Why? Don't disagree that the GLE/GLS launch is botched and Alabama has quality and vendor issues. MB had to rework tens of thousands 2020 models. This 450 is a prime example of sloppy craftsmanship and this car should have never left the factory. But I also stated that our previous ML's have been crap in terms of quality compared to cars rolling out of Germany.
I simply don't compare a S-Class with a GLE.

In terms of Korean brands, etc. they have done a fantastic job of coming up and at times exceeding Japanese cars. I couldn't care less for that. I buy German (not because I am) but I trust their safety systems over others. For that reason to I look at German tests and ratings as my preferred source as well.

 

It’s raining here today, so I’m just having a bit of fun. When did you get your GLE? What model? I thought you were looking to get a GLS, no?

 

First of all, sorry for derailing your thread! I am also not trying to talk down GLE's when explaining my rationale...

We got our GLE350 in the later part of February. This has been a frustrating experience for me to say the least. So, sorry for the coming rant

First off, I may be an odd ball in the US. There is a love affair here with SUV's. Personally I don't like SUV's. Don't care for how they drive or look. Overall, simply not a very desirable car for me personally.
Don't have kids or a dog but there is an undeniable utility for errands and moving larger items. We have had a need to a runaround car at work.

Plus I like EV's. When the EQC was announced I was the first on the list to get one in town. Liked the concept of a Mercedes EV. Then MB changed to an online sales model for the car. Then before implementing it, they cancelled and delayed the model for the US for at least a year. So much for that, one year wait for nothing.
I did like the larger size of the GLS and was planning to get one. To my surprise, the GLS which was coined the S-Class of SUV's turned out to be extremely pedestrian with their interior choices. Unlike their predecessor with their beautiful Final or Grand edition (don't remember) Designo interior, they only offered crappy MB-Tex or base-level leather.
Nappa leather was supposed to come many months later and them only in boring black/Magma Gray. No offense to anyone!
But no Designo, no special color choices. Same with the trim. Overall a lack luster offering. No AMG package for the 450 either.

I love nice interiors but neither GLE or GLS is available with Designo right now (until the 2021 models). Even the EQC had a diamond stitched Design interior...
We looked at the BMW X5 & X7 and both offered interior and engine choices that were a better fit. Looked at the e-Tron again as well.

In the end though I felt everything was a compromise. It's easy to justify paying more money if you get what you like. If not, the best fit will suffice.
Due to some projects we needed a car now and I decided to just grab one that has good space. GLE's have better MF and the pricing was right; we did a pull-ahead on the E63s which more or less equaled 10 months of lease payments of the GLE. Got the car sight unseen. Brilliant blue with Macchiato/Magma Gray which was just in route (Build Feb.5, delivered Feb.20)
Since we only keep these cars for 2 years or so I am hoping the next time around there will be more EV options or no limitations on options on the GLE/GLS.

The car itself only has a few options ($65k) space is great and the car seems to have no visible flaws and has been running with zero issues

 

Pretty vehicle. Please tell me about this “pull ahead” on the E63S.

 

Pull-ahead are standard fare on Mercedes leases. Typically 3-5 months before your lease is up, the dealer will try to get you into the next lease. Actually often before that with a higher payment. But a pull-ahead is not based on the dealer but a MB corporate incentive, managed by MBFS.
You simply switch cars 3-5 months before the lease term onto the next car. The remaining months are cancelled. You can even be over your miles (must be below the lease limit but can be above the lease limit based on the number of months).

Not every car qualifies for pull ahead so you need to check with the dealer for eligibility. They will be eager to assist. Either way, we typically do only 30 months leases with MB and then pull ahead. Higher due to a shorter duration but lower due to a higher residual. In the end, this has worked well for us. Effectively like a 2 year lease with a lower cost.

Strangely enough, the only true requirement for the car was a Panorama roof and a trailer hitch for our bike rack

 

Thanks for the info. The 36 month lease on my 2018 S560 is up in February, but I am trying to get the dealer to order me a 2020, hopefully with MBUSA picking up most of the outstanding lease payments.

 

Did you get the coil replaced? Did the shaking ever stop?

 

Car went in twice for two separate coil packs to be replaced which finally resolved the issue. Latest issue that took three service appointments to resolve involved adaptive cruise error message every time I drove the car. Two modules replaced later, and I'm seemingly error free. Ridiculous.

 

Thanks. I just got word yesterday that they are replacing coil packs on mine. I’ve owned the car one week yesterday. Hopefully this will resolve the shaking I have.

 

One of the worst launches for a MB ever, reminds me of the first generation ML.

 

Don't make a mistake Chrisss9

 

I’m disappointed with the exterior quality. I just had my 2nd door ding in 4 months. I try to be careful where I park and people are rude with their doors. Compared to my 2002 C320 the metal is a thinner gauge. You can really see the difference by tapping the surface and comparing the door and hood edges. Quality is not what it used to be.

 

Door dings are not a Quality issue, it would fall under durability. That said, The doors on my GLE are not any thinner than the doors on my QX60. Door dings happen, especially when someone in a hurry throws open a door, or does it out of spite. What evidence do you have that your GLE suffered more damage than any another vehicle would have had it experienced the same circumstances? Door dings suck, so I feel for you. Recommend you look into “paintless” dent removal businesses in your local area. You can get both dents removed for $150 and 60 min of labor. No repaint needed—that’s what the dealers use.

 

I Agree door dings are not MB fault but I can see different metal thickness between my 2020 GLC and 2002 C320 by looking at the edges of the hoods and door frames.

 

Manufacturers are using more aluminum in the construction of their vehicles to reduce weight and gain fuel,efficiency. The door skins on your vehicle are aluminum. It is lighter and more durable but softer. By the way it is much more expensive than steel.

 

So disappointing! I feel for you. I know what is like to have a new fresh lemon. My advice that now you are having multiple recorded problems with your new SUV. My advice is for you to file a claim with the court system or at least begin with the paperwork from Mercedes Benz Corporation, a LEMON LAW COMPLAINT. Maybe you’ll get a less bitter outcome. I didn’t because I was then barely 30’s years old working 12-20 hours day 7 days a week and did not have the time to follow up, I also had a wife that would not confront anyone and 4 kids. Now I’m 60 retired and ready for the world to demand my rights. I still have the same wife and 4 kids in their 30’s at home but I have 24/7 free time, a voice of wisdom and a mouth ready to demand 😇. So, I believe it is your right and your hard working money to demand your mind! Wish you the best!!!!!

 

This thread is over a year old...

 

ah a GLC—I own a GLE, so can’t speak to the doors on a GLC. Looks like you posted in the wrong thread, this is the GLE (167) thread