So many issues brought up. Has 2021 gotten all the kinks out? Is Mercedes standing behind the problems ... or just claiming "normal". I desperately need a newer vehicle but don't want to spend all this money and get stuck with problems. Ugggh. Also looked into a GLC but I see they are coming out with a new generation in 2022 ... been trying to delete this post since I've answered my own question and decided not to buy (can't figure out how - this mbworld doesn't make it intuitive). Anyhow, I've gone this long, I think I'll wait for the 2022 GLC ... it will cost less and get better gas mileage ...

 

Hard to say if MB has cleansed themselves of the launch problems. I would wait until the model year after the facelift which would be 2023-2024 or so.

Look at the used prices of 2020 GLEs vs 2019 GLEs on cargurus price trends. I think the word is out.

 

I’ve been driving a 2021 GLC 300 loaner for a week and it’s a nice car...just hit 1,000 miles on the Odometer. Other than some wind noise from the driver side window it’s perfect. Engine is peppy and not much Turbo lag. The advantage of buying the last year of an old Gen is that they won’t have as many issues as a new Gen but then why buy an outdated model?

 

I have a 07 E350, 08 Toyota FJ, 17 GLC and a 21 GLE 450. All 4 are great cars if you do your on time scheduled maintenance.
Buy what you like NOW don’t wait 2 years for some kind of B.S. facelift.
Life is short enjoy today you don’t know what will happen tomorrow.

 

We have a June 2019 build of a 2020 Model year gle350. Great car.

It’s so great that we’re buying a 2021 gle53 to replace our 2020 glc43.

There is risk in any decision you make. You alone can weigh your risk tolerance vs anticipated benefits of a vehicle like this. Don’t let emotions like fear cloud your decision process.

 

Have a September '20 build of 21 GLE350, delivered end of October. Car is nearly flawless. Remember that internet forums attract complaints which may or may not reflect actual facts. Returned a 2018 GLC300 at lease end and it too was flawless. The only repair in 3 years was squealing rear brakes, which I counted more as an annoyance than as a vehicle flaw.

 

You should have done what I did - place an order before you read the forums!!

Then again, I have an Aviator, which has to have been one of the worst new product launches in history and in my case, a total disaster of a first-model-year vehicle.

 

wanta, I wouldn't hesitate to get a 2021 GLE. My 2020 has been far from perfect, but it is still a great vehicle in terms of style, handing and overall utility. When inventory improves, I may trade ours for another one - primarily to get a different color and a few options that I didn't get on this one (21 inch wheels, heated / cooled cupholders, rear seat side airbags).

 

Face lift models always have better reliability. Bugs are worked out and styling refreshed. I'd wait.

 

Keep in mind when reading a forum like this, you're only seeing the very small percentage with a gripe. The vast majority of owners are enjoying their cars with nothing to complain about.

 

I'd say it really depends on what's being changed, really. Style-wise it's purely subjective e.g. I like W212's pre-facelift vs facelift. Features, they are definite improvements especially packages and optional items on facelifted models.

We leased an '07, '11, '13 X5's and found that the leather materials have degraded over the course of three lease terms, all having the same material (Nevada leathers). While it's true that features and bugs may be improved, manufacturer may switch material providers. Looking back the '07 had the best material and was the "tightest" among all, without dashboard creaking everywhere by the end of the lease term. The '13 we were ready to move on to the new one within 3 years (worn out leather, creaking doors and dash).

Same deal with a Toyota even, a Highlander. First came out in '14 and we bought it. Engine and transmission were bulletproof since it's the V6-6spd iteration that have been out the longest. A friend bought a '17 (facelift) with the new DI engine and 8spd and it had both engine and transmission issues (I think there's a lawsuit on that now?), but the seat's SofTex material are much nicer and sewn tighter against the seat padding.

Some people don't mind being early adopters so they experience the full generation, versus getting the facelift knowing the newer gen will come soon.

