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Different strokes...
The first wheel is the Audi Sport wheel for the SQ7 in Europe and is now avaible in the US as an option and part of the Titanium Black Optics Pkg. on the Q7..it totally transforms the Q7...it's also used on the new Q8 with Yr_1 pkg although the lighter parts are machined with the centers in black and covered by a gloss clearcoat vs matte.
It also depends how the light hits them
Different strokes...
The first wheel is the Audi Sport wheel for the SQ7 in Europe and is now avaible in the US as an option and part of the Titanium Black Optics Pkg. on the Q7..it totally transforms the Q7...it's also used on the new Q8 with Yr_1 pkg although the lighter parts are machined with the centers in black and covered by a gloss clearcoat vs matte.
It also depends how the light hits them
ive seen two q8 spec’d similarly in the flesh. it’s a fantastic looking vehicle. very unique presence and imo crushes the other offerings in the segment (x6 and GLE coupe).
ive seen two q8 spec’d similarly in the flesh. it’s a fantastic looking vehicle. very unique presence and imo crushes the other offerings in the segment (x6 and GLE coupe).
They look great but there has been lots of cost cutting...comp'd to the current Q7
ive seen two q8 spec’d similarly in the flesh. it’s a fantastic looking vehicle. very unique presence and imo crushes the other offerings in the segment (x6 and GLE coupe).
I agree it's the best looking of the bunch, but the engine choice here in the US is lackluster at best. The test drive totally underwhelmed me. Until the S ships I'd pass to be honest. YMMV.
Trying to decide if I want to pull the plug and order a GLE 450 this week, grab up a 2019 GLE 400, or skip MB all together. I want to move on something now and the new model looks nice, but certainly has some disappointments. For example, the 3rd row seating was going to be a nice feature, but it looks like it needs run-flat tires (which normally suck for performance). So, I'll skip 3rd row, which was the main reason I waited last year. I also think the rounded exterior pushes this a lot more "station-wagon" like in profile than the 2019/previous generation, but certainly not as bad as much of the competition. The (did I count right) 7 air vent thing going on in the dash is kind of unrefined and looks like an afterthought that shouldn't be present in this price range. And the E-Active does sound nice, but not $8100 nice. I'm a bit concerned about first year reliability too, and being that I want to order one now I'm sure pricing is going to be at a premium verses waiting 6 months when these are all over the place.
I disagree on looks - I think this one is much better than the W166, especially with the AMG Exterior Line package. Regarding the fake air vents, that is something I don't care for, but will be able to overlook.
So, as I ponder that, maybe someone can help me consider the options that I'm still unclear about and a few other thoughts:
1) Premium package: Pls help me understand the value here of getting (or not getting) this. The harness goes to a rear entertainment and comfort Features that don't seem to be listed or have any associated option. Of course having the harness makes the future installation less expensive, but if you can't fit it out, what good is it? What are the "Comfort Features"? Is the Sirrius XM an actual subscription for say 5 years or is it just a menu on the audio (which could be just as well done other ways)? Certainly the audio can't be great at this price range (I'm used to high end after-market, so even the 811 is unlikely to impress) and colored lights are neat, but really is this worth $1800?
The wireless charging will be nice, but for you probably the reason to get it is for upgraded audio.
2) 3rd row requires run-flat tires? Really, am I misunderstanding? That was one of the things that should have set this generation apart.
The third row seat folds into the floor space otherwise used for the spare - only so much usable space. You get standard tires with the 21" option (and a Tire Fit compressor/sealant kit).
3) The intelligent headlights vs standard LED? Maintenance nightmare? What about in cold (ice) weather? Big improvement on standard (low beam) or only on high beam?
The option has LED high beams, as well as low: "Ultra Wide Beam light at an increased width for maximum illumination of the road and surrounding area." You also get Adaptive High Beam assist (auto high beams). NHTSA is in the process of looking at revising headlight restrictions to allow the full features Europe gets; hopefully this will be a software update when it happens. Not sure what your maintenance or snow/ice concern is - halogen highs in the standard package will not last as long as LEDs.
