Mercedes GLE’s Bouncy E-ABC Feature Bounces Itself Out of U.S. Models
Mercedes fans who loved the bounce of the GLE Merc’s E-Active Body Control will have to roll their own, or buy a 2021 GLS 580 or GLS 600 Maybach.
If you happen to see a Mercedes riding low, usually it’s due to mods in the suspension. It’s a rare sight to see a Mercedes lowrider, to be sure. However, the company did have one thing in common with lowriders in general: the bounce. Lucky GLE owners who opted for the company’s E-Active Body Control, or E-ABC, discovered they could make their rides bounce not only out of soft surfaces, but on the street while at the light or low-speed cruising.
Alas, that part of the Mercedes Free Driving Assist is no longer available to the GLE as of 2021. According to MotorTrend, the feature is only available on a couple of pricier rides.
“We constantly evaluate our portfolio to ensure we simplify the ordering process for our dealers and customers,” a Mercedes representative told MotorTrend. “We’ve decided to continue offering E-ABC as an option in the GLS 580 and standard on the GLS 600 Maybach, but have removed the option from the GLE/GLS 450 as a result of low take rates.”
Why the low-take rates? Because the E-ABC is also an $6,500 option, one few are willing drop a lot of cash upon, especially when for around $1,200, they can have a similar ride (though no bounce) from the Mercedes Airmatic air-ride suspension.
At a starting price of almost $55,000, most GLE customers would rather focus their funds on features they’ll actually use. And a few would rather not need to buy Dramamine to go with the bouncy-bouncy lady in the driveway.
Thus, those who want E-ABC will now be paying six figures to get it. The GLS 580 starts at nearly $99,000, with the option pushing the base up to $105,500 by itself. The GLS 600 Maybach, meanwhile, hits the ground running at $160,000; the option price is a drop in the bucket, by comparison.
Mercedes adds the E-ABC will be available in the S-Class and S-Class Maybach. However, these sedans “won’t offer the bouncy bounce mode” found in the SUVs. After all; how often would anyone drive their S-Class off-road? Guess it’s time to visit the hydraulic shop.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz
Join the MB World forums now!
