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Is GLE350 reliable SUV in long run?

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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 07:49 AM
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Is GLE350 reliable SUV in long run?

Hi there, I am in the market for a Luxury SUV and have narrowed down to 22/23 GLE350 or Infiniti QX60. Both vehicles have their goods and bads and I have another 2019 Infiniti and an older Nissan so I am pretty familiar with Nissan family and their flaws.

My question is how does GLE stands the test of time in general? (I know the V167 has only been around about four years) We typically keep our vehicles for about or over 10 years. I am looking for some feedback on typical issues, maintenance and repai costs. i.e. I know Audi’s will end up with bunch of electronics issues after certain age…

I appreciate the input.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 09:03 AM
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If it comes out of the Alabama plant, and it does, it will probably have problems. I have a friend right now that recently canceled their GLE order and went with the Infinity. They thought it had better options (second row Captain chairs, wow) and a better experience dealing with the dealerships they called around too. This last one is big for me now, go explore the dealership that you will be using after the purchase. My MB dealership has a new GM and I think every time he opens his mouth a lie comes out.
Had I known then what I know now, I probably would not have purchased another GLE.
Good luck.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 09:48 AM
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Just read the forums here. 167's are notorious for their issues and specifically the 48V battery. You should be able to decide from there.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 09:58 AM
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Obviously you get more for the buck in Infiniti but won’t get the German engineering solid machine, yet much better than domestic brands. I am pretty handy with my vehicles but I feel MB has made intentionally or unintentionally harder for average owner to maintain and even fix their own vehicles, specifically with more complex engineering. In case of WX60 Still basically Carrie’s the same v6 engine that they had 17 years ago, obviously revised version of the same.

In regards to dealer the point you made had made me in the past to drive miles away to get our cars service because the one closer to our house did not have the integrity. In regards to the MB dealer close to us, they are small and family owned so they are better than average.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by kami_sn
Hi there, I am in the market for a Luxury SUV and have narrowed down to 22/23 GLE350 or Infiniti QX60. Both vehicles have their goods and bads and I have another 2019 Infiniti and an older Nissan so I am pretty familiar with Nissan family and their flaws.

My question is how does GLE stands the test of time in general? (I know the V167 has only been around about four years) We typically keep our vehicles for about or over 10 years. I am looking for some feedback on typical issues, maintenance and repai costs. i.e. I know Audi’s will end up with bunch of electronics issues after certain age…

I appreciate the input.
I would stay away from the QX60 with a CVT (2013-2022). The new one with the ZF nine speed will likely be much more reliable.

I owned 2014 QX60 hybrid that I bought new. The body, interior, and paint looked new when I got rid of it (at 99,000 miles) and it was free from rattles. However the CVT and valve body were starting to go out at 100k miles. (very common problem) I was looking at a $7000 to $14,000 repair in the next 5-10k miles. Six months earlier I had replaced the AC evaporator, Which was a $1800 repair. Time to get rid it.

Mechanically my 2020 GLE has been solid, but I have had some repairs under warranty. All but one were electronics related (MBUX, HUD screen, Adaptive cruise). BTW, the new 2023 QX60 has had some electronic issues also.

The one mechanical issue On my GLE is the rear shocks are being replaced at 30,000 miles. That’s low mileage for shocks, so I suspect the a supplier batch problem when they were built.

Engine and transmission wise the GLE has been solid to date. Just got back from a trip to Disney World averaged 26 miles to the gallon with five people in the car at an average speed of 75 miles an hour. Could go 550+ miles on a single tank of gas.

that’s my experience for what it’s worth.

Last edited by TexAg91; Nov 6, 2022 at 10:35 AM.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by kami_sn
Hi there, I am in the market for a Luxury SUV and have narrowed down to 22/23 GLE350 or Infiniti QX60. Both vehicles have their goods and bads and I have another 2019 Infiniti and an older Nissan so I am pretty familiar with Nissan family and their flaws.

