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I have a 2020 GLE450 which I love. However, in the past I've driven mainly GLC as I like a smaller vehicle. Was thinking of trading my GLE for a new GLB AMG 35 - Is that nuts?
We have the GLB 250 and I'm looking forward to seeing the AMG 35 in person. I think it will definitely handle much better than the GLE450 and will probably be a ton of fun to drive. They only issue I can see is that you'll probably take a hit on the trade in.
Personally, I think the AMG 35 is going to be a good mix of performance and practicality. I've been consistently impressed with the roominess of the GLB's interior. You still get AMG performance for fun drives and plenty of space for people and cargo when you need it. In some ways, it's like a Golf R...stealth performance in a practical package.
With the limited supply of GLEs - especially 450s, you may be surprised at how manageable the hit really is. My dealer went all summer with almost no GLE inventory (and they had A LOT going into summer...) and they finally have a bunch - but mostly AMG and 350s - the 450 and 580 are rare birds. Best of luck on the trade - GLB is a fun ride - AMG version sounds like a ball.
If you don't mind downgrading in materials or a FWD bias chassis it could be a good choice, although seeing as how they aren't at dealers yet I can't speak for the drive. Maybe splitting the middle and going for a GLC 43 could be a good idea. Still get a RWD based chassis and a strong V6 and a much more compact and engaging vehicle. GLC also has some great materials, nicer in some areas than a GLE even (specifically the lower door bins).
@bkushner Are you married to the MB brand? If not have a look at the BMW X3. The latest G01 model had a smooth launch, good sales numbers and owners love them on the BMW site. My wife loves hers. Sporty, roomy, nice appearance and comfort. The X3 M40i is comparable to the AMG GLC43, and has very good performance, without being a full-on sports version, if that is important to you.
The base model xDrive30i gets great fuel economy and has surprisingly good acceleration. The ZF 8 speed transmission is best in class in my opinion. Fold down rear seats create alot of space for luggage. Two adult bikes fit, when the seats are folded down.
One other question, I was thinking of 21" wheels on the GLB 35 - any thoughts on how that will ride?
I imagine the ride will be stiff most likely, again though can’t say as I have yet to drive a GLA/B 35, however MB has had a bit of a ride and handling balance issue as of late with their vehicles, so typically I would go with a smaller wheel size.
@bkushner Are you married to the MB brand? If not have a look at the BMW X3. The latest G01 model had a smooth launch, good sales numbers and owners love them on the BMW site. My wife loves hers. Sporty, roomy, nice appearance and comfort. The X3 M40i is comparable to the AMG GLC43, and has very good performance, without being a full-on sports version, if that is important to you.
X3 is also a great choice, especially dynamically. One of the few vehicles left that BMW got right.
My dealer has one coming in that is very close to the build I want.. One of my hesitations is the radio is STOCK. I've always gone with Burmester. How bad is the stock radio?
With the limited supply of GLEs - especially 450s, you may be surprised at how manageable the hit really is. My dealer went all summer with almost no GLE inventory (and they had A LOT going into summer...) and they finally have a bunch - but mostly AMG and 350s - the 450 and 580 are rare birds. Best of luck on the trade - GLB is a fun ride - AMG version sounds like a ball.
My normal dealer offered me $2000 discount on car and a lousy $51K on trade. My build was $70K and I have 20,000 miles. Even the Mercedes Black book says $58.
Trade aside what kind of discount should I be looking for?
I have a 2020 GLE450 which I love. However, in the past I've driven mainly GLC as I like a smaller vehicle. Was thinking of trading my GLE for a new GLB AMG 35 - Is that nuts?
No way in hell I would. I don’t care a GLB is just that... A GLB. Quality and comfort is 100X better in the GLE vs the GLB. If you like smaller then go back to a GLC (I really wouldn’t even do that) and get the V6. That is just my opinion.
2002 W210 M112 | 2021 X247 M270 | 2015 Audi SQ5 | 2015 VW Golf R
Originally Posted by js_cls
If you don't mind downgrading in materials or a FWD bias chassis it could be a good choice, although seeing as how they aren't at dealers yet I can't speak for the drive. Maybe splitting the middle and going for a GLC 43 could be a good idea. Still get a RWD based chassis and a strong V6 and a much more compact and engaging vehicle. GLC also has some great materials, nicer in some areas than a GLE even (specifically the lower door bins).
Originally Posted by BSG75
We have the GLB 250 and I'm looking forward to seeing the AMG 35 in person. I think it will definitely handle much better than the GLE450 and will probably be a ton of fun to drive. They only issue I can see is that you'll probably take a hit on the trade in.
Personally, I think the AMG 35 is going to be a good mix of performance and practicality. I've been consistently impressed with the roominess of the GLB's interior. You still get AMG performance for fun drives and plenty of space for people and cargo when you need it. In some ways, it's like a Golf R...stealth performance in a practical package.
