Is ARTICO just a different name for MB-Tex, or a different product? yes same as MB-Tex
Dealer told me I have to order Airmatic if I want to order E-Active Body Control.

Yes, as I noted. Going to be an expensive option. Magic Body Control on the US S-Class is currently a $4,450 option with Airmatic already standard on that car.

This stood out to me as well. For some reason always thought E-Actiev Body Control was the suspension itself. Seems to be an option to aid the suspension.

Did they send pictures to go with the colors, trims, interior colors?

As to the DOG for the USA, “I ask my dealer; he just said it’s not released”. I said “I don’t see any reason why it would be.”

The sentence should have been, "I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be." “Sort of a double negative.”

Yeah, still has spare tire! And some blue and green paints. Hope the US gets those.

Looks like MB is ready to rock and roll on GLE production. Hopefully we get a DOG in the USA soon.

Odd that they still don't have the 2019 on their website.

It is the entire suspension because it does include Airmatic as the base setup.

• E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: Fully networked hydropneumatic, active suspension on a 48-volt platform, for the first time in combination with a newly-developed air suspension. This is the only system in the market where the spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. This means that it not only counteracts body roll, but also pitch and squat.

Hey Greg, is the I6 engine (M256) used in the new GLE the same engine MB put in the Euro-spec S Class? Is the mild-hybrid new or was that also available in the S?

From Car & Driver, 3/18: "While the new inline-six was launched in Europe in the revised-for-2018 S-class, Mercedes sent the United States a fresh twin-turbo V-6 in that car instead. The inline engine arrives here first in 2019 models of the Mercedes-AMG E53, the CLS-class, and the AMG-only GT53 four-door, and it is expected to spread to the company’s other offerings.”

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/ni...des-inline-six

A few more interior pics:

- I like the Espresso Brown/Magma Grey upholstery. The Brown Open Pore Walnut trim looks a little fakey in these pics, though.
- Doesn't look like the seats are folded flat. From the DOG it appears the electrically adjustable second row seats (567) only comes with the Third Row Seating Package (TRP).
- Flanking vents don't look as bad in these pics, but still unnecessary.
- I don't see an AMG Interior package in the Canadian DOG.

We do a mix of city and highway driving. I liked going 2 weeks between fill-ups and the torque (455 lb/ft) was something you actually felt. At highway speeds when you go to pass someone, just a slight tip in of the throttle and the car didn't even have to down shift. Or when I had a trailer hooked up, it towed effortlessly. Can't remember the exact price I paid (~$10?), at my local VW dealer for a 2.5gal jug of DEF and the fill was next to the fuel cap. Diesel fuel around here is usually around the price of mid-grade gas and on the Mercedes suv's MSRP for the diesel engine was only a $1500 difference.

I have a different take on it. As the customer, you can time when your lease ends. Toyota, MB, and BMW almost always have lease pull ahead deals where they cover the last 3-5 payments. So I will either carry my cars to full term or do a pull ahead so as to get the next vehicle somewhere between October and December during the winter sales/closeouts. There's usually better rates on the outgoing model year vehicles which works in your favor. And as for mods, you just have to return it back to stock but there's nothing that says you can't do anything to the car. On my 340 I have the windows tinted, roof wrapped, M5 wheels for the summer, and Blizzaks on the factory wheels for the winter. On the GLE I have the front 2 windows tinted, 22" AMG wheels for the summer, and 18" aftermarket wheels w/ Blizzaks for the winter (both sets going onto our GLS if they fit).

Am I the only one that doesn't favor the matte/open pore wood trim? That was one of my 1st turn off's w/ the W205 C-class. I have to see these new ones in person though. The lighter wood wasn't my thing neither. I liked the darker glossy anthracite trim.

I am not too crazy about this maroon one that was posted above. The others I would have to wait to see and feel in person before making judgement.

Maroon? Need to adjust your monitor . Looks brown to me.

I don't know if you guys have seen this video:

Thanks, even though nerdy guy driving. A random couple thoughts:

- I like the looks of the "twin power domes" on the hood, but those originated on other cars to keep the hood low over dual cylinder heads - make no sense here.
- Nice that the radio/gps antennas are hidden again under the rear roof panel like on the W164 - hope they work well.
- I originally thought they're just for styling here, but the slots at the front of the front wheel opening actually are functional. Cd of 0.19 is really impressive, contributed to by details:

• Cooling air control system behind the radiator grille for need-related metering of the airflow (AIRPANEL)
• Wheel spoilers with aerodynamically optimized moldings ahead of the front wheels
• Additional wheel spoilers ahead of the rear wheels
• Side spoilers with D-pillar seal on the tailgate
• Rear lights with special spoiler lips
• Large area of underbody and propshaft tunnel paneling, flush fuel tank cladding, aerodynamic cladding on the rear axle, aerodynamically optimized diffuser lining.
• Aero-wheels with aerodynamically optimized tires.

No car is perfect but it is clear the MB engineers have put a lot of thought into the W167. It must be very challenging to design a brand new car that stays true to its history while at the same time innovates and moves the design forward. It appears many of those design goals may have been achieved. I'm looking forward to ordering and driving the new GLE. My dealer already told me I can order it anyway I want, drive it when it comes in and decide then if I want it not. They did the same for out current GLS.

From Daimler
"Stuttgart/Paris. The focus of Mercedes-Benz Cars at this year's Paris Motor Show (4 to 14 October) will be not only on the motor show premiere of the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC, but also on the world premieres of GLE and B-Class.
...
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the best-selling SUV in the history of Mercedes-Benz. As comfortable on the road as a luxury saloon, the new GLE comes with better off-road credentials than ever before. The new model offers significantly more room in the interior, the new user interface, considerably extended and refined driving assistance systems, the best aerodynamics in the segment, an all-new range of engines and a host of other innovations."

Changing my order to remove that walnut trim - hate that look and prefer a lighter trim. Also do NOT like the brown/grey seat combo!! I think the seats will still flip/fold flat if not ordering third row (I am not).