My question is how does GLE stands the test of time in general? (I know the V167 has only been around about four years) We typically keep our vehicles for about or over 10 years. I am looking for some feedback on typical issues, maintenance and repai costs. i.e. I know Audi’s will end up with bunch of electronics issues after certain age…

I appreciate the input.
Avoid any MB with a 48V system. Avoid any four cylinder MB. That means the 167 fleet = avoid. Rather look at Porsche and BMW if you like German. Or Lexus if Japanese suits you. Agree with comments above that MB dealers seem slimier than average. Porsche and BMW dealers I have first hand experience with are far more enjoyable experiences than MB.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by kami_sn
Hi there, I am in the market for a Luxury SUV and have narrowed down to 22/23 GLE350 or Infiniti QX60. Both vehicles have their goods and bads and I have another 2019 Infiniti and an older Nissan so I am pretty familiar with Nissan family and their flaws.

My question is how does GLE stands the test of time in general? (I know the V167 has only been around about four years) We typically keep our vehicles for about or over 10 years. I am looking for some feedback on typical issues, maintenance and repai costs. i.e. I know Audi’s will end up with bunch of electronics issues after certain age…

I appreciate the input.
VQ engines burns oil. If it still has a CVT stay away. Other than that reliability wise the Infiniti wins for long term but nthing beats german engineering. There is a saying if you are worried about spending on german vehicles way past their factory warranties you technically cannot afford to own it.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by kami_sn
We typically keep our vehicles for about or over 10 years.
Don't buy German.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 12:03 PM
  #9  
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Originally Posted by TexAg91
I would stay away from the QX60 with a CVT (2013-2022). The new one with the ZF nine speed will likely be much more reliable.

I owned 2014 QX60 hybrid that I bought new. The body, interior, and paint looked new when I got rid of it (at 99,000 miles) and it was free from rattles. However the CVT and valve body were starting to go out at 100k miles. (very common problem) I was looking at a $7000 to $14,000 repair in the next 5-10k miles. Six months earlier I had replaced the AC evaporator, Which was a $1800 repair. Time to get rid it.

Mechanically my 2020 GLE has been solid, but I have had some repairs under warranty. All but one were electronics related (MBUX, HUD screen, Adaptive cruise). BTW, the new 2023 QX60 has had some electronic issues also.

The one mechanical issue On my GLE is the rear shocks are being replaced at 30,000 miles. That’s low mileage for shocks, so I suspect the a supplier batch problem when they were built.

Engine and transmission wise the GLE has been solid to date. Just got back from a trip to Disney World averaged 26 miles to the gallon with five people in the car at an average speed of 75 miles an hour. Could go 550+ miles on a single tank of gas.

that’s my experience for what it’s worth.
Originally Posted by chassis
Avoid any MB with a 48V system. Avoid any four cylinder MB. That means the 167 fleet = avoid. Rather look at Porsche and BMW if you like German. Or Lexus if Japanese suits you. Agree with comments above that MB dealers seem slimier than average. Porsche and BMW dealers I have first hand experience with are far more enjoyable experiences than MB.
Originally Posted by shotgun_banjo
VQ engines burns oil. If it still has a CVT stay away. Other than that reliability wise the Infiniti wins for long term but nthing beats german engineering. There is a saying if you are worried about spending on german vehicles way past their factory warranties you technically cannot afford to own it.
Originally Posted by darlop
Don't buy German.
The CVT is gone on new body.

Seems there are some user interface issues that have been addressed with OTA updates.

I am not fan of BMW as I had previously a lot of random issues during warranty. Porsche experience in the past shown good reliability but not in the market for brand name that is too much sticking out in the general public.

Yes Nissan engines start to burn noticeable oil past 70-80k miles but I am used to it. I think lots of cars do.

I would think that now the 2.0L MB engine has been in a lot of cars, they must have done pretty good improvements to it. I am in the market for 2023 GLE350, hoping there has been some good improvement.

I can afford repairs but don’t want to be bugged down by too many too often repairs beyond warranty period.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by kami_sn
The CVT is gone on new body.

Seems there are some user interface issues that have been addressed with OTA updates.

I am not fan of BMW as I had previously a lot of random issues during warranty. Porsche experience in the past shown good reliability but not in the market for brand name that is too much sticking out in the general public.

Yes Nissan engines start to burn noticeable oil past 70-80k miles but I am used to it. I think lots of cars do.

I would think that now the 2.0L MB engine has been in a lot of cars, they must have done pretty good improvements to it. I am in the market for 2023 GLE350, hoping there has been some good improvement.

