CPO 350 Designo vs 400 AMG Line
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gle400
CPO 350 Designo vs 400 AMG Line
New to the forum. About to purchase a CPO GLE 4MATIC for my wife to replace our Honda Odyssey after a good 10 years. We plan on keeping the GLE for similar time frame. We are deciding between 2017 GLE 350 with Designo espresso brown interior and bunch of nice options; the other option is a 2017 GLE 400 with Saddle leather and again similarly optioned. The 350 has heated rear seats and steering wheel that the 400 does not; but the 400 is AMG Line with Night package. They are both the same color Selenite Gray.
Looking for any feedback on if the Designo over AMG and extra power? my wife is just happy to be out of the minivan and doesn't care over 2. The price difference is only $3K more for the 400. We put about 10K miles per year and maybe a short road trip. I'm worried the saddle leather we will either get tired of or will scratch. But we prefer the AMG look and the extra power but the Designo is pretty comfy place to live.
Any input would be appreciated.
Looking for any feedback on if the Designo over AMG and extra power? my wife is just happy to be out of the minivan and doesn't care over 2. The price difference is only $3K more for the 400. We put about 10K miles per year and maybe a short road trip. I'm worried the saddle leather we will either get tired of or will scratch. But we prefer the AMG look and the extra power but the Designo is pretty comfy place to live.
Any input would be appreciated.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Both vehicles are good. Go with the one you want. Both have the M276 V6. The 350 has the 3.5L naturally aspirated version, the 400 has the 3.0L twin turbo. If the 400 is only AMG trim, the suspension should be the same as the 350. Does the 400 have air suspension? You can decode the VINs on lastvin.com to see the option content if you're not sure.
Designo is a somewhat rare option on a GLE350, it's desirable. The GLE350 is one of the most reliable Mercedes vehicles in recent years. The GLE400 will be similarly reliable but there are fewer of them, so a smaller data set to judge reliability from.
Designo is a somewhat rare option on a GLE350, it's desirable. The GLE350 is one of the most reliable Mercedes vehicles in recent years. The GLE400 will be similarly reliable but there are fewer of them, so a smaller data set to judge reliability from.
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The 400 will get better mileage but will require premium unleaded. I know MB recommends premium for both but the NA's can safely run regular while the turbo engines really need the extra protection from knock. The 350 will last longer and be more reliable but is low in the torque/power department. For some this is not a big deal while others have complained they do not like the power delivery of the NA V6. The 350 is a great vehicle as is the 400.
I would not get the designo brown. Just not a fan and I've noticed those cars sit on the resale market for a long time so, obviously, many others do not like it either. You are much better with saddle or black if you ever want to sell the vehicle. As looks go, the 400 with AMG styling kit looks so much better. I've had a GLE 350 with and without sport and the AMG sport looks 100% better.
I would not get the designo brown. Just not a fan and I've noticed those cars sit on the resale market for a long time so, obviously, many others do not like it either. You are much better with saddle or black if you ever want to sell the vehicle. As looks go, the 400 with AMG styling kit looks so much better. I've had a GLE 350 with and without sport and the AMG sport looks 100% better.
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Aston Martin Vantage, GLE 43 AMG, Volvo XC60, BMW X1 35i, Ram 1500, BMW Z4 35i
...
correction... always get the most POWERFUL engine you can afford...
The GLE 350 delivers 302-horsepower with a 3.5-liter V6 and seven-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can appreciate its acceleration and handling. The upgraded GLE 400 offers a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that can deliver 329 horsepower. Its snappy acceleration is notable.
correction... always get the most POWERFUL engine you can afford...
The GLE 350 delivers 302-horsepower with a 3.5-liter V6 and seven-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can appreciate its acceleration and handling. The upgraded GLE 400 offers a 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that can deliver 329 horsepower. Its snappy acceleration is notable.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
While the HP difference (under 30) is modest, the largest difference is in Torque (over 85) and at what RPM it is available (significantly lower RPMs in 400, by almost 2000 lower). The difference translates to 1.5sec 0-60 between the two, which is massive. Driving them is like night and day, especially when passing is required. Adding $250 Dinan tuner to GLE400 and one is exactly at stock 2017 GLE43 power/acceleration level. And for only $3K difference between the 400 and 350, the choice is obvious.
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
The bi-turbo 6 in the 400, for sure, feels better and it is easily upgradeable for more power. Can't help but think the 350 NA engine will be more reliable if you are keeping the vehicle long term. Most do not drive or own their MBs long enough for this to be an issue.
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2017 GLE350
I bought a 2017 GLE 350 this year and was concerned about the power. But it is more than adequate and I figured the extra reliability would make sense. Mine has the mbtex seats which are perfectly fine. One thing I love is the heated steering wheel. I swore I would never buy a car without that and I"m glad I got it.
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
The power in sport mode is adequate in a GLE 350. I'm convinced that comfort mode does not bring all of the rated horsepower. The sound, power and acceleration in sport mode is very different compared with comfort mode. I'm not saying sport mode in a GLE350 is breathtaking, but I am saying it is significantly different than comfort mode.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
Agree, but same applies to 400 as well. Apples to apples, 400 is clearly well ahead of 350 in available power and more importantly its delivery.
The power difference of 400 vs. 43(I know 43 is not part of OP's search) is much less so (specifically as related to 2017 43 as HP was increased for 2018/19). The largest differences, however, are in handling and Sport+ availability on 43. As there's a significant difference of moving from Comfort to Sport, so is from Sport to Sport+(in 43). Dinan tuner (bumping power by up to 40 hp/tq in Race setting), available only for 3.0L V6 TT (400/43) and not for 3.5 NA V6 (350), would make 400's Comfort feel like Sport and Sport feel as if it had a Sport+.
The power difference of 400 vs. 43(I know 43 is not part of OP's search) is much less so (specifically as related to 2017 43 as HP was increased for 2018/19). The largest differences, however, are in handling and Sport+ availability on 43. As there's a significant difference of moving from Comfort to Sport, so is from Sport to Sport+(in 43). Dinan tuner (bumping power by up to 40 hp/tq in Race setting), available only for 3.0L V6 TT (400/43) and not for 3.5 NA V6 (350), would make 400's Comfort feel like Sport and Sport feel as if it had a Sport+.
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16 GLE400 4matic
I was looking to purchase a GLE350. Then I came across the GLE400. I love it and I'm very happy that I purchase the GLE400. I also test drove the GLE43 back in 2017. From my experience between my 2016 GLE400 and the 2017 GLE43. The GLE43 is very fun to drive you can feel the 43 open up when the Bi-Turbo spool up. The GLE400 is fun to drive as well but I notice it's a little sluggish from time to time off the line. Once those Bi-Turbo start to spool up. It's fun to drive. If your looking for straight power the GLE43 will be better fit. The GLE400 is a perfect family vehicle for me since I have a very young toddler that rides with me all the time.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
OP is not looking for 43. The reason I brought it into the conversation is that if OP choses 400 (over 350) then the available Dinan tuner for 3L V6TT would yield 43 like power (but not handling of course).