4) MB first model year reliability history...thoughts?
I have had the first (usually very first) of each of the generations since 1997. Have there been some issues? A few, but Mercedes has been great at warranty and service, even goodwilling some things after warranty.
5) For the 2020, I thought there was supposed to be a rear thorax air bag option. I don't see it now.
Rear Side Air bags are available, just not listed in the DOG - option #293 (SPC) Special Order
6) Anyone hear of a diesel option like in Europe? If so, when?
I have not heard anything about US availability. Hybrid coming in a year or so.
7) I travel a fair amount up the mid-atlantic (VA, PA, MD, NJ, but live in MD). Anyone going to be reasonable in their pricing discounts (as typical post-release would be) or is everyone just so confident that many people just can't wait to spend 60 to 90K on this new model verses waiting a few months?
Of course discounts will be more scarce the first few months unless you have a good relationship with a dealer, though I'm sure there will be some opportunities.
I don't care about being first one on the block to own the newest toy, but it also seems crazy to pay 2019 prices on a model that is like 8+ years old and will be pretty much outdated even more come 6 months (if not sooner). Considering this, I'm trying to decide if I even go the MB route this time since I need a new car this Spring at the latest. Opinions?
Thanks!
No way I'd get a 2019 at this point unless you have a tight budget. The new one is going to be light years more advanced. That being said, you will need to order in the next month I believe to get before next Summer.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; Dec 17, 2018 at 12:14 PM.
That's fine, but you can also be more direct. Got to MBUSA.com - login - under "Discover Mercedes-Benz" select Contact Us/Email/Write and send your message.
Here's the one I just sent:
"I ordered the 2020 GLE 450 on the first day I could, 11/7. Your press launch in San Antonio showed GLE 450s with the 22" wheel option, which I really wanted. It is also readily available to order in Europe on this model. Why is it not an available option in the US? Seems like a bad move.
I have had the first of every new model starting in 1997. I am looking forward to this one, but it could be better with 22s. Thanks."
I attached a pic of the 22s from San Antonio.
The response from MBUSA is as expected:
"Dear Mr. Gregory Williams,
Thank you for your email to Mercedes-Benz USA and for your order on the 2020 GLE450!
Options and features in vehicles can vary from each market. At this time, the 2020 GLE for the U.S. market does not come available with the 22' option wheels.
We certainly do appreciate your feedback, and will be sure to pass along to the appropriate areas!
“It's not entirely clear on exact differences, but the option gives "Ultra Wide Beam light at an increased width for maximum illumination of the road and surrounding area." You also get Adaptive High Beam assist (auto high beams). NHTSA is in the process of looking at revising headlight restrictions to allow the full features Europe gets; hopefully this will be a sfotware update when it happens.”
One thing not mentioned....my SA pointed out that both headlights are LED vs only one without the upgrade option. He showed me a picture of each and the upgrade has a better look besides better illumination off to the sides.
The response from MBUSA is as expected:
"Dear Mr. Gregory Williams,
Thank you for your email to Mercedes-Benz USA and for your order on the 2020 GLE450!
Options and features in vehicles can vary from each market. At this time, the 2020 GLE for the U.S. market does not come available with the 22' option wheels.
We certainly do appreciate your feedback, and will be sure to pass along to the appropriate areas!
Kind Regards,
Jennah H.
Mercedes-Benz USA
(800) 367-6372"
That sux...MB is always behind when it comes to wheel size, even on some of the AMG vehicles
“It's not entirely clear on exact differences, but the option gives "Ultra Wide Beam light at an increased width for maximum illumination of the road and surrounding area." You also get Adaptive High Beam assist (auto high beams). NHTSA is in the process of looking at revising headlight restrictions to allow the full features Europe gets; hopefully this will be a sfotware update when it happens.”