I can afford repairs but don’t want to be bugged down by too many too often repairs beyond warranty period.
Soon you will see the facelift GLE, maybe sometime next year reveal, if you live in North America the wait will be longer. Engine lineup not confirmed (and it is not uncommon that engine lineup changes or power bumps during facelifts but it is indeed more common that it remains unchanged) not sure if MB is sticking with the M264 in the V167 GLE 350 or gets the newer M254.Yes, the numbers are going backwards...

Occasionally, the engine lineup does change even before facelifts such as in the North American market, the E 300 (so the sedan) with the M274 became E 350 (so the sedan) with the M264 as the M274 first had wrist pin issues (2015 ish years) and then piston cracking issues, although MB didn't really publicly acknowledged the latter I think.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by kami_sn
Hi there, I am in the market for a Luxury SUV and have narrowed down to 22/23 GLE350 or Infiniti QX60. Both vehicles have their goods and bads and I have another 2019 Infiniti and an older Nissan so I am pretty familiar with Nissan family and their flaws.

My question is how does GLE stands the test of time in general? (I know the V167 has only been around about four years) We typically keep our vehicles for about or over 10 years. I am looking for some feedback on typical issues, maintenance and repai costs. i.e. I know Audi’s will end up with bunch of electronics issues after certain age…

I appreciate the input.
I mentioned this facelift because if you are not in a rush to get a vehicle you should wait as the further down the generation the more likely problems are fixed which is especially true for post-facelift, another reason why buying a new generation's first model year is a bad idea, it is very experimental, there is only so much you can do in the testing facility compared to actual customers testing it in the real world. Another thing is, you could always get the pre-facelift if you don't like the facelift for cheaper as facelift inventory rolls in (maybe other than the chip shortage issue still affecting inventory, but do shop around dealerships).

I am not sure if you are into only new vehicles, otherwise you could consider the mostly reliable W166 GLE so prior to 2020, especially the ones with the naturally aspirated 3.5L M276 or the turbo 3.0L M276, those engines are rock solid from many forum members' experiences.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 01:03 PM
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Forgot to mention, for the weight of the GLE, it will be happier with a six cylinder and acceleration will be more smooth too especially trying to merge or pass someone on the highway, but you get the 48V mild-hybrid system if you get the V167 GLE 450 which just adds unnecessary complexity especially for owning in a long term, hence why I was wondering if you are only into new vehicles or you would consider the previous generation.

Not to mention a four cylinder working hard all the time to pull the weight of the GLE will be less reliable compared to the easy going and doesn't have to work as hard six cylinder even if they have the same power, the six cylinder will therefore last longer. Even when it comes to just four cylinders as an example, the 2.0L four cylinder with the same power will have to work less than a 1.5L four cylinder. If you do go with a used vehicle, make sure to get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) even if it is a CPO.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 01:11 PM
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I have a 21 GLE 350 and so far I have noticed the build quality is night and day compared to my prior 17 E300 that was built in Germany.

I have had some issues with my GLE, but they were mostly electronic related. The only major thing I had was when my GLE was sitting at a dealership waiting for service (about 1 week), rodents got under the hood and ate some wires. Thankfully after some negotiation they covered the wiring under warranty (the service advisor was pissed, but not my problem) because the car was less than 3 months old with about less than 2K miles if I remember correctly. I have been with Mercedes now for about 6 years myself but my family has driven Mercedes for a long time before that. If you take care of your GLE it should last. If you notice anything weird happening before the warranty is expired, have the dealership check it out completely and if they are not good, try to find a different dealership for a second or third opinion.

Thanks to @TexAg91 I am going to make sure I check out the shocks on my GLE around the 30K mile mark to see if they are having issues so they can be replaced under warranty.

Also want to point out, try to avoid air suspension. Over time the air suspension will need to eventually need to be replaced.

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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 01:31 PM
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Important to understand that a car with the least options, least technology and least luxury will likely last longer. Less to go wrong…
This can be observed across all brands including Lexus/Toyota; more tech creates a higher potential for failure.

That said, we have had several SUV’s coming from Alabama and the build quality on everyone was inferior to our German-build cars but they were also the most reliable ones. In no small part due to the fact they were the least well equipped MB’s we have had.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Forgot to mention, for the weight of the GLE, it will be happier with a six cylinder and acceleration will be more smooth too especially trying to merge or pass someone on the highway, but you get the 48V mild-hybrid system if you get the V167 GLE 450 which just adds unnecessary complexity especially for owning in a long term, hence why I was wondering if you are only into new vehicles or you would consider the previous generation.

