Trading my Tesla S and thinking of getting either GLE 350 or 450e. Considering the Federal tax credit of $7,500 which could almost offset the price difference between 350 & 450e, which model do you'll suggest to go with?

Also is it good idea to lease/buy this vehicle?

Please suggest. Thanks!

 

Anytime I can get a 6-cylinder over a 4-cylinder, I'll take the 6. Regardless of what people may say, a 6 will be smoother and have great output potential. Having driven Mercedes turbo 4-cylinder engines, they just don't have the same staying power once you get them off the line. Plus, they sound like a sewing machine next to a 6. But that's just my personal opinion.

EDIT: Ugh! Never mind. The 450e has a 2.0 liter 4 banger. Another reason I'll not be getting a newer mercedes than what I have.

 

At least the 450e gives it a little more torque vs the 350. I feel like if you're coming from a Tesla, you'll really want to have something with a little more oomph than the 350.

 

Looks like the GLE450 is a traditional 6-cylinder with the same base price as the 450e. I agree, the 350 seems underpowered for the car. With a 0-60 of 7 seconds, you're going to lose races to the next traffic light to kids on bicycles.

 

For anyone who has not driven the 450e it is smoother and quieter than any 6 cylinder because the first 60 miles is pure EV.

In practical use the 450e has all the EV torque and acceleration and range to never call on the internal combustion engine in daily city or suburban use.

The EV mode has no speed limit so it is perfect for highway use as well.

Even when driving long distance inter-city the first 60 miles is EV and after it smoothly switches to Hybrid mode. When cruising in Hybrd mode the 4 cyl is so quiet you don't hear any sound.

The 450e has longer combined fuel range than the 350.

If you want more EV use inter-city the 450e is one of the few PHEV that have high speed DC charging. 20 min to 80%. I don't use it because I'm happy to do the balance of my trip in Hybrid.

If you need heavy acceleration (2 lane hiway passing) in EV or Hybrid mode the power and torque is the combination of the electric motor and the 4cyl which is more than the GLE 350. At this time you hear the sound of the 4cyl which is not as smooth as the 6cly.

I strongly prefer having the high torque, smooth, absolute quiet EV driving with range extending Hybrid mode than being stuck using a 6cyl all the time (in the city or cruising on a highway).

 

Great feedback.

 

I forgot to address acceleration. Per search:

* MB GLE 450: This is a traditional gasoline-powered SUV. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.6 seconds.

* MB GLE 450e: This is a plug-in hybrid that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.3 seconds.

 

The straight six GLE 450 is faster than the 450e. That 450e weighs 700lbs more than the straight six 450. You also lose the ability to have a spare tire with the PHEV. The battery is great around town, but on road trips, you will primarily depend on the less than smooth 4 cylinder motor. Too bad Mercedes didn't follow the lead of BMW and pair the straight 6 with the battery in the PHEV.

 

And a 53 is <5.
No battery anchor.

 

Actually, per Mercedes website, the 0-60 times for the 450 is 5.3 seconds and the 450e is 5.8 seconds. My desktop calculator says the 450 is faster.