Ahh decisions and "high class problems": What wonderful new Mercedes to buy? I had planned to replace my GLA250 Edition 1 with an AMG model in the new GLC lineup. But the presence of Mercedes' new laptop-sized touchscreen in the center console (as in the S Class, C Class and upcoming SL Class) was a deal breaker. In fact, I started the thread "My worst nightmare -- the new SL" which appears in the new R232 forum here: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...re-new-sl.html. Although I did enjoy a GLC300 Coupe and considered another GLC in an AMG version, the current GLC lineup which is about to end still has the out-of-date old-school stand-alone vertical screen in the center of the dash. The engine lineup in the GLB is boring. But I digress...
I really like the dash layout on my '19 CLS53 which has the two 12-inch side-by-side digital displays which are similar to those on the current GLE. (Although I am disappointed that GLE's displays do not have an overhang visor as in the CLS.) I've been concerned that the next generation of the GLE which is not too far away might also have the center console touchscreen -- another deal breaker for me.
I'm not a fan of MBUX 'cause I have not wanted my car to be listening to my conversations. And I am not a fan of touchscreens in an auto 'cause I consider them to be a distraction. But the combination of the nice mild-hybrid engine in the "580" model along with the existing dash layout convinced me that the GLE580 was the best option for us, even though it is significantly bigger than we need. I figure I'd probably disable MBUX and use the touchpad and mini touchpad on the steering wheel instead of the touchscreen.
So I placed an order for a November build of a Brilliant Blue Metallic over black leather and silver trim with the following items:
21" AMG Wheels with Black Accents, Night Package, Roof Spoiler, Load Sill Protector, Heated Steering Wheel, Acoustic Comfort Package, Warmth & Comfort Package, Driver Assistance Package Plus, Ventilated Front Seats, Multicontour Front Seat with Massage, Trailer Hitch, Wheel Locks. Cost is TBD, but with Transportation Charge added, I expect it to be very close to $90K. I plan to trade my GLC250 to my Colorado dealer if they offer me a decent price.
I look forward to the dialogue and assistance that I know this forum will provide in following years as my wife and I enjoy our new ride...
May I ask if you were able to get a discount to MSRP? Thx
Unfortunately not, but I did not push the issue. I was not prepared to walk away. This was the 4th MB that I've purchased from this dealer (MB of Westminster, Colorado.) The agent claimed that typically models are being sold for several thousand $$ above MSRP (but I'm not sure I believe that) but not for me as a repeat customer. Probably depends of the model. At this point, pricing has not been released so I am somewhat exposed to some surprises.
I did intend to trade my '15 GLA250 Edition 1 so I did go to CarMax for an offer to buy which ended up as $23K. I got the exact same offer from the dealer but in Colorado, one only pays sales tax of the difference between the purchase price and the trade in value. So I traded to the dealer and "saved" about $1700, the equivalent of sales tax on the trade in amount.
I've always had the perspective that in the long run, it is more important to get the model that you want rather than hassle over a few thousand dollars that represents something like 1-2 percent of the purchase price. 'Tis a blessing and others may have a different perspective.
As a note: When my wife and I were in Tijuana MX in the '70s we paid full asking price for a blanket that we still have. So you might appreciate that we are not really very good at negotiating.
Nice build! Curious if you added Exterior Lighting Package? Seems like it'll round out the awesome exterior look with the almost-fully-equipped configuration you got.
Nice build! Curious if you added Exterior Lighting Package? Seems like it'll round out the awesome exterior look with the almost-fully-equipped configuration you got.
I did not order the lighting package -- retired but very active in mid-70s, we rarely have a need to drive at night, particularly on remote 2-lane roads where the adaptive features would be helpful. For us, the standard headlights are very adequate.
As a note: When my wife and I were in Tijuana MX in the '70s we paid full asking price for a blanket that we still have. So you might appreciate that we are not really very good at negotiating.
In retrospect, with the MSRP not yet defined and the trade in value not determined when making a deposit for a future build, I could/should have made the sale contingent on
- MSRP not exceeding a certain amount, in this case, perhaps $91K, and
- trade in value in excess of a certain amount, perhaps Kelley Blue Book amount.
This might have given me some negotiating room to have the dealer include or discount pre-paid maintenance, wheel and tire coverage or a similar item.
I believe each dealer has an "allocation" for a build of a specific model in the future based on previous sales history for the dealership. In this case it was for a GLE580 build in November with an expected December delivery. The dealer had designated a black exterior color but this was available for change to blue and custom options at this time. I'm not sure how close to the build date changes can be made. I need to check on headliner color and will make a separate post on this.
........The dealer had designated a black exterior color but this was available for change to blue and custom options at this time. I'm not sure how close to the build date changes can be made. I need to check on headliner color and will make a separate post on this.
I'd be careful here. Our build locked in less than a week, with no warning from the system. Normally that lock was taking three to four weeks but not this time.
I planned on adding a couple of important options and a color change, but couldn't after the lock. I didn't want to "bother" my Salesman with various add-ons, and missed my chance.
