Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Maybach Side Steps Review

Elevate Your Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 with Maybach Electric Side Steps

One common challenge with large SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is the difficulty of entry and exit due to their height. This is especially true in wet or snowy weather, where fixed running boards can become cumbersome to clean. The solution? Installing Maybach ST electric side steps, a modification that not only enhances convenience but also significantly boosts the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. This upgrade, performed by specialists like those at 'Today's Car Goyang Branch', transforms the daily driving experience.

Why the Stock GLE 450 Running Boards Fall Short

The factory-fitted running boards on the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450, while functional, often leave owners wanting more. Their narrow width can make stepping on them feel precarious, and the plastic material lacks the premium finish of the painted fender covers. The real drawback, however, emerges in adverse weather. While painted surfaces can be cleaned easily, the plastic boards require manual wiping. Furthermore, the design interrupts the clean lines of the fender, creating a visual disconnect. Some international models feature a continuous side skirt design, a look that's unfortunately absent in standard Korean configurations.

Maybach ST Electric Side Steps: A Superior Alternative

For those looking to refine the GLE 450's exterior, there are two primary paths. The first is opting for genuine Mercedes-Benz side skirts. This offers factory-perfect integration and aesthetics but comes at a substantial cost and sacrifices the step functionality. The second, and often more practical, option is the Maybach ST electric side step. These steps retract discreetly when the doors are closed and automatically deploy when a door is opened, offering a blend of luxury and utility. Typically costing around 30-40% of the price of genuine side skirts, they provide an excellent balance of enhanced usability and improved visual appeal, making them a top choice for discerning owners.

The Crucial Difference: Integrated Design

It's vital to understand that Maybach ST electric side steps are designed as an integrated system. The Maybach-style skirts feature a specific cut-out to accommodate the deploying and retracting mechanism of the electric steps. Simply installing the skirts without the electric steps would leave an unsightly gap, compromising the structural integrity and aesthetic finish. Therefore, they must be installed as a complete set with the electric running boards.

The Installation Process: Precision and Expertise

Installing the Maybach ST electric side steps on a Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is a detailed process typically requiring around 3 hours. The procedure involves carefully removing the existing running boards and precisely mounting the brackets for the new electric steps onto the vehicle's chassis. The electrical wiring is a critical phase, ensuring a stable and reliable connection that adheres to factory standards. After installation, multiple tests are conducted to verify the smooth operation of the steps, ensuring they deploy and retract flawlessly with each door opening and closing.

Installation process:

1. Removal of factory running boards and preparation of mounting points.
2. Precise installation of the electric side step mounting brackets to the GLE 450's chassis.
3. Careful routing and connection of electrical wiring for the step motors, ensuring adherence to OEM specifications.
4. Functional testing of the deploying and retracting mechanism to ensure smooth operation.
5. Final inspection and cleanup.