GLE450 variable 4Matic AWD in snow
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Joined: Jun 2011
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2021 GLE 450
GLE450 variable 4Matic AWD in snow
Can anyone tell me how this model performs in snow with Cooper MS factory tires? The variable 4 matic is different than the fixed drive system on the 350?
Traction will be distributed to each wheel independently as needed against a fixed traction ratio on the 350.
What can owners tell me about how well this variable system works on the GLE 450?
Toban in Canada
Traction will be distributed to each wheel independently as needed against a fixed traction ratio on the 350.
What can owners tell me about how well this variable system works on the GLE 450?
Toban in Canada
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Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 82
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From: Calgary, AB
2021 GLE63S
Given that we got 8" of snow last night, I'll speak to this. If you have snow on the ground for any meaningful portion of winter, I would strongly recommend dedicated winter tires. The 4WD system will help you start moving -- but won't help one bit for stopping. Common opinion is that anything below 7°C will see an improvement in dry traction from winter tires as well.
I realize that this doesn't answer your question directly.
I realize that this doesn't answer your question directly.
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Joined: Jul 2020
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From: Newtown Square PA
2021 GLE580, 2022 BMW X5, 2022 911GTS Incoming
+1 on the dedicated winter tires. I would rather take my S6 with winter rubber than my wife's GLE with all seasons in the snow. With winter tires the GLE would be a tank.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I spent some time (3,000 miles) on the Coopers, including some snow/ice/black ice. My impression was that they are a LOT better than Pirelli and Conti in just about all conditions, and their grip in the snow was exemplary. Approaching an All Weather tire. It's a modern tire.
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350 GLE 4matic
Respectfully, I couldn't disagree more. Having the traction control along with 4wheel.drive. Abs and decent all season tires, unless you live somewhere where they don't plow regularly, it's a waste of money to get dedicated winter.tires. growing up in bflo, folks do just fine without them. .90 percent of roads are plowed out in a matter of a few hours. Unless you are in the country, then it's really not with it. Using an ounce of common sense (eg not tailgating, or going extra fast) you'll be fine
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Respectfully, I couldn't disagree more. Having the traction control along with 4wheel.drive. Abs and decent all season tires, unless you live somewhere where they don't plow regularly, it's a waste of money to get dedicated winter.tires. growing up in bflo, folks do just fine without them. .90 percent of roads are plowed out in a matter of a few hours. Unless you are in the country, then it's really not with it. Using an ounce of common sense (eg not tailgating, or going extra fast) you'll be fine
Doing "Just Fine" is unacceptable to me. It's unsafe. Stopping distances, cornering and evasive maneuvers on dry roads are compromised with Summer or "All Season" tires. (AKA "No Season.")
If you have ever driven in cold temps with winter tires, you know it's a Night and Day difference.
And, they don't have to be full-on Snows - there is a growing movement toward "All Weather" tires that have the Severe Snow designation - Three Peaks and Snowflake - that are designed to work in all temperature ranges. If you haven't experienced them, you might read reviews and consider a set next time out. Possible small sacrifice in hot, dry handling, but improvements in everything from wet to cold.
Throw in the ability to drive in ANY weather, hit that unexpected Black Ice (likely from melt after plowing) and still have predictable traction, and you won't have to choose between tip-toe-ing around or staying home. The next time your Oranges freeze, you'll be thankful that you have the best tires for the job.
I use my All Weather tires year 'round - and they are excellent on Track Days.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Winter tires for GLE
To coin a phrase, "Respectfully, I couldn't disagree more." The improvement in performance at temps below 45F is astounding, whether the roads have been plowed or not, or even if it never snows.
Doing "Just Fine" is unacceptable to me. It's unsafe. Stopping distances, cornering and evasive maneuvers on dry roads are compromised with Summer or "All Season" tires. (AKA "No Season.")
If you have ever driven in cold temps with winter tires, you know it's a Night and Day difference.
Doing "Just Fine" is unacceptable to me. It's unsafe. Stopping distances, cornering and evasive maneuvers on dry roads are compromised with Summer or "All Season" tires. (AKA "No Season.")
If you have ever driven in cold temps with winter tires, you know it's a Night and Day difference.
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
You can’t safely predict a patch of black ice-an intersection where the hard pack snow has a film of water from melting snow-an evasive maneuver required by another vehicle’s action-etc. etc.
Even if they only make a difference one time it’s worth the extra safety they provide...it might be your life at risk. Traction in snow isn’t the issue for many of us.
Even if they only make a difference one time it’s worth the extra safety they provide...it might be your life at risk. Traction in snow isn’t the issue for many of us.
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Better than you know! These new compounds and tread patterns can actually give some control on ice, when No Season Tires just seem to accelerate when you touch the brakes.
So, yes, there's more safety on black ice. But more to the point - driving in any conditions below 45F is more controlled with the Three Peaks & Snowflake tires than AS or Summer. It's the wave of the future for premium tire manufacturers, who are working to satisfy the Snowflake designation across more of their tire lines.
The Three Peaks & Snowflake is a Performance Standard, unlike "M&S," "UHP," or "All Season." It needs to be a better-performing tire.
FWIW, I just changed out my Wife's GLC Scorpion Verde All Seasons with 8/32" tread left, with Nokian WRG4's (All Weather snowflakes) and the car came alive. Fun to drive not just OK. We've seen -5F and 70F in the same week, and it's not punishment to take it our for a spin any more. The tires just stick better. The goofey-looking Michelin CrossClimate2 performed better than many UHP Summer tires is a recent Tire Rack test.
If you like driving, try an All Weather.
So, yes, there's more safety on black ice. But more to the point - driving in any conditions below 45F is more controlled with the Three Peaks & Snowflake tires than AS or Summer. It's the wave of the future for premium tire manufacturers, who are working to satisfy the Snowflake designation across more of their tire lines.
The Three Peaks & Snowflake is a Performance Standard, unlike "M&S," "UHP," or "All Season." It needs to be a better-performing tire.
FWIW, I just changed out my Wife's GLC Scorpion Verde All Seasons with 8/32" tread left, with Nokian WRG4's (All Weather snowflakes) and the car came alive. Fun to drive not just OK. We've seen -5F and 70F in the same week, and it's not punishment to take it our for a spin any more. The tires just stick better. The goofey-looking Michelin CrossClimate2 performed better than many UHP Summer tires is a recent Tire Rack test.
If you like driving, try an All Weather.
Last edited by mikapen; Feb 8, 2021 at 08:24 PM.
