drchris10

Guys,

I've visited the dealership today to enquire on the new 2016 GLE SUV (which is replacing the ML line). On discussion with the salesperson, he mentioned of the GLE 250d rear-wheel-drive model which is around 3,000 euros less than the 4MOTION counterpart; at 49,000 euros starting price.

I did a little bit of research, and on paper it doesn't look like a bad choice. Cheaper obviously, lower emissions, lower fuel consumption, same power/torque/acceleration. Considering the main use of the car would be on tarmac, and the unlikeness to use the car under 4-wheel-drive conditions (snow/sand/offroad) - is purchasing the non-4MOTION GLE a wise choice? Considering the weight, do you think the driving character of the car would be affected?

Note: I've noticed that the non-4MOTION car is not available in most countries which got me wondering "why". In any case, take a look at the dealer's website which has more details on the car:
http://www.mercedes-benz.com.cy/content/cyprus/mpc/mpc_cyprus_website/enng/home_mpc/passengercars/home/new_cars/models/gle-class/gle_suv/facts/technicaldata/models.html

Your opinion is highly appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

William Kayen

I would opt for the 4-motion. One has to consider the cost of ownership which includes the resale value at trade in time. A GLE without 4-motion would be less sellable at resale time and therefore depreciate much more than one with 4-motion.

drchris10

Agreed William. Resale and depreciation is definitely worth considering. However, do you think that on an everyday use in the city, one would notice the lack of 4-wheel-drive in an SUV? Rear-wheel-driving is usually reserved for more sporty cars, so I am wondering how a heavy SUV like the GLE would behave on 2 back wheels.

William Kayen

One would probably not notice a difference unless if it is raining. 4-motion would instill confidence driving in wet conditions. Why limit your audience at resale time when having 4-motion would interest all seeking a GLE?

troymir350

I could not figure out why 4Motion sounded familiar when the Benz system is 4Matic. Then I realized that was VW's system in days gone by. Noticed you're discussing in Euros so likely you saw more 4Motion than 4Matic. Or VW's marketing is that good! Just kidding around a little.

William Kayen

I mentioned 4-motion because you mentioned it first. I have a GLE 300d 4-matic on order and will pick it up next week. I would never consider rear wheel drive because I know about depreciation and reduced resale due to less demand. I also know how much safer 4-matic is.

drchris10

Lol. My bad. Youre bang on tho. A lot more 4MOTION VW Tourans around than 4MATICS!

drchris10

Will - its the "safety" bit I'm more interested in. With resale - yes its important - but in 7-8 years I am selling the car, 4 wheel vs rear wheel drive will be insignificant. In the US, you change your cars way more often, so resale is obviously something you think about more when buying a car.

ps. I went and placed the ordered today. Almost 60k euros for a 250d 4MATIC. Delivery in March 2016! :-/

William Kayen

I am glad you did made the right decision. You might keep the car for 8 years, but you don't know the future. You might decide in 3 years that you want the totally new GLE. The main thing is you will be safe and have all options available to you should you not keep it 8 years. By the way, my polar white GLE350d with saddle and black interior is finally here and I am picking it up today. I ordered it in July.

drchris10

Thanks Will for the advice.

Wooo! Show us some photos!

William Kayen

I can't. I went to the dealer to pick the car up and a mechanic drove my new car into another car causing a lot of damage. They immediately ordered me a new car and gave me a new loaner until my car arrives in January. They couldn't have been more professional. So impressed with them.

drchris10

Youre kidding. Weren't you furious? When did the accident happen? Today?

William Kayen

I realize it's only a car and the dealer did right by me. And besides I have a new E class loaner. It happened 1 hour before I was supposed to take delivery. The police were there and the 2 mechanics went for drug testing. Mercedes handles these rare situations with extreme seriousness.
Other than the damage, the car was gorgeous with the polar white exterior and saddle leather interior. They ordered me the exact same replacement car with the same options.

drchris10

Sorry to hear dude. Its true - theres more important things in life:-) Bet the 2 mechanics are in big trouble...
Im surprised they didnt add in another extra or two in for free.

William Kayen

I was just happy they could go into an existing order and change all options and colors to my specs. That saved at least six weeks of waiting. Build date is December and delivery is in mid January. Now I have something to look forward to again.

drchris10

Yeah - that was lucky. I guess it was a demo car?

William Kayen

Not sure what it was but happy it all worked out. By the way, where are you located? I am in New York.

drchris10

Im in Cyprus. Small island in the med. Hence the 6-7 month wait to get a new car!

I called dealer yesterday. Car will be a December build like yours. But in my case, it takes 1 month to to go Germany for quality checks, then another month to come to me. So delivery is February.

By the way - did you order the Harman Kardon speaker upgrade? I have it in my E350 currently and its brilliant but I opted not to upgrade in the GLE (mainly due to cost as it was an 1200$ option) so I am unsure how good stock speakers are.

William Kayen

Yes I ordered it. I ordered with most options including saddle leather, park tronic, trailer hitch, and led headlight package. The HK is amazing and costs us $850.

William Kayen

What color are you getting?

drchris10

Theres is of course also the B&O option

I got the tenorite grey metallic with white leather interior.

Sadly in Europe, cars are specced very poorly, and to bring the car to decent spec, you need another $10k minimum. As an indication, the standard 250d comes on 17" alloys and halogen lights!

William Kayen

I changed my color yesterday to Designo Cardinal Red. Saw it at the dealer and had to have it. Kept the saddle interior. Will be here in January.

drchris10

Very nice!

On a quite interesting note, the colours in US vs Europe are named differently. Take a look at https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/Merced...urs-guide-0160
I'm guessing yours is Designo Hyacinth red metallic?

William Kayen

That is correct. Saw it yesterday and.knew I had to have it.