2020 V167 GLE
#2851
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,618
Likes: 1,191
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Production status/delivery
I stopped into the dealership today and my build is complete (B5). The salesman said once they are built they park them in a large staging area and then invoice the dealership prior to shipping them by train to Baltimore. Then it takes about 10 days to reach the dealership. Unfortunately, I may not buy it when it arrives. They received a 350 with Espresso Brown/Magma Grey leather and I'm really not feeling the brown/gray combo. My wife didn't mind the color combo but it may not be the one for me after all this waiting. I doubt I'll order another and wait until June or July so if I don't take this GLE, they'll have to locate another and try to make a dealer swap. It kind of ruined my day. On a positive note, they just received a Polar White 450 with the Macchiato / Magma Grey interior and I like that combo a lot more. It didn't have the optional equipment I want so I wouldn't buy it. My wife says I need to calm down and wait until ours arrives, she thinks I'll feel differently once I see it. She may be right and often is.
#2852
I saw the macchiato/magma gray combo last week, and it looks really nice (lighter and less yellow toned than the previous beige color I was disappointed in). I saw the espresso and grey combo on the promo car and changed mind immediately (it was on my original list). I'm now getting the black/magma gray leather, and think it will look pretty snappy in the polar white car.
#2853
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,478
Likes: 409
From: Reading PA
23 EQS 580 SUV, 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold) 13 GL550 (sold)
I saw the macchiato/magma gray combo last week, and it looks really nice (lighter and less yellow toned than the previous beige color I was disappointed in). I saw the espresso and grey combo on the promo car and changed mind immediately (it was on my original list). I'm now getting the black/magma gray leather, and think it will look pretty snappy in the polar white car.
#2854
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,618
Likes: 1,191
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Dealer inventories
When searching dealer inventories online, a word of caution. My dealer is showing 12 GLE 450s in stock, when my sales guy said the other day they didn't even have one demo of any kind. I asked and he said they were on paper only. Paper cars instead of paper airplanes!
The following users liked this post:
HBguy (03-13-2019)
#2855
Did anyone order high gloss linden gray? I'm wondering if the wood/leather steering wheel can be ordered in this, because the configurator says it has to be changed to the natural walnut to do that, which of course wouldn't match.
I've changed my choice of leather to black/magma gray so wanted something cooler color to go with it. The metal weave is my second choice, which also would leave me without the leather/wood steering wheel.
I've changed my choice of leather to black/magma gray so wanted something cooler color to go with it. The metal weave is my second choice, which also would leave me without the leather/wood steering wheel.
H22 Brown Open-Pore Walnut Wood
H31 Anthracite Open-Pore Oak Wood
H34 designo Striped High Gloss Lime Wood
I doubt it would be any different with the US DOG.
#2856
Does that mean that they are in the pipeline and might be had before an ordered one? I did notice that some of the inventories online said "off site storage."
Mine was put into the system today, but my husband doesn't have a spot yet on the list.
Mine was put into the system today, but my husband doesn't have a spot yet on the list.
#2857
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,379
Likes: 1,033
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
When searching dealer inventories online, a word of caution. My dealer is showing 12 GLE 450s in stock, when my sales guy said the other day they didn't even have one demo of any kind. I asked and he said they were on paper only. Paper cars instead of paper airplanes!
The small St George UT Dealer got one over a week ago. They claim their’s come from Denver. I didn’t know Denver had direct shipping so am skeptical.
Mercedes must have had a decent stockpile of units creating a shipping backup. I hope they catch up so that those of us with custom orders don’t have to wait longer.😩
#2858
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,379
Likes: 1,033
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Beth, I think the ones being delivered were probably preconfigured with a lot of them alike. Dealers also have custom ordered units so that group is more likely to have some nicely equipped units. How those fold in with our custom orders is something maybe your dealer could answer. The dealer should be able to look at the pipeline of some or all units coming to them and to other dealers.
