Consumer Reports Ranks MB Dead Last in Reliability (11/15/2022)
#126
I think the suspension feel is totally a driver preference setting. When I was first shopping the 3/C range several years ago, I thought I wanted the 3. Then I drove them back-to-back, and the difference was notable. Enough so that my butt preferred the C for the kind of highway driving I would be doing. Nothing wrong with either. If I was 20 years younger, the BMW probably would have won. And to be fair, I ended up with the C and an older 3 convertible for fun!
#127
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Well sure I had the suspension in C mode, thats the default mode and the mode where 95% of my driving happens. The X5 in comfort mode is less floaty, but then BMW has a Comfort Plus mode which feels more like the GLE in comfort mode. Most people who drive a GLE will never take it out of comfort mode. I didn't present that as a bad thing, many people (including me) like a floaty feeling luxury car ride.
My S560 is the same way, if I'm on a long highway trip or on any kind of a twisty road I put it in Sport mode, or set the Individual mode to sport suspension and keep the steering light. Its way flatter in Sport mode.
I'm not saying that it isn't a stable vehicle at all, but the suspension in its base setting is really soft, its a Mercedes after all. On the highway at 80MPH in comfort mode it moves and floats around some, my S560 does too. The X5 isn't that way unless you choose Comfort Plus mode, and even then its never as soft as the Mercedes. I'm sure the AMG versions don't have this characteristic but they don't interest me.
Ergonomics in either are good, its all what youre used to. BMW has some things they do better and Mercedes has some they do better. Mercedes instrument cluster is much better (I havent tried the new one in the refresh X7), but I prefer BMW's infotainment and MUCH prefer their CarPlay integration. The fact that in MBUX it wont display CarPlay on the whole screen like COMAND does in my S560 and the BMW infotainment does may alone disqualify the GLE and GLS or any other MB with a landscape screen for us, since we are heavy CarPlay users. I'm hoping thats addressed in the mid cycle refresh.
My S560 is the same way, if I'm on a long highway trip or on any kind of a twisty road I put it in Sport mode, or set the Individual mode to sport suspension and keep the steering light. Its way flatter in Sport mode.
I'm not saying that it isn't a stable vehicle at all, but the suspension in its base setting is really soft, its a Mercedes after all. On the highway at 80MPH in comfort mode it moves and floats around some, my S560 does too. The X5 isn't that way unless you choose Comfort Plus mode, and even then its never as soft as the Mercedes. I'm sure the AMG versions don't have this characteristic but they don't interest me.
Ergonomics in either are good, its all what youre used to. BMW has some things they do better and Mercedes has some they do better. Mercedes instrument cluster is much better (I havent tried the new one in the refresh X7), but I prefer BMW's infotainment and MUCH prefer their CarPlay integration. The fact that in MBUX it wont display CarPlay on the whole screen like COMAND does in my S560 and the BMW infotainment does may alone disqualify the GLE and GLS or any other MB with a landscape screen for us, since we are heavy CarPlay users. I'm hoping thats addressed in the mid cycle refresh.
For the limited few that want a more sporty ride then it’s pretty simple to change the driving mode…that’s the purpose. People that own a GLE 450 and post on this Forum have almost never complained about the ride. That’s the audience here…do a search and you might have trouble finding a single complaint in almost 4 years. There will always be some that want a stiffer suspension but that opinion just seems to be the minority here. You might just change your mind after a few months of ownership.
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haibieb (11-29-2022)
#128
I think most owners would disagree that the GLE 450 in comfort mode “floats around” in normal driving while in C mode. It’s also very stable at highway speeds as it lowers the suspension 1”. The floaty feel (boaty) is only apparent on roller's. In fact it’s more comfortable in C mode until driving dynamics get more spirited. Saying it floats around might give some the wrong impression that it’s less stable. Early review of the Year one model noted the softer ride with comments that “it’s stable when pushed to its limits’.
For the limited few that want a more sporty ride then it’s pretty simple to change the driving mode…that’s the purpose. People that own a GLE 450 and post on this Forum have almost never complained about the ride. That’s the audience here…do a search and you might have trouble finding a single complaint in almost 4 years. There will always be some that want a stiffer suspension but that opinion just seems to be the minority here. You might just change your mind after a few months of ownership.
