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Hi all. After nearly 8 years with my beloved Bluetec E350, I'm starting to consider getting a newer vehicle. I'm leaning towards SUV, but I'd like some decent around-town performance. The GLE63 is just a little too rich for my blood, and although I liked the GLE53 (I'm a sucker for a straight-6), I'm also thinking about the GLE580. I haven't yet had a chance to drive one. But I haven't found any independent test results, particularly 0-60. MBUSA claims 4.9s 0-60, which seems awfully anemic compared to the BMW and Audi competition. Granted the BMW and Audi are "light" sport models (X5-M50i and SQ7), but with virtually the same horsepower and similar weight, I'd imagine the GLE580 to be competitive. I also realize Mercedes tends to sandbag on official 0-60 figures...
I realize test results aren't everything, but has anyone seen a 0-60 tested on the 580?
I'll still get out to drive one sometime soon, but I figured I'd put this out to the community at large.
I’ve got a 580 on order that should be here in the next few weeks but I’m still not totally sold either. My build is about 94k and I agree for that price the Audi SQ7 is an amazing performer (I’ll probably never own another BMW). And have you seen the interior of the Audi!! But I’m weird and haven’t out ruled a truck either.
Here are a couple threads with good information. I’ve looked for solid information on the 580 specs or true tests and haven’t found much either. But I do think it will be an awesome special vehicle.
Thanks for the reply. I'm a big fan of the Mercedes dash and switchgear. The Audi does have a nice interior, particularly the seats, which I think are exceptional. I'm not a fan of the all-touchscreen controls in the Audi though. But I've seen sub-4 second 0-60's on the SQ7, which will certainly do the trick. Plus it also has a 7,700lb tow rating, which will be useful if I get an airstream, etc.
We moved out of two ML Bluetecs, which were towing monsters, and narrowed the field to the final two - the Audi SQ7 and a GLE of some sort. The Audi is a larger vehicle than I like, but the rear wheel steering works really well and it actually feels smaller than the GLE, except for the AMG versions, which are pretty nimble.
Regarding the raw feel of the powertrain, the Audi is raucous if you like that kind of thing, but the throttle response of the 580 seems better. It's all subjective.
I have a GLE 450 now, and I feel I'm going to want More Stuff when towing, so I have been revisiting the 580 and AMG53. I just signed for an ordered AMG53 SUV today.
The reasons for a Six over a V8?
I think the EQ boost, combined with the AMG "supercharger.," has more immediate throttle response than either the 580 or SQ7. And I think there is more turbo lag with the SQ7 than the 580.
I also like straight sixes, going back to my XJ120, my 700,000 mile FJ45, and my old 50's Chevy trucks. Icons in their times.
Plus I am enamored with the Mercedes AMG F1's dominant engine. The AMG53's EQBoost, plus its electric turbocharger (the "supercharger") is a stellar spinoff from the F1 engine - I can live vicariously with the AMG53.
I don't think any of the above will tow as well as the ML Bluetec, but now I can toodle around town, go cross-country, do medium off-roading, and since I ordered the AMG Active Ride suspension to replace my current E-ABC, I can go to track days without too much embarrassment.
The V8 may tow better, but the straight six is a more enjoyable engine for me. Towing is a small percentage of my time.
As I've have seen in the SQ7 video reviews, it seems to have a ton of off-the-line lag. Back in the day, I had a Supra that I installed a big turbo on... The lag drove me crazy. Instant response is definitely worth more than absolute performance.
I did like the way the GLE53 drove... I tried the full-size one, not the coupe. Which did you order?
Last edited by bjacques123; 11-12-2020 at 01:05 AM.
There are "kindof plenty" GLE53's at Dealer's now (as compared to demand at this moment ) you you might want to look around at existing GLE53 inventory elsewhere and make a Nov or Dec "deal" to drive away this year rather than next year...
As I've have seen in the SQ7 video reviews, it seems to have a ton of off-the-line lag. Back in the day, I had a Supra that I installed a big turbo on... The lag drove me crazy. Instant response is definitely worth more than absolute performance.
I did like the way the GLE53 drove... I tried the full-size one, not the coupe. Which did you order?
I ordered the full-sized SUV. Drove the Coupe again yesterday. It's lower roofline makes it harder for entry, the load height is about 8" higher in the back, and there is less cargo space. I need the SUV. The Coupe is shorter and more tossable, better to have fun with, less utilitarian IMO.
I haven't driven the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL, the 48v equivalent of E-ABC, but I really like the enhancements of E-ABC over standard Air Suspension, so I'm going there. Unfortunately it precludes Heated Steering Wheel, but it is what it is, with packages. I expect the improved control, along with the improved ride that the E-ABC provides.
There are "kindof plenty" GLE53's at Dealer's now (as compared to demand at this moment ) you you might want to look around at existing GLE53 inventory elsewhere and make a Nov or Dec "deal" to drive away this year rather than next year...
I agree. My local dealer has 2 that have been there for about a month. You probably can get a decent deal somewhere.
So I finally had a chance to drive the SQ7... It's super laggy. The funny thing is, it doesn't really feel like turbo lag, it's like they screwed up the throttle mapping, and we were supposedly in the "sportiest" mode. The interior is quite nice, and the seats are lovely. But it also gets a big strike from me in that it has no brake-hold feature. I know that seems like a small thing, but as someone who grew up driving stick shifts, and who finds it annoying to have to hold brakes at stop lights, I use the feature all the time in my E-class. Hell, my BMW motorcycle even has that feature and I use it all the time on the bike too!
