Anyone cross-shop GLE?
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Anyone cross-shop GLE?
I don't need a third row or the extra space the GLS has over the GLE. I do want a very comfortable ride, low wind noise, smooth over bumps, basically the luxury drive feel.
Has anyone who has driven the 2020 GLS and GLE able to share their experience with both as it relates to ride quality?
Thanks,
Ken
Has anyone who has driven the 2020 GLS and GLE able to share their experience with both as it relates to ride quality?
Thanks,
Ken
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From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
I was going to buy a GLE450 but after test driving found it too small for my needs so now have a GLS450 on order. Ride wise, my most recent test drive shows the GLS as more comfortable but that's too be expected because the GLS has air suspension standard while the GLE is optional (the one I drove did not have it).
If you add all the standard equipment in the GLS450 that's optional on the GLE450 you'll get a GLE at about 65k which is about 10k lower than the GLS.
I test drove a GLE450 with air suspension a few months ago and found it pretty comfortable too. (didn't get to test it back to back with the GLS). I would say the GLS is just a tad more comfortable but if you're not driving them back to back you'll never notice. Either one will be nice (assuming you get the air suspension or EABC).
If you add all the standard equipment in the GLS450 that's optional on the GLE450 you'll get a GLE at about 65k which is about 10k lower than the GLS.
I test drove a GLE450 with air suspension a few months ago and found it pretty comfortable too. (didn't get to test it back to back with the GLS). I would say the GLS is just a tad more comfortable but if you're not driving them back to back you'll never notice. Either one will be nice (assuming you get the air suspension or EABC).
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo
I was going to buy a GLE450 but after test driving found it too small for my needs so now have a GLS450 on order. Ride wise, my most recent test drive shows the GLS as more comfortable but that's too be expected because the GLS has air suspension standard while the GLE is optional (the one I drove did not have it).
If you add all the standard equipment in the GLS450 that's optional on the GLE450 you'll get a GLE at about 65k which is about 10k lower than the GLS.
I test drove a GLE450 with air suspension a few months ago and found it pretty comfortable too. (didn't get to test it back to back with the GLS). I would say the GLS is just a tad more comfortable but if you're not driving them back to back you'll never notice. Either one will be nice (assuming you get the air suspension or EABC).
If you add all the standard equipment in the GLS450 that's optional on the GLE450 you'll get a GLE at about 65k which is about 10k lower than the GLS.
I test drove a GLE450 with air suspension a few months ago and found it pretty comfortable too. (didn't get to test it back to back with the GLS). I would say the GLS is just a tad more comfortable but if you're not driving them back to back you'll never notice. Either one will be nice (assuming you get the air suspension or EABC).
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From: USA, South East
Merc one day I hope
From what I've seen, if you can accept the smaller size then the GLE is a no brainer. You can add really nice AMG trim without going for the expensive top engine (unlike GLS where the AMG trim is only available if you go to the 580). Also the GLE AMG grill is more distinctively upgraded. And of course the interior is essentially identical (tech wise). I'm sure many people will be fine with the GLE's lack of airmatic suspension too. So ultimately you save a lot of money .
Unfortunately I am resigned to needing a large third row so the GLE isn't an option.
Unfortunately I am resigned to needing a large third row so the GLE isn't an option.
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From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
We own a '14 ML350 and a '14 GL450. I agree with thenew3. I do notice that the ML is a bit stiffer, but some of that can be attributed the difference in the wheelbase, 114" vs 121". I'm 5' 9" and I regularly bang my head on the open rear hatch of the ML, but not the GL. My golf clubs go in straight in the GL, whereas in the ML they have to go in at a 45 degree angle. Doesn't sound like much, but I play 3 times a week (retired) and the clubs are not in the way if we go out to the store. I usually bring an Igloo cooler to go grocery shopping especially if the trip includes Costco and Sams. I'd have to take out the clubs to fit the cooler in the ML. There's a new Emerald Green GLS at my local dealer that I have my eye on. But it will have to pass the golf club test before I'd buy it.
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From what I've seen, if you can accept the smaller size then the GLE is a no brainer. You can add really nice AMG trim without going for the expensive top engine (unlike GLS where the AMG trim is only available if you go to the 580). Also the GLE AMG grill is more distinctively upgraded. And of course the interior is essentially identical (tech wise). I'm sure many people will be fine with the GLE's lack of airmatic suspension too. So ultimately you save a lot of money .
Unfortunately I am resigned to needing a large third row so the GLE isn't an option.
