I’m a E350 sedan owner (2014), and also have a VW GTI. Thinking of combining two down to one, and go the SUV route. Really enjoy my E and as my first MB in general - I “get it” on why the brand loyalty of so many.

Two cars I like - the GLE (either 350 or 400 if possible), and the Porsche Cayenne (base). Each in the mid $40k’s.

Not trying or wanting to start a “bash the Porsche” thread - but why did YOU pick the GLE over the Porsche when you went shopping for your GLE? I suspect there are a few here who looked at the Cayenne when making the decision. Would love to know what made the GLE the winning choice for you.

I’m on the learning curve with both.

thanks!!

 

Looked at cayenne, but way too many horrendous stories on them breaking down... frankly not in love with the looks either, the Macan though is a great looking ride. if it had a V8 and could tow the boat it woulda been a contender....

 

Interesting on the poor reliability aspect, I had heard the opposite and that they’re pretty reliable vehicles, but that might’ve been for the base 3.6 V6 gasser.

I just realized the GLE 400 became the 43. That basically knocks out the Porsche for me, as I realize now there are many more GLE’s with a turbo V6 around in the CPO world than I had thought...

 

Have to agree with you on that, Porsche SUVs are at least(actually more so) as reliable as the MB SUVs.

That, however, is not correct. There were both GLE400 and GLE43 SUVs from 2017 to 2019 MYs. (FYI 2016 GLE450 CPE became GLE43 CPE from 2017 on, but not SUVs).

While GLE43 uses the same, but still "upgraded" V6TT engine, it drives - specifically and especially handling - and stops (thanks to enough AMG suspensions and brakes work) much better than GLE400. I have '19 GLE43"AMG" and had '18 GLE400 as a loner. For me there was a big difference in the driving experience/feel between the two.

 

I briefly considered the Cayenne but didn't like the age/mileage for the price vs the GLE. The Porsche seems to carry a 25%-50% price premium over the GLE for the same year and mileage.

The Cayenne is built on the same platform as the Touareg. I ran the latest version Touareg for 238k miles, so can speak for the reliability of the underlying platform.

My opinion is that the gasoline engine, and the transmission are reliable. I can't speak to the Porsche unique items such as entertainment, seats, suspension, etc.

I also didn't like that the nearest Porsche dealer is 1 hour away, and a Mercedes dealer is 5 minutes away.

In summary, price and dealer accessibility were the two main factors I chose the GLE.

 

Many thanks guys for the excellent insight, I greatly appreciate it! Helps get over the learning curve of what’s what on the GLE platform.

I really loved the T’reg, and in many ways is why I have the E sedan and the GTI. Early 2017 I went to trade the GTI for a new Treg Executive that was on a steep discount as they were no longer going to make them. Always loved the Treg. But the value they gave me for the GTI (same dealership I bought it from 2 years prior) was ridiculous and didn’t make sense to part with the car. That’s when I realized where subprime lending had relocated - the automotive world. The floor manager basically told me time and time again they have customers come in for an advertiser used car, only to buy a brand new one with the same payment amount to them, and they don’t care if it’s for 3 years or 8 years.. payment is all they see. So, the used sits and drops. That sent me to the MB dealer and picked up my E with 22k miles for roughly 50% of the sticker new just 3 years earlier (lease return). Kept both for the price of that Treg and spread the mileage between the two. But now I want my space back and the dual maintenance schedules is eating up too much of my weekend family time. Also have a Toyota Highlander (2013) that is getting a little long in the tooth. Likely to replace it next year as well and need to make a little room in the old budget for its replacement. A mid $40’s GLE CPO will work. Heck, don’t even need the CPO aspect, just original warranty still active so I buy an extended elsewhere.

I considered the Treg again for this idea too. But finding the Executive models are now primarily the TDI’s that have been reconditioned and released for public sale again. Hearing some goofy aspects to the car via the diesel gate fix which concerns me. That, and I live in the city that protests a sunny day - don’t really want to attract any attention for having a questionable turbo diesel. Hard to believe, but a guy in my office building has a diesel Cayenne and it got all keyed up last year while downtown by some activists. They tried to rip the “diesel” badging off the back and left a lovely note on his windshield. Sad..

