I stand corrected; it’s not in the order guide. I was apparently looking at the wrong option. Sorry.

 

fabbrisd1 says the option has, indeed, been discontinued. If true, it concerns me greatly that I have a vehicle with a complex, expensive option that may not have parts available for it in the future. A white elephant: "A white elephant is a possession which its owner cannot dispose of and whose cost, particularly that of maintenance, is out of proportion to its usefulness. In modern usage, it is an object, building project, scheme, business venture, facility, [vehicle], etc., considered expensive but without use or value."

 

They are currently showing that E-ABC will be standard on the upcoming Maybach SUV, but yeah, the option will probably retain little to no value at resale time, unless you find the exact right buyer. I would bet that your White Elephant argument could get you a $5K+ “Customer Retention” offer from MB on your next new vehicle.

 

My guess is that the E-ABC was just too expensive an option for the GLE. It is difficult to market an $8,200.00 option—that nobody can SEE—on a $60K vehicle. I would bet that we will see either straight ABC or possibly MBC offered on the GLE, in the not too distant future, but it may take until MY22 or the mid-cycle face lift.

 

You might want to break the pattern of 1st year buy on new Generation’s. We all know better but normally it’s sorting through the glitches, not a major item like E-ABC. The good news is that if it’s on the Maybach there will be parts and it makes production a more likely reason it’s gone.

 

E-ABC is showing as still available on the ‘21 GLS580, where the take rate was much higher. So there should still be parts being built. I guess the take rate on the GLS450, GLE580, and GLE450 was just too low.

 

Seriously?
The option will be available on the new S Class and Maybach models, which is really where it belongs.
Repair options won't be an issue.

 

I did not see it on the DOG for the non-AMG GLEs. It may still be available on Build your GLE as that seems to still have the 2020 options such as the high end Burmester which is also gone in the non-AMG GLE DOG.

 

Yes, the Mbusa website is still almost 100% 2020 model years. However, looking at the 2021 GLE and GLS order guides, it is not available on any GLE but is available on the GLS580, as I said.

 

This is from our friend fabbis1:

”Correct - pick up rate was not significant - even in the China/Asia market that was the true target.

The other disappointment - Laser headlight technology put off another year due to Covid supply chain issues for that new tech..”

 

Reviving an old thread here.

Does anyone have any educated guess or more information as to whether Mercedes might bring back the E-ABC option to the GLE for the 2024 facelift?

 

I seriously doubt it. The system is just too expensive. I’ve had numerous cars with ABC and MBC. I have EABC on my 2022 S580 and it is a huge disappointment. With an option price of $6,500.00, I fully expected it to be much better than MBC, but the only thing it does better is that it handles speed bumps better & more consistently. Overall ride quality is not nearly as good as with MBC. I would not order EABC again. In addition EABC is such a rarely seen option, that if one doesn’t live near a large, metro area, the techs at the dealerships have no idea how to deal with the systems, since they rarely encounter them. I don’t think we will see EABC back in the GLE anytime soon, but that’s just my opinion.

 

Thanks for your reply.

I am extremely surprised that the EAbc option in your S580 is a huge disappointment. Sorry to hear that.

I currently own an S65 Coupe with Magic Body Control (A BC) and an SL63 with ABC. I've been experiencing ABC suspension since a 2001 CL500. I couldn't love Mercedes' ABC suspension technology more than I currently do.

Just as a side note -- your E-Abc system *is* MBC. It's operational intention is identical to that of Magic Body Control. The only thing "E" about the system is that instead of a belt-driven motor to run the pump for the hydraulic fluid, which taxes the combustion engine a bit, Mercedes uses a 48V system to power the pump. This saves on fuel (somewhat), and eliminates a motor. Otherwise, the system is exactly the same as Magic Body Control (which is the most advanced variant of ABC and uses a camera), but probably with some production improvements for the new generation of implementation of ABC.

 

I'm right there with you. I would ALWAYS go for ABC or MBC, as they are magnificent options. However, I feel very strongly that the EABC in my 2022 is not calibrated as it should be and the car does not ride nearly as well as my previous three W222's with MBC.

 

Makes sense.

Interesting. So in terms of calibration and riding well — can you expand a bit? I’m guessing possibilities here — Is the ride quality too stiff? Too sporty? Not sporty enough and too soft? Does it not correct the body roll well, or maybe it does not correct quickly enough?

 

Apparently you are comparing an E-class SUV with an S-class sedan.
I would hope the calibration would be different.
My E-ABC was a bit floaty - is the S-Class more floaty?

 

He was comparing E-ABC in his 2022 S-class with MBC in his prior generation (2013-2020) S-class.

You have/had E-abc in which model?

 

2020 GLE450. Now I have the AMG ARC.
Not sure why anybody would compare an S with a GLE, so I asked.

 

How do you compare the E-Abc to the AMG Active Ride Control? I’m assuming you’ve got it in a GLE53 or 63 variant?

 

I have a 53.
In short, the E-ABC seems more for passenger comfort, and the AMG ARC is more for responsive handling and max grip.
Both are very good at what they do.

IMO all the 167 suspensions are somewhat floaty, except the ARC.
The E-ABC tames this a lot, but not completely. ARC fixes floaty.

E-ABC does a great job of anticipating dips and speed humps (using its cameras) that are the width of the car; ARC does better when only one side is affected, like potholes.

I didn't like the E-ABC "Curve" function because it leans more than you'd expect, even though it's adjustable. It's definitely not a Performance setting. Passengers loved it, though.
On the 53, the ARC gives a smoother ride than standard 53 air.

I miss the E-ABC off-road capabilities, not only the massive ground clearance, but the ability to extend an individual wheel that has low traction.
ARC has less clearance, although it's Max lift is similar to standard Air. It adds Trail and Sand modes which are great for Forest Service roads and wandering about.

But the chin spoiler on the AMG really limits approach angle, so I have resigned myself to the fact that I'll no longer be able to do heavy duty off-roading or overlanding. Which I did a LOT, with my 164 and 166.

I was fortunate to sample the E-ABC (owned), ARC, GLE 53 Standard Air, 450 Standard Air, and 350 steel springs, before choosing the AMG ARC.

I put the 450 standard air at the bottom (max float), then steel springs, then E-ABC, the AMG ARC at the top for a good handling, supple ride. Interestingly, my wife agrees.

So now I track the car and wear out tires and brakes.

 

In my experience with my '20, E-ABC is zero floaty in Sport+ - corners very flat and stable. Even regular Sport I don't consider at all floaty. Curve, as you say, is a comfort setting and not for performance. I don't find the Road Surface Scan very effective in mine; wish I could determine if it's working correctly, but I know what the dealer would say.

 

I was at a Mercedes dealer today pricing out a new GLE450. Allocations available for a Feb 2023 build. E-ABC was an available option for $6500. The AIRMATIC package was also showing up. There was also an option 491, Lowered suspension with steel springs, not sure what that is about

 

Cool!

Out of curiosity, which would be your suspension of choice?

 

I wonder why EABC doesn’t show on the 2023 DOG?

 

I cannot speak for EABC in the GLE or GLS models, but I have it in my 2022 S580 and I HATE it! Mind you, my last four, previous daily drivers have been S Class sedans, all ordered with the upgraded suspension. My 2013 S550 with ABC and my 2015, 2018 & 2020 S sedans with MBC. Those cars rode like a dream. The new car with EABC rides much rougher, not nearly as compliant over bumps & other road imperfections. At times the ride is jarring and brittle. As I think about a new GLE450, I’d surely go for AirMatic and forget EABC.