Considering a GLE
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SUV
Considering a GLE
I was wondering if I could get some feedback on the reliability of this current model. I did some searches and found some "disturbing" reliability issues. Are these common or isolated? Will 22 model have the same issues? Is it better with the GLS? Thanks.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,020
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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
It's really hard to say just how representative this Forum's posts are.
The first assumption I would make, is that the people who post here, are a small portion of owners, and one of the reasons they post is that they have a problem, or suspected problem.
How would we know how many non-posters with no problems and total satisfaction there are?
Just for fun, go to any other Brand's forum, an you'll see more people posting with problems than with No Problems.
Also to remember, many of the deficiencies have been corrected with Over the Air software updates, and don't exist any more.
The concern about 48v batteries, and a batch of painted-over ground points on early examples, have been recalled or corrected.
My 2020 fits that description.
The first assumption I would make, is that the people who post here, are a small portion of owners, and one of the reasons they post is that they have a problem, or suspected problem.
How would we know how many non-posters with no problems and total satisfaction there are?
Just for fun, go to any other Brand's forum, an you'll see more people posting with problems than with No Problems.
Also to remember, many of the deficiencies have been corrected with Over the Air software updates, and don't exist any more.
The concern about 48v batteries, and a batch of painted-over ground points on early examples, have been recalled or corrected.
My 2020 fits that description.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 34
Likes: 21
Macan X5
It's really hard to say just how representative this Forum's posts are.
The first assumption I would make, is that the people who post here, are a small portion of owners, and one of the reasons they post is that they have a problem, or suspected problem.
How would we know how many non-posters with no problems and total satisfaction there are?
Just for fun, go to any other Brand's forum, an you'll see more people posting with problems than with No Problems.
Also to remember, many of the deficiencies have been corrected with Over the Air software updates, and don't exist any more.
The concern about 48v batteries, and a batch of painted-over ground points on early examples, have been recalled or corrected.
My 2020 fits that description.
The first assumption I would make, is that the people who post here, are a small portion of owners, and one of the reasons they post is that they have a problem, or suspected problem.
How would we know how many non-posters with no problems and total satisfaction there are?
Just for fun, go to any other Brand's forum, an you'll see more people posting with problems than with No Problems.
Also to remember, many of the deficiencies have been corrected with Over the Air software updates, and don't exist any more.
The concern about 48v batteries, and a batch of painted-over ground points on early examples, have been recalled or corrected.
My 2020 fits that description.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,695
Likes: 4,586
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
It sounds like you have read this forum, that's good for your due diligence. Additionally, the 2.0L 4 cylinder in the GLE 350 is descended from the predecessor 2.0L 4 cylinder which has a widening problem with piston cracking, requiring engine replacement. If the vehicle is out of warranty, MB says tough luck. It's not clear if today's GLE 350 2.0L 4 cylinder has the piston cracking feature, it's too early to say. The genes, however, are not favorable.
Consider avoiding the GLE altogether, at least until a year or two after the facelift. This should be approximately 2024 or 2025. Instead, look at the X5, Cayenne, Q7, GV or GX. Lots of solid choices in this segment.
Last edited by chassis; Aug 23, 2021 at 05:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,020
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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
Strongly avoid any Mercedes model that uses a 48V battery system, known as EQ Boost. This means all GLE variants except the GLE 350.
It sounds like you have read this forum, that's good for your due diligence. Additionally, the 2.0L 4 cylinder in the GLE 350 is descended from the predecessor 2.0L 4 cylinder which has a widening problem with piston cracking, requiring engine replacement. If the vehicle is out of warranty, MB says tough luck. It's not clear if today's GLE 350 2.0L 4 cylinder has the piston cracking feature, it's too early to say. The genes, however, are not favorable.
Consider avoiding the GLE altogether, at least until a year or two after the facelift. This should be approximately 2024 or 2025. Instead, look at the X5, Cayenne, Q7, GV or GX. Lots of solid choices in this segment.
It sounds like you have read this forum, that's good for your due diligence. Additionally, the 2.0L 4 cylinder in the GLE 350 is descended from the predecessor 2.0L 4 cylinder which has a widening problem with piston cracking, requiring engine replacement. If the vehicle is out of warranty, MB says tough luck. It's not clear if today's GLE 350 2.0L 4 cylinder has the piston cracking feature, it's too early to say. The genes, however, are not favorable.