The following users liked this post:
beth22 (03-13-2019)
#2859
Actually, Vegas is not loaded. Their web site shows a bunch of 350's and 450's but my sales rep says that they are only allocated and haven't arrived yet. They did get in 3 350's recently and sold 2 right away and still have the third.
My paperwork and the sales rep says that their autos go through the VPC in Long Beach.
My paperwork and the sales rep says that their autos go through the VPC in Long Beach.
The following users liked this post:
HBguy (03-16-2019)
#2865
#2867
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,618
Likes: 1,191
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
MBUSA Build feedback
I sent in a couple items. Weird the Nappa and MB-Tex dashes are the same price; in Germany the Nappa is 2/3 more.
"Thank you for your contact.
The MB-Tex and Nappa Leather dashboards are priced the same. The image for the Sill Protector has been shared with our Web Team, which will be updated, and we again, appreciate your immediate feedback.
The opportunity to respond is appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Dana B.
Mercedes Benz USA
(800) 367-6372"
"Thank you for your contact.
The MB-Tex and Nappa Leather dashboards are priced the same. The image for the Sill Protector has been shared with our Web Team, which will be updated, and we again, appreciate your immediate feedback.
The opportunity to respond is appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Dana B.
Mercedes Benz USA
(800) 367-6372"
#2868
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,379
Likes: 1,033
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
[QUOTE=GregW / Oregon;7706446]I sent in a couple items. Weird the Nappa and MB-Tex dashes are the same price; in Germany the Nappa is 2/3 more.
Thanks Greg, wish that had been an option when we ordered
Thanks Greg, wish that had been an option when we ordered
#2869
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,618
Likes: 1,191
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
My build status
I stopped into the dealership today and my build is complete (B5). The salesman said once they are built they park them in a large staging area and then invoice the dealership prior to shipping them by train to Baltimore. Then it takes about 10 days to reach the dealership. Unfortunately, I may not buy it when it arrives. They received a 350 with Espresso Brown/Magma Grey leather and I'm really not feeling the brown/gray combo. My wife didn't mind the color combo but it may not be the one for me after all this waiting. I doubt I'll order another and wait until June or July so if I don't take this GLE, they'll have to locate another and try to make a dealer swap. It kind of ruined my day. On a positive note, they just received a Polar White 450 with the Macchiato / Magma Grey interior and I like that combo a lot more. It didn't have the optional equipment I want so I wouldn't buy it. My wife says I need to calm down and wait until ours arrives, she thinks I'll feel differently once I see it. She may be right and often is.
#2870
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
Got the day off work so spent 3 hours at the dealer while my car was getting its' 6 year service done (2013 E350 wagon). I got to test a GLE350 with 3rd row, GLE450 without 3rd row, and 2019 GLS450.
I really wanted to get the GLE, but after in depth testing today I don't see it working for us. It's just too small. In fact it's smaller than my wagon. the space behind the 2nd row in the GLE is about 8 inches shorter than my wagon, so luggage/cargo space is less in the GLE than in my wagon. (GLE is slightly wider and taller than the wagon but shorter from back of 2nd row seat to the hatch door).
Also the 3rd row is very small. I'm 5'11" and 185lb, I'd say about average sized. If I move the 2nd row all the way to the front then I can fit in the 3rd row with my knees touching the back of the 2nd row but my head is rubbing against the ceiling. I can't see anyone over 5'6 fitting in the 3rd row. My 11 year old son who is just short of 5 feet tall, can sit in the 3rd row with a little room to spare if the 2nd row is move to the forward most position.
The GLE350 felt extremely weak and the engine was noisy. the GLE450 was better but still felt weak when starting from a dead stop with light pedal. My wagon feels like it has more low end torque. I was hoping the EQ boost would make it feel stronger off the line but it doesn't unless you really push down on the pedal. Maybe the test car I was in wasn't engaging the EQ boost properly, it had a # of warnings on the dash (Pre-Safe inoperative, and a bunch of others) It was showing EQ boost power and charge so I thought it was working.
