AkaSigFreak

I was given a 2017 GLE350 as a loaner. I was so disappointed. The large multimedia screen was nice, but the location of the vent controls was odd. I can't stand the control "mouse" which is located exactly where your arm sits. It performs the same functions as the control knob which is below it except it is overly sensitive and gets touched by mistake frequently. I don't like the layout of the new 3-Spoke sport steering wheels- the arrows and OK button layout is odd. I like the option to select drive modes but noticed the exhaust was very loud. The MBtex seats also looked like crap- they were "lose" looking and puckered up. The MB Puddle Lights which project from under the side mirrors are a little much. I thought they might be a cool feature, but then I started to think they were a ridiculous.
I'll definitely keep my 2014 ML350.

The G Man

The GLE is only a facelift not a redesign, I would not trade up for it unless I was looking for a new car anyways. I thought the thicker sport steering wheel was nice and the buttons did not bother me once I got use to it. The touch pad is kind of useless but its not a deal breaker. The sport mode and the tighter steering was very nice. I too notice the louder exhaust which was kind of intrusive.

easyedwin

I drove the GLE and the GLC. Was not impressed with either.

ppirate

I agree. I had a '17 GLE loaner a couple of weeks ago. Nice but I like
my '14 ML350 better.

pjw1967

Same for me. I had a '17 GLE loaner which had an annoying drone in the cabin.

easyedwin

However, neither the GLE nor the GLC were 4matic. That might have had something to do with the lack of cornering.

Wewannabenz

What I can't stand with all the new models is the ugly iPad looking thing in the center console stack that doesn't retract!

drwolf

first thing i saw was the TV (center console) and i didnt like it, i was always a fan of the integrated dispalys

AkaSigFreak

I like the size and clarity of the large display, but it looks so aftermarket. Then, the controls for the center vents is located under the display instead of the vents. Why? Definitely not aesthetically pleasing.

Wewannabenz

For all I care, they can make the display as big as they want, but they have to make it retractable (Audi offers this even). To make it stick out there like that looks so aftermarket like you said.

Rainers

I agree, the display is just not intergrated properly, it just looks bad. I don't like it on the other models also. Audi A6 has the same but it is retractable into the dash. A cool feature for Audi .

yavor

I think you are a bit too uncompromising. I understand I'm on the other side driving a GLE and also been once in a ML, but :
+ for GLE :
1. much nicer design of the front hood and both bumpers
2. nicer looking steering wheel, the position of the buttons is a matter of habit, once you are used to them, they work as on any other car
3.sport mode feels really sportier, and the consumption if you don't push it too hard is similar
4. the central display cannot determine whether or not to buy a car for me, it's true it looks a bit aftermarket, but in the same time the integrated displays look a bit oldfashioned even in new models like the Levante or F Pace
5. the 9-G tronic is much better than the 7.

- for GLE:
1. seats n ML are nicer, mine are leather and are not loose, but stil the front once are not tight enough

skw

Everything you mentioned becomes 2nd nature and you get used to it. I had an ML for 3.5 yrs and now in the GLE for just over a year. The exhaust is louder than on the ML, we noticed it the 1st night we picked it up. Your hand does fall right on the touch pad but I rarely use it, my arm sits such that my fingertips are on the edges of the wheel. The buttons/arrows on the steering wheel took some time to get used to coming from the ML, but again, you do get used to it. And the wheel, how do you not just love it! It feels just like the soft nappa leather M-sport steering wheel in my BMW. Had the wood & leather wheel in the ML and while it "looked" better, the heated wheel in the GLE "feels" better.

As for a retracting screen, I was turned off by the idea years ago when a friend of mine had an A8. The mechanism broke and it was a good chunk of change to get it fixed.

drwolf

the xc90, until they changed the model, had a retractable screen as well

27T

What good is a retractable screen?

Wewannabenz

Honestly, I don't care if it retracts or not, but then if not, I want it integrated within the dash, and not sticking up all the time. It's just plain ugly when it sticks out there like an iPad on top of the dash.

Older article, but I agree with these guys:
http://jalopnik.com/i-dont-mind-the-way-that-mazda-does-it-the-alternative-1564329743

hyperion667

WTF is Mercedes Benz doing??


Anyone else know??

nookie

The majority of MB owners are not tech driven I'm guessing and really could not care less!,
they want the ride/looks and a radio. that's it.

Some very basic things lack/suck in the command interface, it's pretty bad in both ML and GLE for the price that it is.

Owners just don't complain enough for MB to really fix it.

The idea of the mouse for instance...it's a joke
1st thing I disabled. should have been touch screen!!!.

I like how it drives/looks. if you're hoping for technology...buy a car with uConnect. hands down. (Like Jeep Summit or Srt) it's awesome.

On the 16 models and up You could show tire pressures in Imperial, temperatures in metric(mix/match), one touch favorites on xm, play back a radio show/song from beginning, customize XM if you want to start song from beginning at car start, 19 speaker HK sound, touch screen, auto start seat heat/steering wheel or cooling, the list goes on.

MB = dark ages in that respect.

drwolf

personally the version of command i had in the E350/ML350 is the best one, simple and easy to find everything.. the new one is too out there

Chris The Swede

And I LOVE everything about the new GLE... Your just affraid of changes.. Im actually converting mine to GLE63 look...Just LOVE the look. And the new comand is AMAZING compared to the old school one..

nookie

Let me know how you make out, I love the GLE63 look 100% !!

Chris The Swede

Just follow my thread about it here in the M section..