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GLB vs. GLE - Seeking advice on a 3-row family SUV
I am currently in the market for a new 3-row family SUV and have narrowed my options down to the Mercedes-Benz GLB and GLE models. I would appreciate any insight or advice you all can provide to help me make an informed decision.
My priorities are:
3rd-row and trunk usability
Reliability and longevity (I'm selling my 2014 BMW X5, which has been surprisingly reliable with 150,000 miles and counting)
I understand that the GLB is more compact and affordable, while the GLE offers more luxury and advanced features. However, my main concern is reliability. I would like to hear about your personal experiences with these models, and which one you think would better suit my needs.
Please share your thoughts on:
The overall reliability of the GLB and GLE
Long-term maintenance costs and any common issues
Practicality of the third-row seating and the trunk
Thank you in advance for your valuable input. I look forward to learning from your experiences and making an informed decision on my next family SUV.
I ordered my GLE in April 2021 and it was delivered early July 2021. I have just over 18k miles and have my 'B' service scheduled for next month. I have not had any issues that have left me stranded such as the vehicle dying that you may have read about in other threads. Also have not had any issues with the 48v system although there is a current campaign out that I will have addressed next month. There were 1 or 2 other recall/campaigns that did not render the vehicle undriveable until the issue was resolved. I have had the clunky downshifting but it's not nearly as noticeable now after I found a YouTube video on how to reset the 9G transmission. Aside from that, the only thing that bothers me the most is with MBUX that I recently posted, https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...-oddities.html. The vehicle is super smooth and gets great gas mileage. I haven't fully tracked it but with my day-to-day driving, 70/30 city/highway, I'd say i'm averaging 24.5 or so. If you're possibly going to tow, definitely recommend you buy, or order, one with the factory tow hitch as it will cost way more to add aftermarket and it won't be as good.
I am currently in the market for a new 3-row family SUV and have narrowed my options down to the Mercedes-Benz GLB and GLE models. I would appreciate any insight or advice you all can provide to help me make an informed decision.
My priorities are:
3rd-row and trunk usability
Reliability and longevity (I'm selling my 2014 BMW X5, which has been surprisingly reliable with 150,000 miles and counting)
I understand that the GLB is more compact and affordable, while the GLE offers more luxury and advanced features. However, my main concern is reliability. I would like to hear about your personal experiences with these models, and which one you think would better suit my needs.
Please share your thoughts on:
The overall reliability of the GLB and GLE
Long-term maintenance costs and any common issues
Practicality of the third-row seating and the trunk
Thank you in advance for your valuable input. I look forward to learning from your experiences and making an informed decision on my next family SUV.
GLB and GLE meet your requirement for three rows. GLE has more space, so there’s that.
Reliability and maintenance cost - you should shop a different brand. MB is near the bottom of the barrel in this respect.
Reliability and maintenance cost - you should shop a different brand. MB is near the bottom of the barrel in this respect.
I won't argue against the maintenance costs. As far as reliability, I don't think that is an issue. I think most were caused by the 48v system which probably plagued the early facelift models. As mentioned, my 21 hasn't had any issues in regards to reliability.
Had foggy front camera issue affecting the active cruise control. Fixed under warranty. Over 30k miles now on the 2022 GLE 450 and only other trips to $tealership were A and B services. Wife was VERY happy getting out of the GLB loaner (for less than a week) and back into her GLE. Says overall quality of GLE over GLB is very noticeable. She called the interior of the GLB very noisy comparing it to her 2014 4runner. Also commented the GLB just didn't feel as "solid" from doors to switches.
Last edited by Zeusmotorworks; May 7, 2023 at 09:11 AM.
I won't argue against the maintenance costs. As far as reliability, I don't think that is an issue. I think most were caused by the 48v system which probably plagued the early facelift models. As mentioned, my 21 hasn't had any issues in regards to reliability.
