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Ride quality comparisson

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Old Jan 18, 2023 | 11:33 AM
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Ride quality comparisson

Hey all,


I'm currently driving a GLE, and I was wondering how different is the ride quality relative to the G class. For me the ride quality and comfort is >>>> exterior looks, but I like visually so much more the G class.

Another question, what do you think about the future EQG? Will it have the rear wheel steering similar to the EQE/ EQS?
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Old Jan 18, 2023 | 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted by victor234
Hey all,


I'm currently driving a GLE, and I was wondering how different is the ride quality relative to the G class. For me the ride quality and comfort is >>>> exterior looks, but I like visually so much more the G class.

Another question, what do you think about the future EQG? Will it have the rear wheel steering similar to the EQE/ EQS?

The GLE is meant to be a more comfortable car compared to G wagon. While the car is comfortable, people who get G class dont typically aim for comfort. If you care more for cabin comfort/ride, then stick with GLE. If you want elegance, presence, heavy power, and hard core reliable car, then the G is for you.
This is only my personal opinion, but if you plan on going to G class, then get the G63. Many who get the G550 usually regret not going all out on getting the AMG performance. Good luck!
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Old Jan 18, 2023 | 01:46 PM
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I've ridden and driven the previous generation GL several times, along with the current generation Infiniti QX and BMW X5 Series as a point of comparison.

Last Gen GL, I'll rate it a 10 (to set the scale)
Infiniti QX - 9ish
BMW X5 - 8ish
My G55 on OE Suspension - 3 (this is being generous)
My G55 on 63 springs and Fox Shocks - 5-6

My guesses having never driven/ridden in them:
Older G500 - 5
Older G550 (W463) - 6
Older G63 (W463) - 5
Newer G550 (W463A) - 8
Newer G63 (W463A) - 7

There is almost no info out about the EQG, but it will probably be a more refined version of the newer G's (W463A) with a premium price tag attached. The only real way they would implement RWS into the GQG is if they did away with the solid rear axle. This is possible with the EQG but will basically make the EQG more like the other SUV's in MB's lineup compared to the regular G.
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Old Jan 18, 2023 | 02:06 PM
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Does the AMG version have a firmer ride than the G550? I suppose so.
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Old Jan 18, 2023 | 04:01 PM
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Yes - but for the 463 shocks are a more important factor.... going to adjustable Fox's on our G63 utterly changed the ride quality and handling for the better. Handling gets almost decent if you widen the track out with either spacers, or lower offset rims and put a 295-325 on it....

that all said - it's an Apples to Potatoes comparison...... but they both have a specific purpose.

have you drive a G ? That's the real starting point..... and don't even get us going on interior and ergonomics....

Our G55 is however a long -term hold for me....can't see what would replace it.

E

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Old Jan 18, 2023 | 06:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Texas E63
Yes - but for the 463 shocks are a more important factor.... going to adjustable Fox's on our G63 utterly changed the ride quality and handling for the better. Handling gets almost decent if you widen the track out with either spacers, or lower offset rims and put a 295-325 on it....

that all said - it's an Apples to Potatoes comparison...... but they both have a specific purpose.

have you drive a G ? That's the real starting point..... and don't even get us going on interior and ergonomics....

Our G55 is however a long -term hold for me....can't see what would replace it.

E
I didn't drive it yet, I need to, but I have the impression that it's not for me. Wind noise, less comfort etc, dealbreaker for me. The exterior however it's the best, but it doesn't justify the compromises
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Old Jan 19, 2023 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by victor234
I didn't drive it yet, I need to, but I have the impression that it's not for me. Wind noise, less comfort etc, dealbreaker for me. The exterior however it's the best, but it doesn't justify the compromises
Lot's of people buy the G for looks and styling only to trade them after a few months. It's literally a brute to drive but there is nothing else like it in the world.
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Old Jan 21, 2023 | 08:09 AM
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If ride quality is your major concern not sure why you would even look at a G Wagon? Its the ultimate off-road vehicle with enough comforts to be used on road. Newer version is better ride and handling but still a G Wagon.
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Old Jan 22, 2023 | 10:33 PM
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My wife has always been a cheap date. She currently drives a 2014 GLK350.

She's lately been curious about "upgrading" to a used W463 G55/G550. So we've been test driving them.

As much as I absolutely LOVE the G class for it's technical superiority, off road capabilities, and undeniably cool styling, her GLK350 is lightyears ahead in ride comfort and interior comfort. It's not even close. My best friend drives a 2014 ML350 and it's even better. If interior/ride comfort are your primary concerns, ignore the G. Period.

That being said, I'm still going to sell the wife's GLK and get her into a G. They fulfill everything "SUV" that her GLK never could. The sacrifices in ride quality and interior comfort are worth it to me.
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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by shiann
I've ridden and driven the previous generation GL several times, along with the current generation Infiniti QX and BMW X5 Series as a point of comparison.

Last Gen GL, I'll rate it a 10 (to set the scale)
Infiniti QX - 9ish
BMW X5 - 8ish
My G55 on OE Suspension - 3 (this is being generous)
My G55 on 63 springs and Fox Shocks - 5-6

My guesses having never driven/ridden in them:
Older G500 - 5
Older G550 (W463) - 6
Older G63 (W463) - 5
Newer G550 (W463A) - 8
Newer G63 (W463A) - 7

There is almost no info out about the EQG, but it will probably be a more refined version of the newer G's (W463A) with a premium price tag attached. The only real way they would implement RWS into the GQG is if they did away with the solid rear axle. This is possible with the EQG but will basically make the EQG more like the other SUV's in MB's lineup compared to the regular G.
Yea, I think Shiann pretty much nailed this. I would add though that my G55 with ORC/Eibach springs and Koni Raid shocks probably gets to a 6/7 on Shiann's scale.
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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 10:24 AM
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G55 are a lot rougher ride than say a 2013-17 G63 OR G550. It was the major complaint with them. Actually someone just took my old G63 shocks to install in their G55.

