Genjet

Looking at a 2019 GLE 400 with a 3.0L turbo gas engine. How is it compared to the 3.5? I've had four 3.5s in ML models from 2007, 2011, and 2014 as well as a 2013 GLK350. Haven't tracked anything about the 3.0 but have been satisfied with the 3.5 overall with basically around town/highway driving. Comments?

BlownV8

The TT V6 has more power and gets better mileage but not quite as responsive as the 3.5L NA. It's a great engine so enjoy the extra power and MPG's.

Eurocar11

We've owned a 2014 GLK350 and currently own a 2019 GLE400. The GLK seemed more responsive at the low end, but the GLK is smaller and lighter than the GLE.

Our GLE is mostly a city dweller and gets around 16-17 MPG, according to the trip computer. Maybe 23-24 MPG highway? Depends on your driving style.

We've had zero problems with the GLE 3.0. Even in Comfort mode, it has adequate power for most situations. Sport mode provides more responsiveness should you want or need it.

If you do your own maintenance, the GLE and GLK are pretty similar as far as ease or difficulty.

SUV John

I ended up getting a 2019 GLS 450 to use while a 2016 GLE 350 was in the shop for 13 1/2 months (long story) and have a unique opportunity having both to currently drive. The GLS with the TT 3.0 even though it's a heavier vehicle is more responsive to me than the GLE with the 3.5 without turbos. I'd say that some turbo lag makes things seem less responsive, but I have to say this is my first experience with a turbo vehicle and I don't have prior comparisons to go by. Gas mileage with the TT 3.0 is as good as I'd expect so no complaints there.

Genjet

Thanks for the information and I know what it's like to have a car in the shop that long. Our 2013 GLK was at the MBZ dealer's shop for six months with an engine replacement due to my college student getting water in the intake after Hurricane Ida in 2021. Luckily insurance covered it, around $14K. Long story as well dealing with that! On the plus side, my local independent mechanic complimented their work, except for one of the drive shaft seals they didn't replace. Leaked later and they wanted nothing to do with it. You'd think since it runs through the oil pan they would have replaced the $15 seal, but instead, we had to replace it at my indy mechanic there for just over $400.

Pro tip: when you have kids that live away in college or whatever, have a pre-arranged meeting/relationship with a reputable independent MBZ shop. Came in handy over the years living in the midwest and having guys I can call on by name in the Phoenix, Seattle, and Baton Rouge areas. My next mission is to find one in Bozeman..

BlownV8

The 3.0L is definitely faster/quicker but at lower speeds the 3.5L is more responsive/fun if that makes sense. I love forced induction engines but the NA 3.5L engine in the GLE is a good fit too.

juanmor40

Perhaps off-topic, but if you follow the oil-solenoid thread about these engines, you will realize the low-end response is because of the low oil pressure algorithm.

Try running w/o the oil solenoid connected for a few hundred miles, and you will never connect it again. Whatever low-end/hesitation you have noticed will be a thing of the past.

Did it already on the E350 (@500 miles already), and I will on the ML350 over the weekend.

W205C43PFL

This is a good idea.

amusa

That's a true statement. The only way to resolve it is with a Tune on the 3.0L I'm planning to tune it on Eurocharged (shop buddy's is pushing me to do it).