Anyone considering the new GLE or GLS?
Discussion
Haven't considered the new model, simply because the current car ticks so many boxes for me and to replace it would cost more than can be considered justifiable.
I bought my GLS 63 as an ex-demo (that they had to register and hold for 3 months, but did about 50 miles in) two years ago for a large percentage off list, it was marketed as a used vehicle but in effect it was brand new. I needed 7 sensibly sized seats and a boot, fancied something a bit more interesting than another big diesel to replace my old LR D4, plus I couldn't stomach the Discovery5 and the inevitable gremlins it would have being early in the model run. I looked at the SQ7 Audi, but it didn't have as much room and at the time there were no deals to be done, thus would have cost more than the Merc.
It was a car that I bought blind, on a bit of a whim, with very little press coverage to go on as to what they are like, as it's not a common car here in the UK. However I couldn't have been happier, it's a thirsty beast of course, but it drives well, is comfortable and very practical. The kids love it and most importantly it has been 100 pcnt reliable.
Am sure there will be some very tempting deals to be done on run out stock.
I bought my GLS 63 as an ex-demo (that they had to register and hold for 3 months, but did about 50 miles in) two years ago for a large percentage off list, it was marketed as a used vehicle but in effect it was brand new. I needed 7 sensibly sized seats and a boot, fancied something a bit more interesting than another big diesel to replace my old LR D4, plus I couldn't stomach the Discovery5 and the inevitable gremlins it would have being early in the model run. I looked at the SQ7 Audi, but it didn't have as much room and at the time there were no deals to be done, thus would have cost more than the Merc.
It was a car that I bought blind, on a bit of a whim, with very little press coverage to go on as to what they are like, as it's not a common car here in the UK. However I couldn't have been happier, it's a thirsty beast of course, but it drives well, is comfortable and very practical. The kids love it and most importantly it has been 100 pcnt reliable.
Am sure there will be some very tempting deals to be done on run out stock.
I'm waiting for the new GLS with the 6-cyl inline diesel. It'll have around 330bhp. My current GL has the 350 V6 diesel which is good but the new one will kick its ass.
I've considered the 63 but I think I'd just worry about the mpg. Mine only does 24mpg but the 63 can be half that. I think maybe that's a step too far for me. It impacts the range too and I hate filling it up.
The new GLS looks magnificent inside. Big screens for satnav and the main dash.
I've considered the 63 but I think I'd just worry about the mpg. Mine only does 24mpg but the 63 can be half that. I think maybe that's a step too far for me. It impacts the range too and I hate filling it up.
The new GLS looks magnificent inside. Big screens for satnav and the main dash.
I had a new GLE for the day and loved it.
Here is a little review I put on a Merc forum and have also put up some pics!
Hi all,
To put some perspective on the matter I currently drive a 17 plate Cayenne SD V8 and my wife has a 19 plate C43 facelift Cab.
I will change my car in about 6-12 months and am ideally after an AMG but wanted to gauge size, spec, tech etc as still got my eye on the new Cayenne Turbo!
The vehicle I have is a 19 GLE300D Premium Plus with driving assistance pack.
I believe it is in Hyacinth red but please correct me if I am wrong!
I will hopefully try and answer queries below and took a good selection of pics I will upload later today.
Engine and ride
The engine feels very refined, smooth and is actually quite punchy. On the move it feels deceptively quicker than on paper,however, it does feel a tad sluggish in my view from standstill. It can be a little raucous when in sport and accelerating hard but then it is a 4 pot diesel so to be expected. General driving it is actually very quiet and picks the relevant gears to minimise cabin noise.
The ride is compliant and not too bouncy. It drives like my Cayenne on the air in Comfort mode with standard ride height. It doesn’t feel too wallowy in corner but does have some roll as to be expected.
Interior
I immediately noticed some of the poorer quality plastics on the lower panels which is a shame as the rest of the cabin feels well built and finished to a high standard. I particularly like the trim and stitching around grab handles and climate control.
The display is crisp and clear and very easy to use. The buttons feel solid and make a nice click when pressed.
The nappa leather is soft (not quite as soft as my Porsche) but the seats for me did not offer enough bolster or lumbar support. My wife felt they were very supportive but I am much larger than her so maybe that’s the problem? Also I have sports seats in my Cayenne and the Performance seats in the C43 so a tad unfair to compare?
On the seat front...I fitted in the third row with my wife in front and I am 6 foot! My head touched the roof lining so could only do a short journey in there!
