After a few days of driving, I'm glad to say that my experience with my new GLE 450 has been very positive (AMG Exterior and 21" wheels). This was a dealer stock car which I wanted since I needed a car before Summer. After having an assortment of SUV's, a Volvo XC 70 (loved that) and 4 years Sans automobile I narrowed my final choice down to the Kia Telluride, Volvo V90, Audi A6 Allroad and the GLE 450 as the late comer last second entry. Initial attraction was just sitting in the GLE. I had an MB CLK430 V8 years ago and this kind of felt like a really high standing CLK. I was torn in the end between the Audi and the GLE but my final choice is kind of obvious. The Audi did have the air suspension and and my GLE doesn't while also having 21" rims. I live in NYC so potholes and bumps are part of our off road experience. For those on the fence about a GLE, my thoughts.

1) Acceleration - Tiny bit of lag, then a pull you in the seat linear takeoff. A bit more nose rise than expected, but still pretty composed. I'm sure 53 owners don't have this but it's acceptable and still a nice take off. Laughably, the GLE 450 is about a second and a half faster than my old V8 CLK430. I tested the 350 and 450 and really felt that the extra horses made a difference for me. Your mileage will obviously vary, but the added easy thrust just won me over.
2) Steering - First day felt a bit loosey goosey around the city and I wasn't sure what was to come on twisty roads outside the city but I am pleased to say that my ride upstate proved the steering tight enough to have fun on a 2 lane parkway without over compensating. Could be a touch tighter, but it isn't the AMG (Maybe I should have stretched) or a sports car. For the city, it's more than fine.
3) Suspension - Priority 1 - City driving - My fear of the 21" wheel remains on alert, but I am surprised at the amount of composure the suspension has over crappy NYC streets. Yes, it's a bit rougher than the 20" but it's still that solid Mercedes thunky kind of bump. A longer rough patch did lessen some of the cars composure but I am really kind of relieved after a few days of city driving that even with the 21's that the ride remains smooth and compliant. I remain concerned about the snowy season with the kind of massive 21" wheel tires, but damn does it look good. I haven't really put this through its paces, but I do have to remind myself that it is a luxury SUV and not a super low slung sports car.
4) I am simply kind of in love with this Selenite Gray Metallic color. The combination of the AMG package and 21" rims is just pretty stunning. Would have been nice if it had the night package, but it's not the end of the world. Don't pass on a non night package if you found a car you like.
5) The weird slight wind noise out of driver side window is there at 77mph for me, but seriously don't worry about this if you listen to music or anything while driving. ( I will gladly accept any fix they come up with as well).
6) MBUX - It's fun and if you understand your cell phone, you shouldn't have too many issues getting this together. The voice command is actually a very nice feature. Why not just ask your car to play rock music or navigate to an address? I don't get the negative negative reviews, but maybe I'm too used to Amazon's alexa in my living room. It hasn't had any issues with the commands I have asked of it. There are a lot of buttons and options and while I feel I have a good grasp, I am far from setting it up the way I want. It has a bit of a leaning curve, but what doesn't. I am undecided whether to use Apple Carplay with the kind of meh screen or stick to MBUX which looks so nice. Give me a bit on that.
7) Roominess, My overgrown 11 year old fully approves of the rear seating and commented that with a nice blanket, could lounge and sleep in the rea on a long trip.
8) Driving modes - The gear selection in sport mode is definitely aggressive and fun, but a touch wonky. Maybe it needs to learn my driving style but fun with some abrupt downshifts. Comfort seems fine for daily but I still need to test these both out more.
9) AMG exhaust sounds really nice and not annoying at all. Almost the grumble of my old V8.
10) Panoramic sunroof is a must have in my opinion, again everyone has their preference but it's just so pleasant.
11) MBTEX - I had leather in my last MB, but this seems nice. Seats are very comfortable and material feels good. Let's see how that holds out.
12) That's it for now. I laughably already looked into the chipping options but realized that was likely a silly consideration.

I'm happy to be an MB owner again and hope my GLE 450 proves to be the right long term choice. I'm having a blast so far.

 

Thanks, I love to read driving impressions while I wait to receive my GLE. Your impressions help confirm my choice of vehicle.

 

It's always a good sign when you look forward to your next drive ;-)

 

Post some pics of your ride!

 

Love the color.

 

Yea the color is nice and I like how the Crome trim matches both vehicle color and the car body.

 

I agree. I had originally preferred the Gray with Night package, but after seeing so many introductory videos by Mercedes, with the Gray and chrome, that became my first choice. Too bad my order locked on Obsidian Black before I could change it (5 days after placing order - be alert!). Mojave Silver was my second choice but I couldn't decide on chrome of Night.
(Whew - I caught my Spell Check before I posted with "Obstetrician Black.")

 

I’d definitely avoid obstetrician black 😂😂 I don’t think it goes well with chrome or nigh packages. For me it was between the Lunar Blue which is nice but just didn’t do it for me or this (in dealer inventory). I’m definitely really happy with the overall. I can always add some night style touches.

 

Great looking vehicle, congrats!

 

Thanks. Appreciate it.

 

We love ours as well and just like you think it is the coolest car we have ever driven. The Mercedes app doesn't like my southern accent but we continue trying. The Burmester sounds a lot better and livelier with wired Android Auto.

 

Great to hear that you're enjoying as well. Hopefully Mbux will start to learn on the accent :-)