Continued production delays
 

So, called MBUSA Customer Services today as the Twitter team told me to. The guy was no help, other than to confirm that my car started production on 2/21, and it's still in B4A status 12 days after the completion date that is still showing 3/13. At the end of the call I insisted he put me in touch with someone who could provide more information; he said someone from the executive team should get back to me within a day.

Performance tires in Winter
 

I'll disagree somewhat. I have 20" Michelin Pilot Super Sports on my M4 and I drive it all year, EXCEPT if there is ice or snow. I find traction even down to freezing okay as long as you adjust your driving style and expectations. That being said, I am a firm proponent of true Winter tires on my SUV, even here in relatively mild Western Oregon.

I am also a firm believer in proper winter tires!! We live in Michigan and weather can be very unpredictable in winters. I ride my A7 on Michlelin Pilot Sport 4S but when temps are below 40s down to 10s or 0s theres no way Im driving on those. I use Blizzaks during the winters even on our SUVs. Its not good for the summer rubber even if its cold and dry but it depends on how much you drive though. If I had an M4 like Greg I would keep the summers on all year round unless its my daily driver then I will swap. Otherwise no point if its dry outside. Winter tires have a huge advantage over all seasons. They are more pliable and more comfortable in winter time and have better stopping distance, turning control, and acceleration in snow regardless if you have an AWD or not. My A7 outperforms a Chevy Suburban in winter storm.

Hang in there Greg. You and anyone else who's build is delayed should get invoice deals for your patience or at least an additional $1,000 Appreciation Bonus. Tearing up the one I got from the KOP Mall wasn't easy but it was non-transferable.

Continued production delay
 

I did just get a call back from an "executive referral manager" at the MBUSA Customer Assistance Center who said they were looking into the matter and would get back to me in the next day or two. He emailed me his phone number which makes me feel better that I should find out something soon and have a direct contact now.

I got a call from James in the same department. Had to apologize for my email but I did tell him that there were people with builds approaching 2 weeks and no explanation. My take is that these are just PR folks so I’m sure they have to check with someone else.

I’m old enough to remember when tires weren’t radial. The big change was from the Sidewall having flex for a much better feel. The suspension can probably compensate for the stiff sidewall to a point but I don’t see how suspension can do much in corners. Joe’s probably right about not much difference in feel around town on a heavy car. You might notice a difference in the twisties.
I just don’t get it though. The only place they can get you someplace for repair is close to town and then Roadside assistance is probably available. I guess I’m getting old but I want a spare even though I haven’t had a flat in years.

Runflats & spares
 

I'm with you on the memories! I've only had one major (instantaneous rather than slow leak) flat, and it was on Mount Hood 75 miles from anywhere. I can see how runflats might get you off the interstate for instance to a safer area, but I'm with you, I want a spare. For my M4 which doesn't have one or have that option I was able to put a custom one together using an X5 wheel, hub size adapter and the right size tire. I throw it in the trunk whenever I'm going more than 25 miles or so from home. No reason you can't buy the GLE temporary spare and take it along when travelling. Or, if there's room, take along a full-size Winter wheel/tire.

My sales just said to me late April delivery or even May. Status of build didn’t change for the passed two weeks.

Autoweek GLE/E-ABC article
 

”It’s hard to get excited about a midsize luxury SUV, but when it’s done almost perfectly, like this Mercedes is here, it is notable. If you’re in the market, and luxury, comfort and tech are high on your list, I think it’s the best option in a group of good utilities.” – Jake Lingeman, Autoweek 3-25-19

IF I ever get mine!

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...1a26f2ae74.jpg

Anyone know build status B4-01.2 means ?

I’m sure I will regret not getting it but then mid cycle refresh may be in the cards. I would have bet money that Greg would get a completion notice on his by today. Waiting is hell but dangling the build started and then this unknown delay has to make it worse. Maybe some day an answer.....

Exactly. You might get it, but most people don't. And there's a good reason. Summer tires are not for winter!