Not to mention a four cylinder working hard all the time to pull the weight of the GLE will be less reliable compared to the easy going and doesn't have to work as hard six cylinder even if they have the same power, the six cylinder will therefore last longer. Even when it comes to just four cylinders as an example, the 2.0L four cylinder with the same power will have to work less than a 1.5L four cylinder. If you do go with a used vehicle, make sure to get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) even if it is a CPO.
I am OCD on my cars and since keep them for long and especially since every time I looked for used I limited my years to three years old and with current market it probably makes more sense to go new. The MB dealer sells their cars at MSRP plus doc fee. The other issue is I was not planning to be in the market until the car we are trying to replace now was totaled. That last thing I would imagined I would do now.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
Important to understand that a car with the least options, least technology and least luxury will likely last longer. Less to go wrong…
I am completely in agreement with this statement.

The QX60 is also made in TN and I am sure it will be inferior comparing to my Q70L that is 100% Japan but as you stated I believe since it has low Nissan technology under the hood, it may be much easier to deal with in comparison to something like 48V System in GLE.

it’s getting harder and harder to make the decision… lol
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by kami_sn
I am OCD on my cars and since keep them for long and especially since every time I looked for used I limited my years to three years old and with current market it probably makes more sense to go new. The MB dealer sells their cars at MSRP plus doc fee. The other issue is I was not planning to be in the market until the car we are trying to replace now was totaled. That last thing I would imagined I would do now.
Fully understand, then do you actually need the size of the GLE? Given that you want German and crossed off the other few brands, the GLC 43 (X253) might be a good option, last generation still available for purchase as new, pretty much near the end of the generation so will be mostly reliable. No 48V mild-hybrid technology. Depending on where you live the X253 GLC 43 might be made in Germany. You can confirm that by checking the VIN number. Germany starts with "W" mostly but still confirm.

That said though, if you were looking at the V167 GLE 350, you probably didn't need all the horsepower of a X253 GLC 43 but it does get the robust M276 though so worth considering? The ride won't be as good as the GLE 350 if that is what matters a lot to you but downsizing from 19 inch wheels to 18s and getting rid of run flats will help. If you don't care for DISTRONIC, don't option that, if you don't care for sound, don't get performance exhaust. Make sure to test drive it first because you might still not like the sound as without performance exhaust there is still some. The advantage of getting one without a performance exhaust would be it should be cheaper than those equipped with one because well, you save on that option plus the fact that people do want the performance exhaust when buying the X253 GLC 43 so that alone will also lower the price (or maybe even leave room for negotiation) even more compared to one equipped with a performance exhaust.

As forum moderator wolfman mentioned, less technology will therefore be more reliable, you don't have the full across screen in the V167 GLE for example for the X253 GLC, you can option analog instrument cluster while you can't on the GLE.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 02:28 PM
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Originally Posted by kami_sn
I am OCD on my cars and since keep them for long and especially since every time I looked for used I limited my years to three years old and with current market it probably makes more sense to go new. The MB dealer sells their cars at MSRP plus doc fee. The other issue is I was not planning to be in the market until the car we are trying to replace now was totaled. That last thing I would imagined I would do now.
I didn't notice this bolded text but now I did, I hope everything worked out for you and you came out unscathed. Sorry that it happened.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 02:30 PM
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I'll refute a couple of claims, above.

The power of the four cylinder is more than adequate, and doesn't seem stressed at all, at least below 110 mph.
Last week with a loaner 350, I passed a line of cars, on an uphill 6% grade at 7,000 ft. I was paying more attention to the traffic than my speed, and when the pass was complete I looked down and it said 111 miles an hour. Never used Full Throttle.
Not stressed, and more speed in hand. Other than initial turbo lag, the four moves the 5,000 lb car quite easily.

Regarding build quality, our Vance built V167 (built 3/21) is significantly better than our '14 W166, and at least on par with our Finnish built '19 GLC.

Labor issues seem to be affecting the quality of everything these days, from cars to refrigerators.
​​​​​​

Last edited by mikapen; Nov 6, 2022 at 05:23 PM. Reason: Added Not full throttle
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by mikapen
I'll refute a couple of claims, above.