They are great around town SUV's. They are super narrow making parking a breeze.

I have always used as a second vehicle but use it very often. If you don't like attention do not get one.
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Old Jan 28, 2023 | 01:11 PM
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Thanks guys for the answers and different perspectives, food for thought.
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Old Jan 28, 2023 | 08:33 PM
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I found my 2017 G63 to be a LOT more comfortable to drive on the highway than my 2014 or 2016 G550’s were. The difference in the G63’s suspension was clearly the difference maker there. I have never driven the new style G’s, but it should be safe to assume they would handle better and definitely have a more comfy interior. But the advice to test drive what you’re considering is the best option as only you can decide what’s good for you. Just make sure the test drive includes a mix of highway and secondary roads to get a feel for how the ride is in both situations.

When I owned the G550's and G63, I had the chance to drive just about everything Mercedes had at the time as loaner cars or on the track at the AMG track event I went to (not sure if they're still doing it, but it was a super fun day), up until I traded the G63 in for a Land Cruiser in the summer of 2020. All of the other SUV's (GLC, GLE, GLS, even the GLA) have a softer, smoother ride than the G's did. And that makes perfect sense given the weight, suspension setup, and so on. For me, the G seats were very comfortable, even on long drives. But the GLE and GLS seats probably would have been even more comfortable on a long drive. For visibility, the G won hands down as the seating position allowed you to see pretty much right in front of the vehicle, out the sides, and out the back like pretty much nothing else.

Last edited by greynlds; Jan 29, 2023 at 10:49 AM.
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 02:59 AM
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Originally Posted by victor234
Hey all,


I'm currently driving a GLE, and I was wondering how different is the ride quality relative to the G class. For me the ride quality and comfort is >>>> exterior looks, but I like visually so much more the G class.

Another question, what do you think about the future EQG? Will it have the rear wheel steering similar to the EQE/ EQS?
G has heavier unsprung mass (heavier wheels and tires) and a Conestoga wagon rigid rear axle. Comparing apples-apples (coil spring suspension vs coil spring suspension) this will never be more comfortable than a four wheel independent suspension and lighter unsprung mass, which the GLE has.
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 05:21 PM
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G550 will always be more comfortable than any AMG variant.

I will caution you against what a member above advised regarding buying a 63 AMG. If you want a reliable, cheaper ownership experience, stay away from the G63. G55 is reliable, G550 is reliable, but you'll find 63 owners continuously battling expensive repairs. It is a high performance machine, and like most anything in life, you pay for elite performance.

Also, my 550 is PLENTY fast / powerful for a brick on wheels. An AMG G wagon is insanity. Lol.
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by PeriodCorrect
G550 will always be more comfortable than any AMG variant.
Having owned a 2014 G550, 2016 G550 (this one had the new motor and the optional adjustable suspension), and 2017 G63, I can't really agree. The quilted leather seats in the G63 were more comfortable than the seats were in the G550's were, but the interiors were otherwise identical from a comfort point of view. The G63 was much less of a handful on the highway than the G550's were. The G550's had a somewhat softer ride, but the tradeoff in how much they wanted to wander on the highway just wasn't worth it IMHO. If I was going to be driving for 8 hours at a time on a long trip, I was much happier in the G63. I'm not sure how much the suspensions were tweaked over the course of the model years, so the model year may be important in this discussion.

Originally Posted by PeriodCorrect
I will caution you against what a member above advised regarding buying a 63 AMG. If you want a reliable, cheaper ownership experience, stay away from the G63. G55 is reliable, G550 is reliable, but you'll find 63 owners continuously battling expensive repairs. It is a high performance machine, and like most anything in life, you pay for elite performance.
The turbos in the G63's will definitely make the ownership costs higher over time, so I certainly agree that the G550's would be a bit less expensive for maintenance. But any G is going to be expensive to maintain as parts aren't cheap.

Originally Posted by PeriodCorrect
Also, my 550 is PLENTY fast / powerful for a brick on wheels. An AMG G wagon is insanity. Lol.
Yes, the G550's were fast enough, but the G63 was definitely way more fun and the extra power was actually useful at times. But let's face it - ANY G wagon, AMG or not, is insanity .
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Old Jan 29, 2023 | 05:50 PM
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I think the OP likely won't be impressed once / if they drive any G - utterly different for the GLE and NX they show /shared as driving - and the questions don't show a use case or standard M.O. of the normal person I know considering a G...

Agreed on the 63 as being high maint... ours was flawless for the 30k we had it, but I wouldn't want a high mileage one.... as for HP, we had a EC tune on it and it was a monster to 120...
The 55's are the sweet spot to me for function and reliablity of the motor - the rest ( elec items specifically) are always going to be a rotation of issues ... the 63 seats are WAYYY better then anything prior, and I'll likely upgrade t oa set or do Scheelmans down the road.

happy Sunday
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Old Jan 30, 2023 | 08:43 AM
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If you want a good ride quality go w the Range Rover. I tell folks the pre 2018 Gs ride like a 90s Toyota 4Runner...its a truck. My dealer gave me a newer model GLC as a loaner when they first came out and it felt really cramped to me bc the G has a lot more headroom.
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