For the limited few that want a more sporty ride then it’s pretty simple to change the driving mode…that’s the purpose. People that own a GLE 450 and post on this Forum have almost never complained about the ride. That’s the audience here…do a search and you might have trouble finding a single complaint in almost 4 years. There will always be some that want a stiffer suspension but that opinion just seems to be the minority here. You might just change your mind after a few months of ownership.
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chassis (11-29-2022)
#129
I just don't agree. The car has a distinct float to it on the highway in comfort mode. I have made it very clear that I am not talking about stability, its a ride characteristic. Although putting it in Sport mode increases high speed confidence for sure. There is nothing to complain about, its a matter of personal preference in terms of what kind of ride you want, I like the floatyness.
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Ron.s (11-29-2022)
#130
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Joined: Jul 2022
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From: Plano, TX
2023 Lexus GX 460 Luxury, 2023 Lexus ES300H, 2022 Mercedes GLE 580 (Ex), 2017 Mercedes GLE 350 (Ex)
I can't speak to the steel springs or the E-ABC since I haven't driven those. If either is floaty, maybe the Airmatic is the goldilocks of suspension choices?
#131
Originally Posted by chassis;[url=tel:8677250
8677250]Good post. Get your pepper spray ready for personal attack posts that are likely to ensue.
Originally Posted by Jzegel;[url=tel:8677302
8677302]Important distinction is what suspension does it have? I have Airmatic and while comfortable, I wouldn't call it floaty. Composed & Soft more like. Floaty better describes my old 16' BMW 750i, it would pitch and dive depending on your driving and the road conditions.
I can't speak to the steel springs or the E-ABC since I haven't driven those. If either is floaty, maybe the Airmatic is the goldilocks of suspension choices?
I can't speak to the steel springs or the E-ABC since I haven't driven those. If either is floaty, maybe the Airmatic is the goldilocks of suspension choices?
You guys are over-emphasizing what I mean by “floaty”. It’s not boaty, but on the highway in comfort mode it just wafts a little bit.
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chassis (11-29-2022)
#132
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From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
#133
I just don't agree. The car has a distinct float to it on the highway in comfort mode. I have made it very clear that I am not talking about stability, its a ride characteristic. Although putting it in Sport mode increases high speed confidence for sure. There is nothing to complain about, its a matter of personal preference in terms of what kind of ride you want, I like the floatyness.
1. This thing is very comfortable and is perfect for family travel. I prefer the GLE over X5 for long distance trips. Plus I get more back room. It’s so comfortable that it makes you wonder if you even need an LX for family travel.
2. 1 can be a bit too much for some that are used to more sports cars. I drive both cars (with her ) the same way. However, I passed two dips at the light and the GLE felt like the whole thing was just slamming onto the ground. Never felt like this in any other car/suv I had. I remember reading something similar from another member here. Sport in this GLE is a joke. Maybe it’s the I4 but there is really nothing noticeable in this mode. I tried to look for any difference but failed. On 40i, between comfort and sport, it’s day and night.
Last edited by mb2be; 11-30-2022 at 08:12 AM.
#134
Unfortunately there must be some truth in the rankings
We now own 3 MB SUVs . I just purchased a 2022 GLC 2 days ago, my daughter has a GLB, and I have a GLE. Perhaps we are somewhat fortunate, however, aside from several recalls on these vehicles, they’ve been reliable. I do believe that some credibility should be given to the organizations that rank vehicle reliability. Their data although not definitive can give you a general idea of which vehicles are more reliable and which are less reliable. I don’t lose sight of the fact that a large Lexus suv, that has remained virtually unchanged for a decade, will most likely have many fewer issues than a new GLE which is loaded with the latest technology. I just bought a 2022 GLC which has been only mildly refreshed since 2016, hoping all the problems of the previous years have been resolved. My GLE, has been reliable for the 21 months I’ve owned it.
Some MB owners seem to take these poor rankings personally. Look at Land Rover, a highly desirable vehicle with an historically poor reliability rating. Cutting edge technology will have more initial problems, the premium brands need cutting edge technology to maintain their premium status and therefore lower their reliability, not necessarily their quality.
I wish MB can do better, I am sure MB reads these surveys and takes them seriously. I honestly feel if you are only interested in reliability then Honda, Toyota, or now the Korean manufacturers are best suited for you. Perhaps because I came from very humble beginnings, driving my GLE gives me a feeling that the more reliable brands just don’t provide. Perhaps we should start a new survey, “ WHICH BRANDS MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD “ . I am quite sure MB would be right at the top of the list. Hey, isn’t that what buying a car is all about, ENJOY.