I’d like to test drive a 400 and a 43 to see what they’re like. Can do the 43 pretty easily, but the 400 appears to be a pretty rare bird around here. Might also test a 350 as well. I’m ok with the 350 in my sedan, surprising peppy enough for what the car is. I might expect maybe even more peppy with the 9 gearbox versus the 7 in my sedan.

I’ve basically ruled out the Porsche. I think the GLE looks better to be honest. More defined with sharper edges, and can blend in better to my surroundings.

 

I liked the looks of the Macan too, but never underestimate the power of a good V6 (yes, the transmission factors in the equation too). Even without air suspension, with a weight distribution hitch towing a 5000+ pound camper is easier than I first thought and is what sold me on my '16 GLE 350.

 

SSSHHHHH!!!!!! Don't tell the wife you can tow with a V6!! I sold her on the concept of a ML550 with the extra power for you know........ towing I have to admit it though in all seriousness there are quite a few people on the forum who tow with V6 gle's...

 

It does make a really good tow vehicle

 

One of the issues I have now with the Porsche Audi VW lineup is the blending that is going on between the vehicles due to the MbQ design aspect. It’s hard for me to give up the GTI for something that has much of the same components in it, just arranged differently. Like my steering wheel - nearly identical to a Porsche. Switch gear, nearly identical to all of them. Engine (2.0t) same across the board just different components added and more importantly a different software package to manage the engine. I took my GTI to a shop earlier this year and had the APR mapping software installed for $500 (did it on my last one too a 2013). It now runs slightly over 300hp with 0% issues. Not quite accurate, but gets to the point, when the guy basically said it’s a software program that tells the engine it’s not a VW but a baby Porsche instead. So, I can’t really justify the added cost to replace it for a more expensive version mostly.

Here where I live, we have the VAG North American HQ, and a million Audi Q’s roaming the streets of suburbia. But what always catches my eye is the MB GLE and GL550 (GLS). I think MB knows how to make an ageless beauty that weathers the test of time better than most in terms of freshness, appeal, and attractiveness. Yeah maybe the brake rotors suck, or engine mounts fail early, but if that bothered me, I’d just buy an Accord/Camry and call it a day..

Unless if something really changes, I think the GLE is the winner for me here. I need to drive all 3 versions (350, 400, 43) before deciding. If the 350 doesn’t disappoint for power, that might be the winner and trade the bigger engine for more luxury equipment. But I suspect the 43 is going to lure me in like a cat to catnip!

 

Agree on the VAG badge engineering. That doesn’t exist for MB vehicles, which is nice.

The 350 is a good all rounder. Very reliable 3.5L naturally aspirated engine, smooth and good towing capability. Acceleration in sport mode is mildly entertaining, although less than the 400, 43 and 63 models.

Fuel economy is adequate, similar between the 400 and 350. The 43 is a bit less fuel efficient. The only improvement available is in the new 2020 platform with a 4 cylinder turbo engine.

 

Good points!
So far I'm impressed with the 3.5 V6. When I was originally looking to remain with the Lexus RX line, their 3.5 and trans combo would only handle 3500 pounds- a far cry from my GLE 350's 7200.

I haven't actually done mpg comparisons, but I've been led to believe that going up from the 350 to the 400/450, for example, would give slightly better fuel economy while towing which is what I may consider when it's time to upgrade. I know I want to keep the vehicle in this relative size range for everyday ease of driving and parking.

 

mrmotoguzzi00, It's hard to remember what everyone here also does with their vehicles, but I have to say that is one fine setup you have with the boat in tow!

 

Yep, the GLE350 4MATIC can tow.

 

I like those wheels on your GLE

 

Thanks mrmotoguzzi. Those 20" wheels on 2017s with P2 package are somewhat easy to find, I'm guessing it was a common dealer order configuration.

 

I think mine tows great but it is very noisy from the rear when it tows my boat. Sounds kind of like a crinkling tin can from the rear.
I also looked at the Cayenne but I thought it was over priced, had too many options to add to when trying to order the right car, but above all it had some bad blind spots.