Initially, my wife and I were thinking to get a 250 as it is just a kids hauler. After discussing with my sales advisor (Eric Scott at EuroMotorcars Bethesda, MD is amazing by the way), we looked into the numbers and the 35 isn't that far off on monthly payments. We pulled the trigger and I am soooo thankful that we didn't get the 250. Coming from a GLC 43 coupe, I think the GLB 35 has a much better drive and more nimble. The only thing that I missed from the GLC was the Designo leather.
I also have the MK7 Golf R and I love that thing to death. The GLB 35 has so many similar personalities to the Golf R which is a huge plus in my book.
Originally Posted by bkushner
One other question, I was thinking of 21" wheels on the GLB 35 - any thoughts on how that will ride?
I am so happy that I have "small" 19'' wheels. The GLB 35 is quite stiff (but tolerable) and I still feel all the pot holes and road joints in comfort mode. I can't imagine running 21" in this sub compact. I think the only tradeoff on the 19" would be cornering. There's too much sidewall for the tire to flex and it's really holding off the GLB's limit to push harder. Mind you, the 20" and 21" only comes in summer tires which is a no for me.
The Panamericana grille made it looks so much better and more upscale like the bigger brothers.
Tested drove the 250 AMG Line (Mountain grey in the back) and loved it until we saw this bad boy.
Got tints and roof rack installed the next day :P
After 3.5 years of ownership, I don't feel connected with this GLC 43. It doesn't handle that great and this truck feels heavy. Power delivery was just so-so... Missed the Designo interior though.
5.5 years and 85K miles later, she's still pulling strong and drives well.
Last edited by blueC230K; Dec 28, 2020 at 10:46 AM.
Initially, my wife and I were thinking to get a 250 as it is just a kids hauler. After discussing with my sales advisor (Eric Scott at EuroMotorcars Bethesda, MD is amazing by the way), we looked into the numbers and the 35 isn't that far off on monthly payments. We pulled the trigger and I am soooo thankful that we didn't get the 250. Coming from a GLC 43 coupe, I think the GLB 35 has a much better drive and more nimble. The only thing that I missed from the GLC was the Designo leather.
I also have the MK7 Golf R and I love that thing to death. The GLB 35 has so many similar personalities to the Golf R which is a huge plus in my book.
I am so happy that I have "small" 19'' wheels. The GLB 35 is quite stiff (but tolerable) and I still feel all the pot holes and road joints in comfort mode. I can't imagine running 21" in this sub compact. I think the only tradeoff on the 19" would be cornering. There's too much sidewall for the tire to flex and it's really holding off the GLB's limit to push harder. Mind you, the 20" and 21" only comes in summer tires which is a no for me.
The Panamericana grille made it looks so much better and more upscale like the bigger brothers.
Tested drove the 250 AMG Line (Mountain grey in the back) and loved it until we saw this bad boy.
Got tints and roof rack installed the next day :P
After 3.5 years of ownership, I don't feel connected with this GLC 43. It doesn't handle that great and this truck feels heavy. Power delivery was just so-so... Missed the Designo interior though.
5.5 years and 85K miles later, she's still pulling strong and drives well.
i have a 2015 Mk7 GTI (white, autobahn model) which is my 3rd GTI in a row. Love it so much! It like the previous two (07”, 13”) has the apr tune and that’s the only modification, otherwise stock and fully loaded.
I also have a 2014 E350 4Matic sport that I too bought from the same dealership in Bethesda as a CPO in 2017 (I’m in Leesburg). Love it too for what it is, and also for what it is not. One is my fun car (GTI) and the other is my cruiser, which I’ve logged 20 hour straight drives before several times between DC and SW Florida. I have both to help spread the commuter mileage between Leesburg and Tysons Corner (60 miles round trip). But likely won’t be doing that again.
We also have a 2020 GLS 450 for my wife and the kids. Had it a year and already looking at 30k miles! Lots of driving between DC and NC. It’s a phenomenal vehicle, truly. We have the 21” staggered wheels, midnight blue with the beige interior, 7 seat configuration. Love it!
in fact, I love it so much, and this GLB is about the only other car out there that I seem to really like, i’m considering trading either the GTI or the E350 for one. Each has around 60k miles. The GTI is in need of probably $2k in service now ($1k for the carbon cleaning of the valves). Im also a bit older at 48, and finding that I don’t really enjoy pushing it when I drive. I love how relaxed I am when I drive either of the Benz’s.
I don’t want the AMG 35, but thinking a 250 with the AMG appearance package. I know it won’t be the GTI in many regards (which is now considered to be the 911 of the GTI heritage, due in large part to the designer of the MK7 series).
You guys really like this car? I’m not seeing or hearing any regrets from these posts.
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