I prefer the Dinamica/Alcantara/Ultra Suede to leather. It's plush and very comfortable. We have it in our Audi but with real leather. I thought about it for the GLE but was concerned that the Side Bolsters wouldn't take the abuse of sliding over them. It's about being practical vs needing the most expensive for me. But wanting the best is always a factor.
I think that Mercedes and Audi have a reasonv or the fake exhausts other than said in money but could be wrong. I know that those fixed to the bumper can be damaged by harmonic vibrations.
We all have our reasons for different decisions and different taste.

 

 

We opted for the designo Nappa leather in our 17 GLS and really appreciate the softness, aroma, and durability. The diamond quilting is also very attractive. We would have selected the same option in the GLE if offered. Our previous two GL's had leather but not the designo Nappa leather. We never owned the MB-Tex seat covers but test drove a GL with it. Seemed durable enough but not as soft as the standard leather. And we feel the Nappa is softer than both of those options but expensive. As you say Ron, 'different taste'.

Anyway, I was just trying to stir up a little conversation since we're running out of things to post. Here's a new GLE video just posted last night:

 

A couple minor points from the video:

• Appears this is from the Brussels Motor Show (1/19-27)
• GLE 450 comes standard with 3rd row (glad we aren't saddled with that)
• Exhaust outlets did not appear to be active
• Key fob is nice
• Like the 22" wheels - appears to be a square setup with 285/40 Summer tires

 

 

 

It seems the Euro test standards for mileage and emissions has changed. The new one may be more in line with the US EPA numbers, at least on mpg.

 

What bugs me is having fake outlets, much the same way BMW drivers don't appreciate synthesized engine sounds piped through the sound system's speakers.
On my 2001 BMW E38 740i, the exhausts are hidden behind a smooth rear bumper valence. It has a clean look, fitting for the car. Some people have made cutouts in the bumper to expose straight tips, lending a sportier look. Both look great. I'm just not a fan of fake vents, exhaust ports, etc. It's a Benz, not a KIA.

 

Yea, those 22" look great on the new body but will result in a firmer ride. Regardless, I would have opted for them if available.

 

There's always some risk buying a first-year model right out of the gate. I hope I don't end up with a bugging GLE. So much new tech in the GLE that problems could pop-up. One thing that is promising is that the MBUX team said we should get over-the-air updates twice a year.

 

 

Alcantara is not leather!

 

Uhhh, no. Who said it was?

 

My production date is now February 22nd. Adding E-ABC may have resulted in getting bumped to the 3rd decade.

 

That's awesome! When did you originally place the order in? Mine is late March build.

 

 

 

I was one of the first orders when the order bank opened. My original build date was Feb 1.

 

I understand why you ask but Netstar is showing a Feb 22 manufacturing date, nothing about which decade.

 

 

Just a guess, but they may be keeping the public profile low until they have some in dealerships that people can go see (and buy). Mercedes is not promoting the GLE on social media (Instagram, Twitter) either, nor responding to a couple posts I've made. Hopefully there will be an updated DOG soon, as that's not meant to be for public consumption.

 

SEOUL — LG Electronics Co. is the supplier for a Daimler AG Mercedes-Benz model that will feature a motion-detection system that can read a driver's gestures in order to control some automobile functions, people with knowledge of the matter said.

A camera installed in the car ceiling will read the driver's hand gestures, letting them control tasks such as turning on cruise control and adjusting music volume. Ultimately, LG envisions a system that can perform more complex functions such as shifting gears, said the people, asking not to be identified because the information isn't yet public.

BMW has already deployed a similar system in its 7 Series sedans, using technology from Softkinetic Systems, which was later bought by Sony Corp. LG already has a deal with Mercedes for a camera system that can tell if the driver is drowsy. A Jan. 8 news release by Mercedes-Benz from CES in Las Vegas showcased a new feature called MBUX Interior Assist, which lets occupants of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe control functions with gestures.

The ability to detect pedestrians and read traffic signs has also been deployed by several automakers; such advanced driver assistance systems are building blocks for fully autonomous vehicles that can fundamentally change the way people ride in cars in the future. LG is also working on a driver-assistance system, which it aims to supply to Daimler later this year or in early 2020. Delivery was initially set for later this year, but was being delayed because the South Korean company had trouble acquiring the necessary chips, one of the people said.

Representatives for LG and Daimler declined to comment.

LG is a member of a South Korean conglomerate that's been stepping up efforts to supply auto components, from electronic batteries to digital dashboards. LG competes with Intel Corp.'s Mobileye and Harman, a unit of Samsung Electronics Co., in the driver-assistance market, which is expected to expand to $67 billion by 2025 according to Grand View Research.

The Seoul company is seeking new sources of profit as its mobile phone and consumer electronics sales shrink in saturated markets. LG said earlier this month that its fourth-quarter operating profit fell 80 percent to 75.3 billion won ($66.5 million).
-- Automotive News

 

Maybe they pushed the first decade's build date out to Feb 22 from Feb 1?

 

I think his explanation that he changed his suspension option after the order was locked (through special intervention) is most likely.

 

Ah - makes sense.