you make a decision.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
One thing that may enter into you're decision is the Tariffs. I believe the GLE is made in USA and I'm sure the E class sedans are made in Germany so will probably have the Tariffs affects after April 2nd in a few days. As far as ease of access and entry the new E class sedans are definitely harder getting in and out than the former 213 and 212's. The doors do not open as wide and the seat is located further back in the cabin so the door center post is kinda in the way with the seat back all the way if the seat is all the way back. It helps getting in and out if you move up the seat a little bit like a couple of inches and raise it up. I have these setting in the #2 seat memory and every time getting out I push memory 2 and once I'm back in hit Memory #1. Of course I'm kind of tall and transferring in from a wheelchair doesn't help out either, I probably should have got a mini van, but I like Mercedes Sedans. My S class is a very easy car to get in and out, quite the difference over the new 214 E class. Yes, renting one or trying out a dealer loaner might be a good idea before you make a decision.
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X214
If you look at the window sticker (the Monroney sticker) you will see the percentage of parts that are US and those that are foreign and may starting April 2 be subject to tariffs. If my memory is correct both the engine and transmission in the GLE are sourced from Germany.
And interestingly, in case of the E-Class, my 2022 has over 80% of the components sourced from Germany. In the 2025 E-class, even though it is assembled in Germany, only 25% of the components are from Germany. I am guessing the non-German components in the 2025 E-class, are from China and/or India, since they make E-classes in those countries too.
When their primary source of cheap energy (Russian gas) went away, they are experiencing distress. Leading to de-industrialization.
Last edited by Roweraay; Mar 28, 2025 at 11:24 PM.
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
@JTK44>It will be interesting to see how all this plays out and how much is passed on to the customers, I'd think it would be lower percentage with the GLE. Interesting that you Ski still. I use to be a downhill racer when I was younger, my favorite mountain up north was Cannon. I also use to Ski at Killington a lot too.
Last edited by 2012 merc amg; Mar 28, 2025 at 11:23 PM.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
@JTK44>It will be interesting to see how all this plays out and how much is passed on to the customers, I'd think it would be lower percentage with the GLE. Interesting that you Ski still. I use to be a downhill racer when I was younger, my favorite mountain up north was Cannon. I also use to Ski at Killington a lot too.
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
I'm an old guy too and traded my 19 CLS53 on a new 21GLE53 and now driving 24GLE53 bought last year. The main reason was for ease of entry, better vision and more comfortable seats on long drives. Mission accomplished. The negatives are the shear bulk and weight of the vehicle. Mine has air suspension which helps handling. The exhaust is loud when cold. The 450 offers plenty of power but does not have the sports seats of the 53. It took me a couple of months to adjust to the big interior. Now it feels normal. I would certainly recommend it.
My wife drives a new E450 with every option possible. Beautiful driving car, handles extremely well with RWS and air suspension. Negatives: difficult to enter, seats are good but low and do not compare to my GLE53 which feel like sitting in a chair. Also vision is not great with all the tall vehicles on the road. If you are American this car will be tariffed at 25% starting April 2nd making the GLE considerably cheaper since it is US assembled. It will probably incur some tariffs on imported parts but should not be a deal breaker. BMW X5 is also US built. Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne are not.
I think the only premium sedans that are not imported are Cadillac and Lincoln. Tariffs for Us residents limit your choices if you want a sedan/.
My wife drives a new E450 with every option possible. Beautiful driving car, handles extremely well with RWS and air suspension. Negatives: difficult to enter, seats are good but low and do not compare to my GLE53 which feel like sitting in a chair. Also vision is not great with all the tall vehicles on the road. If you are American this car will be tariffed at 25% starting April 2nd making the GLE considerably cheaper since it is US assembled. It will probably incur some tariffs on imported parts but should not be a deal breaker. BMW X5 is also US built. Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne are not.
I think the only premium sedans that are not imported are Cadillac and Lincoln. Tariffs for Us residents limit your choices if you want a sedan/.
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From: Harrison, ME
2025 S580
When y'all say E450 are you neglecting the All Terrain (i.e. the wagon)? I went from a Jeep Grand Cherokee to a Volvo V90 Cross Country to the E450 All Terrain. I needed the floor space but not the height of an SUV, and the wagon satisfies that. Driving dynamics are great. Entry/exit is fine with the E450 (I'm 78 with arthritic knees), though my only comparison now is with my SL (and I always hope no one is watching when I try to get in and out of it). I can't imagine anything that would have me going back to an SUV vehicle as long as wagons are still being made.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
When y'all say E450 are you neglecting the All Terrain (i.e. the wagon)? I went from a Jeep Grand Cherokee to a Volvo V90 Cross Country to the E450 All Terrain. I needed the floor space but not the height of an SUV, and the wagon satisfies that. Driving dynamics are great. Entry/exit is fine with the E450 (I'm 78 with arthritic knees), though my only comparison now is with my SL (and I always hope no one is watching when I try to get in and out of it). I can't imagine anything that would have me going back to an SUV vehicle as long as wagons are still being made.
