GLE Class (W166) Produced 2015-2019

Advice needed on 2020 GLE 350 4MATIC. heard terrible reviews

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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 04:50 PM
  #1  
Su McCaslin's Avatar
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Exclamation Advice needed on 2020 GLE 350 4MATIC. heard terrible reviews

Need honest advice on NEW 2020 GLE 350. Heard terrible reviewsI have been researching vehicles for a while now, trying to decide what I wanted. I'm a mom of 2 toddlers and this will be our primary family vehicle. I 1st was sold on the 2019 Q7 and then test drove it and didn't quite like it. and it has ash trays in the second row doors instead of cupholders omg!! why?? horrible.

I went to drive the new 2020 GLE 350 and fell in love with the interior and the infotainment. I scoured the internet on reviews, watched a million youtube videos. and then I found this youtube video on this particular car review that was absolutely horrible. review by Silver Cymbal user on youtube if anyone is interested in watching. I also read reviews on Edmunds.com and Cars.com. I completely understand is social media and can be biased . but i have a major concern never owned Mercedes Benz brand before.

My question is for owners of the 2020 GLE 350 Model 4 matic. in your honest experience driving this vehicle for a while. is it truly reliable?? are you happy with your purchase? or do you wish you never purchase it?
I'm having so much anxiety. and i'm second guessing my decision. I was supposed to pick up with SUV tomorrow Thursday 2/11/2020. and Now, i told my husband to wait.

HELP PLEASE!
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 07:14 PM
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I can't imagine how it could get a terrible review. It sounds like you test drove it and like it. Test drive it more to spend more time with it, and if you still like it buy it. Are you really going to make your buying decision based off of what someone elses opinion on youtube or here??? YOUR opinion is what matters, if YOU like it.
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 07:27 PM
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This place is a joke.
Advice to live by: NEVER buy any new car in it's first model/production year.
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 10:35 AM
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Advice to live by - don't feed the trolls.
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by 2012MLBlue
Advice to live by - don't feed the trolls.
Exactly!

I would add to look at reliability, functionality, and whether the upkeep and maintenance is something you're comfortable with. Take opinions for what they are.

For me, my 2016 GLE 350 was to be a tow vehicle and not drive a "monster truck" as a daily driver to do so. I don't think the cost of maintenance would have swayed me even if I had looked at costs ahead of time. The reliability is essentially there and I've already changed my own oil so all is good for now.

Su, hopefully you went ahead with your initial thought to make the purchase and all is good.
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 12:31 PM
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The 2020 GLE is a MAJOR improvement. I wish my wife would have held out because honestly after driving a 2020 GLE450 it was not easy getting back into the W166. I can see how the only bad thing about the new GLE is the engine. A 4 Banger in such a large car is not exciting at all. Maybe go back and try the GLE450 and see if that is better.
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Old Feb 13, 2020 | 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by 2012MLBlue
Advice to live by - don't feed the trolls.
"I had the first GLE 450 build slot from my dealer in Canada and the car arrived early March 2019. After sitting in it and thinking about it I decided to keep my flawless (and paid for) 2016 GLE 350d...
01-23-2020 09:00 AM by 2012MLBlue"


Advice to live by - Don't take advice from ignorant hypocrites.
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Old Feb 14, 2020 | 05:44 AM
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I've been following the W167 forum. Let's just say that the W167 has a lot of teething problems. As stated above, I've learned (the hard way) not to buy a vehicle in the first year of a redesign.

But I agree that the '20 is stunning -- both inside and out.

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Old Feb 14, 2020 | 10:54 AM
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2016 GLE 350 4Matic, 2019 GLS 450 4Matic
Originally Posted by irishbrahm
I've been following the W167 forum. Let's just say that the W167 has a lot of teething problems. As stated above, I've learned (the hard way) not to buy a vehicle in the first year of a redesign.

But I agree that the '20 is stunning -- both inside and out.
Good advise and good news too on the 2020s.

Perhaps by the time we need to replace another family vehicle, I'll pass my '16 GLE 350 to my wife and since I drive the camper tow vehicle, look at a CPO 2020 around 2023.
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Old Feb 16, 2020 | 10:13 PM
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Su, read the V167 section of this site thoroughly. As irishbrahm mentioned, there are several problems the vehicle is experiencing in its early days. In varying degrees, this seems to be Mercedes' experience with new platform launches. In the final years of a platform, post lifecycle facelift, they seem to get it right.
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Old Feb 28, 2020 | 12:17 AM
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We have two toddlers too. The 2020 GLE350 is a gorgeous inside, however MB ruined the exterior with these skinny front and back lights. When you see the vehicle at a distance, it looks like an Infinity, Mazda type of vehicles. The Q7 is actually top rated craftsmanship and quality. MB GLE 350 is down the list I think 12-13th place.
# with the kids, you would regret buying the 2020 GLE, later. It’s right and cramped, small trunk.
I would honestly consider the 2020 Toyota Highlander , 3 row seats, lots of space in the trunk and best of all, it’s quality built and reliable vehicle. MB is super expensive to maintain, gas guzzler and god help you if a powertrain component breaks. MN is not known for quality or reliability, mostly looks.
Another suv to consider is the Hyundai Palisade- 100K powertrain warranty included, super roomy and luxurious. Once you sit in tt, you’ll be like wow this is luxury not the MB.
-be very careful and chose wisely, it’s a lot of money.
espcially with your kids and family, practicality and Safety (Palisade top rated safety SUV)! Is top priority.
In my GLE once the stroller is in the trunk, there is no room for anything else. Very little leg , knee room. My kids are always kicking my seat , it’s too close to them. That the problem with MB GLE not roomy not designed with family and kids in mind.

Good luck
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