Streamliner

After driving E Class sedans since 2004, my wife wants to try a GLE. Hate to sound pompous, but money is no object and we can order the vehicle however we want it. We are not ones for aggressive looking vehicles, so will probably not go with the AMG Line styling or AMG interior, but will probably get the Nappa leather.

I would like to hear your thoughts on the following:

We will probably never use the 3rd Row seating, but should we get it, thinking of resale in the future? Any downside to it?
How about the MBUX Augmented Video?
3D Sound System? Any downside to it?
E-Active Body Control? We are looking for the smoothest, most comfortable ride possible. Love the MBC in my S560 and the ABC in my SL450.

Your constructive thoughts would be most appreciated, thanks in advance.

GADGETEMT

I can offer the following thoughts:
-3rd row seat, means NO spare tire and thus the mandatory run flat tires. I'm not a fan of run flats, just my opinion.
-Yes, get the MBUX Augmented Video
-As they say, the ears are what controls your thoughts on the sound system. I don't think that such a system in a car makes much sense, its a very small and controlled space to begin with, the real issue is you shouldn't be playing it so loud so as to not hear your environment, emergency vehicles, etc. lastly, get the Acoustic Comfort package for the laminated front and side glass to further provide sound isolation and added IR heat rejection as your in Souther CA.
-the Airmatic is approx $1700 and offers a greatly improved ride, the EABC is $8100 and offers some special additions but likely not a needed selection unless your off-roading and such.

GregW / Oregon

These are my opinions, having started this forum 2 years ago:
_

• The AMG Line Exterior also gives you painted wheel arches, which I don't think are aggressive, they just look a lot better than black plastic. You also get larger, better looking front brakes and a better choice of wheels (the 20" AMG twin-spoke wheels are nice without being overly flamboyant).
• Don't get 3rd Row Seating if you don't need it as you lose the spare tire and I'm not certain it helps resale.
• MBUX Augmented Video is not a must have, but I like it; some don't. You can get it as part of the Technology Package that also includes the Head Up Display, which is very good, and a must in my book.
• With 3D High-End Sound you can't get the aforementioned Technology Package, and it doesn't seem worth the money to those who have it or have heard it. I would (and did) skip it.
• The Premium Package is a must and required for a lot of other options.
• Many like the Mulitcontour massaging seats. Do get the Nappa and the seat Ventilation. You will also get the Passenger Seat Memory to get the Nappa.
• If your getting Nappa seats, also get the Nappa dashboard and door beltlnes. Really dresses up the interior.
• If you're dressing up the interior the Dinamica (synthetic suede) headliner is a nice option.
• The Panorama Sunroof is a must - really makes the interior spacious.
• You live in SoCal, but the heated steering wheel might still be nice at times.
• The Acoustic Comfort Package gives you a solar reflecting windshield, which might be useful for you.
• I do not care for the Driver's Assistance Package. I think it's complicated and still not quite there. But, some like it.
• If you have ABC in one of your cars now, I would say get the E-ABC suspension package (I have it). It will add slightly to comfort and give you other options.
• I would get the trailer hitch, even if you don't plan on towing. It is a utility vehicle, after all, and good for resale. Tough to add later.
• The Exterior Lighting Package, even though dumbed down for US regs, is still very good.

Good luck with your order. The waiting is the hardest part!

stealth.pilot

I agree with Greg. To me must have is:

1) MBUX Technology Package (AR Nav and HUD are really very special. It is the best HUD I have seen on any car from any brand)
2) Drivers Assistance Package
3) Premium package which includes the basic burmester
4) Airmatic. If you want the ultimate ride quality get the e-ABC. But in my view Airmatic is good enough.
5) Parking Assistance Package. Big car so surround view is very helpful when parking.
6) Exterior Lighting Package
7) AMG Line Exterior - not aggressive. More classy than base look due to painted wheel arches.
8) Leather Upper dash and door trim (makes car look more finished)
9) Natural grain wood trim
10) Energizing Comfort Package (worth it for the massage seats and other add ons)
11) Panorama Roof
12) 21" wheels
13) Four-zone climate - car is big so extra vents in back is important
14) Powered side sunshades

Things to skip
1) Running boards. These just make your trousers dirty when getting out of the car.
2) 3D Burmester (because otherwise you lose the Tech Package)
3) Third-row seating (not very usable seats).

Philamg

As you have the money get everything and then there will be nothing you miss.

