Thoughts on 350 vs 450
07-21-2021, 01:39 PM
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2023 GLE 450 4matic
Thoughts on 350 vs 450
So I had my 2020 GLE350 in for service yesterday. In the past they have always given me another 350 as a loaner car but yesterday I got a pretty well equipped 2021 GLE450. I've never had an opportunity to make a fair hands on comparison before this and while I'll try my best to be objective, keep in mind this is still my own opinion based on the differences between these two cars.
The first and most obvious difference is the 4 cylinder power plant compared to the 6 cylinder. I've always been satisfied with the power from the 4 banger and that hasn't changed. The 6 is by all means noticeably quicker and somewhat smoother. That's not saying the 6 cylinder isn't smooth, it's silky smooth at all throttle positions. I never noticed a lack of smoothness with the 4 cylinder but it's obviously less refined. The 6 cylinder is very peppy and the turbo lag is much less noticeable, largely in part no doubt to the eco boost system. For my normal driving habits the 4 cylinder is more than adequate. Speaking of the eco boost system, it makes the auto start/stop system totally seamless. In my 350 I've got in the habit of switching from comfort mode to eco mode as soon as I start the car and that makes the auto start/stop system 90% acceptable, while in comfort mode it's jerky and quite annoying. I really hope MB decides to add the 48 volt system to the 350 some day, even as an option it's a feature I'd be willing to pay extra for.
My car has steel springs while this 450 had the air ride system. The air ride had a floaty feeling I didn't care for. This car also had normal tires while my car has run flats so making a fair comparison between the two suspensions is difficult. While the ride quality of my 350 isn't bad, I think it could be improved by ditching the run flat tires. I didn't play with the adjustments and left the loaner car in comfort mode while I had it so it's very possible that floaty feeling could be dialed back a bit. Both systems are very good for what they are.
A few odds and ends: My car has the standard sunroof while the loaner had the pano roof. It's nice but not something I'd be willing to pay a lot extra for. The loaner had the drivers assist package and I found the little flashing speed limit sign above the speedometer annoying. My car does not have ventilated seats, the loaner did. Compared to my last car which was a Buick Enclave, the ventilated seats in the MB seemed to offer very little air flow. I find the non ventilated MB-Tex seats in my car to be fairly comfortable and I don't miss the cooling option.
So after driving a GLE450 for a day do I plan to trade my 350 in the near future, no. Is the 450 powerplant worthy of the added cost, maybe. Both cars are very good for their price point and if you're not towing, most will find the power the 4 cylinder offers to be adequate for a daily driver.
The first and most obvious difference is the 4 cylinder power plant compared to the 6 cylinder. I've always been satisfied with the power from the 4 banger and that hasn't changed. The 6 is by all means noticeably quicker and somewhat smoother. That's not saying the 6 cylinder isn't smooth, it's silky smooth at all throttle positions. I never noticed a lack of smoothness with the 4 cylinder but it's obviously less refined. The 6 cylinder is very peppy and the turbo lag is much less noticeable, largely in part no doubt to the eco boost system. For my normal driving habits the 4 cylinder is more than adequate. Speaking of the eco boost system, it makes the auto start/stop system totally seamless. In my 350 I've got in the habit of switching from comfort mode to eco mode as soon as I start the car and that makes the auto start/stop system 90% acceptable, while in comfort mode it's jerky and quite annoying. I really hope MB decides to add the 48 volt system to the 350 some day, even as an option it's a feature I'd be willing to pay extra for.
My car has steel springs while this 450 had the air ride system. The air ride had a floaty feeling I didn't care for. This car also had normal tires while my car has run flats so making a fair comparison between the two suspensions is difficult. While the ride quality of my 350 isn't bad, I think it could be improved by ditching the run flat tires. I didn't play with the adjustments and left the loaner car in comfort mode while I had it so it's very possible that floaty feeling could be dialed back a bit. Both systems are very good for what they are.
