thadez

Been following this group for a while, thanks for all the great insights....first time poster here. Looking to purchase either a 2021 AMG 53 or 580, but having a difficult time choosing. Typically have enjoyed cars with great handling and fun aspect in the past, most recently owning a 718 Cayman, but there seems to be so many pros/cons about each.

I’m leaning towards to AMG53, but really hoping to get your feedback. Concerned because the 450 was lacking for me, but the handling/dynamics of the 53 seem impressive given the weight. There doesn’t seem to be a straight discussions on here so All insights and opinions welcome. Seem to be somewhat same price range of similarity specs versions.

Ron.s

I went back and forth between the two but when I found E-ABC not available on the 580, I went 53. I wish they had an option for the 580 V-8 in an AMG...call it a 53S or a 63 vs the 63S with 600+ HP. For me the handling and interior options made the 53 a better choice. There are tunes and Chip Tunes available for more HP if that were an issue. I was happy with my 450 except always that the acceleration was a little lazy (too linear) and another 50 ponies won’t hurt. I prefer a more aggressive suspension and engine tune but others may not. Both are good choices, IMO.

Retired@52

I just picked up my GLE 580 three weeks ago and while I’ve only put less than 400 miles on it, I really like it a lot so far. I came from a 2018 BMW M550i, and for me the sound and feel of a V8 is something I became accustomed to and decided was more important to me. Also in the BMW, being in a car that wasn’t a “real” M series but with an M label felt weird at times, and I think I’d feel the same way in a Mercedes that isn’t a “true” AMG. SUVs aren’t really made or known for handling/dynamics so that wasn’t really a consideration for me. Good luck with your search and keep us posted.

places

100%. I'd take V8 over diluted AMG every day.

threeMBs

Do not know about other brands, but IMHO W166 ML63 PP handles fantastic, on par with (or better than) many "sports" sedans/GTs and stops as well as many sport cars (especially considering its weight). W166 GLE63/S handles/stops even better, and W167 GLE63S should be a step (or two) above of W166. It remains to be seen if W167 GLE53 can be close in handling to GLE63, but that it is well above of GLE580 is unquestionable in my mind (based on previous experience with ML550 and GLE43).

To the OP, if handling is priority - GLE53, if low end torque is more important - GLE580 (handling compromise though).

tery

I think for such big heavy car there is a point enough power is enough. Unless like the 63 you can option big brake kit or an aftermarket one, braking is equally important. You can accelerate faster with V8 but you can’t hide the weight once it comes to handling. Take the GT63 sedan for example, it’s an amazing car but it won’t last on the track for too long. The weight will kill the tires and brake. It’s more of a money/power symbolic thing than efficiency.
Are you really going to bring this car to even track it once ? Or you just enjoy some fast driving time to time ? maybe 580 with E ABC enjoy the comfort ?

for me I will spend my money on full sports AMG on like GTR pro or c63s. And an E53 wagon or GLE53 for daily. I rather sit in the mall with my wife than spending it at the gas station. If you only going to have one car I understand going after 63/580. It’s just me, maybe I am not wealthy enough to just consider everything top of the line items.

threeMBs

I would think that most of those buying 63s are not planning to ever use them on the track. There are plenty of situations in real life day to day driving (unless most if not all driving is in heavy or bumper to bumper traffic) when both great handling of 63 (and maybe of 53 if equipped as 63, but this still remains to be proven) as well as great power of V8s in 63 (and to a lesser degree in 580) can truly be enjoyed and be useful at the same time.

thadez

Thanks all, I appreciate it. I figured the 53 was going to feel more powerful the 450... even in the low range....that not the case??? Does it really just feel like a higher reving 450 with tighter cornering? The 53 looks better, full stop. I only had the opportunity to drive the GL”S” 580 around Dallas, and it was night and day bs the 450. Does the 53 still drive comforting on a day to day basis?

Side note: will not be tracking my car, We decided to go from 2 cars (718 cayman, and Volvo XC40) to 1, as a result of having a new born on the way and not really needing two cars these days. I needed constant backseat also didn’t want to be stuck driving my wife’s Volvo everyday :p...but I do want to rip it on the Hwy on Ramp/backroads every now on then

also has a “refundable” deposit that I put down with a dealer on custom 53- with 4% off. But having second thoughts

caspertm

I would go for the 53 especially when it comes to excitement.


