I currently own a first gen, pre facelift GL and have ridden in the W166. Currently looking at the mid size suv class (GLE and X5) to replace the GL as the GL is too big and not very fuel efficient, and the tech is essentially obsolete.

The most important criteria for my next vehicle is comfort. Specifically ride comfort, quietness (wind/road/ambient noise), and seat comfort (which I realize is highly subjective).

Unfortunately there are zero GLEs in my area to evaluate so for now, I’d like to hear from current owners about how well the GLE meets those criteria. I’m slightly concerned about the ride comfort of the standard steel suspension after having read the reviews but then again I’ve disagreed with reviewer evaluations many, many times. It would be even more helpful if owners of past GLs or GLEs/MLs could chime in!

 

My previous car, 2015 ML350 had the air suspension and my current GLE450 doesn't. I've driven the 450 on the highway, bumpy country roads and around the city and I haven't noticed a notable difference. Granted I was able to stiffen up the suspension before for spirited driving but in 5 years of ownership, I did that maybe twice. It was in comfort mode most of the time. I find the current steel spring setup perfectly acceptable, it still corners nicely and is very comfortable for my daily commute. I don't miss the air suspension one bit! The seats are very comfortable and the interior is quiet. Overall I'm very pleased with the overall ride quality of the 450.

 

I had a W164 (2010) ML 350, a W166 (2014) ML350, both steel sprung, and both BlueTec. 100,000 miles in each.
I spent a week in a V167 GLE 350, steel, and have a GLE 450 Air/ E-Active Body Control.
Test drove a GLE450 with air / no E-ABC, so I think I can make a comparison.

The 2010 W164 had a nice luxurious feel and had reasonably responsive steering. The 2014 W166 had a floaty ride and wallow-y handling - I never felt comfortable on roads with curves. I suppose the ride could be called "luxurious," but I didn't like it at all.
The new V167 has a far superior chassis, and ALL versions (above) were more luxurious - and handled better - than the 2010 and especially the 2014.
The steel sprung GLE350 (2021) rides better and handles better than either 2010 or 2014.
The air sprung GLE450 (2021) rode better yet and handled better too. The E-ABC is better yet.

If luxurious ride is important, get the 19" wheels. If handling is important, at least go to the 20".
Also look for an Acoustic Package and Massage seats. You won't look back.

The AMG53 is less luxurious than the air or steel GLE's, but far more controlled and luxurious than the previous W166 GLE43. I wonder if the Active Ride Control on the AMG gives a smoother ride than the AMG 53 standard air suspension, similar to the E-ABC on the GLE450 improves both ride and handling, compared to the air ride on the same GLE450.

 

The 450 is much smoother, quieter and more refined than the 350. I would suggest Airmatic for ride comfort; I have E-ABC which is not available any more and the ride even with 21s is plush in Comfort mode - Airmatic will be similar. Despite mikapen's comment, don't get the 19" wheels - they come with really small tires and just look stupid on this big a vehicle.

Ours is very quiet even with the Pano sunroof. There is some buffeting with the drivers window down. We have the Sport seats which I didn't like at first but have gotten accustomed to. For you get the Multicontours with massage. Leather of course seems a little more lux to most, Nappa leather the best. MBTex or leather dash a must.

 

Wow, you’ve really been around the midsize MB SUV block. This is a very useful comparison. Considering I already found the steel sprung W166 GLE350 comfortable (though quite wallowy both linearly and laterally), it sounds like the current GLE350 should be a pleasant experience. It’s comforting (no pun intended) to hear that the steel springs provide a smooth ride as I’d rather not have to replace all four air springs on a vehicle again (as was done on my X164). I’m sure the vehicle is already quiet without the acoustic package, which can only be ordered with the 450 according to the online configurator.

 

Thanks for the reply. I assume you’re referring to the 450’s engine characteristics vs the 350? Also, are the sports seats you’re talking about the optional AMG sport seats? I would probably opt for the standard seats, which I assume are the same shape as the multi contour, just with fewer adjustments.

How’s the road noise with the 21s? It looks like the acoustic comfort package includes reinforced rear carpet and reinforced felt in the doors (information I could only find on MB of Latin America, curiously), which I assume would quell road noise, so I’m curious to know if you feel the package would be worth it if larger tires were spec’d?

 

I have owned the first of every Ml/GLE generation since 1997 for their full model cycles. Only once did I have an Airmatic issue, repaired under warranty. Regarding 350 vs 450, it would be great if you could try both for yourself. IMO, the mild hybrid 6 adds so much refinement that it’s a no-brainer at this price point.

 

I would definitely consider the inline six. It wouldn’t feel right to go from a classic naturally aspirated Mercedes V8 to a turbocharged I4 and the 350 is lacking in options anyway. My only worry with the air suspension is I generally like to keep my vehicles to a little past the 100k mile mark, which is around the time the GL’s air suspension started failing. As I understand, essentially all airbags will fail after a certain number of miles and I wish it were possible to know what that was on the W167; unfortunately, it’s too early in the life cycle to determine this but if it could last 90-100k miles, I’d consider the option.

 

You are probably correct that 100k or so is pushing it for the Airmatic system - I typically keep min 7 years/70k miles. That being said, A couple grand (guessing here) or whatever that repair would cost amortized over 10-12 years does not seem that bad.

 

Theoretically it should provide better handling and comfort with the active sway bars, though shock valving will play a role. I had a '12 ML with the Active Curve system, which was the precursor to this and liked it. Would have gotten it over E-ABC if it had been available. Maybe some current 53 owners can chime in.

 

Air suspension is worth the money. I have it on both my cars and would not go without. My GLE has a smooth ride because It has regular 21" tires and not run flats.

 

I never drove an Active Curve System-equipped car. Your post from 2011 is informative https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ve-system.html Did yours also have On/Off-Road package?
I would think the E-ABC with its 48V actuators would be more responsive and reliable than the (now old) hydraulic Active Curve system.
What are your objections to the E-ABC vs. Active Curve? The complexity of the camera-driven E-ABC? (I have E-ABC now.)

I am still considering an AMG53, and wondering about the current Active Ride Control, as an enhancement for comfort as well as the occasional Track Day. Hoping for feedback from AMG 53 owners on this.

 

My '12 did not have the Off Road package; I do not believe it was available then. Active Curve was part of what they called the Dynamic Handling Package, which was $5,150 in 2011. The 48v electro-mechanical actuators as well as improved sensors and computing power in ARC is surely much more responsive than the old hydraulic system.

My concerns with E-ABC are long term reliability given the increased complexity. The main reason I got it was to get the better roll control; I seldom use Active Curve, Free Driving Assist or Individual Wheel Control. In Sport+ E-ABC controls roll well and should be very similar to the Active Ride system, if not identical except for programming.

 

Luxury : 8 out of 10
quality : 6 out of 10
reliability : 3 out of 10

 

LUXURY : 9/10
QUALITY 9/10
RELIABILITY 9/10

 

LUXURY : 8/10
QUALITY 9/10
RELIABILITY 9/10

Obviously quattrogmbh has had a different experience.

 

a very different experience but I’m in the UK so it may be manufacturer support in the US is better.

 

I am also in the UK and don't have a problem with the GLE hence the 9 scores across the board., will obviously depend on which model you have and goodies fitted.

 

want to swap?

 

After 4 days with the GLE350, I find it more luxurious than my 2018 GLE300, which I also found to be a luxurious and tightly-constructed vehicle. I find both of them more luxurious than my BMW535. It is a matter of personal preference, I suppose. Now no one could consider my father-in-law's 1964 220S sedan luxurious. It had a steering wheel the size of a bus.

 

Depends what you have got.

 

I’m pretty satisfied with how quiet and comfy the gle350 is.I just took it out of town last weekend and oh man it feels like you’re floating on a cloud