The power of the four cylinder is more than adequate, and doesn't seem stressed at all, at least below 110 mph.
Last week with a loaner 350, I passed a line of cars, on an uphill 6% grade at 7,000 ft. I was paying more attention to the traffic than my speed, and when the pass was complete I looked down and it said 111 miles an hour.
Not stressed, and more speed in hand. Other than initial turbo lag, the four moves the 5,000 lb car quite easily.

Regarding build quality, our Vance built V167 (built 3/21) is significantly better than our '14 W166, and at least on par with our Finnish built '19 GLC.

Labor issues seem to be affecting the quality of everything these days, from cars to refrigerators.
​​​​​​
Thanks for chiming in, I was talking about my experience with a loaner, that said though being a loaner, it is possible the previous person who drove it put poor quality fuel, I will test it again next time I have a GLE 350 loaner and drain the tank and put Shell in it.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 02:41 PM
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I'll also respond to the "low option" option, @Wolfman is correct, more Stuff usually means more to go wrong.

But if you are someone who keeps your car for several years, as we do (7-year Target to stay within extended warranty), don't skip an important option.

​​​​​​Example: I skipped the Burmester 3D sound, because I was being frugal, trying to stay under a price point. Now, I keep scanning used listings for a car with the Burmester 3D.
I was pennywise and pound foolish, as they say.

​​​​​​Complexity and new technology may have more risk especially when new, and it's something to consider. But there's merit and getting the exact car you're wanting.

Even the wrong color can cause you to get rid of your car earlier than expected.

I believe the most important feature of a car, that will keep you in the driver's seat longer, is having a car that you smile when you see it, as you walk into the garage.

I'm smiling - except for my radio.

Last edited by mikapen; Nov 6, 2022 at 02:49 PM.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Thanks for chiming in, I was talking about my experience with a loaner, that said though being a loaner, it is possible the previous person who drove it put poor quality fuel, I will test it again next time I have a GLE 350 loaner and drain the tank and put Shell in it.
That's exactly what I did. Made a difference.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by mikapen
That's exactly what I did. Made a difference.
Thanks, will keep that in mind.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Fully understand, then do you actually need the size of the GLE? Given that you want German and crossed off the other few brands, the GLC 43 (X253) might be a good option, last generation still available for purchase as new, pretty much near the end of the generation so will be mostly reliable. No 48V mild-hybrid technology. Depending on where you live the X253 GLC 43 might be made in Germany. You can confirm that by checking the VIN number. Germany starts with "W" mostly but still confirm.

That said though, if you were looking at the V167 GLE 350, you probably didn't need all the horsepower of a X253 GLC 43 but it does get the robust M276 though so worth considering? The ride won't be as good as the GLE 350 if that is what matters a lot to you but downsizing from 19 inch wheels to 18s and getting rid of run flats will help. If you don't care for DISTRONIC, don't option that, if you don't care for sound, don't get performance exhaust. Make sure to test drive it first because you might still not like the sound as without performance exhaust there is still some. The advantage of getting one without a performance exhaust would be it should be cheaper than those equipped with one because well, you save on that option plus the fact that people do want the performance exhaust when buying the X253 GLC 43 so that alone will also lower the price (or maybe even leave room for negotiation) even more compared to one equipped with a performance exhaust.

As forum moderator wolfman mentioned, less technology will therefore be more reliable, you don't have the full across screen in the V167 GLE for example for the X253 GLC, you can option analog instrument cluster while you can't on the GLE.
I like GLC43 the way they look and their stance, but this will be wife’s car and she needs the extra room to carry kid’s sports gear and on some regular basis carrying friends with their gears too so GLE350 would work better, we were even looking to get the third row in it but for extra $2k the seating is not that appropriate and as moderator said another extra electronic equipment to breakdown.
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Old Nov 6, 2022 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by kami_sn
I like GLC43 the way they look and their stance, but this will be wife’s car and she needs the extra room to carry kid’s sports gear and on some regular basis carrying friends with their gears too so GLE350 would work better, we were even looking to get the third row in it but for extra $2k the seating is not that appropriate and as moderator said another extra electronic equipment to breakdown.
Hmmm, I wonder if you considered E-Class wagons or even the E-Class all-terrain models? Some E-Class wagons can option third row seat (well, sort of, it is the seat that folds beneath the cargo floor, image for example: https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/Lw...gon-review.jpg) I believe those are made in Germany but like another forum member from the previous post said, you could have Alabama built vehicles with absolutely zero issues, I guess it really depends on luck.
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