A few odds and ends: My car has the standard sunroof while the loaner had the pano roof. It's nice but not something I'd be willing to pay a lot extra for. The loaner had the drivers assist package and I found the little flashing speed limit sign above the speedometer annoying. My car does not have ventilated seats, the loaner did. Compared to my last car which was a Buick Enclave, the ventilated seats in the MB seemed to offer very little air flow. I find the non ventilated MB-Tex seats in my car to be fairly comfortable and I don't miss the cooling option.
So after driving a GLE450 for a day do I plan to trade my 350 in the near future, no. Is the 450 powerplant worthy of the added cost, maybe. Both cars are very good for their price point and if you're not towing, most will find the power the 4 cylinder offers to be adequate for a daily driver.
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07-21-2021, 02:33 PM
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Mercedes/Mazda/Genesis
Nice write up, and a very nice loaner! I’m surprised your dealer would have that nice and desirable of a spec for a loaner and not for sale (especially since GLE 450’s are hard to get).
I completely agree about the 48-Volt System in that it really works wonders on the engine. I love it on my CLS53 and that’s what made my wife wanna go for the 450, that and we’ve always loved Inline-6’s. Very glad to see them make a comeback at MB.
I completely agree about the 48-Volt System in that it really works wonders on the engine. I love it on my CLS53 and that’s what made my wife wanna go for the 450, that and we’ve always loved Inline-6’s. Very glad to see them make a comeback at MB.
07-21-2021, 02:55 PM
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
So I had my 2020 GLE350 in for service yesterday. In the past they have always given me another 350 as a loaner car but yesterday I got a pretty well equipped 2021 GLE450. I've never had an opportunity to make a fair hands on comparison before this and while I'll try my best to be objective, keep in mind this is still my own opinion based on the differences between these two cars.
The first and most obvious difference is the 4 cylinder power plant compared to the 6 cylinder. I've always been satisfied with the power from the 4 banger and that hasn't changed. The 6 is by all means noticeably quicker and somewhat smoother. That's not saying the 6 cylinder isn't smooth, it's silky smooth at all throttle positions. I never noticed a lack of smoothness with the 4 cylinder but it's obviously less refined. The 6 cylinder is very peppy and the turbo lag is much less noticeable, largely in part no doubt to the eco boost system. For my normal driving habits the 4 cylinder is more than adequate. Speaking of the eco boost system, it makes the auto start/stop system totally seamless. In my 350 I've got in the habit of switching from comfort mode to eco mode as soon as I start the car and that makes the auto start/stop system 90% acceptable, while in comfort mode it's jerky and quite annoying. I really hope MB decides to add the 48 volt system to the 350 some day, even as an option it's a feature I'd be willing to pay extra for.
My car has steel springs while this 450 had the air ride system. The air ride had a floaty feeling I didn't care for. This car also had normal tires while my car has run flats so making a fair comparison between the two suspensions is difficult. While the ride quality of my 350 isn't bad, I think it could be improved by ditching the run flat tires. I didn't play with the adjustments and left the loaner car in comfort mode while I had it so it's very possible that floaty feeling could be dialed back a bit. Both systems are very good for what they are.
A few odds and ends: My car has the standard sunroof while the loaner had the pano roof. It's nice but not something I'd be willing to pay a lot extra for. The loaner had the drivers assist package and I found the little flashing speed limit sign above the speedometer annoying. My car does not have ventilated seats, the loaner did. Compared to my last car which was a Buick Enclave, the ventilated seats in the MB seemed to offer very little air flow. I find the non ventilated MB-Tex seats in my car to be fairly comfortable and I don't miss the cooling option.
So after driving a GLE450 for a day do I plan to trade my 350 in the near future, no. Is the 450 powerplant worthy of the added cost, maybe. Both cars are very good for their price point and if you're not towing, most will find the power the 4 cylinder offers to be adequate for a daily driver.