I was not sold on the ash trim. It looked good until you touch it. It feels very cheap and has a plastic sound when you tap it. If it was my choice I would have carbon (not released yet except on 53) so would stick with gloss black or alu.
Memory seats are very easy to use and worked when driving, I have not tested comfort access. The massage seats felt strange to me but never had or used before, not something I would use on a daily basis.
The air balance package was not overpowering or overwhelming. It was noticeable in the cabin but pleasant. The energising bits etc on the tech I could not see myself using in reality. Massage relaxing etc...
The 360 camera was fab but the sensors were
overly sensitive (maybe you can change this) I found I tried on my eyes over the red areas and beeping!
No HUD on this model
‘Hey Mercedes’ was a show stopper. Intuitive, quick and precise. Navy was easy to use and augmented view a great addition.
I did did not use parking systems unfortunately as had no need to. I do like the blind spot assistance but other driving features I generally turn off.
I was surprised with the Burmester As have heard criticisms. I have this as a £4K upgrade in my Cayenne and it was in my view just as good. It is worth any extra cost purely for the speaker grilles!!
Overall its a great car and in the 300D form would be more than dynamic for everyday driving. For me I would want air ride and larger wheels along with more supportive seats so would have to be an AMG for me not just an AMG Line. But for a very practical family suv with lots of tech it is perfect.
Here is a little review I put on a Merc forum and have also put up some pics!
Hi all,
To put some perspective on the matter I currently drive a 17 plate Cayenne SD V8 and my wife has a 19 plate C43 facelift Cab.
I will change my car in about 6-12 months and am ideally after an AMG but wanted to gauge size, spec, tech etc as still got my eye on the new Cayenne Turbo!
The vehicle I have is a 19 GLE300D Premium Plus with driving assistance pack.
I believe it is in Hyacinth red but please correct me if I am wrong!
I will hopefully try and answer queries below and took a good selection of pics I will upload later today.
Engine and ride
The engine feels very refined, smooth and is actually quite punchy. On the move it feels deceptively quicker than on paper,however, it does feel a tad sluggish in my view from standstill. It can be a little raucous when in sport and accelerating hard but then it is a 4 pot diesel so to be expected. General driving it is actually very quiet and picks the relevant gears to minimise cabin noise.
The ride is compliant and not too bouncy. It drives like my Cayenne on the air in Comfort mode with standard ride height. It doesn’t feel too wallowy in corner but does have some roll as to be expected.
Interior
I immediately noticed some of the poorer quality plastics on the lower panels which is a shame as the rest of the cabin feels well built and finished to a high standard. I particularly like the trim and stitching around grab handles and climate control.
The display is crisp and clear and very easy to use. The buttons feel solid and make a nice click when pressed.
The nappa leather is soft (not quite as soft as my Porsche) but the seats for me did not offer enough bolster or lumbar support. My wife felt they were very supportive but I am much larger than her so maybe that’s the problem? Also I have sports seats in my Cayenne and the Performance seats in the C43 so a tad unfair to compare?
On the seat front...I fitted in the third row with my wife in front and I am 6 foot! My head touched the roof lining so could only do a short journey in there!
I was not sold on the ash trim. It looked good until you touch it. It feels very cheap and has a plastic sound when you tap it. If it was my choice I would have carbon (not released yet except on 53) so would stick with gloss black or alu.
Memory seats are very easy to use and worked when driving, I have not tested comfort access. The massage seats felt strange to me but never had or used before, not something I would use on a daily basis.
The air balance package was not overpowering or overwhelming. It was noticeable in the cabin but pleasant. The energising bits etc on the tech I could not see myself using in reality. Massage relaxing etc...
The 360 camera was fab but the sensors were
overly sensitive (maybe you can change this) I found I tried on my eyes over the red areas and beeping!
No HUD on this model
‘Hey Mercedes’ was a show stopper. Intuitive, quick and precise. Navy was easy to use and augmented view a great addition.
I did did not use parking systems unfortunately as had no need to. I do like the blind spot assistance but other driving features I generally turn off.
I was surprised with the Burmester As have heard criticisms. I have this as a £4K upgrade in my Cayenne and it was in my view just as good. It is worth any extra cost purely for the speaker grilles!!
Overall its a great car and in the 300D form would be more than dynamic for everyday driving. For me I would want air ride and larger wheels along with more supportive seats so would have to be an AMG for me not just an AMG Line. But for a very practical family suv with lots of tech it is perfect.
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