sean1.8t

I don't think they make (as of right now at least) a GLE43.

They do have the new, slightly smaller, GLC43 (and GLC63). I'm thinking SUV for my next lease and the GLC is definitely on the short list.

bcampbell67

I recently turned in a 2016 C450 AMG after 1 year with less than 3200 miles. Traded it in for a new 2017 C63 AMG.

The C450 AMG was a nice car and had everything the C63 did with respect to the interior. But the real difference for me is the V8 and additional horsepower. Being in Texas, not too concerned about snow and ice.

The C450 was solid and felt great, very sporty with the V6. However, this C63 at 85 mph (as I am still under 1,000 miles), is not even out of the stable yet.

If you are going to do some real driving, and do some distance or track, I would get the C63. If you are just going around the corner for a trip to the hardware store or a coffee, C450 is plenty considering the step change in price and HP.

Mr. J

There is a fugly GLE43 "coupe".

It's big ugly and slow. So ugly in fact that it rivals the BMW x6 for fugliness. In person it is even fuglier than the pics on MBUSA. It's big, ugly, and more expensive than the SUV version. It also has less cargo room than the SUV but no significant reduction in weight. These coupe-u-vees should have been aborted in a back alley somewhere. I am embarrassed for all the poor saps that have purchased one of these monstrosities.
Did I mention it's ugly?

poops

I present to you the AMG GLE43 Coupe - https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic.../model-GLE43C4

GLC63M3

Im not a huge fan of the GLE. The interior, and those buttons, are so dated at this point. Love the C Class interior.

I have my order in for a 2018, and going to stick with the C43. I think it just makes the most sense for now, and heck gives me something to aspire for down the line in the C63. Hoping by the time that comes, they will have a C63 with AWD. Ive literally driven AWD cars my entire life, so I wont know what I'm missing with RWD.

coladin

I think that is a solid choice. Personally, coming from a C400 I just thought I would carry on as I did for the last three years, but there is definitely something quite different from this C43. It has more tuning and enhancements to make it feel like it has been properly tuned, and I am having a good time so far!

GLC63M3

Howd you do though coming from the 6.2L C63 down to the C43? Did you feel like it was a letdown at all or did you fill that void with the Z06?

coladin

I think that if there was a C43 at the time it would have certainly helped the adjustment. Going from the C63 to the C400 didn't bother me one bit until spring. After that it was very depressing! It affected me big time as my C63s were my happy pill. Cars should make you smile and they are here to give us an emotional reaction.

Getting the Z06 was exactly what I needed and ultimately my master plan. I was always planning ima summer car at some point. It was supposed to be a SL63 but an unplanned test drive changed things! A manual transmission car that is truly outrageous, the Z06. Couldn't be happier!

Funnily enough, getting the Z06 made me love my C400 as the Benz didnt have to shoulder the load of being my sports car and family daily driver. It was now isolated in a role it try excelled on.

Having a C63 as a daily driver in my neck of the woods (and yours) is a very hard thing to do. Sure, it can be done as i did itnfor 5 winters, but it was becoming a drag and tiresome.

The more I drive the C43 the more I appreciate the differences from my C400. I think you will really enjoy it's character and the exhaust is a hoot.

Personally, if I had to go C63 coupe I would rather a Z06 all day!

GLC63M3

I think I am going to be happy either way with the C43, but the more I think about it, if I really want a 3.5 second car, Id rather beat the heck out of a used ZL1 Camaro than be destroying an 85K C63s if that makes any sense.

...Not that the 43 isnt going to get some full throttle once its broken in, but I'd feel less bad about doing that to a 60K car vs 85K when one will depreciate way more than the other.

sean1.8t

"Destroying"?

Haha wow buddy. You really think that?

These cars are engineered to perform, designed and intended to be used. On the other end of the spectrum, it's actually bad to not regularly run an ICE (internal combustion engine) full throttle and to redline.

GLC63M3

By destroy I mean it like that. I mean more of the I'd be annoyed by the door dings, curb rash, stuff that happens to your car every day by taking it to target, to dinner ect. My bad - wasnt clear on that.

Im totally OCD about those things so I'd be so paranoid about it on an 85K car at all times.

coladin

Both of my C63s were whipped pretty good. I would replace my rear tires every 4000 miles. They were a hoot to drive and generally are designed for aggressive driving. But they do break just everything else, whether you take it easy or hard. But save up for tires...this platform and this car eats tires. Or at least mine!

poops

Completely agree with this assessment. Drove a C43 and C63 in sedan trims this weekend. I came away unexpectedly perplexed, because I honestly preferred the ride of the C43. It was tight, fast, confidence inspiring, and the performance exhaust was beautiful. The C63, while a very powerful car, with a nasty beast of an engine, felt overweight and bloated. And, there was a noticeable delay in the gas pedal response.

And, the C63's power just felt like way too much overkill. No way anyone needs that amount of power on the roads. C43 felt just right.

coladin

For me it is overpriced.

I drove my Z06 today...so i am in the camp that there is never enough power!

GLC63M3

I test drove a '15 M4 with exec package yesterday. Really just did it as my "due diligence" to see the other competitors out there. It was a nice car, it was fast and all, but it definitely leaves something to be desired as far as sound and "agressiveness" that even the C43 fills. Im sure eventually the .07 seconds faster the next step up in these cars will matter, but as someone who has to daily drive a Chevy Equinox LT and soon to be Ford Explorer Base as a work vehicle and Grand Cherokee on the weekends, I'll feel like I am going fast enough when my 43 comes in.

bcampbell67

"And, the C63's power just felt like way too much overkill. No way anyone needs that amount of power on the roads. C43 felt just right.[/QUOTE]"



No way anyone needs that amount of power on the roads? I am not sure I'm down with this logic. No one needs a Mercedes Benz or a big screen tv either. Reflecting on the difference in 300+ versus 400+ HP, I am thinking arguments around too much HP is a rabbit hole. I guess we can refer to the story of three bears for the remainder of the debate.

Mr. J

It's true that none of us ever need that much power on the open road, but most of us still want that much power to play with.

sean1.8t

For real. I don't need a lot of things. But I want ALL THE THINGS!!! And HP is on the top of that list!

poops

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I get the visceral 'need' to have all that HP/torque right under one's @$$. However, does anyone else think the C63 really felt bloated/heavy? And the noticeable turbo lag?

coladin

I like it a lot but something is missing from it. Can't pinpoint it.

Mr. J

Ain't no lag from the C63. The hesitation when accelerating from a full stop is characteristic of the tranny and has nothing to do with turbo lag.

sean1.8t

Traction....? Lol I dunno. Never had the pleasure of piloting one, myself

coladin

The engine sound ain't what it used to be is one big factor. New motor is great, obviously, but in the name of efficiency they kinda ruined something that was truly special, the big NA motor feel.

sean1.8t

Obviously it's not going to sound near as good as the iconic 6.2l. But I really think MB nails it when it comes to their FI exhaust notes as of late. The 4.0TT sounds amazing even in stock form and the 3.0TT's sound so much better than all other TT 6 cylinders out there (BMW = Barf!). The only one that sounds as good, or maybe even better, is the Guilia Quadrapholioliioholoilililooiliooooo. But that motor was built by Ferrari so...

coladin

I suppose.

The Giulia sounds a little strange in vids. I have to hear that In person!