GLETubs

Hello all,

Looking for some advice. My wife drives a 2020 GLE 350 (NOT 4matic). We bought it in Houston and most cars there aren’t sold with AWD as there’s no snow. Well now we moved to NY and while I’d love to trade it in for a 4 matic, now’s not the best time for us to buy a new car. My question is, when winter approaches here in the northeast should she avoid driving the car altogether (suck it up and buy a 4matic), get some snow tires and go for it, or don’t do anything and just drive carefully

Thanks in advance!

MBguy013

I was in a similar situation years ago. Was living in California and moved to Ohio and our C300 wasn't 4matic. We just put snow tires on it and drove carefully and according to the road conditions.

mikapen

If you are not accustomed to Winter driving, get the most effective winter tires you can find. "Three peaks mountain snowflake" certified.
Until you spend a whole season of winter weather, you will find yourself in the variety of embarrassing or dangerous situations.

Four really good snow tires are a whole lot better than an AWD with all season tires.
Steering and braking are priorities, and AWD only helps a little bit.

Of course a new 4matic with good winter tires would be wonderful, but as you say it's probably not a good time to buy a car.

Edit: if you're going to get new tires, pay attention to availability. It was really lousy last year.

jwb70

I can't comment on whether you need the 4matic as I live in FL, but I can say that now IMO is a great time to order a new MB and do a trade-in if your dealer will do the new one at MSRP. You will likely find you'll get an incredible price for your trade, and if you can get MSRP on the new one without an additional mark up, you may make out better in this market than previously. I traded a 2022 GLE350 for an ordered 450. Took about 3 months to come in, but I got almost everything I paid on the 350 back due to the fact that it is was still worth sticker price. Worked out well for me, and if you would feel more comfortable with the 4matic, it may be worth looking into. Good luck!

shekmark

Snow tires make a HUGE difference. It is more about stopping and turning than about going . Think about all the years ago before all wheel drive. People did fine with winter tires. I happen to have 4Matic but my Vredstein Wintrac pros are awesome snow tires.

shotgun_banjo

A lot of people forget to mention get the skinniest tires you can put on your vehicle if you will have snow tires on.

Serhan

Cities clear the snow quickly unless you stuck when it is snowing... Most of the time freeze thaw cycles are more dangerous than the snow esp with coastal flooding in NYC... That is why they salt the roads heavily... Winter tires should be fine. I have Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 UHP last winter after 25 years of A/S, great tires for winter and also for dry/wet conditions:

https://www.tyrereviews.com/Tyre/Mic...ot-Alpin-5.htm