Looking to buy a GLE.....

[mchedfan]

Hi all,

Just looking to get some advice from current owners if possible as I'm looking to buy a GLE (not the current model but a 2015-18 used car). Engine wise I'm looking at a 350d - don't think I could live with the reduced boot space in the 500e.

My minimum requirements are a sunroof, ideally a towbar for carrying a bike rack and a form of rear entertainment. Extras like the driver assistance package would be a nice to have as well.

Sunroofs are common across the range thankfully from Premium level and above so that's not an issue.

Towbars (factory fitted) are much less common. Happy to fit an aftermarket one though as they don't seem that expensive. Are there any issues with electrics or with the engine etc with aftermarket ones though? Suspect carrying bikes shouldn't be an issue?

Rear entertainment - I've seen a few cars with this added from the factory. From what I've seen, the 2015/16 cars tend to come with a TV tuner but more recent ones are DVD player only. Did they stop including the TV tuner in the package at some point? It's less attractive without the TV function to be honest, and while I think you can hook up an external source via the AV cables, I'm not sure if it's worth the hassle. Any experiences you've had would be welcome as feedback......
Another option is to mount an ipad or similar to the rear headrest. I'm concerned about the safety of these though in the event of a crash etc - are there any OEM Mercedes option available to safely mount an ipad to the back of the front seats, as that might be a better option than the factory installed system (and would open up much more purchasing options as well).

Finally, does anyone have experience of the Designo line model? While they're rare, when they do come on the market the price premium over a Premium/Premium Plus doesn't seem to be extortionate, so I'm thinking maybe I should bide my time and wait for a Designo as (on paper) you seem to get a quite a lot of extra luxuries over the other models.

Just FYI, other marques I'm looking at are....

BMW X5 - specs seem to vary much more widely that the GLE, not convinced the ride on an MSport would be as comfortable as a GLE. Do have the option of a 40d or 50d for more power though....
Range Rover Sport - mainly concerned about reliability. Might considered a well priced approved used model.
Discovery Sport - Ditto RRS re reliability. Slightly smaller car but very practical from what I've read. Highly specced models (HSE Luxury) can be had reasonably priced
Volvo XC90 - Versions with sunroof seem pretty rare, but still a car I'd consider with the right spec.
Audi Q7 - looked at these briefly but the are vastly over priced (IMO) for what you get.

Thanks in advance - would appreciate any comments from GLE owners etc.

 

[keefysher]

I recall the only difference with the Designo over my Premium Plus with Driver Assistance packages was heated rear outer seats, full single colour Designo leather in cream, as opposed to my two tone nappa. Price uplift for those items was c£8k iirc.

Rear entertainment was a silly price. The standard headrest stalk accessories to mount an iPad are only a few quid. I use an earlier MB style coat hanger on the drivers seat. The later modular system will take a coat hanger / iPad holder / Tray. If your rear seat passengers are kids, they probably won't want to be looking up/at the iPad as they tend to hold them on their lap. I have a RAM Mount that fits in the armrest cup holder that works better imho.

Towbar wise you will need the electrics coding to the car, especially with any packages above the sport base model. The factory fitted electric towbar isn't readily noticeable, and not often on the sales sheet online. When looking at a prospective vehicle get the Vin and use a decoder to find out exactly what the car has. The factory fitted towbar is operated by switches, one in the drivers door, the other in the tailgate lower edge.

Airmatic is well worth getting.