GLE or GLS
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 168
Likes: 29
From: NJ
2016 S212
GLE or GLS
Finally managed to test drive the 2017/8 GLS. The objective was to confirm what I knew all along, that the 550 is not really an overkill – the 450 is better than what I thought but there is enough oomph missing to justify the 550. Since I was there, I also tested the 2020 GLE, thinking that it looks impressive on all the reviews and it was a good opportunity to see what all the ooh ah is about. Now I am stuck. All of a sudden the GLS appears to be an old car, the like of Lexus GX or LX. The biggest issue is rear seat legroom, which impacts the front passenger comfort, especially being spoiled in the S550 (2012). The GLS 550 is intended to be a CPO keeper. The GLE 450 would be a lease. Users are a typical suburban family: 3-4 hour long trips and the occasional large in size object, sofa, some plywood, snow blower repair, etc. Any thoughts and experiences to share?
This is posted on both the GLS and 2020 GLE boards.
Thanks a bunch
This is posted on both the GLS and 2020 GLE boards.
Thanks a bunch
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
I was in the same boat as you about a year ago. Was shopping CPO 2017 GLS550 when I heard about the new GLE so decided to wait. (I wanted something with 7 seats that could seat adults in the 3rd row on occasion).
Reading all the reviews, watching all the videos on youtube for months to keep busy until I could test drive the new GLE earlier this year. Spent a good 1/2 day with it, testing 3 different vehicles. For me, the GLE is just too small. It's even smaller than my 2013 E350 wagon that I will be replacing.
I started to look at CPO 2018 GLS550 when I heard about new GLS coming out and the X7.
So now I'm looking at getting either an X7 or a 2020/2021 GLS. Waiting for the GLS to actually arrive in dealerships so I can try it in person before making the decision.
Price wise, the CPO GLS550 I'm looking for is roughly $70k to $75k. while a 2020 GLE equipped the way I want is $84k, X7 is $86k. Not sure about 2020 GLS yet but based on the DOG it looks like it will be around $91 to $93k.
The boss (aka wife) approved a higher budget so I could get a new 2020/2021 GLS450 if that's the one I decide to go with.
This will be used to haul 2 kids and their friends and gear around to all their sports activities, parties and events. (and years down the road to help the kids move to college).
I'm in no hurry since my E350 has been flawless in the nearly 7 years of ownership.
I read on Reddit that dealers are supposed to get 2020 GLS demo cars on lots by end of August. Don't know how much truth there is to that. My local dealer is clueless. Another larger dealer in San Jose CA says they don't know when demo car will arrive but expect it in the next 6 to 8 weeks.
Reading all the reviews, watching all the videos on youtube for months to keep busy until I could test drive the new GLE earlier this year. Spent a good 1/2 day with it, testing 3 different vehicles. For me, the GLE is just too small. It's even smaller than my 2013 E350 wagon that I will be replacing.
I started to look at CPO 2018 GLS550 when I heard about new GLS coming out and the X7.
So now I'm looking at getting either an X7 or a 2020/2021 GLS. Waiting for the GLS to actually arrive in dealerships so I can try it in person before making the decision.
Price wise, the CPO GLS550 I'm looking for is roughly $70k to $75k. while a 2020 GLE equipped the way I want is $84k, X7 is $86k. Not sure about 2020 GLS yet but based on the DOG it looks like it will be around $91 to $93k.
The boss (aka wife) approved a higher budget so I could get a new 2020/2021 GLS450 if that's the one I decide to go with.
This will be used to haul 2 kids and their friends and gear around to all their sports activities, parties and events. (and years down the road to help the kids move to college).
I'm in no hurry since my E350 has been flawless in the nearly 7 years of ownership.
I read on Reddit that dealers are supposed to get 2020 GLS demo cars on lots by end of August. Don't know how much truth there is to that. My local dealer is clueless. Another larger dealer in San Jose CA says they don't know when demo car will arrive but expect it in the next 6 to 8 weeks.