Watch that video. It made me decide on the 43 rather than the 500 and I have never regretted.

petee1997

I have a gle53 and I think it performs well. In comfort it is very smooth riding especially with air suspension. It tighten quite a bit in Sport plus if you prefer a firmer ride. If equipped with nappa leather, the interior is quite nice with very comfortable seats. Performance for a 5000lbs car is adequate. No problem merging with traffic off the ramp getting on the hwy. I think the 580 will outperform it with the right suspension and brakes. Canada does not offer the 580. All we get is the 53 or 63 in the AMG. I think you would be happy with either one. Keep in mind the 53 is the newest technology whereas the 580 is not a a 48 volt system and is older technology. Resale will probably be better on the 53 because v8’s are going the way of the dodo bird. Also I would think the 53 has better fuel efficiency if that matters to you.

ENCT

I believe 580 is a 48 volt system, my son picked one up a week ago.
Eric

Retired@52

Incorrect, the 580 does have the 48 volt system. It also has air suspension (although not AMG ride control), sport brakes, plus 54 more horsepower, 132 ft lbs more torque and quicker 0 - 60 times (4.9 vs 5.2). The main difference is the so called “AMG” badge.

ENCT

Code 489 states AMG Sport Suspension based on AIRMATIC. I have a 580 being built on November 21st.

threeMBs

Yes it would, except in US I have not see availability of AMG 63 suspension and brakes on '20 580, but both are available on 53.

Edit: if both AMG Ride Control+ and AMG High-performance braking systems (silver or red calipers, does not matter) become available for '21 580 (along with 53/63 sport interior), then I would take 580 over 53, no question. However, as is ('20 580 vs. '21 53) I would choose 53 for handling/braking (also no Sport+ for 580, unless equipped with E-Active).

Retired@52

Interesting, is yours a 2021? I picked up my 580 in August and the 2020s only offered the basic airmatic suspension or the e-active body control back when I ordered in March.

petee1997

Does the 580 have the electric motor and no belts like the 53

Retired@52

[QUOTE=petee1997;8157812]Does the 580 have the electric motor and no belts like the 53[/QUOTE
correct, same as the 450 as well

ENCT

2021, I am reading off of my order sheet.

threeMBs

Is code 489 the same as 53's standard AMG Ride Control+ (also standard on 63) or 53's optional AMG Active Ride control (also standard on 63) and is Sport+ included with code 489?

Is AMG High-performance braking system (15.8" front rotors with 6 piston calipers) available as option for '21 580?

ENCT

I am not sure about your questions. DOG states the following: Sport brake system with perforated front brake discs, larger brake size and brake caliper trim with Mercedes Benz lettering. We are getting the 580 for more of a cruiser, I am ordering a 2021 E63S for myself to quench my need for speed. I had a RRS SVR and felt like no matter the sport goodies it was still a top heavy SUV.

threeMBs

"Sport brake system" is standard on 580 with 14.8" front perforated rotors with I think 2 piston calipers (13.6" rear solid rotors).





As I expected, AMG brakes are not and can not be possibly offered on non-AMGs even as an option. FYI: AMG brakes with 15.8" front perforated rotors and massive 6 piston front calipers are standard on 63 and optional on 53. Rear AMG rotors are: 13.6" on 53 and 14.6" perforated on 63(optional on 53).

AMG 63 front brakes (optional on 53):





Standard 53 front brakes:



Which brings me back to my main question regarding quote "code 489 states AMG Sport Suspension". As I remember, code 489 was used by Mercedes a long time ago referring only to Aimatic Suspension. Of course Airmatic suspension is standard on 580. Is it really AMG Sport Suspension (Ride Control+ or Active Ride Control) or is it something else which is clearly not AMG suspension? I speculate that code 489 is standard on 580 and as such is a regular non-AMG Airmatic suspension.

ENCT

I'm sure there is a difference between the suspension and brakes, if not it would be a AMG580. Shame they don't bump up the tune on the 53 to be a bit faster than the 580.

threeMBs

I guess the temporary excitement was that for '21 580, sportier (AMG like) equipment could be ordered. Sadly, it is not the case (without looking into details it is basically the same as '20 580). So its either excellent torque of 580 (@516 same as "base" W166 GLE63 AMG) or excellent handling of 53 (if equipped with 63's suspension and brakes). Of course there's 63S.

ENCT

63S would surely be the best of both.

thadez

I have decided to stay with the 53- as much as the 53 is not a 63AMG, I think outside the 0.3 seconds, and extra torque, everything about it is better. Looks, Seats, handling, I like the sports seats and steering wheel feel better, gas etc. also I think resale value will be higher on the 53.

my next debate I was having was sport exhaust but decided to opt out.