Notices
GLE Class (V167) Produced 2020 to present

Initial Impression of 2021 GLE 450

Old May 6, 2021 | 01:49 PM
  #1  
nextmilenium's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 282
Likes: 64
From: California
2021 GLE450
Initial Impression of 2021 GLE 450

We just purchased a new 2021 GLE 450 (AMG 21 inch wheels). This will be my wife's car (happy wife happy life!). On the drive home from the dealership, sitting in the passenger seat, I felt the car's suspension was very soft with fairly severe nose dive under braking. This was under the Comfort mode. I switched to Sport mode and the suspension seemed to have firmed a bit.

I'm not used to SUVs so is this normal for an SUV (GLE)? Or do you guys also feel the suspension is too soft in Comfort mode? My wife test drove a GLE 350 and loved it except the power so we opted for the 450. I figure the suspension is the same on both cars.

Reply
Old May 6, 2021 | 02:04 PM
  #2  
GregW / Oregon's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,771
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Suspension settings

Originally Posted by nextmilenium
We just purchased a new 2021 GLE 450 (AMG 21 inch wheels). This will be my wife's car (happy wife happy life!). On the drive home from the dealership, sitting in the passenger seat, I felt the car's suspension was very soft with fairly severe nose dive under braking. This was under the Comfort mode. I switched to Sport mode and the suspension seemed to have firmed a bit.

I'm not used to SUVs so is this normal for an SUV (GLE)? Or do you guys also feel the suspension is too soft in Comfort mode? My wife test drove a GLE 350 and loved it except the power so we opted for the 450. I figure the suspension is the same on both cars.
I have E-ABC,but I assume you are talking about Airmatic cars. But even on mine I find Comfort "more comfortable" than I am used to. When driving sedately it's fine. Setting the Drive Mode to Sport will also make the throttle more sensitive and hold gears longer. I have my Individual setting set to Sport for the suspension but normal for throttle, so I normally use that unless I'm driving more agressively.
Reply
Old May 6, 2021 | 02:18 PM
  #3  
Alex Chervenick's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 3
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC, 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4matic
Congrats on the new ride! Does your GLE have the airmatic suspension package?
Reply
Old May 6, 2021 | 07:41 PM
  #4  
Camarieoz's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 31
Likes: 18
From: Hobart,Tasmania
GLE 400d V167
I have 22" rims with active air suspension on my V167 (Wheels came with Night package) ..I find the ride hard , compared to my W166 GLE with active air and 21" rims
Reply
Old May 6, 2021 | 08:22 PM
  #5  
Ron.s's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
For a lot of us the C mode was too soft in the 450. Mine would feel like it bottomed out going over a speed calming burm. Boaty, floaty...too much suspension give. Some people like the soft suspension.
You have customizable settings in I mode. I set all mine to C except the suspension to S. The only negative is that the vehicle resets to C mode automatically after turning the engine off.
Reply
Old May 6, 2021 | 08:25 PM
  #6  
MBguy013's Avatar
Super Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 645
Likes: 204
From: Central Indiana
2021 GLC 300 4Matic
Originally Posted by Ron.s
For a lot of us the C mode was too soft in the 450. Mine would feel like it bottomed out going over a speed calming burm. Boaty, floaty...too much suspension give. Some people like the soft suspension.
You have customizable settings in I mode. I set all mine to C except the suspension to S. The only negative is that the vehicle resets to C mode automatically after turning the engine off.
I don't have my 450 yet but I thought you could save suspension settings in your profile?
Reply
Old May 6, 2021 | 08:51 PM
  #7  
Ron.s's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Originally Posted by MBguy013
I don't have my 450 yet but I thought you could save suspension settings in your profile?
Unless it’s changed for 2021 ( doubt it) there is a way to save it to the last Mode setting when you turned the car off. It’s not of any value,IMO. You have a few seconds after the option appears onscreen to select the Mode & the notice doesn’t always appear at the same time. I’m guessing it’s EPA related. It’s easier to just flip the Mode selector.
Reply
Old May 6, 2021 | 10:37 PM
  #8  
nextmilenium's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 282
Likes: 64
From: California
2021 GLE450
Originally Posted by Alex Chervenick
Congrats on the new ride! Does your GLE have the airmatic suspension package?
I don’t have airmatic suspension.

So I can save the sport suspension for the individual mode and leave everything else in comfort?
I don’t want my wife to have the sport throttle setting. 😁
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 6, 2021 | 10:44 PM
  #9  
Ron.s's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1,040
From: Boise
2024 GMC Canyon Denali..... 2018 Audi SQ5
Originally Posted by nextmilenium
I don’t have airmatic suspension.

So I can save the sport suspension for the individual mode and leave everything else in comfort?
I don’t want my wife to have the sport throttle setting. 😁
I assumed you had air...I don’t know how the non air works.
Reply
Old May 7, 2021 | 02:08 PM
  #10  
Philamg's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 304
From: Dorset, UK
GLC 450
Originally Posted by nextmilenium
I don’t have airmatic suspension.