However the monthly lease payment for the E450 Sedan is $1070 while the monthly lease payment for the E450 AT is $1304. That is $234 per month more or over the term of the lease an additional $8,400: When I questioned the dealer, that the additional $8,400 is more than double the difference in MSRP and four times the actual residual cost, he said he would have to get back to me.
When he did here is the answer: the Money Factor on the E450 sedan is .00131, 3.14% while the MF on the AT is .00284, 6.8%.
The difference in monthly lease payments makes the AT prohibitively expensively - at least to me. The lease payment on the AT is the main reason why so few are leased (sold) - especially as compared to the GLE.
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X214
I have both. GLE450 and the E450 All-Terrain wagon.
Both "450" drivetrains are exactly the same, but since the Wagon is 500lbs lighter and thus more nimbler, there's a massive difference in the driving feel between these vehicles, with the E450 wagon winning by a mile. The GLE450 is ponderous and slow, in comparison.
If I had to keep just one vehicle, among these two, it will have to be the E450 All-Terrain Wagon.
Both "450" drivetrains are exactly the same, but since the Wagon is 500lbs lighter and thus more nimbler, there's a massive difference in the driving feel between these vehicles, with the E450 wagon winning by a mile. The GLE450 is ponderous and slow, in comparison.
If I had to keep just one vehicle, among these two, it will have to be the E450 All-Terrain Wagon.
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X214
Also, the options I am personally interested in the All-Terrain, are say the Brown Nappa leather seats, digital lighting package, the "Pinnacle package" and the cold weather package, and uninterested in the other options that will simply jack up the price. And there's not a single unit available, anywhere in the country with that combination, unless I decide to order and wait 6 months for it to arrive.
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X214
I assume the above is just empty speculation and a scare tactic, than based on some real news ? If this situation manifests, then deal with it then, by either waiting till things clear, or gaining instant gratification by caving and paying whatever premium is asked for.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I personally think it is the former not the latter. For much less money on a lease, you can have either the GLE450 the E450. Just my opinion, the E450 AT is a unicorn that because of the very, very high monthly lease payment, appeals to a very, very small segment of potential buyers. Dealers put their money where the action is and that is SUV's.
Also, the options I am personally interested in the All-Terrain, are say the Brown Nappa leather seats, digital lighting package, the "Pinnacle package" and the cold weather package, and uninterested in the other options that will simply jack up the price. And there's not a single unit available, anywhere in the country with that combination, unless I decide to order and wait 6 months for it to arrive.
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X214
So the people like myself, interested in the benefits of an SUV, but don't want to deal with the added weight and the ponderousness that come with it, gravitate to wagons. I am certainly in a rapidly shrinking group.
I have certainly grown to the feel of the GLE and like it overall, but when compared to the E450 All-Terrain, the thing is a ponderous pig.
PS: The All-Terrain's hatch area is several inches deeper than the GLE's hatch area. My dog crate that fits into the All-Terrain, with the hatch divider in place, has a couple of inches of spare room. With the GLE, the divider needs to be removed, and the crate just barely fits into the hatch area......the hatch needs to be closed just right, else it will open back up. The GLE in turn, has more rear-seat legroom.
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X214
Else, getting a non-typical build order (like the one I stated above), sending it to Germany, adding it into a build schedule, getting it built, and shipped out, the 2+ months' transport time it spends at sea, and then the time-lag in reaching the selling dealer from the port-of-entry, simply cannot be under 6+ months.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
They may be doing some trades from some other dealer's allocation to get to the 6/8 week timeline. And another assumption is that the options you are asking for, within the build, is fairly typical and thus more available.
Else, getting a non-typical build order (like the one I stated above), sending it to Germany, adding it into a build schedule, getting it built, and shipped out, the 2+ months' transport time it spends at sea, and then the time-lag in reaching the selling dealer from the port-of-entry, simply cannot be under 6+ months.
Else, getting a non-typical build order (like the one I stated above), sending it to Germany, adding it into a build schedule, getting it built, and shipped out, the 2+ months' transport time it spends at sea, and then the time-lag in reaching the selling dealer from the port-of-entry, simply cannot be under 6+ months.
Perhaps you should try other dealers to get a quicker delivery than 6 months.
BTW, transport time at sea is 7 to 10 days from when the ship leaves Europe and when in docks in the US. It is not 2 months at sea. From port to dealer is usually 3 to 5 days.
