Finally managed to test drive the 2017/8 GLS. The objective was to confirm what I knew all along, that the 550 is not really an overkill – the 450 is better than what I thought but there is enough oomph missing to justify the 550. Since I was there, I also tested the 2020 GLE, thinking that it looks impressive on all the reviews and it was a good opportunity to see what all the ooh ah is about. Now I am stuck. All of a sudden the GLS appears to be an old car, the like of Lexus GX or LX. The biggest issue is rear seat legroom, which impacts the front passenger comfort, especially being spoiled in the S550 (2012). The GLS 550 is intended to be a CPO keeper. The GLE 450 would be a lease. Users are a typical suburban family: 3-4 hour long trips and the occasional large in size object, sofa, some plywood, snow blower repair, etc. Any thoughts and experiences to share?

This is posted on both the GLS and 2020 GLE boards.

Thanks a bunch

 

Can you wait two to three months for the new 2020 GLS? You're considering a CPO purchase on a GLS versus a lease on a new 2020 GLE? The bigger question is how much space would you like when it comes to keeping your family comfortable? I'd go with the car that most suits your needs. I spoke with my dealer, and the dealership has not even ordered its allotment of the 2020 GLS450.

 

CPO GLS 550 v. Lease GLE 450, that is correct.
Regarding space, the GLE is much more comfortable for front and rear passengers but as a hauler few beat the outgoing GLS (not even the new one) and in its last generation its definitly a long term keeper. I would never long term own a 1st gen german car - collectibles excluded of course.
Yes, this is a very broad queation with a highly subjective answer but in the age of Google I hope to draw from others who decided on this before me.
Thx

 

According to Daimler, the X167's cargo capacity of up to 2,400 liters (84.8 cu ft) is greater than it's predecessor due to the longer wheelbase, "The greater length behind the front seats also increases the maximum loading capacity of the luggage area." But a spec I found for the 2019 lists it at 93.8 cu ft. The V167 GLE is listed at 2,055 liters (72.6 cu ft). One thing on both the new GLE & GLS is the second row no longer folds completely flat, but angles up slightly toward the front.

 

Im a little confused. Why is the GLE more comfortable? Ride quality? It’s definitely not space.

 

Second row room, both head and leg. And by extension, you feel free to push the front seat farther back, guilt free. It's really weird how much room is back there.
Thx

 

Bummer. I saw that slight angle in youtube review and really hoped it was just a bad camera angle. The flat floor is one thing we really appreciate about the previous gens GL/GLS.

 

Agreed. This was done, I believe, to make 3rd row access easier (one step folding rather than two). Here are diagrams of the GLE: