rocky12

I apologize for "cross-posting" this but since I received no response in the new GLE forum so I thought I'd try posting here.

I know the GLE is basically similar to the ML which has been out for a few years. I'm trying to compare this to a BMW X5 and specifically trying to decide between the GLE350 and the GLE400. Has anyone compared these to either the BMW X5 35i or 50i, and has anyone had any bad (or good) experiences with the Mercedes engines in each of these? Any help would be appreciated. I have actually all 4 and have my own early opinions.

Also, has anyone had any bad (or good) experience with the 2015 ML series? I might be inclined to go for the 2015 models if the price is right.

27T

There's a separate GLE forum? They're both W166.

I have both. There isn't much difference between the X5 and GLE. The X5 used to be a rough riding, teeth jarring experience but the F15 (2014+) changed that and it is now a comfortable ride. You can significantly improve the handling of the X5 with specific options but they generally drive very similarly.

Get the car that looks best to you. They are both great.

Barry45RPM

I checked, and there is.

rocky12

Yes, here is the other one:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class-w166

vs.

this current one:
https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-class-w166

A bit confusing ... where to post?

troymir350

I had a '13 X5 M Sport/M Performance model and I loved it. Wife hated it. Engine was ok, suspension was like a car so a little stiff for some tastes. Drove the new X5 and hated it. Steering system is way out of whack and the design does nothing for me.

Now I have a '15 ML250 diesel, but also drove the gas versions. I find the ML/GLE platform to be a luxury utility box on wheels. There is no intense desire to drive this ML in any fashion other than from here to there, which is does very well. I am very impressed with the road manners on long drives or just going somewhere. The space, fit/finish, and isolation are nice. The diesel engine is efficient and great mileage, but you have to plan a move in advance as it's a little slow, by design. The steering way over-boosted in my opinion. I saw no benefit to the gas engines in the ML; they just didn't do anything that different for what we use this for.

Now, I see you have a 750. I just came out of a 650. A V8 twin turbo from BMW is an amazing thing. Adjust your scope a little and the Benz will be a great vehicle, but don't expect the driving dynamics. Expect "riding" dynamics unless you get an AMG, and even then it's no M!

jtorrebl

If you drive an ml550 it's a completely different feel. Twin turbo v8 is totally different from the ml350 2012 that we had. No comparison. Plus if you get the air suspension you can adjust the driving dynamics an not have to shell out for the Amg

troymir350

No doubt but that's not an option after '14. They went to ML400 then GLE400 right? Twin turbo 6 now. No V8 option.

rocky12

Yes!

That's my problem. I would like a GLE with an 8-cylinder engine, since I'm used to an 8-cylinder, but the higher hp GLE400 is only a 6-cylinder. The BMW X5 does have an 8-cylinder in the i50, but this is an engine with known problems.

jtorrebl

Gle 550e is a hybrid twin turbo v6 with better performance than the ml 550 with biturbo v8.
I'm debating gle 400, 550e and coupe 450.
Drove 400 and 450 today. The 400 is zippy. The 450 is very aggressive pretty much on par with my 550. Likely waiting for 550e but it does have slight less cargo space with that raised floor in that cargo space for the batteries.

rocky12

This is interesting. Too bad there is no choices in a 2016 GLE that compares to the ML 550 engine. I'd like to have a biturbo v8. The next step in that series is the AMG63 which is a big jump. At that point an X5 M might be a better choice.

It might be interesting to drive the 550e, but not sure of the pricing, and at this point I'm not yet a hybrid fan. Any idea when will this be available?

As far as the 450, I'm assuming you mean the C450 AMG. I looked at that, but I need something with more space. I haven't driven it yet. The interior is pretty nice though.

skw

I think he meant the GLE 450 coupe.

rocky12

Looks like the engines in the GLE450 AMG Coupe and the C450AMG Sedan are similar, if not possibly the same. Shown on the MB site:

GLE Coupe

• Engine3.0L biturbo V-6

• Acceleration0-60 mph5.6 sec †
• Horsepower@ 5,250-6,000 rpm362 hp
• Torque@ 1,800-4,000 rpm384 lb-ft

C450 Sedan

• Engine3.0L biturbo V-6

• Horsepower@ 5,500-6,000 rpm362 hp
• Torque@ 2,000-4,200 rpm384 lb-ft

Out of curiosity, does anyone know if they're the same?