EpiStat

Currently in the market for a new SUV for the wife. We're looking at the GLE350 and the Porsche Cayenne (Base). I had the opportunity to test drive an AWD Cayenne and vehicle is truly amazing. The interior cabin does feel a bit small compared to other SUVs in that same size. Wife currently drives a RX350, and the 2nd row cabin is much spacious compared to the Cayenne.

I did get to sit inside the GLE, and it did feel more spacious compared to the Cayenne. I found a great deal on a GLE this weekend. Vehicle had 9,000 miles on it, and was being sold for $45k. I unfortunately, don't recall all the options it had, but I believe it may have been a base model. The dealer just kept lowering the price periodically, and was hoping to see how low it went. Unfortunately, greed got the best of me.

I'm curious to see if anybody was leaning towards the Cayenne, and decided to go with the GLE and why. My biggest concern is how will the Cayenne reliability be compared to that of Mercedes.

heron25

I compared the Cayenne S with the GLE Coupe. I went with the Coupe because where I live, it's all soccer moms who drive the Porsche. Plus, I wanted a car that doesn't share parts with a VW...

I will say that with the options that I wanted on the Porsche, the MB made more sense with their package pricing.

yxc145

Cayenne is nice, but it is being phased out/model change soon. Then again, GLE is also going to have a complete model change in a couple of years, too.

I think Cayenne Base may be a bit slow.. If I was to get one, it will be the S, then the price will be much higher.

I have a GLE 450 Coupe. Which is rare compare to the the other two cars. That's the main reason I got it.

EpiStat

GLE Coupe is too expensive, and out of our budget. Maybe a few years down the road or so. I do agree that options do add up quick on the Cayenne, however their resale value certainly helps me. I found a '16 Cayenne where the owner paid $71k for the vehicle, and is willing to sell it at $53k, with 7,000 on the odo. If I can get him down to $50k, I'll certainly purchase it from him.

My concern is why is the GLE350 selling for $42k - $45k across the country for slightly used models with <7,000 miles. I'm wondering if these are true base model GLEs with no options or what exactly.

Perfect example is this here:

http://www.calabasasmbz.net/used/Mer...73dcfb9386.htm

Complete model change? Can you provide me the source as to where you got this information, please? Pretty crazy to hear that considering the vehicle just underwent a model change from the ML --> GLE. On second thought, are you referring to a model change as in a redesign of the vehicle?

It's slow, but not too bad. We're moving up from a RX350 which is a 3.5L 270hp/248tq vehicle to the Cayenne being a 3.6L 300hp/295tq.

yxc145

Regarding the GLE. If it is a dealer lot car, I am sure it has some optional features added. It is rare that dealer gets a bare bone car with nothing on it. Those cars will be very hard to sell. GLE 350 is the base model of the GLE. Just make sure you get GLE 350 4matic. I don't think anyone will want to get a rear wheel drive SUV.

Regarding Cayenne. First Generation of Cayenne was 2002 to 2010. 2nd Generation (current) was introduced the end of 2010 as 2011 model. 2017 model will come out the end of the year. My guess is 2018 model will be the last of the current generation. The new Porsche Panamera comes out this year. Cayenne will be the next in the line up for complete model change. Below is some spy info

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...enne-spy-shots

Oops, you meant complete model change for GLE. ML to GLE is mainly a name change. Mercedes did a major facelift and interior change, but it is not a brand new model. They did the same thing with GLS model and similar thing to the E Class 3 years ago (although the name did not change). I think a brand new GLE model will come out as 2019 model.
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercede...-ar173700.html

Stones50

I'd buy the Porsche. I had a 2014 V6 Cayenne and it was a great vehicle. Test drove the ML350, X5, Cadillac, Infinity and Land rover and the Porsche was the best hands down. Brakes, comfort (14 way seat), Fit and Finish and cockpit ergonomics were outstanding although it took some time to get used to the key being on the left side of the steering wheel. After two years, I wanted something different and went the MB route. The first MB (C450 AMG) was a complete lemon and worked a trade assist deal for my GLE 450. My GLE 450 has been awesome. 2700 miles so far and no issues.


As far as reliability, its hard to beat the Porsche!

yxc145

If you don't mind the model change, either one will be good car to have. Since both cars in the final years and have been well tested. BMW X5 could be another one to consider.

I recently bought a Volvo XC90. It is surprisingly nice. 1800 on it, so far so good.

EpiStat

Yeah, the model change is certainly a concern. The Cayenne redesign pictures are around. The interior is a HUGE upgrade compared to the current models. The only thing I've seen is that the vehicle will be released sometime next year. When exactly, not sure? I assume it won't be till fall or so.