So I can save the sport suspension for the individual mode and leave everything else in comfort?
I don’t want my wife to have the sport throttle setting. 😁
I believe you will have to select the individual mode each time you get in the car, it defaults to comfort.

I have air with 22 inch wheels and have no issue with it in comfort.
Reply
Old May 8, 2021 | 07:26 AM
  #11  
Camarieoz's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 31
Likes: 18
From: Hobart,Tasmania
GLE 400d V167
Originally Posted by MBguy013
How many times do you need to post your complaints?

As many times as I bloody want, I have several other people who have the same issues
Reply
Old May 8, 2021 | 09:51 AM
  #12  
mikapen's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Shutterbug
Community Influencer
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 2,198
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Originally Posted by Camarieoz
As many times as I bloody want, I have several other people who have the same issues
Suggestion: Have those "several other people" post their own experiences so it becomes more believable.
Reply
Old May 8, 2021 | 11:59 AM
  #13  
jtjbt20x's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 554
Likes: 146
From: USA
2021 GLE450W4 SUV
Originally Posted by mikapen
Suggestion: Have those "several other people" post their own experiences so it becomes more believable.
Agree.
Reply
Old May 8, 2021 | 02:11 PM
  #14  
petee1997's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 261
From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
Is he on every tread?
Reply
Old May 8, 2021 | 02:45 PM
  #15  
Kevin Triplett's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
GLE 450 (V167)
Originally Posted by petee1997
Is he on every tread?
He seems to be mostly on threads where people are discussing issues.
Reply
Old May 8, 2021 | 02:55 PM
  #16  
Daso's Avatar
Senior Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
I don't want to jinx myself, but I'm going on mile 400 of my 2021 GLE 450 and I have to say that aside from the slightly off gas cap (just needed some adjusting) and the wonky charging pad (with Iphone 12 pro max it seems only) I have been having a blast. While I would have loved the air suspension, I am happy with the steel springs for most driving, The stereo seems like its improving a bit with use and the proper feeding of quality source, the interior has ben a pleasure (I am going in for the slight whistling sound ). I know people tend to only post to complain, but I am really happy with my purchase. What car doesn't have some issues? go to any forum and find complaints about a car. I would consider possibly chipping the car if it improved response a bit without voiding warranty but it's not like I'm tracking the car at Lime Rock or have the pleasure of autobahn speeds (even worse, NYC has become camera speed zone hell). You mileage may vary, but here a positive one, If you like it get one. I feel relatively lucky that I found one with 90% of what I wanted in it for a discounted price too. Small point, it's one of few cars nowadays that I can open the damn window and actually rest my elbow on the door. Super airy interior a pleasure to drive on beautiful days.
Reply
Old May 10, 2021 | 12:41 PM
  #17  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by Camarieoz
As many times as I bloody want, I have several other people who have the same issues
I appreciate that you created your own thread to discuss the problems/issues you are experiencing but don't cross-post the same content everywhere. It will be deleted without comment...

Thanks!
Reply
Old May 10, 2021 | 07:15 PM
  #18  
Lucky 777's Avatar
Super Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 777
Likes: 414
From: Pennsylvania
2024 GLE 450 4matic
Originally Posted by Wolfman
I appreciate that you created your own thread to discuss the problems/issues you are experiencing but don't cross-post the same content everywhere. It will be deleted without comment...

Thanks!
.

Last edited by Lucky 777; May 10, 2021 at 07:25 PM.
Reply
Old May 11, 2021 | 08:09 PM
  #19  
digital_b's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 321
Likes: 36
From: Nappanee Indiana
2026 E450
Originally Posted by Camarieoz
As many times as I bloody want, I have several other people who have the same issues
look in the mirror. you picked 22 inch wheels. theres your problem.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2021 | 03:24 PM
  #20  
W213e63s's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 122
Likes: 28
From: Raleigh, NC
2019 C63s
I have CarBahn's adjustable camber arms as well. I sent my OEM arms to CarBahn to have them machined so saved some money. I did the install myself. I also did the KW Variant 4 install myself. Paid $300 to have it aligned and corner balanced.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2021 | 08:30 PM
  #21  
Daso's Avatar
Senior Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 357
Likes: 130
From: Manhattan
2021 GLE 63
Originally Posted by W213e63s
I have CarBahn's adjustable camber arms as well. I sent my OEM arms to CarBahn to have them machined so saved some money. I did the install myself. I also did the KW Variant 4 install myself. Paid $300 to have it aligned and corner balanced.
Was this mod for a GLE? what does it do?
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2021 | 08:44 PM
  #22  
GregW / Oregon's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,771
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Originally Posted by W213e63s
I have CarBahn's adjustable camber arms as well. I sent my OEM arms to CarBahn to have them machined so saved some money. I did the install myself. I also did the KW Variant 4 install myself. Paid $300 to have it aligned and corner balanced.
I think you’re on the wrong forum?
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:28 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE