Hi all,

I'm planning to buy an SUV in the next few months.

What do you think of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 as an alternative to the RRS? The Merc probably works out cheaper and it's a pretty cool car. Can somebody please (fairly) convince me to stick with the RRS?

I had a GLE, ableit a Coupe, when our GL was in for some warranty work about 6 months ago.....it wasn't an AMG, but I would put the RRS head and shoulders above it. It's a lovely car, don't get me wrong, but I think the RRS is superior to the GLE (assuming you are talking about the current RRS)  ON THE WAY: BMW F21 M140i
MERCEDES GL350 - Metallic Navy Blue w/Grey interior

GOING: BMW F31 335D MSport+ xDrive Touring
GONE: Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - Stornaway Grey w/Black Interior (wish we'd kept it )
GONE: BMW F10 520D MSport - Carbon Black
GONE:MY12 RRS SDV6 HSE Sumatra/Ivory/Grand Black Privacy glass

Drive both, play with both, decide which suits your needs.  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

FWIW I am referring to the GLE Coupe - maybe I'll arrange a test drive.

I appreciate you saying the RR is better but I'd appreciate even more some specifics on why. I mean, Mercs are obviously extremely well built and reasonably luxurious too right? And remember I'd be going for the RRS 3.0 so it's not like I'm getting a top performance RRS.

I think you would be surprised at the turn of speed and the tidal wave of torque that the RRS has Econ, and if you add the Dynamic to the pack it has brilliant handling for vehicle with such a high centre of gravity - it corners on the twisty bits like it is on rails and with next to no body roll. 700Nm of torque is really handy too........ 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

econ wrote:

FWIW I am referring to the GLE Coupe - maybe I'll arrange a test drive.

I appreciate you saying the RR is better but I'd appreciate even more some specifics on why. I mean, Mercs are obviously extremely well built and reasonably luxurious too right? And remember I'd be going for the RRS 3.0 so it's not like I'm getting a top performance RRS.

econ wrote:

FWIW I am referring to the GLE Coupe - maybe I'll arrange a test drive.

I appreciate you saying the RR is better but I'd appreciate even more some specifics on why. I mean, Mercs are obviously extremely well built and reasonably luxurious too right? And remember I'd be going for the RRS 3.0 so it's not like I'm getting a top performance RRS.

Sure....
The GLE Coupe, had a more sporty feel, but I felt that I could have been in an A class,the Coupe. it doesn't have much room in it in the cabin due to sloped roof line and the boot floor is very high, losing a lot of usable space. The RRS is has a lot more spacious feel.

Interior quality wise, the RRS down wins on looks and feel inside, to my eyes anyway. I'm not a fan of the stuck on screens in the Merc, one of the reason I ordered an outgoing GL instead of the GLS.

The GLE also blends into the pack, an RRS stands out, again IMO. The GLE couple could easily be driven badged as an X6 and I'm sure most people wouldn't raise an eyebrow,

GLE Coupe is also completely road focused and set up that way with lower profile tyres etc, the ride is pretty harsh from memory.

All my comments aren't based on the GLE 43 AMG, so it maybe that some of them are irrelevant, but I think as above, it's best to arrange some test drives back to back and see which one you prefer.  ON THE WAY: BMW F21 M140i
MERCEDES GL350 - Metallic Navy Blue w/Grey interior

GOING: BMW F31 335D MSport+ xDrive Touring
GONE: Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - Stornaway Grey w/Black Interior (wish we'd kept it )
GONE: BMW F10 520D MSport - Carbon Black
GONE:MY12 RRS SDV6 HSE Sumatra/Ivory/Grand Black Privacy glass

Double post, nothing to see here.....  ON THE WAY: BMW F21 M140i
MERCEDES GL350 - Metallic Navy Blue w/Grey interior

GOING: BMW F31 335D MSport+ xDrive Touring
GONE: Land Rover Discovery 4 HSE - Stornaway Grey w/Black Interior (wish we'd kept it )
GONE: BMW F10 520D MSport - Carbon Black
GONE:MY12 RRS SDV6 HSE Sumatra/Ivory/Grand Black Privacy glass

The RRS is a true multi-function vehicle, able to fit in in both urban and country environs, able to go just about anywhere you can go without a dedicated off roader, is a magnificent long range cruiser and back road blaster, it tows big loads effortlessly. It's stylish and comfortable and practical.

The Mercedes isn't.

If you want more space, buy a Disco: if you want a more luxurious image, buy a FFRR. If you want the best fully functional SUV, buy the RRS.

If you just want a new car, buy the Mercedes.

Does that help?  2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed