How in the world do you configure a GLE450 to $108,800.00??? Using the “Build” feature at the MBUSA site and checking every possible box, I can just barely break $100K.
How in the world do you configure a GLE450 to $108,800.00??? Using the “Build” feature at the MBUSA site and checking every possible box, I can just barely break $100K.
I am a long time MB fan, having owned 17, and we currently have three of them. That said, it is obvious to me, when reading this review, that the writer is biased towards the MB, which is fine, since most of us here are biased that way as well.
We are currently looking to replace my wife’s 2016 E350 sedan with an SUV. I thought the GLE would be the one, but it is now looking as though we may go with a loaded Cayenne, as she prefers the cleaner exterior styling, the more nimble driving characteristics and the fact that if we want a top line interior, we don’t have to go with black or black & gray. Rear seat space is not important to us, nor is cargo space and the vehicle will probably never leave paved roads. I like the availability of the various brake options on the Porsche and the ability to order it with no sunroof, as we never use one. There are other, little things, like being able to order a wood & leather HEATED steering wheel on the Porsche, which MB makes available on my S560, but not on the GLE, which seems just lazy on their part.
Anyway, as the review shows, the two vehicles are pretty close, so it just comes down to personal preference. It would have been nice though, if the loaded GLE, with E-ABC, could have been compared with an equally loaded Cayenne—which offers numerous driving enhancement options—so the comparison could have been less apples to oranges.
There are other, little things, like being able to order a wood & leather HEATED steering wheel on the Porsche, which MB makes available on my S560, but not on the GLE, which seems just lazy on their part.
Not a bad choice. A small point, AFAIK the L3D Wood/Leather steering wheel is available with 443 heating. Only the AMG wheel cannot be heated, much to my chagrine.
Not a bad choice. A small point, AFAIK the L3D Wood/Leather steering wheel is available with 443 heating. Only the AMG wheel cannot be heated, much to my chagrine.
You may be right. I know that the MBUSA “Build” feature has some glitches, but it will not allow a GLE350 or 450 to be configured with both. Interestingly though, it will allow it when building a GLE580. On the other hand, the D.O.G. Does not show the two features as not being available together. I sent an email to the dealer, as I am curious.
You may be right. I know that the MBUSA “Build” feature has some glitches, but it will not allow a GLE350 or 450 to be configured with both. Interestingly though, it will allow it when building a GLE580. On the other hand, the D.O.G. Does not show the two features as not being available together. I sent an email to the dealer, as I am curious.
If you lease, just be prepared for a bit of a sticker shock...
Example:
GLE 450 36months/15k miles a year .00125MF (aka 3%), 55%RV
Cayenne 36months/15k miles a year .00250MF (aka 6%), 48%RV
Porsche typically tries to make these look cheaper by a hefty cap cost reduction payment but this difference is not insignificant. Unless you are thinking about the eHybrid, which they are trying to blow out.
Not a bad choice. A small point, AFAIK the L3D Wood/Leather steering wheel is available with 443 heating. Only the AMG wheel cannot be heated, much to my chagrine.
Dealer says yes to wood/leather AND heated. Learn something every day!
If you lease, just be prepared for a bit of a sticker shock...
Example:
GLE 450 36months/15k miles a year .00125MF (aka 3%), 55%RV
Cayenne 36months/15k miles a year .00250MF (aka 6%), 48%RV
Porsche typically tries to make these look cheaper by a hefty cap cost reduction payment but this difference is not insignificant. Unless you are thinking about the eHybrid, which they are trying to blow out.
As usual, you are spot on! Just got a lease quote from Porsche that is to THE MOON! Gotta talk the wife into the GLE.
I am a long time MB fan, having owned 17, and we currently have three of them. That said, it is obvious to me, when reading this review, that the writer is biased towards the MB, which is fine, since most of us here are biased that way as well.
We are currently looking to replace my wife’s 2016 E350 sedan with an SUV. I thought the GLE would be the one, but it is now looking as though we may go with a loaded Cayenne, as she prefers the cleaner exterior styling, the more nimble driving characteristics and the fact that if we want a top line interior, we don’t have to go with black or black & gray. Rear seat space is not important to us, nor is cargo space and the vehicle will probably never leave paved roads. I like the availability of the various brake options on the Porsche and the ability to order it with no sunroof, as we never use one. There are other, little things, like being able to order a wood & leather HEATED steering wheel on the Porsche, which MB makes available on my S560, but not on the GLE, which seems just lazy on their part.
Anyway, as the review shows, the two vehicles are pretty close, so it just comes down to personal preference. It would have been nice though, if the loaded GLE, with E-ABC, could have been compared with an equally loaded Cayenne—which offers numerous driving enhancement options—so the comparison could have been less apples to oranges.
Looks great! Ya I have always been annoyed about that heated/wood steering wheel. I have a heated wood steering wheel on my 2004 CLK and 2009 CLK. But yet my wife has a 2015 ML and we could not get a heated wood wheel. Now fast forward to 2020 and the GLE I have to choose either wood or heated? Definitely not cool! WTF MB?!?
Looks great! Ya I have always been annoyed about that heated/wood steering wheel. I have a heated wood steering wheel on my 2004 CLK and 2009 CLK. But yet my wife has a 2015 ML and we could not get a heated wood wheel. Now fast forward to 2020 and the GLE I have to choose either wood or heated? Definitely not cool! WTF MB?!?
As I posted above, heated wood wheel IS available on the GLE.
Out of curiosity, since the discussion of the steering wheel came up is the heated MB wood/leather steering wheel heated throughout or just the leather portion? Back in the day, Mercedes only heated the leather portion, leaving the wood unheated. This was remedied with the S-Class facelift if I recall, given a full 360 heated wheel. What is it?
Streamliner, nice choice on the Cayenne. If you read through the V167 and X167 forums, it seems like this model launch has been pretty painful for M-B and owners. I would wait 2 years after the facelift (several years from now), or choose another brand if a mid-size SUV is needed.
Out of curiosity, since the discussion of the steering wheel came up is the heated MB wood/leather steering wheel heated throughout or just the leather portion? Back in the day, Mercedes only heated the leather portion, leaving the wood unheated. This was remedied with the S-Class facelift if I recall, given a full 360 heated wheel. What is it?
The one in my 2018 S560 works much better than it did in my 2015 S550, but the heat still does not really heat up the wooden part all that well, compared to the leather portion.
The one in my 2018 S560 works much better than it did in my 2015 S550, but the heat still does not really heat up the wooden part all that well, compared to the leather portion.
I suppose that is due to way heat transmits through wood. Still better than being completely unheated. I assume the GLE is still getting the old style...
Out of curiosity, since the discussion of the steering wheel came up is the heated MB wood/leather steering wheel heated throughout or just the leather portion? Back in the day, Mercedes only heated the leather portion, leaving the wood unheated. This was remedied with the S-Class facelift if I recall, given a full 360 heated wheel. What is it?
Just the wood part is heated, and it gets quite warm actually. The leather, which is situated at 9, 6 and 3, is not heated, but you don't really tend to hold the steering wheel in those positions anyway.
Just the wood part is heated, and it gets quite warm actually. The leather, which is situated at 9, 6 and 3, is not heated, but you don't really tend to hold the steering wheel in those positions anyway.
9 & 3, or 10 & 2 are the traditional hand placements hoo
I can confirm the wooden steering wheel is heated. Both the wood and leather portions are heated. The process is quick as well, albeit a bit slower for the wooden part, which is normal as leather transmits heat better than wood.
I am very satisfied with it. Sadly, though, my dealer had no idea if it was heated or not when I ordered it a year ago. For me it was adeal breaker if it wasn't (Canadian winters and all).
I can confirm the wooden steering wheel is heated. Both the wood and leather portions are heated. The process is quick as well, albeit a bit slower for the wooden part, which is normal as leather transmits heat better than wood.
I am very satisfied with it. Sadly, though, my dealer had no idea if it was heated or not when I ordered it a year ago. For me it was adeal breaker if it wasn't (Canadian winters and all).
As usual, MBUSA has no clue:
"Thank you for your email to Mercedes-Benz USA.The 2020 GLE-Class Wood/Leather steering wheel option cannot be ordered in conjunction with the heated steering wheel option. The steering wheel heating element is located beneath the leather on the steering wheel. Should there be any questions regarding vehicle configuration, a sales consultant with an authorized dealership can assist."
I can confirm the wooden steering wheel is heated. Both the wood and leather portions are heated. The process is quick as well, albeit a bit slower for the wooden part, which is normal as leather transmits heat better than wood.
I am very satisfied with it. Sadly, though, my dealer had no idea if it was heated or not when I ordered it a year ago. For me it was adeal breaker if it wasn't (Canadian winters and all).
The dealership told me it was not heated, and it was a deal breaker here in Canada.
I almost missed the acoustic package as well, since the online builder did not offer it and the dealer did not know about it as well.
It was only thanks to this forum that I was aware of it and insisted to get it.
9 & 3, or 10 & 2 are the traditional hand placements hoo
Traditionally, 10 and 2 were the recommended hand positions, as it's the ideal position for maximum steering control. Your post made me do a quick Google search and, interestingly enough, the NHTSA now recommends 9 and 3 (or even 8 and 5) because of the mechanics of airbags. I had never given a thought to how they could hurt your arms if your hands are at 10 and 2. Learn something new (and horrifying) every day!
Traditionally, 10 and 2 were the recommended hand positions, as it's the ideal position for maximum steering control. Your post made me do a quick Google search and, interestingly enough, the NHTSA now recommends 9 and 3 (or even 8 and 5) because of the mechanics of airbags. I had never given a thought to how they could hurt your arms if your hands are at 10 and 2. Learn something new (and horrifying) every day!
If you notice, the thumb indents in the stock wheels put your hands at 9 & 3.
Wen I was a member of the BMW Car Club of Québec, I participated in several HPDEs (high performance driving education courses). Every instructor always recommended 9-3 for hand placement as it allows for the greatest steering wheel angle possible while keeping both hands on the wheel. Also, too often, people sit too far away from the wheel. Your arms should be bent as well, further easing rotation of the wheel. Perfect example is to watch NASCAR drivers' position.
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