I'm debating between the 350 and the 400. I know that the 350 engine and 7-speed tranny have been out much longer than the 3.0 biturbo and the 9-speed. Any issues with either? Long-term reliability? Suggestions?

 

I didn't think the 400 came with the 9 speed? Mine has the 7 and the only issue I have with the car is the slight turbo lag (at just about any speed) but it's great once it kicks in. But over all it's a great car. Go with the 400 or the new 43.

 

Thanks for your reply. MB put the 9-speed in the 2017 GLE400. Did you drive the GLE350 as well? If so, how significant would you rate the performance difference?

 

I actually don't remember test driving an actual GLE 350 and I know I didn't drive a 400 (no one near me had one). We wanted a new MB SUV and decided on the GLE because the GL was just a little too big. We had seen a GLE several times around town (black 350 with the night package) and wanted one. Plus my dealer was going to mind too much if we backed out of the deal when I got here.
We went with the 400 mainly over the 350 because by the time I built a 350 and 400 online with the options we wanted there was less than a 2k difference if my memory is correct (there is a huge difference now with those options). My wife has a E350 and there is a big difference in engine performance. Her car does jump up and get started quicker off the line and when you initially press the skinny pedal going down the road, but, once those turbos kick in hers doesn't stand a chance. (On a side note, we have recently drove an E43 and GLE43 coupe and while the cars maybe faster, they didn't feel faster. What I mean is that the turbos in my 400 seem to come in more violently). My 400 also tows my 5000lb boat with no problem. Although it does sound like the rear of the unibody chassis is getting pulled apart.
I have never heard many actually confirm a 400 had the 9g and then soon there after everything went to the 43 anyway. Is this 400 on a dealers lot now? If that's the case, go with it because I would imagine there would be a big discount since you can have a 43 instead.
Either way, read up on these things and what options to get. Make sure you get the upgrade lights and hopefully the night package. And if you do any traffic driving or long trip driving, get the adaptive cruise control.

(Sorry for typos as this was done on a cell phone sitting in the car)

 

Still some GLE400s out there, although as you noted, they have been replaced by the AMG43. I'm looking for a CPO to avoid the initial depreciation.