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2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580

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By Research the Car 3 min read

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580 is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and technology. The GLE580 comes standard with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available on the GLE include a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine, a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo engine, and a plug-in hybrid variant. People generally appreciate the GLE580’s powerful engine, luxurious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced technology features. Some common dislikes include the complicated infotainment system, the high price tag, and potential reliability concerns.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (M176)

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, often observed around the valve cover gaskets or the oil filter housing. This can lead to a burning smell and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or the entire oil filter housing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noises from the engine, reduced power, and potential check engine lights related to turbocharger performance. Can be caused by a variety of issues including wastegate failure, boost leaks, or turbocharger bearing failure.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of the affected turbocharger component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $5000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic (725.0)

  • Rough Shifting/Hesitation
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, especially at lower speeds. Hesitation when accelerating from a stop or when downshifting.
    • Solution: In some cases, a software update of the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 (software update), $2000 - $6000+ (valve body/rebuild)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Malfunctions (AIRMATIC)
    • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride height, sagging of the vehicle, failure to adjust ride height, error messages on the dashboard related to the air suspension system. Can be caused by leaks in the air springs, a faulty air compressor, or issues with the air suspension control module.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking air spring, replacing the air compressor, or repairing/replacing the control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ (per air spring), $800 - $1500+ (air compressor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • MBUX Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: System freezes, glitches, slow response times, random reboots, and connectivity problems with Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
    • Solution: Software updates, system resets, or replacement of the MBUX unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update), $500 - $2000+ (MBUX unit replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions in the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, or adaptive cruise control due to faulty sensors.
    • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty sensor. Calibration of the system might be required after replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ (per sensor, including calibration)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may get stuck, make grinding noises when opening/closing, or leak water.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof mechanism, motor, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sensor Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The radar sensors in the front bumper can become dirty causing the sensor to throw an error.
    • Solution: Clean the radar sensors
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $100
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE580, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, is not without its potential issues. The most commonly reported problems revolve around the engine (oil leaks, turbocharger issues), transmission (rough shifting), suspension (air suspension malfunctions), and electrical systems (MBUX issues, sensor malfunctions). The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, ranging from relatively minor software updates to expensive component replacements. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential pitfalls and factor them into their purchasing decision. Although not all owners will experience these problems, it’s prudent to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to assess the overall condition of the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz, GLE580
Mercedes-Benz GLE580 2021
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