Just ordered a GLE 450 for the wife, build sheet is attached. She's coming form a 2019 X5 40i. I tried talking her into the GLE 53, but she thinks it's more than she needs. She wants a SUV that feels planted on the road and is well composed in emergency situations, meaning that the car doesn't lean excessively or feels like it'll roll over. Good braking is a must In emergency situations. I ordered it with the airmatic suspsension with ADS in hopes of helping the handling. I know it still won't handle as good as a 53, but hopefully good enough to keep her happy. She likes the way my GLC63 handles and feels planted, but says it's too stiff on the suspension also the V8 even with the exhaust flaps closed gives my daughter a headache on a hour + trip.. So I have a few questions.
!. is the 450 and 53 equally quiet at cruising highway speeds?
2. Is there much ride quality difference between the 21" multi spokes and the 22" 5 spoke? also what's up with those black inserts on the RXT 22"? It almost makes it look like a hubcap ( pic attached)
3. Is the air balance with ionizer worth it? not wanting the scent, but we all have allergies in our house so I'm wondering if the air is that much better?
4. How much does the airmatic with ADS help with handling? is it pretty significant over the standard steel springs?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

!. is the 450 and 53 equally quiet at cruising highway speeds/
Yes…both are very quiet except on new seal coated roads there is tire noise.

2. Is there much ride quality difference between the 21" multi spokes and the 22" 5 spoke? also what's up with those black inserts on the RXT 22"? It almost makes it look like a hubcap ( pic attached)
Can’t compare 21/22 but less tire sidewall as well as tire pressure will always have some effect on ride. The 20’s offer the softest ride but the 21/22 are better at speed on curves with less sidewall flex. I have 21’s on my 53 and run 20” winter tires.

3. Is the air balance with ionizer worth it? not wanting the scent, but we all have allergies in our house so I'm wondering if the air is that much better?
Not worth it, IMO.

4. How much does the airmatic with ADS help with handling? is it pretty significant over the standard steel springs?

When spending the money for a 450, Airmatic is a must, IMO. Airmatic will give you a better ride and the option for soft vs firmer suspension. Your wife might like the softer C mode around town and Sport mode on a trip if you get into curvey roads-if she is an aggressive driver or if you drive. With Airmatic you can set up the I mode the way you like it. I had 3 of 4 settings in Comfort mode with the suspension set to Sport. The best suspension is included in the Dynamic Plus Package package available on the GLE 53. It softens bumps and the Active Sway Bars keep the car flat in corners. It’s not quite as soft as the GLE 450 Airmatic but not as harsh as prior AMG’s. The only issue I have with mine (21’s &DPPkg) is that the 21’s are a lot more finicky-keeping a softer ride quality vs tire pressure than the 20’s. My 21’s also require more attention as temperatures fluctuate during the year. I recently did a Nitrogen conversion to see if that might mitigate recent air pressure swings of up to 5-6 psi.

 

It is certainly a nicely-configured build. I went with a 350 for my 2021 and, since I always do a1-payment lease, the hit is much less than buying vehicle. I just raise the question of the 48v battery. Certainly when I ordered my 2021 GLE last June right at the beginning of 2021 orders, there was definitely a concern with the 2020 48v batteries. But I will also add that the 4 cyl has been perfectly adequate for around town and highway driving. Did not get the multicontour seats with massage. Sales rep told me he honestly didn't see that much difference with the seats and any number of people probably use the massage once or twice. When did your dealer anticipate production?

 

Airmatic is a must IMO