Need owners opinion
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 68
Likes: 3
From: Pittsburgh
2020 C43 AMG
reviving my own thread. the dealer has cut the 350 deal that is to my liking but I still am nervous about giving up the swiftness of the c43 that I have for a 4 banger. however, my wife is expecting and utility may be more important here. Now we do already have another SUV so this isn't really necessary but a good deal plus utility plus new tech plus a non bonejarring ride may push me that way. It's just that damn turbo 4.
Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 226
Likes: 64
bmw 535i xdrive
Went through that same thing last year. Keep in mind that the turbo 4 is the more common configuration; in Europe the smaller engines are always preferred unless you’re looking for a performance car. According to my SA, only 1 in 8 sold are 450’s. I was at my dealer for service the other days and there weren’t any 450’s on the lot.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 444
Likes: 125
From: New England
2020 GLE 450 AMG exterior
The word I see repeatedly used to describe the 350 in this thread is "adequate," and it most assuredly is. Any GLE 350 is an exceptional vehicle. However, the 450 is a better drive, without question. Your needs/wants determine whether the 450 is worth the additional $$$, but I don't see how anyone can reasonably describe the driving experience of the 350 as commensurate with the 450. It's a significant difference.
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 146
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From: Southern California
2022 S500
Drove GLE350 RWD vs GLE450 AWD. Some mods to the 350 for 2021. Engine is without vibration and buzz. The RWD with the 20” Michelin non run flats is a bit smoother, softer, than the 450 AWD. Drive both...year 2021.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2016
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From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Is that correct in the US there is a GLE that isn't 4 wheel drive?.
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 146
Likes: 134
From: Southern California
2022 S500
The RWD configuration makes the GLE350 a tick faster, yields better mpg, and gives a smoother, quieter ride. I drove both for 2021. I had “4 cylinder reluctance” initially. Quickly dispelled when driving the RWD GLE350.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 33
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From: Greenville, SC
2020 GLE350
When we bought I was concerned about buying a 4 cylinder. Drove the 350 and was pleasantly surprised. Couple weeks later found a 450 to test drive. Drove in comfort mode - as we did the 350 - but was surprised that we just did not feel the 450 gave a significantly better ride. We’re old codgers not racing anymore but we’ve been totally happy with the 350 and after a year and a half still often surprised with the peppiness. The sound sometimes sounds sketchy - but we’ve been very (surprisingly) happy with the 350. I still often appreciate the $$$ we saved.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
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2024 GLE, 2022 GLC , 2022 GLC
I had the same dilemma with regard to GLE 350 vs GLE 450. I opted for the 350 and I am not sorry I did. I enjoy cars however I don’t see the need for more horsepower that will most likely go unused well over 95% of the time. Pickup is adequate entering a highway as well as for passing on the highway. I do not use my vehicle for towing, which may also be a reason for my choice. The nearly 6 thousand dollars can most likely be put to better use. I was also able to get a better price taking a 350 out of inventory rather than having to order a 450. I do regret not getting the AMG package, the look is so much nicer. Let me not kid you, if the difference were just a couple of thousand I would have taken the 450, the vehicle does not have great resale value to begin with, I purchased not leased, so why Increase my cost of ownership so much more. I own the 350 and have no regrets.
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Joined: Oct 2018
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From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
If you have a 43 then a 350 will be a big change. Go 450, not that much more and a much better experience. I can't fathom 4600 pounds being pushed around by a four banger, 450 should have been the entry model for this line.
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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
Having spent a thousand miles each in a 350 and a 450, I am surprised at how quick the four banger is.
In normal driving it has more turbo lag than a 450 (no 48v ISG for instant push) but the passing power is pretty good.
If I need to spring to 85mph to complete a pass, the 350 is pretty good, but it runs out of steam (and into wind) at about 90. The 450 runs out of steam at about 100, so if you expect to need >90mph to complete a pass, you'll need the 450.
If you like / want the responsiveness of a normally aspirated engine, you'll want the 450.
We also got +1 mpg out of the 450, in similar driving conditions. Surprised us!
In normal driving it has more turbo lag than a 450 (no 48v ISG for instant push) but the passing power is pretty good.
If I need to spring to 85mph to complete a pass, the 350 is pretty good, but it runs out of steam (and into wind) at about 90. The 450 runs out of steam at about 100, so if you expect to need >90mph to complete a pass, you'll need the 450.
If you like / want the responsiveness of a normally aspirated engine, you'll want the 450.
We also got +1 mpg out of the 450, in similar driving conditions. Surprised us!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
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2024 GLE, 2022 GLC , 2022 GLC
There is no question that the 450 is a better match than the 350 , however if you are talking about passing at 100mph, then I’m probably the one that you are passing. For realistic everyday driving, the 350 will meet or exceed 90% of all buyer’s needs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
350 vs 450
GLE450W4 - 13.8 lb/hp (not including EQ Boost); 0-60 5.5 s
IMO, the +9% price premium for the 450 is SO worth it in performance and refinement.