Immediately after driving the Audi, I went to a Mercedes dealer and drove the GLE53 (SUV)... Night and day difference. It might not be as outright powerful, or as fast on paper, but the throttle response and "eagerness" of the vehicle made it far more enjoyable to drive. The dealership I visited didn't have any GLE580's, though, so I still want to try one of those before I make my final determination.
"Eager" is a good description of the 53! It seems like there is a direct response from the engine, to throttle tip-in. It's nice.
I wondered if the sq7 has a slow kickdown in addition to some turbo lag.
PS just traded our 450 for a GLE53 SUV ordered, production Feb.
Car and Driver test of the GLE53 is below, I would assume the same delta would apply to the 580? If so that would put the 580 at 4.4 The run to 60 mph takes 4.7 seconds, and the quarter-mile mark falls in 13.4 seconds at 103 mph. (2021 GLE53)
The 53-series engines are fantastic. Have it in my CLS and its honestly one of my favorite new engines in a long time. MB switching to I6's was honestly a good move on their part, that was one of the reasons I stuck with BMW for so long, you just can't beat a straight six. The electric supercharger is awesome and fills in the gap where the turbo is still spooling, and the auto start stop works really well. While the 580 is likely to have more power, the 53's 0-60 in under 5 seconds (at least according to C/D) is still plenty fine in an SUV, although I'd still try out the 580 to see which one you like more. Good luck!
I have a GLS 580 and there is zero turbo lag. The 580 has the same EQ Boost technology that eliminates the turbo lag. The 580 offers some power advantages over the 53; 483 versus 429 HP, 516 versus 384 Lb Ft. torque and it achieves it all at lower RPM. The 4 litre V8 has been around for years and is now the main V8 engine across the Mercedes lineup. EQ Boost is very helpful but only works for 3-5 seconds. For towing sustained power is better so for me its a V8.
Last edited by marchgroupinc; 11-15-2020 at 04:29 PM.
Reason: new additional info.
I have a GLS 580 and there is zero turbo lag. The 580 has the same EQ Boost technology and has the Borg Warner ebooster "supercharger" that eliminates the turbo lag.
***UPDATE: I’m starting to doubt my below statement and am actively double checking it***
Marchgroupinc, the GLS450 has what you refer to as the “ebooster ‘supercharger’” but the GLS580 does not have it, even though both include the EQBoost (i.e., Integrated starter motor). See below wikipedia links.
GLS/GLE450 - I6 + 48 volt (M256 E30 DEH GA GR) - 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, with a further 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods. - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merc...nz_M256_engine
GLS/GLE580 - V8 + 48 volt (M176 (wet) 2017+ - - 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with a further 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merc...77/M178_engine
Last edited by joejones81; 11-15-2020 at 12:58 PM.
Only the M256 AMG version has a electric turbo/supercharge. 580 is same idea as 450 a traditional turbo engine with EQ boost sandwich between the engine and gearbox.
***UPDATE: I’m starting to doubt my below statement and am actively double checking it***
Marchgroupinc, the GLS450 has what you refer to as the “ebooster ‘supercharger’” but the GLS580 does not have it, even though both include the EQBoost (i.e., Integrated starter motor). See below wikipedia links.
GLS/GLE450 - I6 + 48 volt (M256 E30 DEH GA GR) - 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, with a further 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods. - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merc...nz_M256_engine
GLS/GLE580 - V8 + 48 volt (M176 (wet) 2017+ - - 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with a further 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 hp available via EQ Boost over short periods - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merc...77/M178_engine
I cannot find the source referring to the ebooster on the 580 so I corrected my post, sorry for any confusion. To my point, I don't have any issue with turbo lag in the 580 so it must all come from the EQ boost ISG.
I cannot find the source referring to the ebooster on the 580 so I corrected my post, sorry for any confusion. To my point, I don't have any issue with turbo lag in the 580 so it must all come from the EQ boost ISG.
I finally got to drive the 580 this weekend. I agree, it feels entirely lag-free. I'm leaning towards it over the 53. The 53 is more exciting and dynamic, but the 580 is still way ahead of my trusty diesel E350, in terms of performance and response. But like the diesel, the enormous torque swell in the midrange makes the acceleration feel completely effortless.
It's a tough decision. Plus, I'm particular when it comes to equipment, and the configurator isn't finished for the 580.
Marchgroup, what kind of fuel economy are you seeing on unladen highway drives? I realize it will be low, compared to what I'm accustomed, but there's not much data out there for this either, and I'm just curious what people are seeing in the real-world.
I finally got to drive the 580 this weekend. I agree, it feels entirely lag-free. I'm leaning towards it over the 53. The 53 is more exciting and dynamic, but the 580 is still way ahead of my trusty diesel E350, in terms of performance and response. But like the diesel, the enormous torque swell in the midrange makes the acceleration feel completely effortless.
It's a tough decision. Plus, I'm particular when it comes to equipment, and the configurator isn't finished for the 580.
Marchgroup, what kind of fuel economy are you seeing on unladen highway drives? I realize it will be low, compared to what I'm accustomed, but there's not much data out there for this either, and I'm just curious what people are seeing in the real-world.
On the highway 11l/100km or 21.4 US mpg. mixed driving 13l/100km or 18 US mpg. Typical highway speed 70MPH, mixed driving avg. 45MPH with the engine in economy mode. I had a ML350 Bluetec and got 8.5l/100km or 27.7 US mpg. I tow a trailer and needed the big torque and compared to the diesel this was the best option. You should get a little better as the my GLS is 5750lbs and the GLE 580 is less.
11-11-2020, 08:45 PM
Back in the day, I had a Supra that I installed a big turbo on... The lag drove me crazy. Instant response is definitely worth more than absolute performance.
