2020 V167 GLE
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
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.
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tjinn (03-25-2019)
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
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.
#3028
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.
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23 EQS 580 SUV, 19 X7 (sold), 17/14 GLS550 (sold) 13 GL550 (sold)
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.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Continued production delay
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.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 03-25-2019 at 04:52 PM.
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2024 Mercedes GLE 63 S..... 2018 Audi SQ5
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.
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2024 Mercedes GLE 63 S..... 2018 Audi SQ5
It was a MY'16 BMW. So maybe I'm wrong and they're vastly improved since then. I don't think so, though.
I just think the trend toward lower sidewalls for the sake of aesthetics (and I get it, because I like the looks, too) is killing the ride for a lot of vehicles, not to mention constant risk of curbing an expensive wheel. Add worsening roads and RFs into that and it's a nightmare. I was originally going to go with the 21-inch wheels but come to think of it I may stick with the 20s.
I just think the trend toward lower sidewalls for the sake of aesthetics (and I get it, because I like the looks, too) is killing the ride for a lot of vehicles, not to mention constant risk of curbing an expensive wheel. Add worsening roads and RFs into that and it's a nightmare. I was originally going to go with the 21-inch wheels but come to think of it I may stick with the 20s.
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.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Runflats & spares
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.
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.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
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!
IF I ever get mine!
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 03-26-2019 at 10:54 AM.
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2024 Mercedes GLE 63 S..... 2018 Audi SQ5
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.....
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2024 Mercedes GLE 63 S..... 2018 Audi SQ5
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.
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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.
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.
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!
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Winter tires for GLE
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!
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!
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2024 Mercedes GLE 63 S..... 2018 Audi SQ5
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
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
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Winter tires for GLE
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
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
#3046
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
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
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 03-26-2019 at 05:52 PM.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Test drive
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.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 03-26-2019 at 07:07 PM.