Curious questions on GLE Pedal Postions (Gas/Brake)

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Jun 22, 2019 | 07:19 PM
  #1  
I currently drive an E350 and looking to move to an SUV like GLE. So I went to at least two dealers to see the new 2020 GLE. In each of visit, I found the same issue for me: Relatively, The Gas Pedal is way inside (away from driver) and Brake Pedal is way outside and high (toward driver), so that they are NOT in flush with each other, actually off quite a lot. so if my feet is on the gas pedal (as if driving) and need to brake, very awkward to move to the brake pedal, as you cannot just slide your feet to the brake, you almost need to retract your feet and move to do the brake.

I tried all kinds of seat adjustment, the same issue (for me) remains. I current drive E350 and the Brake/Gas Pedal are in flush, so I just slide the (right) feet from gas->brake or brake->gas. I also tried 2019 GLE and 2019 GLE AMG, the brake/gas are almost in flush so no such issue. I also tried 2019 GLS and brake/gas pedals almost in flush as well, just slightly off.

My height is 5'7 and feet is US 8, so I think pretty normal. The dealers says no complaints, so I am very curious why I have such issue. I didn't test drive, these are display cars on the floor -- not in driving mode.

1. Are 2020 GLEs pedal-adjustable ? Maybe after the car is started, the brake pedal will lower itself automatically? In one of the review, it says if one puts information into the system, the system will auto-adjust seat postion & pedal postions, so I have the feeling that this car might have pedal settings.
2. If not adjustable, I get a "Gas Pedal Extender" that should be safe to use to make Brake/Gas pedals in flush ?

You guys really don't see any issue with Break/Gas Pedal positions and notice any difference from previous years GLEs and sedans?

Thanks a lot ! I have received enormous amount of real help here and I hope to contribute back someday!
Reply 0
Jun 22, 2019 | 08:07 PM
  #2  
Brake pedal position
Quote: I currently drive an E350 and looking to move to an SUV like GLE. So I went to at least two dealers to see the new 2020 GLE. In each of visit, I found the same issue for me: Relatively, The Gas Pedal is way inside (away from driver) and Brake Pedal is way outside and high (toward driver), so that they are NOT in flush with each other, actually off quite a lot. so if my feet is on the gas pedal (as if driving) and need to brake, very awkward to move to the brake pedal, as you cannot just slide your feet to the brake, you almost need to retract your feet and move to do the brake.

I tried all kinds of seat adjustment, the same issue (for me) remains. I current drive E350 and the Brake/Gas Pedal are in flush, so I just slide the (right) feet from gas->brake or brake->gas. I also tried 2019 GLE and 2019 GLE AMG, the brake/gas are almost in flush so no such issue. I also tried 2019 GLS and brake/gas pedals almost in flush as well, just slightly off.

My height is 5'7 and feet is US 8, so I think pretty normal. The dealers says no complaints, so I am very curious why I have such issue. I didn't test drive, these are display cars on the floor -- not in driving mode.

1. Are 2020 GLEs pedal-adjustable ? Maybe after the car is started, the brake pedal will lower itself automatically? In one of the review, it says if one puts information into the system, the system will auto-adjust seat postion & pedal postions, so I have the feeling that this car might have pedal settings.
2. If not adjustable, I get a "Gas Pedal Extender" that should be safe to use to make Brake/Gas pedals in flush ?

You guys really don't see any issue with Break/Gas Pedal positions and notice any difference from previous years GLEs and sedans?

Thanks a lot ! I have received enormous amount of real help here and I hope to contribute back someday!
I honestly noticed no difference from our 2012 ML. My GLE is in the shop, but on the '20 GLE 350 loaner I have I measure 2" difference, which now that you point it out is quite a bit. And laterally it is a bit far as well. I measure 1 1/4" height difference on my '15 M4 manual, but that designed for heel & toeing.

No, the pedals are not adjustable and the brake does not change position when car is on. The factory AMG Sport pedal cover could probably be installed with a spacer, or get one from someone like https://ultimatepedals.com/index.html. You might call them and pick their brains.

You could also learn left foot braking, a racing technique, but that might be dangerous at a later point in life. I think the pedal position is something you would quickly adapt to and not even notice after a while.
Reply 0
Jun 22, 2019 | 08:19 PM
  #3  
I can’t say if they are adjustable or if you can get an extender. However, I haven’t noticed an issue with mine at all. In fact, I didn’t notice any difference between my new GLE and the CLS I was driving before it.
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Jun 22, 2019 | 10:38 PM
  #4  
Thank you for the numbers and suggestions Greg !
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Jun 22, 2019 | 10:39 PM
  #5  
Thanks -- That's why it is very confusing to me as there are no complaints. Maybe my sedan driving habit needs to change.
Reply 0
Jun 23, 2019 | 09:48 AM
  #6  
If you Google this you will find a lot of information on why automakers do this. It comes down to trying to avoid hitting the brakes and the gas at the same time.
Reply 0
Jun 23, 2019 | 12:34 PM
  #7  
Quote: If you Google this you will find a lot of information on why automakers do this. It comes down to trying to avoid hitting the brakes and the gas at the same time.
This.

Goes back to when Audi was being sued in the 90’s when so many people hit the gas thinking it was the brake. Auto makers changed the configuration to make a distinction between the two.
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