Consider avoiding the GLE altogether, at least until a year or two after the facelift. This should be approximately 2024 or 2025. Instead, look at the X5, Cayenne, Q7, GV or GX. Lots of solid choices in this segment.
Good example in bold above - the two 2 liter fours are NOT related, other than the number of cylinders.
Unfortunately, to the OP, it's pretty hard to tell which posters are genuine, and which are full of it. This one's the latter.
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 282
Likes: 64
From: California
2021 GLE450
Ultimately, OP will have to make a decision based on many different factors.
I knew going in that a GLE MIGHT not be as reliable as let's say a Honda or a Toyota. I also knew that it's more expensive to maintain than a typical Japanese/Korean counterpart. But we decided other positives such as style, safety, nice interior etc outweighed the potential issues.
If the GLE will be your only car and be driven daily, then you might consider something else a little more practical. Otherwise, we are loving our GLE and don't regret our decision to purchase it.
I knew going in that a GLE MIGHT not be as reliable as let's say a Honda or a Toyota. I also knew that it's more expensive to maintain than a typical Japanese/Korean counterpart. But we decided other positives such as style, safety, nice interior etc outweighed the potential issues.
If the GLE will be your only car and be driven daily, then you might consider something else a little more practical. Otherwise, we are loving our GLE and don't regret our decision to purchase it.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 218
Likes: 54
From: Apex, NC
2022 GLE 450, 2024 Volvo XC 60
It's really hard to say just how representative this Forum's posts are.
The first assumption I would make, is that the people who post here, are a small portion of owners, and one of the reasons they post is that they have a problem, or suspected problem.
How would we know how many non-posters with no problems and total satisfaction there are?
Just for fun, go to any other Brand's forum, an you'll see more people posting with problems than with No Problems.
Also to remember, many of the deficiencies have been corrected with Over the Air software updates, and don't exist any more.
The concern about 48v batteries, and a batch of painted-over ground points on early examples, have been recalled or corrected.
My 2020 fits that description.
The first assumption I would make, is that the people who post here, are a small portion of owners, and one of the reasons they post is that they have a problem, or suspected problem.
How would we know how many non-posters with no problems and total satisfaction there are?
Just for fun, go to any other Brand's forum, an you'll see more people posting with problems than with No Problems.
Also to remember, many of the deficiencies have been corrected with Over the Air software updates, and don't exist any more.
The concern about 48v batteries, and a batch of painted-over ground points on early examples, have been recalled or corrected.
My 2020 fits that description.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 34
Likes: 21
Macan X5
It's really hard to say just how representative this Forum's posts are.
The first assumption I would make, is that the people who post here, are a small portion of owners, and one of the reasons they post is that they have a problem, or suspected problem.
How would we know how many non-posters with no problems and total satisfaction there are?
Just for fun, go to any other Brand's forum, an you'll see more people posting with problems than with No Problems.
Also to remember, many of the deficiencies have been corrected with Over the Air software updates, and don't exist any more.
The concern about 48v batteries, and a batch of painted-over ground points on early examples, have been recalled or corrected.
My 2020 fits that description.
The first assumption I would make, is that the people who post here, are a small portion of owners, and one of the reasons they post is that they have a problem, or suspected problem.
How would we know how many non-posters with no problems and total satisfaction there are?
Just for fun, go to any other Brand's forum, an you'll see more people posting with problems than with No Problems.
Also to remember, many of the deficiencies have been corrected with Over the Air software updates, and don't exist any more.
The concern about 48v batteries, and a batch of painted-over ground points on early examples, have been recalled or corrected.
My 2020 fits that description.
I am not so certain that all the issues with the 48v batteries has been fully resolved. There are still a lot of posts in various MBworld on different models that tend to contradict your statement that this has been resolved. I want one of these cars really bad, but not with this hanging cloud over the technology. They must resolve this soon with some level of credibility and track record.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 41
Likes: 25
From: Mill Creek, WA
2021 GLE 350 4Matic
My GLE 350 is a few months old and I just completed a 4k road trip from Seattle to Arizona and back and the car performed well.
Comfort is outstanding. I did experience issues with drivers side and windshield wind noise which I will have addressed but other than that, the car has been brilliant.
Comfort is outstanding. I did experience issues with drivers side and windshield wind noise which I will have addressed but other than that, the car has been brilliant.
Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 218
Likes: 85
From: Florida
2021 GLE 450
It's up to you. You can join the thousands of satisfied customers that have never heard of this forum or base your decision on the bad experience of just a few. For many years I ran my own Volvo website (not the Brickboard) and if you read the comments on my site you would have never bought one. In the meantime, we drove nothing but Volvo's for 25 years. You want to be free of concerns buy a Toyota, Honda or Nissan. All others have their issues. Look around in their forums and you will see.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,513
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From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
This is extremely anecdotal, but the GLEs I’ve seen around me that are NOT broken (the vast majority are not) seem to have 40,000+ miles on them. There’s a small subset, maybe a littler larger then people would like, that are having issues, showing up at the dealership, some even getting lemon law’d. But a shocking number of them, the ones that aren’t broken, are getting driven hard and seeming to be doing perfect. And this is in NY where cars aren’t usually driven so many miles In my experience.
Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 218
Likes: 54
From: Apex, NC
2022 GLE 450, 2024 Volvo XC 60
This is extremely anecdotal, but the GLEs I’ve seen around me that are NOT broken (the vast majority are not) seem to have 40,000+ miles on them. There’s a small subset, maybe a littler larger then people would like, that are having issues, showing up at the dealership, some even getting lemon law’d. But a shocking number of them, the ones that aren’t broken, are getting driven hard and seeming to be doing perfect. And this is in NY where cars aren’t usually driven so many miles In my experience.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,771
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Should I?
Driving in NY is hard driving. Stop and go, roads in tough shape, aggressive drivers. I drove to NY about a week ago and commented to my wife how hard it must be to keep up a car in NY. I fully expected to blow a tire several times. Sounds like your GLE survives very well. Still waiting on my ship date.
Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 218
Likes: 54
From: Apex, NC
2022 GLE 450, 2024 Volvo XC 60
I have had second thoughts about my order for a 450, but feeling better about it after some of the forum pieces have given a different and possibly truer perspective on the vehicle.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,020
Likes: 2,201
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I agree with most of what you say.
I am not so certain that all the issues with the 48v batteries has been fully resolved. There are still a lot of posts in various MBworld on different models that tend to contradict your statement that this has been resolved. I want one of these cars really bad, but not with this hanging cloud over the technology. They must resolve this soon with some level of credibility and track record.
I am not so certain that all the issues with the 48v batteries has been fully resolved. There are still a lot of posts in various MBworld on different models that tend to contradict your statement that this has been resolved. I want one of these cars really bad, but not with this hanging cloud over the technology. They must resolve this soon with some level of credibility and track record.
That would be true of VW, Porsche, Audi, Ram, Tesla, others who have experienced battery issues, but we don't see those results either.
Only GM, with their total recall of their Bolt, and of course that admission tanked their stock.
At least there haven't been sufficient battery failures to warrant a recall, if that gives any indication of the extent.
My Service Manager, when asked about his experience with 48v batteries, said "a few." Then he said "Replacement seemed to cure the issues." I didn't press him because he was helping deliver a car.
BTW I had 3,000 miles on our 2020 450, and now 7,200 miles on our '21 AMG 53, without any battery issues. Despite this forum's 48v activity, I hit the road for a 2,000 mile trip, starting with only 800 miles, and no issues of any type at all. (Built March '21) The 202 had "camera sync" issues - corrected.
Last edited by mikapen; Aug 24, 2021 at 11:16 AM.
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Thank you for all the replies. I guess I should have given a little background. Not as much with technical depths but I have been a car guy for a few decades. We have owned cars from Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, and BMW. We change cars more often than the average. This is for the wife replacing her RX. We thought the new RX would be due this year but it seems like it will be another year or two. Plus she wants to try something new. We almost signed the paper for a GLE350 then I decided to do some more reading and ended up in here. 
So we backed out. The interesting part was when asked why, I gave my honest answer and the salesman didn't bother to defend it. Since that day, like some of you, we keep seeing new GLE everyday and wonder why people buy them. I understand all cars have issues, some more some less and online posters tend to post issues. I've been on other forums as well. But here I've seen new owners with cars towed away. That's what bugs me. In the end, it's my decision. It's not the main family car so it's not a big deal if it breaks. It's the hassle to deal with esps during this pandemic that we're concerned.