Agreed-Even All Seasons are a compromise. Our Audi came with Michelin AS and I purchased Michelin Xi2 winters. Side by side the tires are almost identical. The winters have more siping is about all you see. I’m sure the rubber compound is different because there’s a significant difference on ice and the occasional packed snow floors or ice that gets water on it as it melts during the day, a very slick surface. Winter tire rubber stays soft in cold weather, summer tires get hard when cold and like you said they are like Hokey Pucks.
I’m surprised at how well both sets wear, unlike my first set of winters-maybe many years ago. They were Blizzacks and wore great in the cold but one 400 mile trip on a freeway when it had warmed to 65-70 and they were shot. Rubber compounds and performance continue to improve so it’s winter tires for me.

Couldn't agree with you more.

I'm also running winter michelins, 275-55-r19 michelin pilot alpin pa5 suv tires (a tire to look out for if youre planning on getting winters for the new gle) that just came out this last winter season.
Truly these tires are amazing. V rated and great in the corners. Super smooth and Handles vermont and maine storms no worries whatsoever.
Best part is, they also have a mileage warranty 🤯
Not a great one but it definitely helps!

Winter tires for GLE
 

I didn't see that size on the Michelin website - where did you get them? I'm probably going to run 275/50-20s. There may be more size options as next Winter approaches, I'm guessing.

Sorry. I misspoke. I’m Running 255-55-19

from tirerack.com

Here is the current selection offered by Michelin in 20’s. Link to all Alpins-https://tiresize.com/tires/Michelin/Pilot-Alpin-PA4.htm


235/35R20
92V XL BSW26.46"9.49"8-9.5"8.5"10.5/32"XL1389 lbs50 psi23 lbs786

245/35R20
91V SL BSW26.8"9.8"8-9.5"8.5"10.5/32"SL1356 lbs51 psiNA775

255/40R20
101V XL BSW28"10.2"8.5-10"9"10.5/32"XL1819 lbs50 psi28.2 lbs742

285/30R20
99W XL BSW26.8"11.4"9.5-10.5"10"10.5/32"XL1709 lbs50 psi27 lbs777

285/35R20
104V XL BSW27.9"11.4"9.5-11"10"10.5/32"XL1984 lbs50 psi30 lbs745

295/30R20
97V SL BSW27"11.9"10-11"10.5"10.5/32"SL1609 lbs51 psi30 lbs770

335/25R20
103W XL BSW26.61"13.5"11.5-12.5"12"10.5/32"XL1929 lbs50 psi33.2 lbs

Winter tires for GLE
 

That's the PA4, which is designed for cars, as you can see by the sizes. The PA5 SUV would be the correct tire. https://www.michelinman.com/tire/mic...-alpin-pa5-suv

For anyone interested, the X7 in this video is identical to ours:

Finally drove one!
 

Got a call from my dealer to come out and drive a 450, which I did today. It was a black one, modestly equipped with a $67k+ list. Had stock suspension, MB-Tex, Lane Keeping Assist, Burmester, upgraded 20" 50R wheels, trailer hitch. Did a quick 10-mile loop on freeway and secondary road. Brief observations:

• Quiet, smooth
• Acceleration was reasonably brisk. I neglected to even take it our of Eco mode, though.
• No improvement over W166 as far as wind buffeting with driver's window down
• Sightline to top of instruments was cut off for me even with wheel fairly high (I'm only 5'-10"+). Maybe messing with the adjustments more would improve it. Will not be a problem for my shorter wife, but if you’re 6'+ you may want to check this out.
• Trailer hitch does not appear to come with a drawbar for the receiver.
• Did not hit any rough road, but steel spring suspension seemed pretty good.
• Brake pedal felt a little soft
• Start/stop is seamless

Thanks for your review - how does it compare with the GLE350?

GLE test drive
 

I did not drive the 350 since I have no interest in it.

It's hard to tell if your experience with the 450 was favorable. Obviously there will be some good and bad, as with everything, but are you still excited (for lack of a better word) about your order?

Test drive
 

Sorry, that was a pretty dry review. Yes, I am, but have been in a bit of a funk over the holdup on my order. Once mine ships I will get excited again!

This car lacked some niceties I am getting that tempered my feelings for it. And, I only had 20 minutes in it. The AMG Line exterior, E-ABC, panorama roof, 21" wheels, dash coverings, head up display etc. I'm getting will make it a far different vehicle.

This will be my wife's DD (I will have it to go to Home Depot and on trips!) and while she has been lukewarm, I think she will love it compared to her '12 ML 350.