Some MB owners seem to take these poor rankings personally. Look at Land Rover, a highly desirable vehicle with an historically poor reliability rating. Cutting edge technology will have more initial problems, the premium brands need cutting edge technology to maintain their premium status and therefore lower their reliability, not necessarily their quality.
I wish MB can do better, I am sure MB reads these surveys and takes them seriously. I honestly feel if you are only interested in reliability then Honda, Toyota, or now the Korean manufacturers are best suited for you. Perhaps because I came from very humble beginnings, driving my GLE gives me a feeling that the more reliable brands just don’t provide. Perhaps we should start a new survey, “ WHICH BRANDS MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD “ . I am quite sure MB would be right at the top of the list. Hey, isn’t that what buying a car is all about, ENJOY.
#135
I agree. I’m in the belief that while these surveys aren’t definitive and can even be classified as borderline anecdotal, they certainly give some indication. It’s a cliche, but where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire and there is a ton of smoke around this model in my opinion that something is very likely on fire.
However, the trappings of these surveys is that they do not represent everyone; there are many people that drive these things without any issue. However, when something gets rated this poorly, it’s not hard to imagine the overall issue frequency is higher than other brands and models found in the same survey from a purely mathematical statistical perspective, and this thing has major issues in my opinion.
I personally believe it is both systemic (poor design and engineering) and very poor build quality. I say that with some bias because I am witnessing and experiencing these issues first hand. While I’m sure Mercedes is aware of these issues purely from warranty claims, you have to ask yourself, how can a company of this stature and history allow these issues and flaws to make out of design and into production with production a flaw in itself? You really start to have to question the decision makers over there, at least for this model.
However, the trappings of these surveys is that they do not represent everyone; there are many people that drive these things without any issue. However, when something gets rated this poorly, it’s not hard to imagine the overall issue frequency is higher than other brands and models found in the same survey from a purely mathematical statistical perspective, and this thing has major issues in my opinion.
I personally believe it is both systemic (poor design and engineering) and very poor build quality. I say that with some bias because I am witnessing and experiencing these issues first hand. While I’m sure Mercedes is aware of these issues purely from warranty claims, you have to ask yourself, how can a company of this stature and history allow these issues and flaws to make out of design and into production with production a flaw in itself? You really start to have to question the decision makers over there, at least for this model.
#136
Thanks for your insightful post. I am just curious, are your issues more tech related or rather poor build quality? I have a GLE 350 4 matic and in terms of build quality I’ve experienced a poorly aligned fuel door, and a whistling noise emanating from the driver’s side mirror. Both of which I decided to live with due to lack of confidence in my dealership’s service dept. I see that you have a vastly different model, a GLE 53 Coupe. Perhaps due to the additional equipment in your GLE, which includes additional technology your likelihood of more issues is greater. Realistically, a vehicle like yours should be built more meticulously. Thanks
#137
I have have a 40i and a 350 so it may not be valid. But from my experience:
1. This thing is very comfortable and is perfect for family travel. I prefer the GLE over X5 for long distance trips. Plus I get more back room. It’s so comfortable that it makes you wonder if you even need an LX for family travel.
2. 1 can be a bit too much for some that are used to more sports cars. I drive both cars (with her ) the same way. However, I passed two dips at the light and the GLE felt like the whole thing was just slamming onto the ground. Never felt like this in any other car/suv I had. I remember reading something similar from another member here. Sport in this GLE is a joke. Maybe it’s the I4 but there is really nothing noticeable in this mode. I tried to look for any difference but failed. On 40i, between comfort and sport, it’s day and night.
1. This thing is very comfortable and is perfect for family travel. I prefer the GLE over X5 for long distance trips. Plus I get more back room. It’s so comfortable that it makes you wonder if you even need an LX for family travel.
2. 1 can be a bit too much for some that are used to more sports cars. I drive both cars (with her ) the same way. However, I passed two dips at the light and the GLE felt like the whole thing was just slamming onto the ground. Never felt like this in any other car/suv I had. I remember reading something similar from another member here. Sport in this GLE is a joke. Maybe it’s the I4 but there is really nothing noticeable in this mode. I tried to look for any difference but failed. On 40i, between comfort and sport, it’s day and night.
That behavior you're talking about over that dip is the soft suspension, having driven big softly sprung cars for years (Lexus ES and LS and now the S Class) thats recognizable lol. With suspension geometry you can't have it all ways, but Mercedes and BMW get about as close as you can.