The burmester sound (not the high end 3D version) lacked bass compared to the HK in the wagon. The highs were pretty decent, mids were so-so but lacked bass no matter how I adjusted it.
I looked at 2 out of the 3 GLE's they had and both had issues. the GLE350 with the 3rd row had a 2nd row that won't fold up or down on the left side. the buttons in the trunk area that moved the 2nd row seats had popped out of the sockets and won't stay attached. the dash also showed pre-safe inoperative and a # of other warnings. Dealer said these are early production demo's so some issues are expected. The GLE450 I tested had 40 miles on it, the 350 had less than 20 miles on it.
The interior of the GLE looks and feels smaller than my father's XC90 as well, especially the 3rd row and cargo space behind 2nd row.
Wife and I were very disappointed. Looks like we'll have to wait for the new GLS or go for the X7.
I really wanted to get the GLE, but after in depth testing today I don't see it working for us. It's just too small. In fact it's smaller than my wagon. the space behind the 2nd row in the GLE is about 8 inches shorter than my wagon, so luggage/cargo space is less in the GLE than in my wagon. (GLE is slightly wider and taller than the wagon but shorter from back of 2nd row seat to the hatch door).
Also the 3rd row is very small. I'm 5'11" and 185lb, I'd say about average sized. If I move the 2nd row all the way to the front then I can fit in the 3rd row with my knees touching the back of the 2nd row but my head is rubbing against the ceiling. I can't see anyone over 5'6 fitting in the 3rd row. My 11 year old son who is just short of 5 feet tall, can sit in the 3rd row with a little room to spare if the 2nd row is move to the forward most position.
The GLE350 felt extremely weak and the engine was noisy. the GLE450 was better but still felt weak when starting from a dead stop with light pedal. My wagon feels like it has more low end torque. I was hoping the EQ boost would make it feel stronger off the line but it doesn't unless you really push down on the pedal. Maybe the test car I was in wasn't engaging the EQ boost properly, it had a # of warnings on the dash (Pre-Safe inoperative, and a bunch of others) It was showing EQ boost power and charge so I thought it was working.
The burmester sound (not the high end 3D version) lacked bass compared to the HK in the wagon. The highs were pretty decent, mids were so-so but lacked bass no matter how I adjusted it.
I looked at 2 out of the 3 GLE's they had and both had issues. the GLE350 with the 3rd row had a 2nd row that won't fold up or down on the left side. the buttons in the trunk area that moved the 2nd row seats had popped out of the sockets and won't stay attached. the dash also showed pre-safe inoperative and a # of other warnings. Dealer said these are early production demo's so some issues are expected. The GLE450 I tested had 40 miles on it, the 350 had less than 20 miles on it.
The interior of the GLE looks and feels smaller than my father's XC90 as well, especially the 3rd row and cargo space behind 2nd row.
Wife and I were very disappointed. Looks like we'll have to wait for the new GLS or go for the X7.
#2871
HI,
I had this issue come up today, finding out that I can't get the leather dash without the napa seats. And so that's the point. The dash technically costs the same in mb tex and leather, but you have to pay extra 1300.00-ish more for the napa leather (as opposed to the "regular" leather) in order to get to put the leather on the dash. It looks great on the configurator with the contrast stitching standing out more, so I may go ahead and do it. My build order should be finished tomorrow, so I'm trying to make that decision fast. They have also stopped letting orders go through for metal weave for the time being, but may open up before changes can't be made. As it stands I am getting the gloss linden gray, which should look pretty good. No wood-leather steering wheel in that, so all leather there.
I had this issue come up today, finding out that I can't get the leather dash without the napa seats. And so that's the point. The dash technically costs the same in mb tex and leather, but you have to pay extra 1300.00-ish more for the napa leather (as opposed to the "regular" leather) in order to get to put the leather on the dash. It looks great on the configurator with the contrast stitching standing out more, so I may go ahead and do it. My build order should be finished tomorrow, so I'm trying to make that decision fast. They have also stopped letting orders go through for metal weave for the time being, but may open up before changes can't be made. As it stands I am getting the gloss linden gray, which should look pretty good. No wood-leather steering wheel in that, so all leather there.
