Buying a used GLE 550e hybrid 2016-2017?
05-24-2021, 02:22 AM
#1
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Buying a used GLE 550e hybrid 2016-2017?
On paper look quite attractive combo for someone who has a short commute, it could be now done all electric 
. Are there any issues related to the hybrid drivetrain that one should be aware of, when buying the earlier (2016-2017) MY? If i understand correctly electric motor sits between gearbox and engine which means engine-out job when something happens. Is it a reliable unit even after 5-6 years of service?
I'm also a bit concerned about the fact that its possible to drive it all electric (engine stone cold) and then floor it, will it not result in likely engine damage even on low miles?
. Are there any issues related to the hybrid drivetrain that one should be aware of, when buying the earlier (2016-2017) MY? If i understand correctly electric motor sits between gearbox and engine which means engine-out job when something happens. Is it a reliable unit even after 5-6 years of service? I'm also a bit concerned about the fact that its possible to drive it all electric (engine stone cold) and then floor it, will it not result in likely engine damage even on low miles?
05-24-2021, 08:19 AM
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The battery sits in the luggage compartment area so you lose quite a bit of space there. Not sure how reliable they are but the vehicles are a good bit heavier than the standard GLE. I've looked at it too but I can't imagine what the battery will cost to replace. From memory and if correct, the car can only do around 10 miles in all electric mode. Unless you do 10 mile or less trips or primarily city driving, I can't see a benefit since all but the V8 engines will get better mileage on the highway and most likely handle and stop better than the hybrid.
05-25-2021, 04:18 AM
#3
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My commute is less than 10 miles and I'm not that worried about batteries even if i loose some range as the car ages. What I am worried about is the new unique to hybrid expensive to repair tech, which will start failing. I imagine if something with electric motor needs fixing it will be engine & gearbox out job.
05-26-2021, 10:09 AM
#5
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I agree they are a compromise, but might be a good one for certain use-cases. I have a short commute but i also need to tow a trailer from time to time and it fits both acceptably well in my view.
I would really appreciate if anyone with experience with these vehicles (owner or mechanic) could share their experiences. I know GLE in general tends to be decent in terms of reliability but i haven't managed to find much info on hybrid specific drivetrain issues (or maybe lack of them), which might be costly to fix. Maybe i'm just overthinking it?
I would really appreciate if anyone with experience with these vehicles (owner or mechanic) could share their experiences. I know GLE in general tends to be decent in terms of reliability but i haven't managed to find much info on hybrid specific drivetrain issues (or maybe lack of them), which might be costly to fix. Maybe i'm just overthinking it
? 
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05-26-2021, 08:51 PM
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On paper look quite attractive combo for someone who has a short commute, it could be now done all electric . Are there any issues related to the hybrid drivetrain that one should be aware of, when buying the earlier (2016-2017) MY? If i understand correctly electric motor sits between gearbox and engine which means engine-out job when something happens. Is it a reliable unit even after 5-6 years of service?
I'm also a bit concerned about the fact that its possible to drive it all electric (engine stone cold) and then floor it, will it not result in likely engine damage even on low miles?
. Are there any issues related to the hybrid drivetrain that one should be aware of, when buying the earlier (2016-2017) MY? If i understand correctly electric motor sits between gearbox and engine which means engine-out job when something happens. Is it a reliable unit even after 5-6 years of service?I'm also a bit concerned about the fact that its possible to drive it all electric (engine stone cold) and then floor it, will it not result in likely engine damage even on low miles?
05-27-2021, 12:40 PM
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
I can provide a free quote and example contract for an extension on the factory warranty, accepted by all Mercedes-Benz dealers in North America. 5yrs / up to 100,000 miles and transferable with the sale of the vehicle, for more information you can text me at (602) 909-9216 or send me an email attgibson@highline-autos.com
05-27-2021, 05:54 PM
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
05-27-2021, 06:37 PM
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05-27-2021, 09:10 PM
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Last quote I got on an MB ELW for my GLE was for 7 years total and up to 100k miles for $3,250. All of the parts and labor covered, they provide a new Mercedes as a loaner car for free, and no questions if it will be approved or not. Just drop and go. I have yet to see any warranty come close. Chrysler Service Contracts was very strong but they don't write MB's anymore. The truth is that there are very few reputable companies who will pay MB's labor and parts rates that will ever come close to the value of the warranties MB offers as ELW or CPO.
05-27-2021, 09:24 PM
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Last quote I got on an MB ELW for my GLE was for 7 years total and up to 100k miles for $3,250. All of the parts and labor covered, they provide a new Mercedes as a loaner car for free, and no questions if it will be approved or not. Just drop and go. I have yet to see any warranty come close. Chrysler Service Contracts was very strong but they don't write MB's anymore. The truth is that there are very few reputable companies who will pay MB's labor and parts rates that will ever come close to the value of the warranties MB offers as ELW or CPO.
