Neo Geo

Hey Folks,

I have a selection of local GLE 350's here (and I've pretty much decided on not going for the 450, both due to cost and availability).

We have a new arrival in March (our first), and so am looking to get another vehicle. I could spend up to $75k, and I'm not worried about new or used.

This is my first Merc, and I don't know much about them or their history of GLE models, so I'm unsure of a couple of things, for instance

1. There is an 2018 AMG 43 for $52,000, would I be better off with that than a new or loaner 2020 that is around $60-65k?
2. Are there specific options that are either avoid or must have?

Thanks for any help in advance!

Neo Geo

Had a pretty poor first time purchase experience when I went down to look at those. They didn’t know what they had in stock, and after deciding on a new 2021 I was told it was actually sold. I can’t tell if those were sales tactics or they genuinely don’t know what they have. It was frustrating. I’ll just go to a different dealer and hope for the best.

makris0000

For the 2021 they are in very high demand right now and shipping is very behind so it wouldn’t be surprising if it did actually sell. I had to order mine back in October because inventory is scarce and the shipping keeps getting delayed.

Lanzz

There's a pretty big difference between the '18/'19 and the '20/'21. There are some excellent CPO deals out there for the '18/'19 - you would be getting a V6 instead of the new turbo 4, but you'd get a fairly dated infotainment system and interior.

As long as you are OK with the turbo 4, (I am, and others are, but not everyone is...) I would try and swing a 2020 or 2021. Makris is right - selection may be tight, but it is improving - my local dealers are back to being pretty well stocked with colors and options. (and even an odd-duck GLE580 with e-ABC) Up to $75K budget puts even the most loaded GLE350 in your reach.

MercOne1

Sales tactics. They know 2021 GLE are in high demand and mostly sold. They’re trying to get you emotionally attached to the idea then switch you to something else. Just my opinion but maybe I’m wrong. You’ll have to be the judge.

mikapen

Before you consider an '18 or '19 AMG, make sure your wife can tolerate the ride. It's pretty harsh. It might be fun when your "first" becomes a teenager.
Otherwise stick to standard suspension, or consider the '20 AMG if that's your druthers - finally an acceptable AMG ride.

BenjaminKohl

In my opinion, the ‘20 is a significant upgrade. The design, tech, etc. Is completely different.

Neo Geo

Thanks folks. Walked off the lot of another dealer with a 2021 GLE 350 today, very happy. It had tons of options (AMG styling and all that) and the buying experience was fantastic. I leased and went with all the extra maintenance stuff, I know it’s a lot extra but I just didn’t want to worry about denting it or whatever. my other option was a 2021 350 GLE AMG 53 coupe, but it was $86k and the 350 was 68k, I couldn’t justify the difference.

Thanks again for the advice.

chrislk55

Congratulations ! You are gonna love the car. I've had mine for a couple months and still find myself finding excuses to go out just to drive the car !

mikapen

And isn't that The Way It Should Be?

makris0000

Congrats on the GLE, post some pics! I’m still waiting for mine to arrive from Alabama. Jan 7th is the latest eta but I’ve lost optimism that it will arrive that day (it was supposed to arrive Dec 15th).