#138
My issues are not tech related (i.e., MBUX is confusing), but more build quality and something just physically and electrically wrong with it.
I wonder how this may affect long-term resale values for these cars, especially if they develop a relatively bad reputation. Leasing is, in my opinion, the way to go with this model. It sort of hedges against dropping resale values assuming it takes a nosedive in the near future. Getting a loan (like me) or paying cash probably isn’t a wise thing to do.
I wonder how this may affect long-term resale values for these cars, especially if they develop a relatively bad reputation. Leasing is, in my opinion, the way to go with this model. It sort of hedges against dropping resale values assuming it takes a nosedive in the near future. Getting a loan (like me) or paying cash probably isn’t a wise thing to do.
#139
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
I have have a 40i and a 350 so it may not be valid. But from my experience:
1. This thing is very comfortable and is perfect for family travel. I prefer the GLE over X5 for long distance trips. Plus I get more back room. It’s so comfortable that it makes you wonder if you even need an LX for family travel.
2. 1 can be a bit too much for some that are used to more sports cars. I drive both cars (with her ) the same way. However, I passed two dips at the light and the GLE felt like the whole thing was just slamming onto the ground. Never felt like this in any other car/suv I had. I remember reading something similar from another member here. Sport in this GLE is a joke. Maybe it’s the I4 but there is really nothing noticeable in this mode. I tried to look for any difference but failed. On 40i, between comfort and sport, it’s day and night.
1. This thing is very comfortable and is perfect for family travel. I prefer the GLE over X5 for long distance trips. Plus I get more back room. It’s so comfortable that it makes you wonder if you even need an LX for family travel.
2. 1 can be a bit too much for some that are used to more sports cars. I drive both cars (with her ) the same way. However, I passed two dips at the light and the GLE felt like the whole thing was just slamming onto the ground. Never felt like this in any other car/suv I had. I remember reading something similar from another member here. Sport in this GLE is a joke. Maybe it’s the I4 but there is really nothing noticeable in this mode. I tried to look for any difference but failed. On 40i, between comfort and sport, it’s day and night.
There are no suspension changes with the steel GLE. Just shift points and a bit of steering stiffness.
You need the Air option for "Sport" to affect the suspension.
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poeycat (12-02-2022)
#140
Sounds that way to me too
#141
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Still, the strange thing is that while the 2022 GLE was rated as Midpack in one area (greenhouse gases), Top in many and Last in none, why is the headline "Dead Last?"
It further reduces their credibility IMO.
Screenshot of 2022 Reliability and Satisfaction, from the subscriber website. They give 4s and 5s in most categories except "usability" (they hate the running boards) and headlights.
It further reduces their credibility IMO.
Screenshot of 2022 Reliability and Satisfaction, from the subscriber website. They give 4s and 5s in most categories except "usability" (they hate the running boards) and headlights.
#142
You realize that the OP used the words "Dead Last" in the subject of this thread, and he said Mercedes not the GLE. The Consumer Reports article listed has the title :
Have you seriously been blaming CR about lack of objectivity thinking the title of the thread is the title of the article? Read people. Here is the list of BRANDS ranked by score. This article has nothing to do with the GLE specifically:
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
CR ranks the brands and reveals how their new models are likely to hold up
Last edited by SW20S; 11-30-2022 at 11:05 AM.
#143
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Well actually it does, since they only rated two 2022 models. GLE was one, and I'm showing you their actual ratings, based on both their testing AND consumers.
I'm not sure why you are disputing what they publish.
I'm not sure why you are disputing what they publish.
#144
They made predictions across all models for reliability scores even if they have no data, they are overall brand ratings based on their historical data and projected rankings. You want them to base the rating for the whole brand on one model that happened to be improved one year after two solid years of their lowest ranking, that doesn't make any sense.
I just don't understand why you're so butthurt about this lol. Who cares...nobody has ever accused Mercedes of making the most reliable cars in the world. Its just a car, if you're happy with yours who cares what anybody else thinks...
I just don't understand why you're so butthurt about this lol. Who cares...nobody has ever accused Mercedes of making the most reliable cars in the world. Its just a car, if you're happy with yours who cares what anybody else thinks...
Last edited by SW20S; 11-30-2022 at 11:43 AM.
