I googled "2027 gle 53 vs 2025 gle 53" and this is what came up: "The 2027 GLE 53 is expected to be a more significant update, featuring a plug-in hybrid powertrain" I am not sure if I want to deal with more electrical issues.

 

The 2027 GLE 53 has that plug-in option so I am not sure if I would still want that model. Even that 2025 with that mild hybrid was not something I would go for. I can't live without my heated stirring wheel, although only some areas are hot and the rest barely heats up.The 360 guard is part of some of the packages I think, mine doesn't have it. Now I'm guessing in a few months we get to see what 2026 has to offer.

 

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/...oupe-spy-shots

 

This is the article you saw right?

 

That is also the facelift (well, second one) by the way, which as you can tell from the star headlights first appeared on the new CLA and the star taillights first found on the W214.

 

There is also this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...a-cameras.html

 

Last but not least, this thread, shows the interior as well: https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post9003503

 

I had a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4XE. Hard core Jeep family as I have a 392 Wrangler and the wife has a Sahara. I also had a 2023 Rubicon with full AEV upfit, but traded that in with the Grand Cherokee to get the GLE 53. The 4XE models were plagued with recalls and I had 6 within one year. The final straw was the Jeep would shut off at highway speed and want to go into Park. Dealer was as freaked out as I was and called corporate. Corporate stated that it was a known problem that there was no fix for and to give it back to the customer. Dealer didn't want to give it back as they deemed it dangerous. I took it back and told them it was going straight the the MB dealer to be traded. There was a woman in PA that had the same issue and some lawyer rear ended her when it died at freeway speeds. That lawyer (who is still at fault to me) is helping the woman sue Jeep. I decided to dump it and take the huge loss. The other issue with EVs and PHEVs is horrible resale and Jeeps are the worst. I was nervous about even the mild hybrid in the GLE 53, but thought it worth it.

So, with any Stellantis product (so many brands under that umbrella!), the previous CEO Tavares cut costs so deeply that engineering and production were outsourced to different parts of the world and parts suppliers and line workers kept getting screwed. This brought about incomplete engineering and cheap quality parts to be assembled by pissed off workers. UAW and parts suppliers were all suing Stellantis. The board, run by Peugeot and Fiat family members, didn't understand the American market and let Tavares run with his all EV plan. Even after dismissing Tavares, the board chair, Elkann, took over and isn't doing much better. Rumors abound about selling off brands, such as Chrysler and Maserati. Chinese officials have toured Stellantis plants and may see it as a foothold into the American market to beat tariffs. Who knows what will finally happen. The wife and I still have our Wranglers and plan on keeping them, especially my 392 which is a lot of fun! But until Jeep, and their corporate Stellantis, get in better building, I won't be shopping any of their brands.

 

Sorry to hear that but to clarify the only reason why (putting Jeep aside for now) of not buying EV or PHEV is because of resale? I thought you were reluctant because of range or actual usage concerns and you commute a lot, I understand you might be worried about the complexity and don't want to deal with being stranded but the main concern you have was resale?

 

Resale is just another reason, not the main reason. Battery tech and software integration has been an issue with more than just Chrysler. Add to that Solid State batteries are coming, though at a even higher cost. This was my experience wading into the EV/PHEV waters and it was a failure for me. As far as resale, that can be mitigated with leasing vice purchasing. Looking at the BenzsandBowties videos, he loves the EQS line for himself and customers to lease and points out why leasing makes more sense than purchasing. Bottom line, not one main reason, but a lot of factors. If you're into EVs and PHEVs, more power to you. When they are improved and I don't feel like a beta tester, I may try it again.

 

I see, fair enough. Those who don't mind used can get the EQS in the used market for a very nice price as well.

 

Yes, that was the one. Now, some websites say the plug-in EV comes in 2026 meaning it would be part of the 2027 models and some say we should expect them to get released by the end of 2025 in the 2026 models. I am not a fan of EV in MB. So depending on which article is true, I will decide whether to just buy a 2025 or wait for the 2026 (assuming it does not have the plug-in EV). I am not a fan of mild hybrid but can live with it if I have to. When I picked my 2019 GLE, it wasn't even on the main lot of the dealer, we had to drive to their other lot to test drive the brand new top of the line car coming to find out the passenger side window does not close. They reset it several times over the course of months and finally we had to force them to replace the whole unit since it was still under the warranty. Now, the sunroof on this 6 year old car would not close and the tilt stays open. I don't want to risk having more electrical issues with their EV models.

 

I still recommend just buying the 2025 since mbusa is absorbing tariffs. I mean why not enjoy now : )

 

True for the cost, but the body of the 2025 is not too different from my 2019. I am afraid they introduce major exterior changes in the upcoming model that mine goes out of style, then I won't be able to buy a new one.

 

Fair enough, valid concern.

 

To be honest, my would not look like the newer models if I hadn't changed the original grill and replace it with a panamericana grill!

 

What year is yours, is it the pre-facelift or post? If going from pre-facelift to post facelift, the changes under the hood might be more than what meets the eye.

 

Wait a minute, you are coming from a 2019 GLE 43 to a 2025 GLE 53? That is going from an older to the newer W166 to V167 generation GLE though, the interior and exterior are different, V6 to inline-6. Reading back your original post, you said you test drove a GLE 450 but not the GLE 53? It is a very different vehicle despite the same engine.

 

Here, this might help https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...53-loaner.html

 

Whoa. NOT the same engine at all.

You are right, though, there is a significant difference between the 166 chassis and the 167 chassis.
The 167 is considerably stiffer, allowing more compliant suspension. Most noticeable in AMG trims.

 

Yes, I am coming from a 2019 GLE AMG coupe (with the upgraded grill). I realize there are some changes to the exterior but what I am debating is whether I should upgrade to a 25 model or if there will be more major exterior changes to the 26 model, should I wait until those get released. That's where I am right now.

 

very nice, thanks much!

 

When I had my car at the dealer for the sunroof to get fixed, they gave me a 450 as a loaner. The mild hybrid was what threw me off. I am going back tomorrow to switch loaner to a 25 GLE 53 (although they said they don't have the AMG loaner but still...)

 

I mean same M256 V167 GLE 450 and V167 GLE 53, sorry for the confusion. OP test drove a 2025 GLE 450 coming from a 2019 GLE 43, I do understand the GLE 53 has a supercharger though.

 

Yes, test drive one.