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Back in 2016, I cross-shopped them, as well as a few other SUVs. In the end it was between a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland EcoDiesel and the M-B GLE 350d.
I always thought Ford ripped off the C-pillar look of the ML/GLE. Anyone agree?
I haven't gone back and looked at all iterations, but with the new models the C-pillars are very similar. There are differences in the lite behind the pillar and the rear door glass on the Explorer that has what in BMW terms is a Hoffmeister kink at the lower corner. The cut line of the rear door hugs the glass on the Mercedes, which I think is more elegant than on the Explorer where it splits the pillar.
Frankenstein does a good job narrating along with the German engineer in this Japanese video, however my real question is: is this the Walnut trim? If so I may have to make a change!
Frankenstein does a good job narrating along with the German engineer in this Japanese video, however my real question is: is this the Walnut trim? If so I may have to make a change!
That appears to be Walnut, though the grain does not look nearly as nice as on the Configurator. I know there are a lot of vids out there with that trim you may want to look at. As with any natural material there will be variations in color and pattern.
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 01-10-2019 at 10:32 PM.
Well, since the 2019 C class coupe and cabriolet both have the natural grain walnut trim on the build site, it shouldn't be that hard to find a dealership nearby
to go see the trim in person. Its the trim that shows up as default until you change it there.
There is a revised DOG out there - I saw it at my dealer yesterday - no real change except the interior I wanted is listed as available. I want 958A - Black/Magmagrey Nappa leather - and before the DOG said "delayed ordering" - now that has been removed.
The attached DOG may be the one you are referring to. Also has the U38 option cost. A few other little changes too, like the rear door power shades just got $200 more expensive. Just happened to pop into my dealer today to touch base and saw this one pop up on his screen and asked him to send it to me.
I still haven't placed an order yet as I am waiting for some finalization and US configurator to come on line. Personally, I want the high end Burmester audio but it is excluded with the AMG exterior. Ticked off about that as it really makes no sense to me for a newly redesigned vehicle to have an interior audio package excluded by an exterior trim package. If an amp gets in the way, move it. You're redesigning the thing. I spoke to a MB factory rep about it and it was confirmed that "components" of each get in the way of the other, to state it simply. I may have to forgo the AMG exterior for the audio, and I'm really not liking that. Oh well, to each his own priorities.
The attached DOG may be the one you are referring to. Also has the U38 option cost. A few other little changes too, like the rear door power shades just got $200 more expensive. Just happened to pop into my dealer today to touch base and saw this one pop up on his screen and asked him to send it to me.
I still haven't placed an order yet as I am waiting for some finalization and US configurator to come on line. Personally, I want the high end Burmester audio but it is excluded with the AMG exterior. Ticked off about that as it really makes no sense to me for a newly redesigned vehicle to have an interior audio package excluded by an exterior trim package. If an amp gets in the way, move it. You're redesigning the thing. I spoke to a MB factory rep about it and it was confirmed that "components" of each get in the way of the other, to state it simply. I may have to forgo the AMG exterior for the audio, and I'm really not liking that. Oh well, to each his own priorities.
Burmeister looks to be available. Maybe I’m reading it wrong but it looks to me like they are saying it’s more expensive without the Burmeister. $3250 vs $2900. I think there’s a mistake in the MB Tex dash vs Napa leather-both are listed at $700. They are making more interim changes....time for the DOG to lose preliminary status.
I think you're reading it wrong. AMG Line exterior is "Not with Burmester High End 3D Surround System (811)". The price diff is between the GLE 350 and 450 (350 = $2900; 450 = $3,250).
You are probably right because that print is normally a restriction but it doesn’t say not available. Opposite the $2900 is All Models. Pretty sloppy work still MB.
There is a revised DOG out there - I saw it at my dealer yesterday - no real change except the interior I wanted is listed as available. I want 958A - Black/Magmagrey Nappa leather - and before the DOG said "delayed ordering" - now that has been removed.
That's too bad I was hoping for some other goodies...
Night Package description:
Was: High-gloss black elements: front splitter, grille trim, rear diffuser, tailpipes, side mirrors, window trim, and roof rails
Now: Black elements: front splitter, grille trim, rear diffuser, side mirrors, window trim, and roof rail
E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL:
Was: $8,100
Now: $8,200 (still at $8,100 on page 12)
AIRMATIC Suspension:
Was: $1,610
Now: $1,710
ENERGIZING Package Plus:
Was: tbd
Now: $2,100
Electric Rear Side-Window Sunshades:
Was: $380
Now: $580
Dashboard and Door Beltlines in Nappa Leather
New: $700
Note: I think there's a mistake. The (U09) MB-Tex Dashboard and Door Beltlines was originally priced at $400 but was changed to $700. However, (U38) Dashboard and Door Beltlines in Nappa Leather is also priced at $700. I'm thinking U09 is actually $400 since the Nappa Leather U38 option is $700.
Dashboard and Door Beltlines in Nappa Leather
New: $700
Note: I think there's a mistake. The (U09) MB-Tex Dashboard and Door Beltlines was originally priced at $400 but was changed to $700. However, (U38) Dashboard and Door Beltlines in Nappa Leather is also priced at $700. I'm thinking U09 is actually $400 since the Nappa Leather U38 option is $700.
Thanks for the comparison; unlike last revision where some items went down, now all changes are in the up direction. I think you are correct on U09, except it was previously $450, not $400. They should hire us to proofread these things!
Also, prices were added for designo® trims H34 & H35 at $850. There is nothing more precious about the Black Ash than the Brown Walnut trim; different wood and stain, and “designo” makes it over 5x the cost!
Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 01-12-2019 at 04:49 PM.
really getting up there...now in Audi Q8 Year 1 territory with near every option including 22's, lux pckg/ verona leather, alcantara headliner, HUD, leather dash etc and they're still built in Germany to boot. At this rate a very well equipped 53 is going to easily break $100k
Chasing Mercedes? From Road & Track (Feb '19) regarding the Audi A8:
"The A8's standard air suspension is pretty supple, even for this comfort-oriented class, but an optional active suspension will be coming soon. It's able to scan the road ahead and lift or push each wheel according to the terrain."
No word on whether the A8 will be able to dance. I know at least the Q8 has a 48v electrical system, though I think it's only used for starting. Likely this active suspension technology will spread across the upper end of the industry.
I agree with you about the photography. I've never bought a new red vehicle but the GLE looks quite good in red, especially with those multi-spoke AMG wheels.
The Philadelphia Auto Show is coming up Feb. 2 – 10. I'm hoping MB will have a 2020 GLE 450 on display like they did for the LA Auto Show.
01-10-2019, 12:39 PM