Unfortunately I am resigned to needing a large third row so the GLE isn't an option.
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From: New York
2018 S63 Sedan, 2018 GLS 63
When it comes to the GLS vs GLE I honestly don’t notice much of a difference if any. A few factors to consider are do you need the extra cargo room and bigger 3rd row since you can get an optional 3rd row in the GLE. When it comes to luxury I honestly don’t see a difference. I just ordered my wife a pretty loaded GLE 450 and it’s cheaper then the GLS And for some reason it feels wider inside. Not sure why. I personally have a 18 gls 63 and was going to trade it for the new one since I thought it was going to be like an s class. I did have a s63 prior and that was pure luxury but I had problems with it and had to get rid of it. Between an e class and s class their is certainly a difference. Right now I’m waiting for the maybach to get revealed tomorrow , and if it’s not worth the price I’ll prob go with the 2021 bentayga. I really thought the gls was going to be an S class but it’s not. You can even get options, colors or several things the S class offers without getting the maybach
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo
When it comes to the GLS vs GLE I honestly don’t notice much of a difference if any. A few factors to consider are do you need the extra cargo room and bigger 3rd row since you can get an optional 3rd row in the GLE. When it comes to luxury I honestly don’t see a difference. I just ordered my wife a pretty loaded GLE 450 and it’s cheaper then the GLS And for some reason it feels wider inside. Not sure why. I personally have a 18 gls 63 and was going to trade it for the new one since I thought it was going to be like an s class. I did have a s63 prior and that was pure luxury but I had problems with it and had to get rid of it. Between an e class and s class their is certainly a difference. Right now I’m waiting for the maybach to get revealed tomorrow , and if it’s not worth the price I’ll prob go with the 2021 bentayga. I really thought the gls was going to be an S class but it’s not. You can even get options, colors or several things the S class offers without getting the maybach
I've read the Maybach GLS may be priced over $200k. I'm wondering what they are going to do with a vehicle that starts at $73k that would get it over $200k. The price gap between an S Class and S Class based Maybach (as a percentage of base) is not that great.
The Bentayga is a phenomenal vehicle but I could never warm up to the first generation aesthetics. The spy shots on the next gen look terrific.
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From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
I really need to go test drive the GLE and GLS back to back. I've heard everything from "there is no difference in ride quality" to "the GLE has a harsher ride than the GLS". I've been in a GLS and agree it is disingenuous of MB to call it the S Class of SUV's. The tech is there and the ride quality is close (considering the limitations of an SUV compared to a sedan) but the materials fit and finish are several steps below an S Class.
I've read the Maybach GLS may be priced over $200k. I'm wondering what they are going to do with a vehicle that starts at $73k that would get it over $200k. The price gap between an S Class and S Class based Maybach (as a percentage of base) is not that great.
The Bentayga is a phenomenal vehicle but I could never warm up to the first generation aesthetics. The spy shots on the next gen look terrific.
I've read the Maybach GLS may be priced over $200k. I'm wondering what they are going to do with a vehicle that starts at $73k that would get it over $200k. The price gap between an S Class and S Class based Maybach (as a percentage of base) is not that great.
The Bentayga is a phenomenal vehicle but I could never warm up to the first generation aesthetics. The spy shots on the next gen look terrific.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 250
Likes: 28
From: New York
2018 S63 Sedan, 2018 GLS 63
I really need to go test drive the GLE and GLS back to back. I've heard everything from "there is no difference in ride quality" to "the GLE has a harsher ride than the GLS". I've been in a GLS and agree it is disingenuous of MB to call it the S Class of SUV's. The tech is there and the ride quality is close (considering the limitations of an SUV compared to a sedan) but the materials fit and finish are several steps below an S Class.
I've read the Maybach GLS may be priced over $200k. I'm wondering what they are going to do with a vehicle that starts at $73k that would get it over $200k. The price gap between an S Class and S Class based Maybach (as a percentage of base) is not that great.
The Bentayga is a phenomenal vehicle but I could never warm up to the first generation aesthetics. The spy shots on the next gen look terrific.
I've read the Maybach GLS may be priced over $200k. I'm wondering what they are going to do with a vehicle that starts at $73k that would get it over $200k. The price gap between an S Class and S Class based Maybach (as a percentage of base) is not that great.
The Bentayga is a phenomenal vehicle but I could never warm up to the first generation aesthetics. The spy shots on the next gen look terrific.
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2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,771
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