The first and most obvious difference is the 4 cylinder power plant compared to the 6 cylinder. I've always been satisfied with the power from the 4 banger and that hasn't changed. The 6 is by all means noticeably quicker and somewhat smoother. That's not saying the 6 cylinder isn't smooth, it's silky smooth at all throttle positions. I never noticed a lack of smoothness with the 4 cylinder but it's obviously less refined. The 6 cylinder is very peppy and the turbo lag is much less noticeable, largely in part no doubt to the eco boost system. For my normal driving habits the 4 cylinder is more than adequate. Speaking of the eco boost system, it makes the auto start/stop system totally seamless. In my 350 I've got in the habit of switching from comfort mode to eco mode as soon as I start the car and that makes the auto start/stop system 90% acceptable, while in comfort mode it's jerky and quite annoying. I really hope MB decides to add the 48 volt system to the 350 some day, even as an option it's a feature I'd be willing to pay extra for.
My car has steel springs while this 450 had the air ride system. The air ride had a floaty feeling I didn't care for. This car also had normal tires while my car has run flats so making a fair comparison between the two suspensions is difficult. While the ride quality of my 350 isn't bad, I think it could be improved by ditching the run flat tires. I didn't play with the adjustments and left the loaner car in comfort mode while I had it so it's very possible that floaty feeling could be dialed back a bit. Both systems are very good for what they are.
A few odds and ends: My car has the standard sunroof while the loaner had the pano roof. It's nice but not something I'd be willing to pay a lot extra for. The loaner had the drivers assist package and I found the little flashing speed limit sign above the speedometer annoying. My car does not have ventilated seats, the loaner did. Compared to my last car which was a Buick Enclave, the ventilated seats in the MB seemed to offer very little air flow. I find the non ventilated MB-Tex seats in my car to be fairly comfortable and I don't miss the cooling option.
So after driving a GLE450 for a day do I plan to trade my 350 in the near future, no. Is the 450 powerplant worthy of the added cost, maybe. Both cars are very good for their price point and if you're not towing, most will find the power the 4 cylinder offers to be adequate for a daily driver.
The flashing speed limit can be set not to flash, or not to show at all.
I agree about the floaty ride, and some of that can be addressed by tire pressures. Driving in Sport makes it much better, but Sport disables Run-Stop, which may be good or bad for you. But it does run lower gears, which probably decreases fuel economy. I forget if the 450 includes an Individual Setting, where you could select sport suspension with comfort transmission settings.
And I wonder if my ventilated seats are really ventilating, although there is a slight cool feeling, which has been enough.
And a final comment - over a thousand or so miles with both engines, I actually got better gas mileage with the 450 than the 350, although both were in the range of our GLC300, a much lighter car.
Last edited by mikapen; 07-21-2021 at 03:07 PM.
07-21-2021, 03:00 PM
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Nice write-up, and good comparison. I agree with most.
The flashing speed limit can be set not to flash, or not to show at all.
I agree about the floaty ride, and some of that can be addressed by tire pressures. Driving in Sport makes it much better, but Sport disables Run-Stop, which may be good or bad for you. But it does run lower gears, which probably decreases fuel economy. I forget if the 450 includes an Individual Setting, where you could select sport suspension with comfort transmission settings.
And I wonder if my ventilated seats are really ventilating, although there is a slight cool feeling, which has been enough.
And a final comment - over a thousand or so miles with both engines, I actually got better gas mileage with the 450 than the 350, although both were in the range of our GCL300, a much lighter car.
The flashing speed limit can be set not to flash, or not to show at all.
I agree about the floaty ride, and some of that can be addressed by tire pressures. Driving in Sport makes it much better, but Sport disables Run-Stop, which may be good or bad for you. But it does run lower gears, which probably decreases fuel economy. I forget if the 450 includes an Individual Setting, where you could select sport suspension with comfort transmission settings.
And I wonder if my ventilated seats are really ventilating, although there is a slight cool feeling, which has been enough.
And a final comment - over a thousand or so miles with both engines, I actually got better gas mileage with the 450 than the 350, although both were in the range of our GCL300, a much lighter car.
07-21-2021, 03:09 PM
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
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07-21-2021, 05:27 PM
#9
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The ventilated seats on my 450 is my first experience and I would definitely get it on my next car if it's offered. Even though there isn't a ton of airflow, there is enough cool feeling on your back on hot days it just feels refreshing. We've had many 100+ degree heat wave here in California so every bit of cool air helps.
07-21-2021, 05:32 PM
#10
The ventilated seats on my 450 is my first experience and I would definitely get it on my next car if it's offered. Even though there isn't a ton of airflow, there is enough cool feeling on your back on hot days it just feels refreshing. We've had many 100+ degree heat wave here in California so every bit of cool air helps.
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07-21-2021, 09:48 PM
#11
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When I first got my GLE 450, I thought the ventilated seats weren't working, but while the air flow might not be what many expected, I really love it now. No, it's not a blast of air under your seat, but on a hot day it totally keeps your clothes dryer and and adds enough extra ventilation to an area that wouldn't get airflow anyway to keep y9ou more comfortable. I can definitely feel it with shorts and Tshirt on a hot day. I think it's worth having. I can't remember if I had it on my CLK 430 years ago.
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07-21-2021, 10:40 PM
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
"Visual and Audible" means beeping and flashing; "Visual means flashing.
If you turn everything "Off," the Speed Limit is still displayed - you have only turned off the warnings.
I wish they had "+9 mph" because I'd use that.
07-21-2021, 11:29 PM
#14
Super Member
So I had my 2020 GLE350 in for service yesterday. In the past they have always given me another 350 as a loaner car but yesterday I got a pretty well equipped 2021 GLE450. I've never had an opportunity to make a fair hands on comparison before this and while I'll try my best to be objective, keep in mind this is still my own opinion based on the differences between these two cars.
The first and most obvious difference is the 4 cylinder power plant compared to the 6 cylinder. I've always been satisfied with the power from the 4 banger and that hasn't changed. The 6 is by all means noticeably quicker and somewhat smoother. That's not saying the 6 cylinder isn't smooth, it's silky smooth at all throttle positions. I never noticed a lack of smoothness with the 4 cylinder but it's obviously less refined. The 6 cylinder is very peppy and the turbo lag is much less noticeable, largely in part no doubt to the eco boost system. For my normal driving habits the 4 cylinder is more than adequate. Speaking of the eco boost system, it makes the auto start/stop system totally seamless. In my 350 I've got in the habit of switching from comfort mode to eco mode as soon as I start the car and that makes the auto start/stop system 90% acceptable, while in comfort mode it's jerky and quite annoying. I really hope MB decides to add the 48 volt system to the 350 some day, even as an option it's a feature I'd be willing to pay extra for.
My car has steel springs while this 450 had the air ride system. The air ride had a floaty feeling I didn't care for. This car also had normal tires while my car has run flats so making a fair comparison between the two suspensions is difficult. While the ride quality of my 350 isn't bad, I think it could be improved by ditching the run flat tires. I didn't play with the adjustments and left the loaner car in comfort mode while I had it so it's very possible that floaty feeling could be dialed back a bit. Both systems are very good for what they are.
A few odds and ends: My car has the standard sunroof while the loaner had the pano roof. It's nice but not something I'd be willing to pay a lot extra for. The loaner had the drivers assist package and I found the little flashing speed limit sign above the speedometer annoying. My car does not have ventilated seats, the loaner did. Compared to my last car which was a Buick Enclave, the ventilated seats in the MB seemed to offer very little air flow. I find the non ventilated MB-Tex seats in my car to be fairly comfortable and I don't miss the cooling option.
So after driving a GLE450 for a day do I plan to trade my 350 in the near future, no. Is the 450 powerplant worthy of the added cost, maybe. Both cars are very good for their price point and if you're not towing, most will find the power the 4 cylinder offers to be adequate for a daily driver.