The OP is also considering the unreliable GLB which is seeing a rash of failed cylinder heads. There is no safe haven with MB as it relates to reliability.
GLB is an east-west powertrain economy car and the GLE is a mid-size SUV. Apples and oranges, the only things they have in common are three rows of seating and MB unreliability.
They are actually very similar vehicles in reliability, eg most coveted and also had initial release production problems that are supposed to be fixed now including the leaking cylinder heads, whistling mirrors, etc. Again there is no long term reliability record on both. I don't know how long you want to keep them, so it would be wise to get an extended warranty on whatever MB model you choose...
GLE will give you more space esp on the third seat + trunk and more maintenance cost coming with bigger brakes, tires plus additional luxury items like air suspension, etc. GLE will be quieter, more comparable to X5. GLB is an entry level MB esp at the average car cost @ 48K. I doubt total cost of ownership will exceed the price of a GLE. At the same time GLB35 AMG gives me a fun car to drive at 6" clearance vs 8" on SUV's, smaller (with enough interior room due to transverse V4) and faster option than a GLE53... I would not go for a V4 with the big GLE body as I didn't go for GLB250... All it depends on what you want...
GLB and GLE meet your requirement for three rows. GLE has more space, so there’s that.
Reliability and maintenance cost - you should shop a different brand. MB is near the bottom of the barrel in this respect.
Unless you read the other 3/4 of reliability reviews that place the GLE top of the heap.
And don't visit other brand forums, cuz they all complain about their experiences being awful.
Yes, including @chassis new home, Rennlist.
This is CR's verdict for GLE. They seem to believe 2020 and 2021 editions are problematic. To me personally, CR's verdict mostly has been a miss. CR said my X5 (2014 edition) supposed to be a money pot but it had served me well.
With the number of problems I've had with my '21 GLE, I should be telling you to just run away from the brand. But I remain a firm believer one should buy what makes them happy - or at least what one thinks will make them happy. Besides, the chances of you getting as unlucky as I did are pretty slim. So if you must proceed, go for the GLE - it's in a completely different class of vehicles than the GLB and worth the premium if you can afford it. Just pay attention to the shift quality if you buy off the lot. I can attest that smooth shifting during the test drive won't guarantee problems won't arise later, but if you feel anything clunky or awkward during your test drive, do not convince yourself the dealer will sort it out.
You cannot even compare the GLB to the GLE. GLB is a FWD based crossover. The third row is useless in the GLB and the trunk space is minimal. GLB only comes in a 4 banger as where the GLE you get 4,6,8 Hybrid.
GLE has more tech, comfort, quality and room. You might even not need the 3rd row due to the GLE size. Ride quality of GLE is better. Quietness of the interior of the GLE will be better. Go for the GLE! I see no reason to have a GLB. Realistically a X5 is a good comparison.
Reliability is does the car work and get from A to B. Repairs are what breaks and needs to be fixed. Maintenance is what the book says needs to be done as a result of wear and tear. Amazing how many people use these 3 interchangeably.
Reliability is does the car work and get from A to B. Repairs are what breaks and needs to be fixed. Maintenance is what the book says needs to be done as a result of wear and tear. Amazing how many people use these 3 interchangeably.
Sure, I have 40 miles roundtrip daily commute. Excluding Service "A" and "B", would you say I'll need to visit the dealership 2-3 times a year for repairs?
Sure, I have 40 miles roundtrip daily commute. Excluding Service "A" and "B", would you say I'll need to visit the dealership 2-3 times a year for repairs?
Unknowable. That’s how it is with MB - it’s unknowable whether you will be one of the lucky ones or one of the soggy bag holders. MB quality is inconsistent, the textbook definition of poor quality.
Unknowable. That’s how it is with MB - it’s unknowable whether you will be one of the lucky ones or one of the soggy bag holders. MB quality is inconsistent, the textbook definition of poor quality.