 

Thanks guys! I love that black GLE with those wheels as well! Beauty!!

I looked at a CPO GLE 350 this past weekend. Really liked it a lot! But.....decided to wait another year before switching up the garage toys, and instead get the financial house in better order. Hard for me to justify replacing the E sedan when it’s just at 45k miles with a $15k loan balance. Going to put it in the shop and get some things fixed and keep it for 2020. Going to pay off the car loans around here in February, and stick with our older-ish 3 cars. My wife is really up next for a new car, but doesn’t see anything out there that she likes enough to replace her 2013 Highlander over (I should thank my lucky stars). We looked at the new GLE as well, really liked it, but not willing to take that depreciation hit and would rather wait for the low mileage lease returns/cpos to start showing up.

we looked at a CPO GLS450 as well. Beautiful ride. But too big and intimidating for my wife to get comfortable with it. She nearly sideswiped an S class sedan in their parking lot with it! Yeah, that a no from me. I’d lose my mind if I had that car in my garage all beat to snot via Costco parking lot wars...

 

Sounds like you are making wise financial choices.

Have a look at a low mileage GLC300 for your wife.

 

not sure if you are talking about the all new GLE (2020) or the older model (2016-2019) or if you are talking about used for both vehicles.

APPLIES TO NEW CARS:

The reason I chose MB over a Porsche was value, to be honest.

I really really really really wanted a Macan instead of a GLE. I wanted to lease as most people do with German luxury cars. For some reason the total I would pay on the lease for a Macan (MSRP $47,000) was a few thousand more than my gle (MSRP $60,000). I tried haggling with Porsche but they are bad leases because they do put high money factors on their leases (because they make more money per car since they sell less cars).

In the end, I am glad I chose my 2017 GLE. Even though I have had my fair share of issues with it (interior quality issues that dealer has been unable to fix and overall feel), I got a bigger, more powerful SUV that is a great family hauler. Macan would have been too small.

VERDICT:
Leasing: Mercedes
Buying: Porsche Cayenne


APPLIES TO USED CARS:

If I were looking used, I think I would go with the Mercedes still. They have lower residual values and would still be cheaper and a better value for your money, IMO.


***EDIT***

Sorry, just read the rest of the thread and realized that you are considering CPO. I would say that is a smarter decision, and leasing/buying new has been beginning to look like a mistake on my GLE because of the depreciation. Used would have definitely been smarter.

However, one thing to always consider with a used German vehicle is reliability. They are not exactly known for lasting long and not breaking down. I'm definitely not as biased as Scotty Kilmer but I do know a lot of people who have had issues with Mercedes, BMW, and Porsches. Porsche maintenance will be much higher than on a Mercedes, though.

I have bought CPO, and I have had a new Mercedes for the past 3 years. I do think that the CPO started to have interior issues after a while, and so did the new GLE. I did maintain it well and I do still take care of my GLE, but some things were not working since day 1.

sorry this post is so unorganized lol it's like 2 am i'm so sorry i hope this helped

 

The Porsche mid size SUV equivalent to the GLE is the cayenne not the Macan that I saw some others mention.

The starting MSRP is a bit higher with the Cayenne, and you can customize them a lot more with the options, but EVERYTHING is an option and it's very easy to add 20-30K in options alone. I think the Porsche looks betters, drives better, has more brand cache and 'cool factor', and so on. I think it comes down to price. They cost more, but you get more. I bought my 2016 GLE350 right off lease for 29K with 33K miles. So essentially 1/2 off and it's 4 years old. if I could comfortable afford a 1K lease, I'd be in a 2020 Cayenne. For the time being I'm very very happy with my GLE and paying 450/month to own it in a few years.

 

For everyday use I enjoy the GLE400 as a nice family SUV. I have drove my cousin Cayenne Turbo and my friend Macan (not a fan of it). If your going the Porsche route you need to get the Turbo.

We do have a 2019 911 Turbo S in the family. The maintenance is very expensive and it's just a weekend car for a nice sunny day.

I still think Mercedes maintenance are better over the Porsche unless you can work on them or know a respectful independent shop that you trust.