The first and most obvious difference is the 4 cylinder power plant compared to the 6 cylinder. I've always been satisfied with the power from the 4 banger and that hasn't changed. The 6 is by all means noticeably quicker and somewhat smoother. That's not saying the 6 cylinder isn't smooth, it's silky smooth at all throttle positions. I never noticed a lack of smoothness with the 4 cylinder but it's obviously less refined. The 6 cylinder is very peppy and the turbo lag is much less noticeable, largely in part no doubt to the eco boost system. For my normal driving habits the 4 cylinder is more than adequate. Speaking of the eco boost system, it makes the auto start/stop system totally seamless. In my 350 I've got in the habit of switching from comfort mode to eco mode as soon as I start the car and that makes the auto start/stop system 90% acceptable, while in comfort mode it's jerky and quite annoying. I really hope MB decides to add the 48 volt system to the 350 some day, even as an option it's a feature I'd be willing to pay extra for.
My car has steel springs while this 450 had the air ride system. The air ride had a floaty feeling I didn't care for. This car also had normal tires while my car has run flats so making a fair comparison between the two suspensions is difficult. While the ride quality of my 350 isn't bad, I think it could be improved by ditching the run flat tires. I didn't play with the adjustments and left the loaner car in comfort mode while I had it so it's very possible that floaty feeling could be dialed back a bit. Both systems are very good for what they are.
A few odds and ends: My car has the standard sunroof while the loaner had the pano roof. It's nice but not something I'd be willing to pay a lot extra for. The loaner had the drivers assist package and I found the little flashing speed limit sign above the speedometer annoying. My car does not have ventilated seats, the loaner did. Compared to my last car which was a Buick Enclave, the ventilated seats in the MB seemed to offer very little air flow. I find the non ventilated MB-Tex seats in my car to be fairly comfortable and I don't miss the cooling option.
So after driving a GLE450 for a day do I plan to trade my 350 in the near future, no. Is the 450 powerplant worthy of the added cost, maybe. Both cars are very good for their price point and if you're not towing, most will find the power the 4 cylinder offers to be adequate for a daily driver.
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Lucky 777 (07-22-2021)
07-22-2021, 10:23 AM
#15
Super Member
Nice write-up, and good comparison. I agree with most.
The flashing speed limit can be set not to flash, or not to show at all.
I agree about the floaty ride, and some of that can be addressed by tire pressures. Driving in Sport makes it much better, but Sport disables Run-Stop, which may be good or bad for you. But it does run lower gears, which probably decreases fuel economy. I forget if the 450 includes an Individual Setting, where you could select sport suspension with comfort transmission settings.
And I wonder if my ventilated seats are really ventilating, although there is a slight cool feeling, which has been enough.
And a final comment - over a thousand or so miles with both engines, I actually got better gas mileage with the 450 than the 350, although both were in the range of our GLC300, a much lighter car.
The flashing speed limit can be set not to flash, or not to show at all.
I agree about the floaty ride, and some of that can be addressed by tire pressures. Driving in Sport makes it much better, but Sport disables Run-Stop, which may be good or bad for you. But it does run lower gears, which probably decreases fuel economy. I forget if the 450 includes an Individual Setting, where you could select sport suspension with comfort transmission settings.
And I wonder if my ventilated seats are really ventilating, although there is a slight cool feeling, which has been enough.
And a final comment - over a thousand or so miles with both engines, I actually got better gas mileage with the 450 than the 350, although both were in the range of our GLC300, a much lighter car.
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mikapen (07-22-2021)
07-22-2021, 01:41 PM
#16
For me, the 6 cylinder was the reason to buy the car. The acceleration is awesome. We have the ventilated seats as well and even in FL, we forget to turn them on. Sunroofs are useless over here. If there was no sunroof option I would take it. The 48V system is awesome.
07-24-2021, 08:49 PM
#17
Senior Member
the 450 is far superior to the 350 to drive. and for the wimps whining about 'floaty' air suspension just put it into sport. wth. I now understand that you aren't really experiencing mercedes until you get to the E class and higher. the ventilated seats are ok but also no replacement for true cooled seats as in an infiniti which is the standard. unfortunately everything else about infiniti is now sub par. the GLE450 is a fabulous vehicle.