As with any vehicle, take this as a grain of salt. The majority of vehicles have no issues whatsoever. Conversely,I had a Buick that had electrical gremlins that the dealer couldn't figure out. Luckily, the state had a lemon law and we dumped it. Otherwise, I've owned at least 15 vehicles and 4 motorcycles over the years without issue. Yes, you'll have some issues that will be taken care of under warranty, as that's generally when they occur.
Do your proper maintaince through the life of the vehicle and it'll last a long time. The longer you own a vehicle and aside from routine items such as brake pads, wipers etc., yes, you will need to pay for other things like bushings, bearings, tie rods, etc. as they wear out
Practicality of the third-row seating and the trunk
Thank you in advance for your valuable input. I look forward to learning from your experiences and making an informed decision on my next family SUV.
Aside from a software issue early on and 12V battery that was failing much later, my 4-year old 32k mile GLE 450 has been stellar. As with any vehicle, these forums tend to highlight the flaws that can occur. I have no experience with the GLB, but the $18k price difference is substantial.
I have a GLE with a 3rd row. GO WITH THE GLE HANDS DOWN! Then go with the 450 as well. Both vehicles will have problems but space wise the GLE has more room to offer. I can fit adults on the back of the GLE for long trips as long as the middle row is moved forward. The GLB's third row is for 5-7 yr olds max no more. If you always load up the vehicle with the 3rd row up buy yourself a THULE roof box and that will solve all of your storage needs.
When I am given GLB loaners, I actually refuse them. They are terrible vehicles IMO, you're much better off for the money one of those costs going with a mainstream vehicle that has 3 rows or something like an Infiniti QX60 or something like that. The only appeal of a GLB is that its "A Mercedes" IMO. GLE is a dramatically better vehicle.
Reliability and longevity (I'm selling my 2014 BMW X5, which has been surprisingly reliable with 150,000 miles and counting)
Please share your thoughts on:
The overall reliability of the GLB and GLE
Long-term maintenance costs and any common issues
Practicality of the third-row seating and the trunk
Looks like the 3rd row space and trunk are your priorities. Would you consider the GLS maybe? Base model GLS shouldn't be too far off from a well equipped GLE but I understand the spectrum of options are wide.
I have a GLE with 3rd row. I have driven the GLS and the GLB (more extensively with the GLB), and I'll let the others argue on reliability, but as far as space:
- GLS and GLB has a straight-line rear door, so access to third row is the best. You or your kids will never bang your head on the C pillar.
- GLB third row windows are bigger, and with pano room it's pretty bright inside. GLE's third row window is almost non-existent.
- 3rd row and 2nd row GLB are still smaller than a GLE, but it's not that far different (hence my recommendation to go GLS). 2nd row GLB seats are a bit low so your knee is up and hanging and the seat is narrower. 2nd row GLE you can rest your thigh on the seat and be comfortable.
- Access to 3rd row in GLE and GLS is motorized vs manual in GLB -> this is if you're concerned about reliability.
- For some reason the 2.0 turbo engine is way smoother in the GLE than GLB, maybe because of engine placement? Longitudinal vs. Tranverse.
- GLB is easier to park.
- Overall material in GLB felt way cheaper than the GLE.
- The floorpan on the GLB is lower than the sill, so you "step in" to the GLB while you sort of "climb up" to the GLE and GLS.
- GLB felt more like a hatchback than a crossover SUV.
GLE/GLS: Vance, Alabama. Plus = MB-only factory. Minus = poor quality reputation.
GLB: Aguascalientes, Mexico. Plus = ??? not Vance ??? Minus = shared with Nissan. Nissan engine cooperation in Decherd, TN was disbanded, will the GLB plant follow suit?
Avoid the GLB. It's a cheaply built front wheel drive entry level model. Wind noise, road noise, front tires scuffing while accelerating into a turn, and cylinder heads being replaced at every dealer. In summary, it's a piece of crap.
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