One thing not mentioned....my SA pointed out that both headlights are LED vs only one without the upgrade option. He showed me a picture of each and the upgrade has a better look besides better illumination off to the sides.
Those with 1st decade February slots, we're only six weeks away from our builds going on the lines. They'll be at the dealerships before we know it (at least that's what I'm telling myself).
I'm livid.
Weighing all my options at this point. Working with MB corporate also.
I feel for you, hope the GLE is put together better than the order process. I ordered 11-24 and still don’t have a build date even though there’s some that ordered in December that have one and their orders locked. Also even though M-B tells us that I can order the Brown Walnut I’m still waiting for confirmation. Things aren’t moving very fast at this time. Maybe MB is busy putting out fires!
Corporate responds fast but not so quick with results.
The good: I was able to get guardian angel help at MBUSA today.
My original order submitted on 11/17 locked in early December and did so w/o certain options which were previously on my original order sheet: Premium Pkg (DP1), and Rear Heated Seats (872). Mercedes was able to re-open the order somehow even though it has been in B3 (No changes possible) status for more than two weeks, and add those options back onto the order.
The bad: Somehow the Heated / Cooled Cup Holders (311) got left off the latest revision to the order. This may be a sign to others placing orders that they may be in for surprises along the way.
Worst case, I can live without them. Truly first world problems if there ever were any.
Best Case: I can try again tomorrow to re-add them.
I'm happy to be back at the front of the queue which theoretically I wont have to wait an extra 2-months; but all this relies on the expectation (hope?) that Mercedes will launch the new GLE without holding these early builds at port for too long.
The good: I was able to get guardian angel help at MBUSA today.
My original order submitted on 11/17 locked in early December and did so w/o certain options which were previously on my original order sheet: Premium Pkg (DP1), and Rear Heated Seats (872). Mercedes was able to re-open the order somehow even though it has been in B3 (No changes possible) status for more than two weeks, and add those options back onto the order.
The bad: Somehow the Heated / Cooled Cup Holders (311) got left off the latest revision to the order. This may be a sign to others placing orders that they may be in for surprises along the way.
Worst case, I can live without them. Truly first world problems if there ever were any.
Best Case: I can try again tomorrow to re-add them.
I'm happy to be back at the front of the queue which theoretically I wont have to wait an extra 2-months; but all this relies on the expectation (hope?) that Mercedes will launch the new GLE without holding these early builds at port for too long.
Good news Buddy. I got my trim changed today so hoping the build is in sync with my order now.
I guess it’s only fair that we buyers share some responsibility for pushing for an early order before Mercedes has finalized the process. I’ve done this several times without a problem but there’s always risk. It’s worth it to have a new Gen first for some of us!
I agree it's the best looking of the bunch, but the engine choice here in the US is lackluster at best. The test drive totally underwhelmed me. Until the S ships I'd pass to be honest. YMMV.
That's because you're coming out of an E63!
I drove the base 2019 Cayenne and thought it was fantastic; my understanding is that it comes with a detuned version of the same 3.0L turbo V6 as found in the Q8. At similar price points I would prefer Cayenne and this is coming from a 20 year Audi enthusiast.
In your case you may want to look into the Cayenne S trim: 2.9L twin turbo V6 that makes 440hp and 406 ft-lbs.
I lust drove the new E53 cab...it was a rocket...the motor will surely help the GLE and it might be the version to wait for. I do think however the 450 is plenty for most
Was surprised on their write up of the GLE450 engine compared to the 4 cylinder GLE350. "GLE450 we drove didn't feel radically quicker than the more lightly option 350". They seemed to be pleased with the 255 HP turbo four. I was expecting great reviews on the turbo charged six. Maybe I need to find a 2014 ML550 vs waiting or new GLE450.
