Airmatic vs Standard
 

While ordering, I was advised by the salesperson not to go with the airmatic suspension as it does not provide much better comfort as against the standard suspension but costs a a lot more for maintenance and repair.

I test drove the 450 with standard suspension and although it was smooth, wasn't wayyy better than the GLK350 I currently drive. Also, the dealership here in Texas doesn't have any air suspension units I could test drive on and compare. What would you guys suggest?

I heard the E Activ body control is amazing, but it's way too costly for my pockets.

Sounds like someone wants to move their in-stock inventory.

Actually No. I custom ordered. It could however be possible that if most people would prefer a non airmatic version, he could sell it better if I decline.

I do have pretty bumpy roads near where I live and the wheels on my build are 21".

The cost to repair is accurate but that’s only if you keep the car after warranty runs out and then only if you have a problem.

True. Thanks. But does the airmatic provide a much better ride quality? The package is just above 1000$ I believe and that's very much within my budget. However, choosing it would mean placing a fresh order. So, I would really want to be sure before I change that.

Unless your order has been in a long time and it has licked they can make any changes you want.Sure the ride will be better and there are adjustments in the ride comfort. I think the cost is more like $1700

My dealer mentioned that the car has gone into locked phase for changes in February itself, although I wasn't told by them about the change until I inquired. It's due for manufacturing in the 1st week of April. So, I believe changes are no longer possible.

But thanks for the opinion. I'll check back with my salesperson.

Same Dilemma
 

I actually placed an order for a May 3rd decade with Airmatic. I currently see a couple of cars with every feature and color combo I need but without Airmatic. After seeing the delays I am having second thoughts on placing an order vs buying one of the lot.

Yes the suspension ride feel is much better than coil springs.

Seems odd that a dealer should advise not buying an option that they get a percentage of, I drove a 300D without it last week and although acceptable isn't as good. You can also raise and lower the car with air suspension which helps when loading and going off road.

I have done some reading on this and opinions seem to differ widely.
Some airmatic owners swear by it, others less enthusiastic about it.

From my conclusion, it looks like the main advantage of airmatic is adjustable height and better handling (less roll and can firm up suspension at will) rather than extra comfort.
Ride comfort in rough road may be slightly better as it softens the suspention, but some models may result in more "floaty rides" with some even reporting motion sickness by the passengers. I think this is more like YMMV as it depends on the specific roads and the programming/settings of the suspension/car model.

I was not able to do a same model airmatic vs normal suspension comparison.
But I had a test drive, and as I parked the car at the end of the test drive, I looked at the buttons and I realized the car I have been driving actually had airmatic.
This showed that whatever difference airmatic might have, it did not wow me for the duration of my cruising test drive.

Well... frankly about every 2020 on the ground at this moment has non-spec tires - I have seen Cooper tires for peet's sake.

If you have ordered in February - then chances are your salesman had not even driven a 2020 with Airmatic - so he was just making noise.

If you are focused on driving experience - AIRMATIC is the "bomb" for highway comfort - ask any GLS owner - or for Sport ask any AMG GLC/GLE (SUV or Coupe) owner

The Airmatic links to your Driving Profile - and you can also selected Airmatic setting for a Indiv Profile - frankly if you want to maximize your driving enjoyment for Comfort - or Sport - or "Rough Road" - do you want that "difference" for $1710 ?

Your decision is when you want to be driving your GLE - your question is for your sales guy - "if I order with Airmatic when do I get my GLE" - my estimate mid-June..

Keep the beat !