fordracefan

The wife and I just finished a test drive of an X5, Velar and 2020 GLE 350. We preferred the GLE, but had a couple of questions. We put my wife's iPhone 8 plus on the charging pad and we had a really hard time getting it. It seemed like there wasn't enough space between the cup holders and the cover to get it out. We had to apply a lot of force to remove it. I assume this isn't normal, but I can't see how we would have done this wrong.

Also, during the test drive we kept hearing what sounded like a wheel bearing noise coming from the car, which gives me a little pause on the build quality. The X5 felt more solid, but we much prefer the size of the GLE. We would most likely order one, but wanted to know if others have had this issue?

guitarplayer

My GLE is dead silent. I’ve had 2 E class sedans and this vehicle is QUIET. So must be something with that unit. I have the iPhone XR in a flip case and it fits snugly.

Stephen513

Although I love Merc, the Velar is really a work of art. I wish it had wireless phone charging though...

Ron.s

Over 3000 miles and mine is very quiet but it’s a 450, not sure that should make a difference. There is also the Acoustic pkg. that adds more soundproofing. My build was excellent quality and my only issue has been intermittent issue with the door locks. The Fob goes to sleep so have to shake it occasionally.
I can see that a large phone might be tight but I rarely use wireless because it’s so slow charging. My wife and I set our phones there when traveling since there really isn’t a handy place for two.
There was another report of a noise like you describe and the dealer said it was the EQ Boost generator as I recall.

GeNomeZ

I’m almost at 2000 miles on my 350. It is very quiet. I’ve had a coworker not realize the car was running when we pulled away. Even at speeds it’s quiet.

The wireless charger is small. I have an iPhone XS Max and it fits, but takes a little practice on the best way to get it out. Like mentioned above, it charges so slowly I don’t use it often. However, part of the reason is I use use CarPlay and currently that requires me to plug in my phone. I use the cars Navigation, but for the other functions I use CarPlay.

guitarplayer

Additional info:

My GLE 350 4MATIC now has over 1,800 miles on it. It is the standard steel suspension. I tend to keep my Mercedes about 10 years. The standard suspension is fantastic. Very smooth and quiet. Parents had a horrible time with an older 450SL air suspension years ago.....thus my future concerns of keeping things simple. I do not have the acoustic package. My gosh I couldn’t imagine it being any quieter! This vehicle is a pure joy to drive. Feels very big, solid, like a luxury liner.

Philamg

Early days for me and will do a full report when I have done more mileage, the 450 is unbelievably quiet even on 22 inch wheels and the air suspension is a joy, no acoustic package available in UK but build sheet shows darkened heat insulating glass which I understand is acoustic.

venkyszone

Early days for me as well. GLE 450, Drove close to 300 miles. Very minimal sound. Build quality looks really solid. I have an IPhone XS Max and it fits fine without a case but is a little snug with the case but it’s still not too bad. Also when the phone is connected via Bluetooth it gives a warning saying the phone is low on battery which I like.

DaveD9

FRF. I will never own another Jag/LR product. My wife's XJ MSRP $86K was worth $52K three months and 300 miles after we got it. It had a heated windshield and I wear eyeglasses. The reflection to the heat elements made it impossible for me to drive at night. Before you buy a Velar DRIVE IT AT NIGHT.

I have a GLE450 with a wireless charger. It is a little tricky finding just the right position to charge. As with any wireless charger they are painfully slow.

Previous recent cars include XJ, Macan, Boxster, Evoque, 335xi, 2016 GLE. My 450 is the quietest car I have had.

Nico49_75

No, the heat insulating glass in the UK is not acoustic. Unfortunately. The MB code for "Privacy glass – heat-insulating dark-tinted glass" is 840 whereas Privacy laminated (i.e. acoustic) glass code is 596. Will try to change the normal glass to acoustic glass (if and when I get my car) but, so far, an MB dealer close to me in Paris told me it was not possible. Will try with another one.

GregW / Oregon

Acoustic (laminated) glass has been retrofitted to other Mercedes models; they have even issued TSBs for it. An expensive proposition if you have to pay for it.

fordracefan

Thank you all for your responses. This was very helpful.