Do the wheels on this AMG GLC 63 look familiar? MB is likely saving the 22's for the AMG GLE 53/63
Joe,
If you ever upgrade to 22's I'll be a short drive away from you if you choose to unload your stock 21's!!!
postscript: Yes I am still torn over the 20's versus 21's. I like the idea of extra sidewall on the 20's for comfort given that this will be a 5K pound SUV and I chose the base suspension; but in my Audi S4 I run 255/35 19" in the summer and 245/40 18" in the winter. On the GLE the 20's are already the +1 size which is typically the consensus optimal setup for sport versus comfort. Also aren't the 21's so wide (315 rears) that hydroplaning may start to present itself in the rain?
Let me ask this another way, If you were going to run 2 sets of wheels would you buy the 20's oem or the 21s? I typically run summers from late March to late November; on an SUV I wonder if I would instead run all-seasons 3/4 of the year and snow/ice compounds in the winter. But would you run snows on 20's or 19"s???
If you ever upgrade to 22's I'll be a short drive away from you if you choose to unload your stock 21's!!!
postscript: Yes I am still torn over the 20's versus 21's. I like the idea of extra sidewall on the 20's for comfort given that this will be a 5K pound SUV and I chose the base suspension; but in my Audi S4 I run 255/35 19" in the summer and 245/40 18" in the winter. On the GLE the 20's are already the +1 size which is typically the consensus optimal setup for sport versus comfort. Also aren't the 21's so wide (315 rears) that hydroplaning may start to present itself in the rain?
Let me ask this another way, If you were going to run 2 sets of wheels would you buy the 20's oem or the 21s? I typically run summers from late March to late November; on an SUV I wonder if I would instead run all-seasons 3/4 of the year and snow/ice compounds in the winter. But would you run snows on 20's or 19"s???
I never swap my wheels in the winter so I’ll use the 21’s year-round. You’re right about the 20’s providing a better ride but our last three GL/GLS’s had similar wheels to the 20’s so I wanted to go a different way with the new GLE. As for the 22’s, no plans to buy those wheels down the road.
Yes I am still torn over the 20's versus 21's. I like the idea of extra sidewall on the 20's for comfort given that this will be a 5K pound SUV and I chose the base suspension; but in my Audi S4 I run 255/35 19" in the summer and 245/40 18" in the winter. On the GLE the 20's are already the +1 size which is typically the consensus optimal setup for sport versus comfort. Also aren't the 21's so wide (315 rears) that hydroplaning may start to present itself in the rain?
Let me ask this another way, If you were going to run 2 sets of wheels would you buy the 20's oem or the 21s? I typically run summers from late March to late November; on an SUV I wonder if I would instead run all-seasons 3/4 of the year and snow/ice compounds in the winter. But would you run snows on 20's or 19"s???
My .02: We get a little snow here (sometimes a couple big storms), and sometimes ice, so I like the extra security of dedicated Winter tires from late November through February. I run all-seasons the rest of the year. My current ML came with 20s, which was an upsize with the Handling Package and I bought a set of 19" takeoffs for Winters. This new car has a step larger tires stock, so I'm getting the 21s and selling my ML with the 19s and keeping the 20s for my new Winter wheels. Hydroplaning of the rear is not as much of a problem as with the front, of course.
Do the wheels on this AMG GLC 63 look familiar? MB is likely saving the 22's for the AMG GLE 53/63
Those are 21s on the GLC (fronts size 265/40 ZR-21). That could be the perfect solution for our cars if the offsets work! Edit: The 21s are undoubtedly narrower than the 22s, but based on my experience with y ML I think you could still run 275s on the front (I went from 265s to 275s on my stock wheels).
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; Dec 18, 2018 at 11:05 AM.
Those are 21s on the GLC (fronts size 265/40 ZR-21). That could be the perfect solution for our cars if the offsets work! Edit: The 21s are undoubtedly narrower than the 22s, but based on my experience with y ML I think you could still run 275s on the front (I went from 265s to 275s on my stock wheels).
Interesting, would the overall diameter be correct for the GLE? If so, they should be available for order through the parts department.
It appears this 21" wheel comes with black (possibly dark grey) accents or you could go with all black...
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