Dropped off my ML350 for the recall. Gave a 2020 GLE350 4Matic. Grey with black wheels and brown interior. With that color combo the car looks ugly. However, noticing some others around and being inside one for the first time when optioned correctly the car is beautiful. I noticed the seats are not as comfy as the ML and not the same size. I feel like the seats came out of a C Class. Not a bad thing but just not great. Getting in and out of the car is so easy compared to the old model. The trunk space is similar in size. The rear seats 100% have more room. No ML has ever been short on space but the new GLE delivers when it comes to rear seat space. The interior build quality is very good compared to the old GLE. A LOT LESS plastics and cheap trim pieces. Really shows how they dropped the ball with the interior of the W166. The tech is of course better but it is a newer car. While I do not care for tech I will say out of all the cars I have driven a very wide variety that this MBUX System is amazing! Responsive, Easy to use, Fun, Amazing graphics and cameras galore. There is almost nothing the car cannot do. I posted pics below and while it does look amazing. I feel this car is more athletic. It is no SLK but I feel I can drive a little more aggressive compared the W166 cars. The ride is ok however to be fair it did have awful run flats. So of course it would not ride as good as my ML with super soft Michelin Tries. The car is quite as well on the highway. However, around town and at low speeds is where I start hating on the GLE350. The 4Banger is just awful. The fact is that 4 Cylinder cars even from MB are just not smooth and it is loud for no reason. The turbo lag is a JOKE. The 9 speed coupled to it does not make it better as this thing is always shifting and does not know what it wants to do. I could never pay this much for that powertrain and at that point mine as well just go EV or Hybrid. I feel like the powertrain issue can be solved by buying the GLE450 or GLE580 instead. My final complaint is and this may sound crazy is the cupholders. Yes.. I nearly spilt a drink because of the fact the cupholders are located in a place not easy to access them. Overall I feel it is a great car. But there is something about it that feels slightly less Mercedes about it compared to the W166. I will going on a road trip this weekend with it so I am sure I will have more to report.

 

Thanks for the review. I wasn't convinced by the V167. MBUX is nice, but the overall vehicle left me looking for the compelling reason.

 

There is just something missing about the new GLE. I do not know what but something. Either way I would say 99% of this car is better compared to the old model. I just would never get this engine. It really is awful and it feels like a Honda. I just do not know what MB was thinking. The smoothness of the old 3.5 V6 is amazing. I can see why it was used for so long across the model ranges.

 

Wow. So they gave you '20 GLE for ML350? I am getting E300 loaner for ML63 (once got GLE400 and GLC300) and C300 for GLE43. Who do you know there?

 

They give you something similar to what you bring in they said. ML/GLE - GLE. C Class- C Class, S Class- S Class ect, ect. In your case you are bringing in a ML63 so they do not keep those around to loan out. It would cost way too much. When I had to bring in my CL600 for a recall they did not have them around to loan out let alone one on the lot for sale. Basically when it comes to the V12 and AMG cars you get what ya get lol.

 

What kind of recall you getting? And thanks for the review

 

Software update for navigation system. Seat belts in the back seat and steering box bolts. The recalls the dealer said would take at least a couple of days.

 

My ML 350 was in for the last 2 weeks and they gave me a piece of crap GLA. Hard to believe it's actually a Mercedes.

 

Yes, it sound more like them. (And yes, GLA is not a MB, more like Nissan/Infiniti with an MB badge.)

 

GLA, CLA, A, GLC and GLB I do not even consider a MB. My father in law bought a GLC and it really is awful. I wish I could say something good about it. I looked into a GLC300 and GLC43 before buying our GLK350. I just could not do it. I wish they kept the GLK in production.

 

The build quality and 4 cylinder engine make you feel as if you are in a Honda lol. Hard to believe people the price they pay for a brand new one when you can have a used E or C for the same money and a V6

 

GLA is what it is because it it shared with Nissan/Infiniti platform and both are essentially the same car, so buying this in Infiniti "clothes" maybe makes more sence.

However, I could not disagree more specifically regarding GLC. GLC300 and especially AMG tuned GLC43 are true MB cars light years ahead of GLK350 in every regard - from looks interior and exterior for both to stunning performance of GLC43 (there is GLC63, I'm sure you know). GLK looked "dated", especially pre-facelift, IMHO even when it was "new", I had it once as a loaner for 24hrs.

 

The GLC300 was a no go for me due to the engine. A 4 cylinder MB is a no go for me. Also, everyone I test drove was a basic beer can with no options compared to the amount of goodies MBUSA listed on their webpage. The car overall was improved yes. I would do a GLC43 but the fact that it had a rough ride vs the 350 turned me off. If they made a GLC non AMG with a 6 Cylinder I would be all in.

 

I didn't know the GLA was a Nissan. That's a punch in the gut to the three pointed star.

I like, but do not love, the GLC. The GLC63 is a real AMG. I consider a C63 a real AMG.

Even with all the options, the GLC300 or the C300 doesn't get me real excited.

 

Yup. MB provided the car. Nissan provided the engine. That is why when you compare the two of them they have so many similarities.

 

Definitely a punch in the gut, and a kick in the pants. And a shot to the chops. All in one.