I'd be careful here. Our build locked in less than a week, with no warning from the system. Normally that lock was taking three to four weeks but not this time.
I planned on adding a couple of important options and a color change, but couldn't after the lock. I didn't want to "bother" my Salesman with various add-ons, and missed my chance.
When date or day did you place your order prior to the lock? That seems really quick.
When date or day did you place your order prior to the lock? That seems really quick.
I don't remember exact dates, but it was early November of '20. Order placed on a Friday, Salesman checked, "no warning" (order changes color) the next Friday, locked over the weekend and seen on Monday.
Everything flowed exactly as scheduled - VIN, build, completed, delivery, after that.
Just the wrong color (which I have come to like - Obsidian Black) and no 3D Burmester. No delays.
When date or day did you place your order prior to the lock? That seems really quick.
Don’t gamble on the lock date. Mine was 10 days, previous GLE about 15 days. It’s no big deal for your SA to make a change or two. With the Supply Chain unknowns Mercedes is probably locking orders to get as far ahead as possible with component requirements.
Don’t gamble on the lock date. Mine was 10 days, previous GLE about 15 days. It’s no big deal for your SA to make a change or two. With the Supply Chain unknowns Mercedes is probably locking orders to get as far ahead as possible with component requirements.
Thanks for the insight, I will make sure I have everything locked down.
I went to my dealer (MB of Westminster CO) today to see a grey headliner with black leather -- decided in the absence of a pano roof it will help lighten up the interior. But most of interest was the vehicle on the showroom floor, a GT R Black Series pictured below...
Too bad that I missed my opportunity purchase it 'cause it had been sold.(Yeah right, maybe if I had won the Mega Lottery.) The MSRP sticker price was $345K and it sold for $125K over MSRP to someone out of state. With sales tax, that makes it about a $500K vehicle. This is the vehicle that holds the lap record around the Nurbugring track for a road-legal production car .
I went to my dealer (MB of Westminster CO) today to see a grey headliner with black leather -- decided in the absence of a pano roof it will help lighten up the interior. But most of interest was the vehicle on the showroom floor, a GT R Black Series pictured below...
Too bad that I missed my opportunity purchase it 'cause it had been sold.(Yeah right, maybe if I had won the Mega Lottery.) The MSRP sticker price was $345K and it sold for $125K over MSRP to someone out of state. With sales tax, that makes it about a $500K vehicle. This is the vehicle that holds the lap record around the Nurbugring track for a road-legal production car .
If you hear one of those running, it sounds like a NASCAR garage. And you can feel the exhaust pulses twenty feet away. I can't imagine driving one on the street.
OK, so no V8s in 2022. So yesterday I switched my order for a GLE580 to a GLE53 and I am actually pleased with the change. I really like the "53" drivetrain as in my '19 CLS53 and my dealer was pleased to make the change, suggesting that this is how Mercedes will convert existing 580 orders. The new vehicle has the benefit of being an AMG version and it will provide better fuel economy. I was able to order it with the exact configuration that I desired plus I will receive it 7-8 weeks earlier because of an existing GLE53 allocation for my dealer. I hope all those who had V8s on order will be as satisfied with their alternatives.
OK, so no V8s in 2022. So yesterday I switched my order for a GLE580 to a GLE53 and I am actually pleased with the change. I really like the "53" drivetrain as in my '19 CLS53 and my dealer was pleased to make the change, suggesting that this is how Mercedes will convert existing 580 orders. The new vehicle has the benefit of being an AMG version and it will provide better fuel economy. I was able to order it with the exact configuration that I desired plus I will receive it 7-8 weeks earlier because of an existing GLE53 allocation for my dealer. I hope all those who had V8s on order will be as satisfied with their alternatives.
Did you get test drive GLE53 before deciding? I'm having a hard time getting used to the idea, since 53 is a harder ride (I like as much comfort as possible), slower, and sounds worse (IMO).
Did you get test drive GLE53 before deciding? I'm having a hard time getting used to the idea, since 53 is a harder ride (I like as much comfort as possible), slower, and sounds worse (IMO).
I did not drive a 53 but the performance should be excellent, really, based on my CLS53's performance. Gobs of torque when you need it -- not a awesome as the CLS63S and GTS that I had, but for an SUV it should be fine. And in my CLS on a day of freeway driving at 70-85mph, I got 31mpg. On my build, I opted for the Acoustic Comfort Package ($1100) which adds extra glass in the side windows and extra sound deadening in the body.
I was going for the standard 20" tires, but to get all-season tires, apparently one needs to order the 21" wheels. I agree with that the 6-cylinder does not sound as good as it should and I considered the optional AMG Exhaust but it seemed contradictory to order a louder exhaust along with the Acoustic Comfort Package and I believe that the Exhaust Package does not change the sound of the engine itself, only the exhaust. There is nothing like the sound of a V8. (The fact that I have a nice V8 in my SL550 was some consolation for getting the 6.) I did order the Multicontour Seats with Massage so I figure we can relax and enjoy the ride that way.