So we backed out. The interesting part was when asked why, I gave my honest answer and the salesman didn't bother to defend it. Since that day, like some of you, we keep seeing new GLE everyday and wonder why people buy them. I understand all cars have issues, some more some less and online posters tend to post issues. I've been on other forums as well. But here I've seen new owners with cars towed away. That's what bugs me. In the end, it's my decision. It's not the main family car so it's not a big deal if it breaks. It's the hassle to deal with esps during this pandemic that we're concerned.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 282
Likes: 64
From: California
2021 GLE450
Thank you for all the replies. I guess I should have given a little background. Not as much with technical depths but I have been a car guy for a few decades. We have owned cars from Toyota/Lexus, Honda/Acura, and BMW. We change cars more often than the average. This is for the wife replacing her RX. We thought the new RX would be due this year but it seems like it will be another year or two. Plus she wants to try something new. We almost signed the paper for a GLE350 then I decided to do some more reading and ended up in here. So we backed out. The interesting part was when asked why, I gave my honest answer and the salesman didn't bother to defend it. Since that day, like some of you, we keep seeing new GLE everyday and wonder why people buy them. I understand all cars have issues, some more some less and online posters tend to post issues. I've been on other forums as well. But here I've seen new owners with cars towed away. That's what bugs me. In the end, it's my decision. It's not the main family car so it's not a big deal if it breaks. It's the hassle to deal with esps during this pandemic that we're concerned.
So we backed out. The interesting part was when asked why, I gave my honest answer and the salesman didn't bother to defend it. Since that day, like some of you, we keep seeing new GLE everyday and wonder why people buy them. I understand all cars have issues, some more some less and online posters tend to post issues. I've been on other forums as well. But here I've seen new owners with cars towed away. That's what bugs me. In the end, it's my decision. It's not the main family car so it's not a big deal if it breaks. It's the hassle to deal with esps during this pandemic that we're concerned.Honestly, I bought the GLE450 BEFORE I read about the 48V failures. My wife fell in love with it and we needed an SUV so we didn't hesitate. We cross shopped Lexus, Audi, BMW, etc but ultimately GLE won our hearts.
Now that I know about the potential issue, I'm not too worried as it's our second car and we can afford to have it in the shop if required. We are really happy with the exterior styling and nice interior, not to mention how comfortable it is in long drives.
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SUV
If you were going to get a GLE350, it's free of the potential 48V battery failure issue. Only GLE450, 580 and AMG models have the 48V system.
Honestly, I bought the GLE450 BEFORE I read about the 48V failures. My wife fell in love with it and we needed an SUV so we didn't hesitate. We cross shopped Lexus, Audi, BMW, etc but ultimately GLE won our hearts.
Now that I know about the potential issue, I'm not too worried as it's our second car and we can afford to have it in the shop if required. We are really happy with the exterior styling and nice interior, not to mention how comfortable it is in long drives.
Honestly, I bought the GLE450 BEFORE I read about the 48V failures. My wife fell in love with it and we needed an SUV so we didn't hesitate. We cross shopped Lexus, Audi, BMW, etc but ultimately GLE won our hearts.
Now that I know about the potential issue, I'm not too worried as it's our second car and we can afford to have it in the shop if required. We are really happy with the exterior styling and nice interior, not to mention how comfortable it is in long drives.
Can you (and others) comment on GLE vs. X5/Q7? Why did you pick GLE over the other two? I'm sure a lot of us here cross shopped these. Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 282
Likes: 64
From: California
2021 GLE450
These are all nice cars so it really comes down to personal preference. If this is your wife's car, she should drive each and see which one she likes.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 468
Likes: 91
From: Port St. Lucie, Fl
2026 GLE 450 (Black on Brown Saddle)
We have a GLE450 SUV on order and scheduled for delivery at the end of October. Has anyone experienced any delays with their projected build and delivery dates? Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,513
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From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
That being said, the engine and driver train is generally more sporty and as I would equip it, the X5 is less money.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,838
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From: Florida
We much preferred the GLE's styling inside and out. While the X5's interior is generally nice (other than the abhorrent gauge cluster) the exterior is not as gracefully styled as its three prior generations, the new kidneys just look too cartoonish and too many jagged lines all over the place. We've had 25+ years of BMW's in the family and find this era of design to be worse than the mid 2000's Bangle era. The other large downside was the back seat space, which was as big as the wife's prior GLC, the GLE's backseat is much larger while still retaining competitive cargo space. Last was the color, my wife saw the Emerald Green Metallic and couldn't say no, BMW's color pallet is very bland in comparison.
Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 218
Likes: 54
From: Apex, NC
2022 GLE 450, 2024 Volvo XC 60
I’m expecting my 450 late Sept- early Oct. I was told no AR or Dash Cam. I did want the AR, but did not order the dash cam. Haven’t heard of any delays, but plan on checking with the dealer next week.
