F16 vs. Mercedes GLE43 Coupe?

[p.o.t.u.s]

While I am aware this is a BMW forum, and users are likely to have a strong preference for BMWs, has anyone cross-shopped the F16 vs. the Mercedes GLE43 Coupe?

I have an E71 right now and love it but am looking to replace it.

I haven't been able to drive the GLE43 Coupe, but I have driven the GLE43 which is the non-coupe version.

Any thoughts, anyone?

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by p.o.t.u.s

While I am aware this is a BMW forum, and users are likely to have a strong preference for BMWs, has anyone cross-shopped the F16 vs. the Mercedes GLE43 Coupe?

I have an E71 right now and love it but am looking to replace it.

I haven't been able to drive the GLE43 Coupe, but I have driven the GLE43 which is the non-coupe version.

Any thoughts, anyone?

I went through the same thought process when it was time for me to switch cars.

After a lot of back and forth or YouTube reviews on both cars, and doing physical comparisons at car shows and dealerships, I decided to stick with BMW because of the driving dynamics, the GLE coupes is obviously a blatant copy of the X6, and BMW'S maintenance program.

Although the GLEN couple is definitely a nice car, after a little over a year of driving this one, along with another side by side comparison, I still prefer the X6 over the Benz copy cat.

Go with your gut, I always say. In my life experience, I believe that it's impossible for your instincts to lie to you.

[p.o.t.u.s]

Thanks for the photos. I am indeed torn.

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by p.o.t.u.s

Thanks for the photos. I am indeed torn.

No problem, at all.

I know it's a tough choice, indeed. They both have great road presence and unique character across all makes.

After spending time in the driver's seat of both, my opinion is the BMW has a sportier feel. Also the X6 has more aggressive lines from my perspective, which is what I wanted. A beast on 4 wheels.

The Benz has more standard tech features when compared to similar builds, but the X6 had some technical features I liked, like the all digital dash that changes depending on driving mode, for example.

Some more pics when I was cross shopping, just for reference.

[Thawke]

Also looked at the GLE coupe before settling on ordering the X6 which I am in now.

All I have to say is this, go sit in a GLE coupe, don't even have to drive it, just go sit in one, then go sit in an X6.

My decision was made by just that.

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by Thawke

Also looked at the GLE coupe before settling on ordering the X6 which I am in now.

All I have to say is this, go sit in a GLE coupe, don't even have to drive it, just go sit in one, then go sit in an X6.

My decision was made by just that.

^ This.

The X6 cockpit just has a great blend of sport and luxury while the GLE coupe didn't have that "niiice" factor... ESPECIALLY at night.

The X6's interior ambient light layout if much better than the GLE.

[alphaod]

I almost bought a GLE 63 S Coupe, but I couldn't get over the interior that in such an expensive car was the same as the what you get in in the C, CLA, and GLA.

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by p.o.t.u.s

Thanks for the photos. I am indeed torn.

For me exterior merc hands down, interior Bmw, as well as driving dynamics BMW

[cmyx6go]

Originally Posted by Thawke

Also looked at the GLE coupe before settling on ordering the X6 which I am in now.

All I have to say is this, go sit in a GLE coupe, don't even have to drive it, just go sit in one, then go sit in an X6.

My decision was made by just that.

What he said. The interior is eh, and the dash just doesn't flow. I looked at them last year, haven't been in the new one. I do like the looks though.

[IvanLZ]

I really like the merc front end but the rear really kills it. The rear doesn't look as slick as the coupes.

[p.o.t.u.s]

With some mixed feelings on my part, my wife decided she wanted the Mercedes over the X6. Pulling the trigger on a new GLE coupe. Keeping the E71 for me.

Thanks for the help, all.

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by p.o.t.u.s

With some mixed feelings on my part, my wife decided she wanted the Mercedes over the X6. Pulling the trigger on a new GLE coupe. Keeping the E71 for me.

Thanks for the help, all.

I'm sure she will enjoy the new car.

Post a few pics and do a quick review when you pick it up!

I'm sure your feedback will help out anyone who is cross shopping these unique yet similar cars, just like we all were prior to making the choice.

[IvanLZ]

I really wanna know if the GLE43 has those exhaust pops like in the C43.

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by IvanLZ

I really wanna know if the GLE43 has those exhaust pops like in the C43.

... it does.

I have to admit, that I was a little jealous when my friend's 6 cylinder GLE Coupe exhaust system makes those popping sounds, when my car doesn't.

Even though my 50i sounds great, inside and out, (especially in sport mode) I believe only the true ///M models make that )popping sound under aggressive acceleration.

[IvanLZ]

Originally Posted by Samurai of 2day

... it does.

I have to admit, that I was a little jealous when my friend's 6 cylinder GLE Coupe exhaust system makes those popping sounds, when my car doesn't.

Even though my 50i sounds great, inside and out, (especially in sport mode) I believe only the true ///M models make that )popping sound under aggressive acceleration.

That's one reason i'm loving the new mercedes 6 cylinder sounds. BMW really needs to put some nice exhaust on their cars.

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by IvanLZ

That's one reason i'm loving the new mercedes 6 cylinder sounds. BMW really needs to put some nice exhaust on their cars.

Agreed.

I typically prefer the driving experience provided by BMW over Merc, but they definitely need to offer better driving oriented options, instead of directing more attention to things like fragrance sprayers, lol

[yuny]

I sat in nearly every new Mercedes on the dealership floor recently and noticed that the leather smells horrid. It could be just me, but the wife agreed as well. Has anyone else noticed this?

[XXX5]

Are you sure it was even real leather? They use what they call MB Tex which is another word for pleather... Plastic fake leather is IMO is bs in cars of this pricepoint. One of several things that kept me away from buying one. You can get real leather but its an upcharge

[X5M50D]

Originally Posted by XXX5

Are you sure it was even real leather? They use what they call MB Tex which is another word for pleather... Plastic fake leather is IMO is bs in cars of this pricepoint. One of several things that kept me away from buying one. You can get real leather but its an upcharge

You are correct the standard spec is MB Tex. On my wife's Mercedes GLC we opted for the real leather seats, which has a pleasant smell to them and certainly over time more hard wearing.
Its a shame that BMW and Mercedes still supply Pleather seats as standard for a premium vehicle now a days. GEAT REAL!

[turboawd]

Why buy a copy, when you can buy the original? Lol

[GeeRam]

I looked at the Merc's as well while deliberating on the X5, and while they don't look too bad on the outside, the woeful interiors left a lot to be desired, and for me the interior is way more important that what the thing looks like from the outside....so there was no chance of me buying the Merc.
It was the same for the Cayenne, nice on the outside, and great drive, but, the interior while better than the MB, still wasn't as nice as the BMW.....and the infotainment in the Porsche left a lot to be desired as well.

[p.o.t.u.s]

I'll post some pictures when we get it. Car is already made, but out of state and needs to be transported here. Still dickering over some details/price.

It does have a much more aggressive sound than the X6. That I have to admit is pretty nice.

We're getting the nappa leather--no fake stuff for us.