The GLE redesign isn't supposed to go on sale till 2018, giving me an extra 1-2 years with the current design.

heron25

Sorry, in my mind Volvo is not a luxury car in the same category as MB/BMW/Porsche.

davezaristo

ME: Driver-oriented, sporty handling= Cayenne
WIFE: Softer ride, pretty sloppy handling= GLE

Wife won.

yxc145

]
15 years ago. Audi wasn't in the same category as BMW/MB either.
You should see the new XC90 and the S90. You will be surprised. The new generation of Volvo cars will bring it to the same level as Lexus and Jaguar.

In my mind, Porsche is one level above MB and BMW. I have always thought they should have just stick to selling sports cars. Even thought their SUV and Sedan are pretty nice.

heron25

I did check out the new XC90 but went with the Coupe. Growing up in Europe, Volvo never had a premier car company rep. IMO- if a car company is owned by a "regular"/lower tier car company, then it's hard to be considered a luxury/premier tier car. Lexus and Infiniti are not in the same class. Porsche was a stand alone sport car company prior to VW, so it's exempt.

yxc145

I, too, own the GLE 450 Coupe. But I think XC90 is a different type of car. I think the current XC90 actually is good enough to compete with AUDI Q7 and the MB GLS. It may not have the "name" yet, but I think the same level of luxury/quality is there. That's why it is a good buy for people who wants a luxury med/large size SUV and save $10k to $20k.

I don't think Lexus/Jaguar/Infiniti are in the same level as MB/BMW. they are one small step below their German competitors. I am not a fan of Lexus and Infiniti, but I must admit that some of these Japanese cars have better performance than MB and BMW.

Audi is owned by VW and Mercedes Benz was once owned by Chrysler. All I am saying is. Volvo has made a big positive change in this new generation of vehicles. Is it there yet to compete directly with MB, BMW, and Audi? No. Even if their cars are just as good, if not better. Because it takes a long time for a company to build up their brand name. Samsung was no body 10 years ago. Now it has surpass Sony and become the biggest electronic/appliances company.

TSchuettinger

The Chrysler group never owned Mercedes-Benz. Daimler-Benz (MB's parent company) owned Chrysler. Hence why they were known as Daimler-Chrysler.

Roni07

The Porsche Cayenne all the way. Porsche Audi have much better reliability and quality products. Many wannabes copy their designs. When Mercedes was engineered and built in Germany, it was known as the best luxury vehicle. MB as well as BMW ventured out into the wilderness and boy what a mess they have on their hands now. Quality Control=0
Worst reliability and quality. Kia is even above them now. IT's embarrassing.
BMW has been trying to get out of the ''Bangle'' effect for the last 14 years. What an ugly sedan/SUVs they produce. It's a shame. The only one that's sort of survived is the 3-series Coupe and now making the 4-series riding the wave of 3 success.
I have heard and read good things about the Volvo SUV XC90 but I just don't want to sit in a Swedish vehicle made in China with Chinese parts. Obviously Volvo (like SAAB) executive leadership was so clueless about their product and keeping up with the times, that they almost bankrupted the company.
My hat's off to Toyota, Honda and Subaru - quality and reliability high above the rest of the buffoons (GM, Chrysler, Ford) that are still trying to build a quality vehicle.

TSchuettinger

The XC90 is engineered and manufactured in Sweden at the Torslanda plant in Gothenburg, with German and Swedish parts. Only thing that isn't European in that car is the transmission that is made in Japan. I believe it's an Aisin unit.

Roni07

Thanks for the info.

jtorrebl

yeah for 2018 it's going to be an all new model. This 2017 was just a refresh.

jtorrebl

I had a 2014 ml 550 and was about to order a GLE 400. Happened to test drive a cayenne for the first time and I was sold traded in my ml with 7 months left on the lease that night!
My 2016 cayenne GTS is smaller then the ML/GLE but it also drives like a small car which is a plus. Performance was much better too on these two comperable models.

JOHNBEST2017GLE

Isn't Volvos parts made in China?... they produce excellent trucks, but just not luxury seg yet.

Again, we are looking for BEST or nothing. Best = traditional Mercedes Benz. period. you want to agree on it or not but that's a fact.

TSchuettinger

Other than Volvo being owned by a Chinese holding company, and Volvo using Chinese funds, the XC90 has nothing really to do with China at all. Its engineered and Assembled in Sweden, with German and Swedish parts. Only thing that isnt European, is the Japanese aisin transmission. Volvo does produce vehicles in China, as does Audi/VW, and Mercedes-Benz, GM, ect... As far as I know, the XC90 is not one of the ones assembled in china.

johnnyderm

I considered it but ended up in a gle63. Cayenne GTA was dope but I just liked the AMG more. (Coming from a gwagon and rover sport)

yxc145

Johnnyderm, how come you didn't get 63 S instead? Honestly, I never see a regular 63 anymore. Dealers only really get 63s unless it is special order.