Last edited by beth22; 03-15-2019 at 06:41 PM. Reason: mistake in original
#2872
Got the day off work so spent 3 hours at the dealer while my car was getting its' 6 year service done (2013 E350 wagon). I got to test a GLE350 with 3rd row, GLE450 without 3rd row, and 2019 GLS450.
I really wanted to get the GLE, but after in depth testing today I don't see it working for us. It's just too small. In fact it's smaller than my wagon. the space behind the 2nd row in the GLE is about 8 inches shorter than my wagon, so luggage/cargo space is less in the GLE than in my wagon. (GLE is slightly wider and taller than the wagon but shorter from back of 2nd row seat to the hatch door).
Also the 3rd row is very small. I'm 5'11" and 185lb, I'd say about average sized. If I move the 2nd row all the way to the front then I can fit in the 3rd row with my knees touching the back of the 2nd row but my head is rubbing against the ceiling. I can't see anyone over 5'6 fitting in the 3rd row. My 11 year old son who is just short of 5 feet tall, can sit in the 3rd row with a little room to spare if the 2nd row is move to the forward most position.
The GLE350 felt extremely weak and the engine was noisy. the GLE450 was better but still felt weak when starting from a dead stop with light pedal. My wagon feels like it has more low end torque. I was hoping the EQ boost would make it feel stronger off the line but it doesn't unless you really push down on the pedal. Maybe the test car I was in wasn't engaging the EQ boost properly, it had a # of warnings on the dash (Pre-Safe inoperative, and a bunch of others) It was showing EQ boost power and charge so I thought it was working.
The burmester sound (not the high end 3D version) lacked bass compared to the HK in the wagon. The highs were pretty decent, mids were so-so but lacked bass no matter how I adjusted it.
I looked at 2 out of the 3 GLE's they had and both had issues. the GLE350 with the 3rd row had a 2nd row that won't fold up or down on the left side. the buttons in the trunk area that moved the 2nd row seats had popped out of the sockets and won't stay attached. the dash also showed pre-safe inoperative and a # of other warnings. Dealer said these are early production demo's so some issues are expected. The GLE450 I tested had 40 miles on it, the 350 had less than 20 miles on it.
The interior of the GLE looks and feels smaller than my father's XC90 as well, especially the 3rd row and cargo space behind 2nd row.
Wife and I were very disappointed. Looks like we'll have to wait for the new GLS or go for the X7.
I really wanted to get the GLE, but after in depth testing today I don't see it working for us. It's just too small. In fact it's smaller than my wagon. the space behind the 2nd row in the GLE is about 8 inches shorter than my wagon, so luggage/cargo space is less in the GLE than in my wagon. (GLE is slightly wider and taller than the wagon but shorter from back of 2nd row seat to the hatch door).
Also the 3rd row is very small. I'm 5'11" and 185lb, I'd say about average sized. If I move the 2nd row all the way to the front then I can fit in the 3rd row with my knees touching the back of the 2nd row but my head is rubbing against the ceiling. I can't see anyone over 5'6 fitting in the 3rd row. My 11 year old son who is just short of 5 feet tall, can sit in the 3rd row with a little room to spare if the 2nd row is move to the forward most position.
The GLE350 felt extremely weak and the engine was noisy. the GLE450 was better but still felt weak when starting from a dead stop with light pedal. My wagon feels like it has more low end torque. I was hoping the EQ boost would make it feel stronger off the line but it doesn't unless you really push down on the pedal. Maybe the test car I was in wasn't engaging the EQ boost properly, it had a # of warnings on the dash (Pre-Safe inoperative, and a bunch of others) It was showing EQ boost power and charge so I thought it was working.
The burmester sound (not the high end 3D version) lacked bass compared to the HK in the wagon. The highs were pretty decent, mids were so-so but lacked bass no matter how I adjusted it.
