I have been lurking for awhile. We ordered a modestly equipped GLE 350 which was delivered Sat. I am appreciative of the forum in that I was aware of some of the issues that have arisen and ordered it for a delay in production hoping some of the problems would be fixed before our car was delivered. I am a bit more power hungry (hence my 540Xdrive that should be on the boat in a few days) but the turbo 4 seems surprisingly adequate and really no less peppy then the previous 3.5 V6. Since it has not been broken in no one has punched it, but it seems more than adequate for local driving and safely accelerating to highway speeds. The vehicle seems pretty quiet. Yes the 4 does not have the same sound as a nice 6 but once cruising falls nicely into the background. Her 2016 was amply roomy for 4-5 6 footers. This car is more like S Class in rear legroom. Burmeister sounds system is excellent. Definitely worth the money. Sounds far better than the previous HK system (and the HK system in my 535).

I will admit that I am a technophobe and a BMW guy (please no rotten tomatoes) and find the interface in her car a bit overwhelming (idrive is a bit more intuitive), but am pleasantly surprised that some tasks are easier than in her 2016 GLE. The video is quite stunning and the features are pretty cool. Why don't all cars have mood lighting. Such an inexpensive item that really makes a nice difference. I find the drivers seat reasonably comfy (I have a bad back). I do wonder why MB does not give fully adjusting passenger seat at this price level but that has been the case in all 3 of her GLE class vehicles. But when we are together I end up driving most of the time so it is less of an issue. I am glad we got the matte walnut. A really nice effect.

So I have driven the truck once and a few questions have come up:

1. The vehicle had 7 miles so it was literally right off the truck. It sits up quite high and is riding firmer than on our test drives (base wheels and tires set at 35 psi). Does it settle down after a few thousand miles? The reason that I ask is that I have heard some manufacturers have some sort of spacers used for transport that are removed for delivery and they can hike up the vehicle. If MB does that maybe they were not removed? If not, maybe mileage will soften things up;

2. The "bing" sound made when you open the door and other noises made by the car, is the volume adjustable? It seems quite loud;

3. Can you adjust the height of the opening of the rear door. At 5'10" I find it quite a reach to hit the close button. This vehicle is noticeably larger than her 2016;

4. Does the foot operated hatch opening function have an on/off switch in the MBUX? It worked at the dealership but when I tried to use it yesterday, it did not.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

 

1. Springs all take a set but I doubt you will notice much difference. If there were blocks one would think the ride would be very harsh.
2. There are some sound adjustments but I don’t think the warning is one. Maybe someone else has found a setting but it’s safety related so doubtful.
3. Stop the hatch at the height you like and hold the close button down until you hear beeps. Then test to see if it worked.
4. No switch but the opening function on mine seldom works. If your key fob is asleep it won’t work...at least on mine. Shake the key and try it-be sure to back up a step after foot swipe.

 

NO bing on mine when I open door so must be able to turn off.

 

Thanks, Ron, for your thoughts. You too, Philamg.

 

I assumed you meant the seat belt warning because as Phil said there is no open door chime...unless it's something new.

 

1. It does set pretty high on steel springs, and if you have the 19" wheels which have small tires it looks especially high. Is 35 psi what is indicated on the fuel filler flap for pressure? My 21s are 32 psi base.
2. Not sure howto adjust or turn off the warning tone.
3. What Ron.s says is correct (when in doubt read your manual, though I know some stuff is hard to find):

4. Everyone has found the touchless opening to be flaky. No good solution, and I don't think you can turn it off.