GLE (W167) [Official] Mercedes-Benz GLE (W167)

Robbie · Sep 17, 2018

Forgive me for duplication if already discussed: While we are on this topic, it's quite something the difference a few months make. The new CLS has the twin screens but no MBUX. The cheaper A-class has the twin screens AND MBUX, same as this new GLE.

So this is presumably because the CLS is pretty much an E-class, hence no MBUX but Command.

But I read somewhere that MBUX will quickly proliferate across the range. So in that case, it seems a pity that the CLS couldn't debut with MBUX. I guess there was just no time... deadlines to meet...

Still, this will no doubt cause a few new C257 (CLS) buyers a fair degree of irritation.

I assume the facelift E-class will get MBUX and the CLS will have to wait for its facelift to get it, about 2 - 3 years later, going by the dates the W213 came out compared to the C257.

klier · Sep 17, 2018

martinbo said:
Oh sweet mother of mercy. I've only put 2 and 2 together now. A.D. is...

I haven't, care to fill me in?

vios1 · Sep 18, 2018

looks great and very Mercedes....

Human · Sep 21, 2018

mercpassion · Sep 21, 2018

The Maybach concept interior makes a compelling proposition for the new GLS interior, I hope this time around they give some differentiation with the GLE..

empower77 · Sep 21, 2018

mercpassion said:
The Maybach concept interior makes a compelling proposition for the new GLS interior, I ho...

Unfortunately it won’t. For one it’s more cost efficient to have the same interior on what is basically the same platform. Secondly; the S is the Mac daddy Benz and it cannot be dethroned from its perch. Unless the ubiquitous U- Class debuts... all bets are off then

mercpassion · Sep 21, 2018

empower77 said:
Unfortunately it won’t. For one it’s more cost efficient to have the same interior on what is basically the same platform. Secondly; the S is the Mac daddy Benz and it cannot be dethroned from its perch. Unless the ubiquitous U- Class debuts... all bets are off then

Of course, but the GLS is the flagship luxury SUV too, and cannot be ignored in this competitive market..it needs that extra exclusiveness to thrive..plus it's a massive price premium over the GLE

empower77 · Sep 21, 2018

mercpassion said:
Of course, but the GLS is the flagship luxury SUV too, and cannot be ignored in this compe...

Honestly, at least in the US I don’t understand the appeal of the GLS. The Q7 is as big and IMO, better built and better looking and much much cheaper. I found a brand new one albeit a 2.0T for a little over 50K... before haggling. A very easy and affordable choice.

mercpassion · Sep 21, 2018

empower77 said:
Honestly, at least in the US I don’t understand the appeal of the GLS. The Q7 is as big and IMO, better built and better looking and much much cheaper. I found a brand new one albeit a 2.0T for a little over 50K... before haggling. A very easy and affordable choice.

The Q7 being better built is debatable, but the GLS does hold status in Europe and possibly Asia too..tbh the price itself should justify a bespoke interior irrespective of any above issues..

Serpens · Sep 21, 2018

empower77 said:
Honestly, at least in the US I don’t understand the appeal of the GLS. The Q7 is as big an...

I'm not sure if I'd call the Q7 better built. The Audi Q7 does not have a habitable 3rd row for anyone but small children and has low ground clearance. The GLS can fit a full grown adult in the 3rd row comfortably, making it a better minivan alternative.

55tamperln · Sep 21, 2018

empower77 said:
Honestly, at least in the US I d...

I've done a lot of living with both vehicles. If you need a third row, there is no comparison. If you don't, the q7 is a compelling option because the interior is fantastic. Some other bulletS:

Q7 is nowhere near as big. It's got an unusable third row. The GLS has best in class packaging.
Q7 has better interior materials.
Build quality I'm pickem
Second row folding mechanism for second row not as efficient and user friendly as GLS
GLS in amg-trim (GLS550 in US, for example) is an awesome looking vehicle, even 6 years into this generation. I think that holds true in all colors, as well.
Q7 isn't a looker in any trim. I went with titanium package to spice things up but the reality is that Audi gave the US one version of that exterior, pretty much. A base level and it's remarkably bland to me but I personally don't care.

tennmb · Sep 21, 2018

empower77 said:
Honestly, at least in the US I d...

For one, the Q7 isn't bigger. Especially since the redesign. The original Q7 was longer, but still had a joke of a 3rd row.
The newest Q7 is no bigger than this new GLE. Where you are getting better built, i have no idea. If you want to drive a 4 banger in this size of vehicle, that's your prerogative. Go for it.

tennmb · Sep 21, 2018

mercpassion said:
The Maybach concept interior m...

I wouldn't expect it unless you get the Maybach. For one, the new GLE is a quantum leap from the previous gen.
I'm not sure why this wouldn't work on the GLS. Sure, offer full leather standard, and the mbtex dash. Mercedes needs to stop with the MB tex on anything that bears the "S" badge. But I don't see the point in offering a different interior since this one is ultra nice.

Mr. Mercedes · Sep 25, 2018

martinbo said:
Comments like this don't add value to the discussion. I want to make it very clear that being cost-effective does not mean to cut back on costs. The latter has a negative implication such as a reduction in quality or usability. I am not suggesting this in the slightest! I am trying to get people to understand that different manufacturers have different e...

Martin I meant to reply to this post but it slipped my mind. There is a major flaw in Mercedes current transmission tunnel set up and the associated bulky touch pad/wrist rest that sits in front of the control knob. In LHD markets the controls for suspension, transmission etc. sit logically in clear sight of the driver. As there is no re-arrangement of these switches these controls are visibly obscured by the control knob in RHD markets. Instead the driver has clear view of the volume knob, which is just a duplication of the volume control already available on the steering wheel, a command system on/off knob which is rarely used and the stop/start override button. It is in my mind a major ergonomic oversight for a premium manufacturer. I'm not sure if the new flat touch pad that features on the new MBUX alleviates this issue.

martinbo · Sep 25, 2018

Mr. Mercedes said:
Martin I meant to reply to this post but it slipped my mind. There is a major flaw in Mercedes current transmission tunnel set up and the associated bulky touch pad/wrist rest that sits in front of the control knob. In LHD markets the controls for suspension, transmission etc. sit logically in clear sight of the driver. As there is no re-arrangement...

Thanks for the contribution and info mate. A very interesting observation which can only be arrived at with analytical familiarity. It's clear that Mercedes is strategically pursuing interior standardisation (all makers do by the way) to the greatest extent in the premium sector despite thought trends from others here who will say otherwise. Your observation does point to an ergonomic issue and Mercedes is not alone in this regard. I noticed in my friend's Cayman that the key driver-mode buttons (like Sport mode and PASM) are on the far side of the gearlever in RHD models.