teramesher

Hello,

I put my deposit down for GLE 450 for June expected delivery. However, I am now told that "they don't know where it is." There is no GLE450 available in any of the dealers here. The next step is for them to attempt to get a build slot for potential Sept delivery, but this is not guaranteed either. Ideally, I need to purchase a car in June for reasons I won't go into. Are there folks in here that waited for 450, then "settled" for 350? I won't be getting E-ABC, so the difference is the horsepower and battery charger for smooth automatic engine restart?

I am starting to convince myself to settle. Anyone in similar situation? I would like to hear your reasoning for settling or sticking with it.

bigpern23

I've been debating the same thing. I can get a similarly equipped 350 right now for $8K less, or continue waiting for my 450 that was supposed to be completed six weeks ago and they won't tell me when it's expected to be delivered.

Ultimately, I think I'm going to stick with the horsepower mostly because, for nearly $70K, I don't want to "settle." It would be difficult to spend that much money (even $60K) and feel like I'm not getting what I wanted.

That said, if I had known when I ordered it that it was going to take this long, I might have just gone ahead with the 350. I've already sunk 10 full weeks of waiting into this thing. Settling now, when I could have had a 350 more than two months ago, would almost just be dumb.

fabbrisd1

" There is no GLE450 available in any of the dealers here." - it would be helpful if you would say "where" - there maybe members who might know where to point you to..

teramesher

Seattle

tinman831

For the money we are spending, I wouldn’t settle. However, given your time constraints, I’d start looking for other cars in configurations that would make you happy. You only have a month left.

beth22

There are 450's to be had if you look on the internet at Mercedes dealers around the country. You could call the dealers listed to see the availability, or you could ask your dealer to locate one for you instead of the custom order. Just a suggestion.

jxl007

I was debating on the same but I knew I was going to regret the 350's 255 horsepower, especially since the price difference between 350 and 450 isn't that much more for the additional horsepower, I6 engine.

guitarplayer

I was of the same mindset a month ago. Went to one of our 2 dealers here. He asked me if I’d ever driven a 350. I told him no, but I just can’t see myself ever driving in a four-cylinder. So we took a test drive in a 350. We got in the car and I floored it. I looked over at him and said, “Hell, this is fine”. He smiled and told me everyone changes their mind but some people just can’t get over the fact that it’s a four-cylinder.

I love my 350. Completely changed my mindset on the four-cylinder. I mean come on it’s an SUV it’s not a sports car. I wanted a big quiet smooth riding highway cruiser to bounce back-and-forth to Florida and not a low to the ground curb hugging sports car. Unless you need the extra power to pull a boat I really no longer see an issue with it. The fuel economy as I posted above has been fantastic. This vehicle is really wonderful so quiet runs so smooth. And now if I had the opportunity I would still get the 350.

bigpern23

I’m curious if you’ve driven the 450 as well and how they compare. I haven’t driven both.

guitarplayer

No I have not driven the 450 but when I took my long test drive with the 350 I realized right away that the four-cylinder was more than adequate for my needs.

pass1

I took delivery of a GLE 350 last Friday. It was ordered 90 days ago. I found the engine power to be more than adequate. I chose the 350 because of the less complex engine technology. This will not be a daily driver but more of a haul the dogs car. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I choose MB because I wanted a spare tire for road trips with the dogs.

teramesher

I test drove both 350 and 450. I appreciated 450’s smooth auto start of the engine.

Does 350 have auto start without the battery? How smooth is it?
If jerky, can it be turned off permanently without having to turning it off every time you start the engine?

flexstar

I think it's. I've driven both the 350 and 450 and they both had the switch. I agree with Guitarplayer the 350 is surprising smooth. Unless you're pulling a camper or big boat the 350 is very sufficient.

GregW / Oregon

"Don't know where it is" is not a valid answer. I assume you have a Purchase Order number? Ask to get a printout of the NetStar pages with the production information. Yes, many cars are stalled in production with no firm ETA, but they are gradually moving. It depends on what you value and what your limit of patience is.

I have driven both and would not settle for the 350, personally. The 48v system really adds a lot and the power and smoothness of the 450 is a cut above the 4-cylinder.

Philamg

Never settle for what you haven't ordered, you will regret it.

mb_isa

Well stated Guitarplayer... I, myself face the same dilemma both as a customer as well as with my clients at my dealership. The GLE350, which I ordered for various reasons is more than enough power for legal driving on U.S. roads. I wanted the GLE450 with AMG pkg for the exhaust note (sound package) and instant acceleration like the GLE43.

However, I had no desire to wait for an undisclosed length of time. Not to mention, as I tell prospective buyers, this GLE350 despite its 4 cylinder engine is far from anemic. The 9 speed transmission and and Mercedes penchant for understating their performance numbers, feels faster than my current 2018 GLE350. Even the performance numbers back this. The turbo's torque does the job. So many people are amazed after test drives. So hey I don't think it's settling, as there's no bad choice. I can't wait to take delivery of my 2020 GLE350 later this summer. I took a demo home for a few weeks for my wife and I to drive and we were sold.

rm50

My advice is don't settle. You ordered the 450 for a reason. If June is a hard deadline you should look at some of MB competitor's products. MB is making a lot of bad decisions right now. They are treating their customers like they have no value. They are keeping their dealers in the dark where they can't answer our questions. I ordered my GLE 450 6 months ago and I am no closer to getting my car than I was the day I ordered it. Frustrating!!

DaveD9

I have driven both and frankly the difference in price should be much greater. The 450 is FAR superior in my opinion. If you have set, fixed expectations on the equipment you want then settle for the 350 and wonder if you made a mistake. If you are flexible on features and will most likely pay full MSRP you can find a dealer in the country that will have one and ship it. You must be diligent and search a couple times a day.

I already have 3000 miles on mine and learn new features weekly. The tech guy from the dealer is coming over tomorrow to do some advanced tutoring on my GLE and the wifes new 2019 E450 Cabriolet. He is also going to program the garage doors for us (we have 3)

I'm excited all over again to see what I will learn

Edit: Just did a little research and if you go to MB USA and shop zip 14534 you will see 48 GLE450's. Now, this has to be casting a wide net. I know the dealer has nothing in stock. I also don't know if these are in stock or on order vehicles without an order and due date attached. Prices are $65K to $84K. I was shocked at the 48 number.

GregW / Oregon

Now if the 350 came with this 4-cylinder (though this is obviously FWD)! https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-car...paign=17140065