We are in the market to replace my wife’s 2016 E350 sedan and she is thinking SUV this time around. So, we were very interested in the new V167 GLE for 2020. However, after reviewing the V167 forum here, we have decided that IF we go with one, we will wait for the 2021 model. Several owners of the 2020 models are experiencing some pretty serious problems. So, with this in mind, I can’t help but wonder how the new W223 S Class will show up, with its new “Star Wars” cockpit.

I so love my 2018 S560, that I am looking into possibly trying to order one of the last 2020’s that will be produced. Even though I feel that the new S will probably receive more stringent pre-production tweaking and refining than the U.S. made SUV’s, I really don’t want a first year, very tech heavy, new model S Class. First world problems!

 

I have first year w222 and other than a Mexican made SIRUS module car has been trouble free, Actually better than my 2014 Lexus LX570, just had recall for fuel pump that could quit at any moment when driving. Both cars have roughly same milage, but I was a little concerned from FORUM gossip, but that’s all it is, Proof is in the problems that no one is having .

 

W222 has been solid from Day1. S-Class is almost coming in last with MBUX. Also keep in mind that many of the GLE-based issues are US production (vendor) related. Clearly not all issues but one has to wonder about the QC here in Alabama.

 

Honestly, I think it takes more than 1 model year for them to fix issues. First they have to acknowledge that a problem exists. Then they have to come up with a solution to the problem. Then they have to test the solution to make sure it's adequate. Then they have to implement it. All of this takes a while. Usually more than 2 years.

For example, I have a 2012 E-class, which debuted as a 2010 model. I have a software issue on my car where when you fold down the rear seats it automatically moves the front passenger seat forward and moves the backrest forward, which makes it impossible for someone to sit in the front passenger seat. If you try to move the front passenger seat it won't move because the rear seats are down. The seat adjustments are supposed to allow you to move the seat even if the rear seats are folded down. Mercedes issued a service bulletin for this and it requires a software update. Unfortunately, I found out about it after my warranty expired. But my point is even though my car was 2 model years old it still had this problem.

I would suggest looking at the GLC, which was recently refreshed.

 

The GLC is a nice, little SUV and I happen to really like the exterior design. However, it is not enough car for us. We need GLE sizing—or larger—to feel safe and comfortable, especially with 16 year olds roaring around in 10 or 20 year old Suburbans, with bald tires and worn out brakes, while texting. In addition, the GLC is not available with many of the creature comforts MB makes available on the GLE. Unless the MBUSA Configurator is wrong, it looks like they even dropped AirMatic from the options list. If we don’t wait for a 2021 GLE, we may go with a Cayenne, Velar or will be taking a look at the new Genesis GV80.

 

Well, I guess we could wait forever, if we were looking for a perfect, trouble free vehicle—and still not find one—but I feel that the vast majority of issues with a new model are resolved by the second model year, especially on a top line car like the S Class. Whether one will like the new, gigantic, touch screen is another topic.

 

My wife has the 2020 GLE 450. So far zero problems at all. Love the truck. The only downside is the MBux Takes a little linger to boot up.

 

Mercedes is past the first model year issue days...If it were a BMW, different story. 2010 w212, 2017 w213, 2014 w222 never had issues.

 

The following are just a FEW of the thread titles on the V167 forum. There are TONS more! So, Senator, would you like to rephrase your comment?

2020 GLE450–Too many issues! Very disappointed!!
2020 GLE quality issues?
GLE53 noisy suspension
Blank MBUX dashboard
GLE issues
High pitched whistling sound
2020 GLE350: Worst piece of **** ever made!
2020 GLE450 suspension malfunction warnings
2020 GLE450 stopped running at stop sign after several warning notices
2020 GLE350 transmission issue?
Car wouldn’t start—many systems fail

 

wow that is shocking and actually sad to read! Hopefully we don’t see major decrease in reliability in with the w223.

 

The new GLE/GLS models have been plagued early on by vendor issues, sloppy quality/assembly and software issues. Certainly not indicative of Mercedes in general or the S-Class.
Unfortunately this been the same way on our prior ML’s. I have mentally discounted these cars as something less than a German-build MB.

That said, our GLE has been flawless so far...

 

Are these made in Alabama??

 

Yes

 

I have a GLS from one of the first several weeks of production. It has been problem free and built to high quality levels (Designo interior.)

 

Are you referring to the 2020GLS? They have been out for 6 months or so and there aren't any Designo interiors available for the GLS at all (only the 2021 models)