Ron.s

IMO, not doing the AMG exterior but then adding expensive options would be like putting Granite countertops and a Sub Zero refer in a HUD house.

cunim

Our option must be different in Canada as I don't recall any conflict between 3D sound and technology packages. Re that sound, it is not the best car installation I have heard but it is better than the standard Burmester. If that sort of thing matters to you, go for it.

Just my opinion but the GLE450 is a comfortable, practical and boring to drive car made more interesting by gadgets as opposed to handling or performance. The EABC is definitely in the neat gadget category so we got if for that reason. Our dealer had never sold one before and insisted that we sit in the car doing the lizard push ups while she took a video. I haven't used EABC since, but I like that it's there.

Streamliner

I appreciate all of the comments and advice, but another question: What about the GLE580 with the V8? I believe this is the same V8 I have in my S560 and I simply love it in that car. What are your thoughts on going this way?

GregW / Oregon

Yes, it is basically the same M176 twin-turbo V8 with another 15-20 hp + the 48V Integrated Starter-Generator (ISG), However, it is also propelling an additional 500 or so pounds. Some GLS 580 owners (and Car & Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...-the-numbers/?) have reported poor gas mileage.

stealth.pilot

it is a better V8 than in the 560 for reason outlined in post above.

and agree. Plus if you are getting the premium package and the AMG exterior then you might as well get the V8 because it is nearly the same price when you factor these options being standard on the V8.

turko

+ Airmatic
+ Leather
Also standard.

GregW / Oregon

Am I missing something? Base price difference between the 450 ($61,750) and 580 ($77,600) is $15,850. With the 580 you get Premium, AMG Line Exterior, Leather, Airmatic & Parking Assistance standard, which totals $8,830. So, unless I've forgotten something (remind me), the difference is $7,020, not a small sum.

C280 Sport

If money is no object then why not order it with everything? Only thing I can see long term being a issue is the E-Active Body Control. If you want the best ride then get that option and get a good set of non run flat Michelin Tires.

Streamliner

Well, for one thing, I absolutely HATE the Panorama Roof, so that’s not going to be ordered. The most important piece of info received in this thread is that you lose the spare wheel/tire if you order the Third Row Seat, so that will not be ordered. Just ordering “everything” on a new vehicle doesn’t make sense, most of the time.

Streamliner

Last year, I ordered a new SL, my 7th. Having always had V8 SL’s, I thought it was a no-brainer that I wanted the SL550, UNTIL I drove the V6 powered SL450. With 369hp, the 450 is a little rocket, but the big deal is that with the lighter mill, the car drove SO much lighter, more nimble and—for lack of a better term—“sportier.” AND, the car is exactly the same as the 550, but almost $20K less. Anyway, right this minute, I’m leaning towards the GLE580, but I’ll have to test drive one and see if the weight difference makes as dramatic a difference on the SUV.

Crispin

I have no skin in this game but I have to ask what's the big deal with the V8?

I could understand if you're getting one of the AMG models. But the GLE450 is a rocket already. Where does that extra hp come into play?

GregW / Oregon

Smart man. "Right sizing" or "right optioning" can give you a better product for your needs than just maxing out the order sheet. You don't like the panorama roof. With the high-end audio or 3rd row you lose the spare tire. I don't like the driver's assistance nannies. Even if you can afford everything, that is often not the best outcome.

stealth.pilot

Smoothness. You can accelerate faster without revving the engine as much.

The other side of the coin is if you want to hear more engine sound as you row through gears, you are better off with the 450.

Streamliner

For me, it would be smoothness and torque. My 2018 S560 is just amazing in how smooth the power is delivered. It’s almost as if a large turbine is providing propulsion. I know that the V6 S450 is a great car as well, but with the big sedan, which we often take on longer trips, I like the V8. It will remain to be seen what the difference is with the GLE.

Streamliner

The 3D loses the spare as well?

threeMBs

GLE weight is about 1K lbs more than SL. I6 in GLE will be working much harder than V6 in SL. If you can "feel" the lightness of SL450 vs. SL550 (about 200 lbs between the two), I do not think you will feel the same about 200 lbs difference between 580 vs. 450 when GLE itself weights 1000 more than same engined SL with much higher center of gravity.

tinman831

I don't think you lose the spare, but you lose the AMG exterior.

GregW / Oregon

Perhaps not; you do lose it with that option on the GLS, though.