js_cls

Wouldn't surprise me, every modern generation of S-Class since the W220 has ended up on CR's list of most unreliable cars one year or another, or multiple in the case of the W220. Its very typical considering the S typically receives most of the new technology at hand.

RockChips

CR seems pretty accurate then.

Ron.s

Right on…and the simplicity/low update mentioned earlier. My Tundra truck (facelifts in 14 years-new engine for 2022) wife’s Lexus RX 350 and my daughters last two Honda CRV’s had numerous issues as a first Gen. Honda has never done anything about the gas in engine oil except to prematurely change the oil early once for free. It’s just a % thing with first to last ratings not always very far apart. Toyota/Honda seem to benefit from being late to introduce new Tech, Simpler Tech, muddling engine/drive train’s and seldom update anything except a minor facelift during the life of a redesign that might be 4-5 yers longer than the 6-7 year normal interval. Buyers have been brainwashed to some degree that they are bulletproof, IMO.
I look at all the little things in my Mercedes that you won’t find in a Japanese car not to mention the sophisticated engine/drive train/suspension that are available. Mercedes has been working with Nvidia on a SoC that has the potential to resolve some of the current software design and conflicts. There are too many individual chips being integrated and if one starts acting up it can affect other systems. I had that when my MBUX controller went bad in my 2020 450…lots of random issues that were fixed with a replacement controller. For the last five years I have balanced reliability vs features and higher probability of issues and can’t find another vehicle that suits my taste better. It’s a pain to deal with any issue but at least my Dealer takes care of me.👍

mykel79

The CR reports are curious to me when I look at e.g. German TUV reports, which take into account faults found during mandatory inspections every year. There, the GLC has top spot of all cars and the GLE is not far behind.
Granted, it's a different methodology but worst vs one of the best is quite a gap.

The following is a summary of the report (the full one is behind a paywall) and in German, so you can run it through Google translate.
https://www.autobild.de/artikel/tuev...-20966575.html

bkushner

Haven't been here in awhile. Was surprised to see this thread. For the record I owned a 2020 and had a few issues with it, nothing major. I currently have a 2021 and I haven't had any issues except the whistling mirror. I'm thinking about ordering a 2022.I've owned MB since 1998.

1. C Class Sedan.
2. E Class Sedan
3. S Class Sedan
4. 2003 Launch Edition SL500 (had a few quirks)
5. ML300
6. A couple GLK's
7. Several GLC's
8. GLB AMG
9. Couple GLE450's

I have been very happy with my vehicles over the years and don't even think about looking elsewhere.

Bryce1023

Mikapen, your comments are always well thought out and accurate. After discussing the upcoming trip to Florida with my wife, ,we both quickly decided to take the GLE. BTW , my wife who is so not a car person , really loves the GLE ,especially the interior. We both realize that the GLE must be a much safer vehicle than our CRV, it is definitely a more comfortable and quieter ride, even with the whistling mirror noise, and most importantly I didn’t buy it to have it sit in my garage. I have had no major issues with it in the now 9 months of ownership.
As far as the CR poor reliability rating, I kind of believe that there may be a bias toward Japanese manufacturer’s, thinking that they are expected to be the most reliable. This then becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. Thanks

Hugo Agogo Soz

Accurate and intelligent take!