KathyWest

Love my vehicle but am considering a 2021 GLE 350, nervous about going to a 4 cylinder, has anyone switched from a diesel to the smaller engine? Or, should I look at the 6 cylinder? And how's the quality of the 2021's, I've read there has been issues with the 2020's. (I've had constant electrical issues with my car otherwise I'd never consider getting rid of it.)

E55Greasemonkey

You'll be going from one nightmare to another. Have you considered Lexus, Toyota, Honda, or Acura?
Other options would be the previous generation GLE with a 6 cylinder gas engine. Avoid diesel and V8's.

190Efan

I would suggest you scroll down the main forum page to find the section for your MB. You'll find owners there who own the same vehicle as you and they may have additional perspectives for you to consider before you decide. I will also say that the other manufacturers suggested in the previous post have had their issues as well. I would certainly test drive any new MB you're considering before you purchase. I also think that if your current vehicle isn't having any major $$$ issues, I would keep it until it reaches that point as I'm not sure it's worth all that much trade in wise. Just my 2 cents.

E55Greasemonkey

I don't think we'll see Kathy again. This site is full of one-post wonders.

KathyWest

Not really a one post wonder, just have kids to raise and can't spend much time online! Sorry, if I'm not following your rules.

KathyWest

Thank you.

190Efan

I'm totally sympathetic to your situation. Just ignore the previous insensitive poster. Hope my advise was helpful. I think communicating with current owners of your same vehicle will also be helpful. As for engine size, it just depends on what the vehicle will be used for such as any kind of towing which would require a bigger engine. A 3rd row seat would probably also be helpful.

KathyWest

Thank you for your response and kindness. I've owned the vehicle for 10 years and haven't used it for towing but I live in Arizona and it is a great vehicle for the mountain roads! I think I would miss the mileage and the torque. I've looked at a few other threads since posting and feel I've been lucky with my vehicle.

djer

Having owned an X5 diesel with humongous torque, I'd say you'll definitely miss the torque and that "surge". Not sure how you drive typically but if you frequently pass people while going uphill, the 350 may not be adequate 50% of the time. I'd say test drive both 350, 450 (kinda rare in our area in terms of inventory), or even barebones 580 if you can.

That said, the creature comforts of the newer model GLE350 definitely makes up for it lol. You also have the "Sport" mode on the DYNAMIC SELECT to sort of prepare the car (i.e. better throttle response, gear holding, etc.) before spirited driving. We think the cabin and the dash is laid out better than previous GLE / ML iterations.

chassis

@KathyWest Welcome! There are many on this site that hold the belief the latest GLE launch (V167 platform) is the worst in recent memory for Mercedes. A suggestion is to avoid it until the facelift a couple of years from now. Have a read through the V167 section of this site. Caveat emptor on the V167.

KathyWest

Yes, I do frequently pass people going uphill and it's one of the aspects I was afraid I'd be losing. And yes, it's rare to see a 450 here in Arizona. I agree the newer dash has a better look than my model and the newer creature comforts would be nice. I'm also happy they brought back what I call the "grab bars" on the console. I often transport people that use them to get in my car, lol.

Since I posted this my mechanic thinks he's figured out my electrical gremlin (possibly a module)... If this solves my issues I may just hold on for another year or two since it's be free of other issues.