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GLE Class (V167) Produced 2020 to present

GLE takes the Crown

Old Sep 2, 2021 | 08:03 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
I can’t speak to the suspensions and would have to test drive them but BMW has done a a lot lately to get back to their old drive dynamics.
This is the one area that the new X3M and X5M are really let down by. They handle very well for vehicles their size and weight, but the suspension is far too harsh for a vehicle which the family and pets will be in, hell even for daily driving its just rough. The GLE AMG, RSQ8 and Cayenne GTS/Turbo are much more comfortabel. Its a shame that BMW has been getting some mojo back right as their designs have gone to s***.
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Old Sep 2, 2021 | 08:21 PM
  #27  
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But for the most important consideration…are they Feminine looking?🤐 I didn’t know about such things as masculine/feminine SUV’s until this thread. Seriously, the crappy Run Flats & new two piece Hatch on the BMW aren’t major items but seem to show they are out of touch with a lot of consumers. They also seem to be behind the curve with Tech but admittedly I haven’t looked at a 2021 X5 so maybe that’s changed.
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Old Sep 3, 2021 | 04:48 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by js_cls
This is the one area that the new X3M and X5M are really let down by. They handle very well for vehicles their size and weight, but the suspension is far too harsh for a vehicle which the family and pets will be in, hell even for daily driving its just rough. The GLE AMG, RSQ8 and Cayenne GTS/Turbo are much more comfortabel. Its a shame that BMW has been getting some mojo back right as their designs have gone to s***.
We had a new X3M as a loaner a while back and that car was definitely stiff.
But I find it a bit strange when people talk about comfort on a performance vehicle. Our M8Comp is soft as a couch compared to our E63s and even our AMG GTC could be considered firm by many. Performance seats add a bit to that of course.
I love that and to me it is somewhat part of the package. But first and foremost the car must be competent in all scenarios, especially at the limit.
Porsche does a great job on their vehicles; compliant and competent…
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Old Sep 3, 2021 | 10:12 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
We had a new X3M as a loaner a while back and that car was definitely stiff.
But I find it a bit strange when people talk about comfort on a performance vehicle. Our M8Comp is soft as a couch compared to our E63s and even our AMG GTC could be considered firm by many. Performance seats add a bit to that of course.
I love that and to me it is somewhat part of the package. But first and foremost the car must be competent in all scenarios, especially at the limit.
Porsche does a great job on their vehicles; compliant and competent…
The problem with the stiffness of an X3M is that its acceptable for say an M2, which is less practical and more focused. For performance SUV's a stiff ride makes no sense, as the point of that type of vehicle is to be a daily and transportation device for the whole family. We also had an X3M for two days (overnight test drive) and the ride was so stiff it caused my dog to throw up in the hatch of the car. Pretty much defeated the purpose of why someone would buy an X3M over an M3 for me, and at that point the wife and I decided its best to have our SUV's be boring but practical, and not try to make our sports cars into SUV's. Porsche does a much better job with the ride (even without air-suspension), I do agree there, GM's Magneride suspension is also probably the most impressive one to date for me.
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Old Sep 3, 2021 | 02:56 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by Ron.s
But for the most important consideration…are they Feminine looking?🤐 I didn’t know about such things as masculine/feminine SUV’s until this thread. Seriously, the crappy Run Flats & new two piece Hatch on the BMW aren’t major items but seem to show they are out of touch with a lot of consumers. They also seem to be behind the curve with Tech but admittedly I haven’t looked at a 2021 X5 so maybe that’s changed.
Well it's subjective but I see GLE as the German version RX. RX is a nice vehicle but I would refuse to drive it at all time. Just curious... what is it on the GLE that makes you think X5 is behind on tech?
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Old Sep 4, 2021 | 12:42 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by js_cls
The problem with the stiffness of an X3M is that its acceptable for say an M2, which is less practical and more focused. For performance SUV's a stiff ride makes no sense, as the point of that type of vehicle is to be a daily and transportation device for the whole family. We also had an X3M for two days (overnight test drive) and the ride was so stiff it caused my dog to throw up in the hatch of the car. Pretty much defeated the purpose of why someone would buy an X3M over an M3 for me, and at that point the wife and I decided its best to have our SUV's be boring but practical, and not try to make our sports cars into SUV's. Porsche does a much better job with the ride (even without air-suspension), I do agree there, GM's Magneride suspension is also probably the most impressive one to date for me.
Agree personally with your view on SUV’s. The GLE is nice for cargo space and comfort first. We have other/better cars for fun.
That said, performance is exactly what most of the focus seems to be spent on. Manufacturers are working hard to overcome the physics and make them more car-like.
Look at the Urus/RQ, the Aston, upcoming Ferrari, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, etc.
With that mindset, a stiffer setup seems to make sense.

Last edited by Wolfman; Sep 4, 2021 at 03:32 PM.
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Old Sep 4, 2021 | 10:49 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by js_cls
This is the one area that the new X3M and X5M are really let down by. They handle very well for vehicles their size and weight, but the suspension is far too harsh for a vehicle which the family and pets will be in, hell even for daily driving its just rough. The GLE AMG, RSQ8 and Cayenne GTS/Turbo are much more comfortabel. Its a shame that BMW has been getting some mojo back right as their designs have gone to s***.
Part of it may be because MB has more rubber. X5M runs on 21"/35 where GLE's run on 21"/45&40 or 22"/40&35. I too think X5 is a bit harsh. I remember reading a review where they say "comfort mode is not really comfort." I also read the those with air suspension are happy with the ride.
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Old Sep 4, 2021 | 12:59 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by mb2be
Part of it may be because MB has more rubber. X5M runs on 21"/35 where GLE's run on 21"/45&40 or 22"/40&35. I too think X5 is a bit harsh. I remember reading a review where they say "comfort mode is not really comfort." I also read the those with air suspension are happy with the ride.
The X5M also lacks air suspension which the RSQ8 and GLE AMG have, that is likely the biggest contribution to the rough ride.
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Old Sep 4, 2021 | 03:02 PM
  #34  
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Adaptive M suspension doesn't cut? People don't seem to complain about it. I guess they're not looking for the comfort that the usual suv customers want.
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