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chassis (11-30-2022)
#145
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
They made predictions across all models for reliability scores even if they have no data, they are overall brand ratings based on their historical data and projected rankings. You want them to base the rating for the whole brand on one model that happened to be improved one year after two solid years of their lowest ranking, that doesn't make any sense.
I just don't understand why you're so butthurt about this lol. Who cares...nobody has ever accused Mercedes of making the most reliable cars in the world. Its just a car, if you're happy with yours who cares what anybody else thinks...
I just don't understand why you're so butthurt about this lol. Who cares...nobody has ever accused Mercedes of making the most reliable cars in the world. Its just a car, if you're happy with yours who cares what anybody else thinks...
My concern is that CR is very misleading (dishonest?) in their lead stories, and the real information is behind a paywall.
People actually buy cars based on headlines. "Dead Last" is also a quote from several media sources - they were fooled too because they didn't peek into the real data. It's not "dead last" in any of their ratings, even the "expected" reliability ratings.
I'm not defending Mercedes, just pointing out the inconsistencies within their own site.
You should be arguing with CR, not me. Don't shoot the messenger.
OK, it's an internet forum, so messengers are most often the ones shot.
Spend your 10 bucks and see the real data. There's about ten pages of Superior Ratings. Not "dead last" by any stretch of the imagination.
According to CR, its rated 4th out of 17 Luxury Midsized SUVs IN RELIABILITY. Rated 4 (5 being lowest) in fuel economy and running boards.
People still pay attention. Go figure.
You're correct, I don't like CR. I find CR to be a 5 (lowest of 5) on autos. Dead Last!
BTW I'm using the other end of my body for thought.
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BenjaminKohl (11-30-2022)
#146
Steve,
I thought about your post about floating… I do recall when I first drove this thing. 70+ feels much faster than the X5, more so like Lexus SUVs. That did surprise me. X5 feels much more planted like a sedan.
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mikapen (11-30-2022)
#147
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
You realize that the OP used the words "Dead Last" in the subject of this thread, and he said Mercedes not the GLE. The Consumer Reports article listed has the title :
Have you seriously been blaming CR about lack of objectivity thinking the title of the thread is the title of the article? Read people. Here is the list of BRANDS ranked by score. This article has nothing to do with the GLE specifically:
It would be helpful to list the models for each brand to understand the make-up of their review criteria.
Last edited by Wolfman; 11-30-2022 at 01:38 PM.
#148
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
They do list separately, as in the screenshot I posted above. You just have to pay for that special insight.
They fool a lot of people, and other media outlets as well.
Bad journalism all around. Click bait all around. It's the Age of Snapchat.
Edit: So, according to CR, if you want to buy a luxury SUV in 2022, one of their highest reliability as well as consumer satisfaction ratings is the GLE. They rave about it.
Last edited by mikapen; 11-30-2022 at 02:09 PM.
#149
People actually buy cars based on headlines. "Dead Last" is also a quote from several media sources - they were fooled too because they didn't peek into the real data. It's not "dead last" in any of their ratings, even the "expected" reliability ratings.
You should be arguing with CR, not me. Don't shoot the messenger.
Spend your 10 bucks and see the real data. There's about ten pages of Superior Ratings. Not "dead last" by any stretch of the imagination.
According to CR, its rated 4th out of 17 Luxury Midsized SUVs IN RELIABILITY. Rated 4 (5 being lowest) in fuel economy and running boards.
You're correct, I don't like CR. I find CR to be a 5 (lowest of 5) on autos. Dead Last!
Edit: So, according to CR, if you want to buy a luxury SUV in 2022, one of their highest reliability as well as consumer satisfaction ratings is the GLE. They rave about it.
I don't understand why you think the entire Mercedes ranking as a brand should hinge on one model year of one model
Last edited by SW20S; 11-30-2022 at 02:46 PM.
#150
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
But you have to actually read the article to uncover what I've been showing. They base their CURRENT reliability AND consumer ratings on two models.
I agree it's a long and difficult read, and there's very little correlation between the data (on the entire line) in their charts AND text / videos, and the chart you post.
Read the article that generated that graphic. Low correlation with their own stated findings and opinions. Egregious IMO.
Yes, I agree that every entity that posted the headline has identified themself as questionable.
I'm questioning. The answers are unkind, but hard to refute, in the whatever context you choose.
It is what it is.
PS If you want a chuckle, watch one of their YouTube videos. They are VERY heated in their cupholder and Infotainment discussions. Good stuff.