I bought a '13 VW Golf TDI (the last Mk6 iteration right before they went to Mk7 in '15), knowing exactly they would come out with a new one within the year but I didn't mind as I was planning to keep it for a long time so I needed the latest production in that generation, and it has been super reliable albeit being a 6-spd manual so no added DSG maintenance etc. Currently still owned by me at 80k and still on original brake pads, battery was just replaced 3 months ago as precaution (hasn't died yet, but failed a load test - I realized it when it starts to crank slower in the AM. 8 years of life!), and just oil change every 10k, fuel filter every 20k, and has the buyback warranty until 120k miles. The trunk switch died about 3 years ago, and I replaced it myself with an OEM part ~$120. That's about it! Proof that this was a successful facelift at the tail end of production generation.

Bottomline is that we'll just never know 100% until that generation of production run its course (and hoping the manufacturer learns from their mistakes )

 

Unless they don't - you never know until a few years later.

IMO the move from W164 to W166 went backwards, and the GLE version of the ML was also a backwards step. Fresher styling, as you said, but you may not like the refreshed look.
If the V167 hadn't been an improvement I'd not be owning one.

Since we don't have future knowledge of next year's models, I see no sense in waiting, if you like the current model. There's always something "Newer and Better" next year, and then the next, etc.

@wantanewbenz just go for it!

 

It's kind of buying phones and computers. If you wait, you will always get something newer, faster and usually better. But you've missed out during the time you waited. So like others have said here, if you like the current gen, go for it.

 

I own a 2021 GLE and I’m loving it. Buy it

 

I ordered my 21 GLE 350 in October 2020 and it was delivered end of February 2021. So far I have not had any issues and I am loving it. I still cannot believe I have it even though it has been about 3 months already. The only thing I am regretting about my GLE is that I did not get the augmented reality option so I can have the full screen map in the dash instead of the little square map.

When it comes to comparing the GLE and GLC, the GLE is a lot bigger than a GLC and the GLE has a more comfortable ride and you can hear less road noise in the GLE. The GLC is more like the C class and the GLE is like the E class (even though the GLE and E differences are night and day when it comes to comfort and luxury). IMO I think the GLE is worth the extra money. Mercedes did a great job with the redesign.

 

you can get the full screen map in the drivers display on every model, even if you didn’t get the AR nav. Simply press the home button on the steering wheel and scroll to nav, then use the thumb pad to find “full screen” and click on that.

 

Mine does not give me the option. It just has the favorites and then the small square map. Was it part of a recent update that allows the ability for a full dash Navi screen?

 

Yeah mine too, though there is a "full screen" option on the driver assistance menu, and the trip menu. But not navigation. I remember Audi's have that option to show full map on the driver's screen (not the center screen).

 

I think I read somewhere that you have to have the AR navi in order to get the full screen dash navi map. The loaner GLE I had once had the AR navi and the GLEs I test drove all apparently had it too.

But if it can be activated by an update or something I would make the effort to bring my GLE to the dealership to have them enable it (nearest dealership is 45 minutes from me).

 

Hundreds of thousands of customers will never even find this forum. Remember "Airplane with no mechanical failures lands safely" never makes headlines. You won't read many posts the read "I am happy with my GLE and there is nothing wrong with it." No one would read it in the first place. As we learned from the past year, tomorrow is not guaranteed and that life can change in hurry.

 

Here you go. I’ve had my GLE 350 for 13 months. I’m happy with it. For some it’s easier to be negative; if you don’t want it, buy something else that will be totally 100% perfect without recalls and without any software glitches. That way, there will be one more GLE on the lot for someone else who really wants it and will drive it in automotive heaven.

 

The I6 engine is smoother and more HP that the old V6, stay away from the first year 48V system.

 

Original owner of a 21 model GLE350. I only have like 33k miles, but its been great. I bought it for specifically city use which the 2.0/M264 engine is great for. Good mileage and enough zip to get around.

No major issues. Dealer has bee great, they replaced my drivers seat bottom cover due to MBtex failure. Sunroof adjustments and thats about it. Small noise in the dash on rough roads and I just got the brake wear warning so time to do those.

 

You realize this is s three year old thread right?

 

Not anymore....