I looked at 2 out of the 3 GLE's they had and both had issues. the GLE350 with the 3rd row had a 2nd row that won't fold up or down on the left side. the buttons in the trunk area that moved the 2nd row seats had popped out of the sockets and won't stay attached. the dash also showed pre-safe inoperative and a # of other warnings. Dealer said these are early production demo's so some issues are expected. The GLE450 I tested had 40 miles on it, the 350 had less than 20 miles on it.
The interior of the GLE looks and feels smaller than my father's XC90 as well, especially the 3rd row and cargo space behind 2nd row.
Wife and I were very disappointed. Looks like we'll have to wait for the new GLS or go for the X7.
#2873
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
The GLE350 had 20" run flat Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S tires. A little bit more road/tire noise than the GLE 450 (with non-run flat Michelin) and a bit more engine noise. (the 4 cylinder does not sound anywhere near as nice as the I6)
The I6 does sound nice when you step on it and can get you up to speed very quickly if you step on it but you do have to push the pedal quite a bit to get power from it which I'm not used to coming from my E350 which has a very sensitive pedal.
Both GLE had the standard steel suspension. At highway speeds its very smooth and composed. Around town, you do feel the bumps in the roads (we have very poor roads here). the GLS with the standard air suspension rides smoother in town but is a bit floatier(?) on the highway.
I'm not saying the suspension is uncomfortable or jarring, far from it. It feels a bit smoother around town than my E350 wagon with sport pkg but not as agile at high speeds (obviously due to the higher center of gravity and additional weight).
If I were to purchase one, I'd get the air suspension though. With my bad back, I now value a smooth/soft/comfortable ride over absolute handling.
Oh and the start/stop system, I've never liked them. but the GLE450 changed my mind. You cannot feel or hear it start or stop at all. and the start is instant. the GLE350 still had typical shake when starting/stopping and a brief delay when it starts. I could see myself living with the start/stop system of the 450 but not the 350.
The following 3 users liked this post by thenew3:
#2874
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,618
Likes: 1,191
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Test drive comments
Both had the standard steel suspension. At highway speeds its very smooth and composed. Around town, you do feel the bumps in the roads (we have very poor roads here). the GLS with the standard air suspension rides smoother in town but is a bit floatier(?) on the highway.
I'm not saying the suspension is uncomfortable or jarring, far from it. It feels a bit smoother around town than my E350 wagon with sport pkg but not as agile at high speeds (obviously due to the higher center of gravity and additional weight).
If I were to purchase one, I'd get the air suspension though. With my bad back, I now value a smooth/soft/comfortable ride over absolute handling.
I'm not saying the suspension is uncomfortable or jarring, far from it. It feels a bit smoother around town than my E350 wagon with sport pkg but not as agile at high speeds (obviously due to the higher center of gravity and additional weight).
If I were to purchase one, I'd get the air suspension though. With my bad back, I now value a smooth/soft/comfortable ride over absolute handling.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 03-15-2019 at 07:18 PM.
The following users liked this post:
HBguy (03-16-2019)
#2875
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
Did you try "Sport" mode? That changes the throttle curve to be more sensitive. There is also Sport+ with E-ABC.
Per design and the reviews I've read the E-ABC suspension should give the best of the comfort and sport worlds. Per March/April 2019 Road & Track, "It (E-ABC) seeks to make bumpy roads feel smooth and to all but eliminate body roll in corners. It's mind-boggingly good at both--like playing a driving game while seated on your couch." Admittedly it is very expensive.
Per design and the reviews I've read the E-ABC suspension should give the best of the comfort and sport worlds. Per March/April 2019 Road & Track, "It (E-ABC) seeks to make bumpy roads feel smooth and to all but eliminate body roll in corners. It's mind-boggingly good at both--like playing a driving game while seated on your couch." Admittedly it is very expensive.
They did not have one with air or E-ABC so I could only test the base steel suspension. It wasn't bad.