Really, with an SUV, one is not going for ultimate performance and speed so I think the 53 will be excellent. Comfort in this AMG version may suffer a bit over the non-AMG version but with the extra insulation, etc., I'm expecting a really pleasant experience.
I really hope you wont be disappointed in the 53. We test drove one and the exhaust sound was horrible, performance was poor and the ride was harsh. We drove it about 1/4 mile and had already made up our mind. The ONLY thing the 53 had that was a positive, IMO, was the AMG appearance. That is why we went with a 580 with the AMG appearance package.
I test drove 580, 450 and 53.
Went with the 450 with airmatic. 53 didn’t like the harsh drive and narrow seats. Didn’t care for the exhaust noise it was making actually kind of annoying.
580 was nice with all that power but gas guzzling kept me away. I drive long distance every 2 weeks with gas prices almost 5 dollars and I don’t pull anything it didn’t make sense for me. So at the end the 450 20 inch wheels with amg outside appearance and the airmatic was the perfect world for me.
I really hope you wont be disappointed in the 53. We test drove one and the exhaust sound was horrible, performance was poor and the ride was harsh. We drove it about 1/4 mile and had already made up our mind. The ONLY thing the 53 had that was a positive, IMO, was the AMG appearance. That is why we went with a 580 with the AMG appearance package.
Was the 53 that you drove equipped with the Dynamic Package and ARC? ARC improves the ride quality over the standard air on 53s.
I agree that the exhaust sound in closed position is buzzy, but in Open, shifting in Sport or Plus, rev matching and TCT (Torque Clutch Transmission), the noise is downright sporty.
I'll also say that the character of the car has changed with break in, noticeable at about 7,000 miles.
Was the 53 that you drove equipped with the Dynamic Package and ARC? ARC improves the ride quality over the standard air on 53s.
I agree that the exhaust sound in closed position is buzzy, but in Open, shifting in Sport or Plus, rev matching and TCT (Torque Clutch Transmission), the noise is downright sporty.
I'll also say that the character of the car has changed with break in, noticeable at about 7,000 miles.
I don't know because I already was disinterested after even just starting it. I should mention, we came from a 2018 GLC 63 and am a previous owner of a E55.
I don't know because I already was disinterested after even just starting it. I should mention, we came from a 2018 GLC 63 and am a previous owner of a E55.
I read your comments and have to wonder??? I get the importance of the exhaust sound, but you can hardly hear it and I can’t believe it would be on a list of the 10 most important features in a vehicle selection. The performance difference of .2 seconds 0-60 isn’t something you can feel “seat of the pants”. The 53 is crisper on low end but doesn’t quite have the grunt at higher speeds, IMO.
If you like a “Boaty” ride then the non AMG is great in Comfort Mode. It will bottom out on some bumps like traffic Berms since there is inadequate rebound/compression damping.
S mode in the GLE with standard air seems more like C mode with the AMG and I like not having to change every time you start the car. I set my GLE 450 to I mode with all C except for the suspension in S.
The 21” tires on mine came with 45/46 psi so that might have been a factor if there was a harsh ride. The normal pressure on mine is listed at 33/38 & that seems to be closer for everyday driving. 45/46 is the Max recommended pressure and probably works well for shipping so tires don’t flat spot. Like Mikapen said, the upgraded suspension makes for a great ride and has far superior handling to a standard GLE….there’s more than just the appearance involved. There was never an unsold entry level GLE 53 available to test drive so can’t comment on the difference without the Dynamic Plus Package. I only test drove a GLE 580 but drove a loaded GLE 450 for 18 months and now almost 9 months on our GLE 53.
I read your comments and have to wonder??? I get the importance of the exhaust sound, but you can hardly hear it and I can’t believe it would be on a list of the 10 most important features in a vehicle selection. The performance difference of .2 seconds 0-60 isn’t something you can feel “seat of the pants”. The 53 is crisper on low end but doesn’t quite have the grunt at higher speeds, IMO.
If you like a “Boaty” ride then the non AMG is great in Comfort Mode. It will bottom out on some bumps like traffic Berms since there is inadequate rebound/compression damping.
S mode in the GLE with standard air seems more like C mode with the AMG and I like not having to change every time you start the car. I set my GLE 450 to I mode with all C except for the suspension in S.
The 21” tires on mine came with 45/46 psi so that might have been a factor if there was a harsh ride. The normal pressure on mine is listed at 33/38 & that seems to be closer for everyday driving. 45/46 is the Max recommended pressure and probably works well for shipping so tires don’t flat spot. Like Mikapen said, the upgraded suspension makes for a great ride and has far superior handling to a standard GLE….there’s more than just the appearance involved. There was never an unsold entry level GLE 53 available to test drive so can’t comment on the difference without the Dynamic Plus Package. I only test drove a GLE 580 but drove a loaded GLE 450 for 18 months and now almost 9 months on our GLE 53.
It appears it is a win/win for the both of us as we each got what we enjoy!
