Hello
I am in process of ordering either a GLE 450 or AMG 53 and was advised by Sales Associate that the 450 is on back order with 5-6 month wait while the AMG is available for December/January delivery. Any input in terms of which is better preference. Seems like the 450 is the more desirable at this point. Each model has its own advantages and the AMG is appx $9000 more with selected options. Anyone know why the 450 is on back order?

Thank you

If I were to guess it might be the UAW strike at ZF (Alabama plant) that makes the axle assemblies for Mercedes. This has to put a big slowdown to the SUV’s that are built in Vance, Alabama. Mercedes might give preference to higher end vehicles. I’ve been trying to find out how much this will slow production since I have a GLE scheduled to build next month. ZF was using salaried employees and part time to try to keep production going. They might be able to ship some assemblies from another plant but that wouldn’t happen quickly. The strike started about 3 weeks ago so look for another month added to any current build schedule…or longer if the strike continues.
The other factor would be your specific Dealers allocation for each model vs sold orders. If they have a long list of pre-sold orders for the 450 vs their usual allocation then that would push back a new order waiting on an allocation that might be months out.
I’ve owned both a GLE 450 & GLE 53… IMO the AMG is worth the $9k difference. You will get some of that back at resale. The 450 suspension is too “Boaty” in Comfort mode so I switched ‘I” mode suspension to Sport & to I mode each start…a PIA. The 53 is perfect out of the box and Sport mode is actually sporty-firmer and crisper.

I had this dilemma as I am coming from a 21 GLE 350. I am waiting for my GLE 53 coupe to arrive but I’m still not sure if I will take delivery yet due to the factory changing the interior from red/black to just black.

I ended up choosing the GLE 53 coupe for a few reasons over the GLE 450. Styling, standard features, and price (no particular order). Pricing the GLE 53 coupe ended up being like $8-$10K more than the 450 and it comes with more standard features over the 450 and it looks and sounds nicer. Also I’ve always wanted an AMG so the price difference from the 450 to the 53 coupe was justified because it’s not that much more expensive.

The 450 will have a quieter and more comfortable ride compared to the AMG. I feel as if a lot of people do not want to hear the sound from an AMG or deal with the firmer ride that comes from the AMG suspension.

I drove a GLE450 for over 3 years and while I absolutely loved it, there is no comparison to the 53 or 63. I test drove the 53 several times and the power and exhaust tone makes it feel like a totally different vehicle. I honestly didn't find much difference in the suspension when in comfort mode but throw the 53 in sports+ and it's a very different animal. I had a 53 on order but lucked into a super deal on a 63 which is another level of insanity!

I think it really matters what is important to you. For me the 450 with options important to me was the winner.

I just picked up a 2024 450 over the 53. I live in DFW and 95%+ of my miles are city miles or highway rush hour miles. Given that, I grabbed a 450 with options that include AMG line exterior, 21" AMG multispoke wheels, roof spoiler, driver assistance plus, exclusive trim, etc. Did I compromise on absolute performance v. 53/63? Yes. Do I have a great looking (AMG styling), lower up front and annual maintenance cost vehicle that gives me everything I need 99% of the time? Yes. Do I like the sound and performance of the 53 & 63 of course, but it was 450 for me and I have no regrets.

Did you get the Airmatic suspension if no do you like suspension without it and do you like the drivers assistance package?
thank you for comments.

Did you find the maintenance prices similar for the 450 as for the AMG 53 or were they much higher for the 53?
thank you for comments.

I don’t recall any difference through 10k, 20k service for each. Now Porsche is another story!
I learned from the past to manage the services to be performed by going over them with the Service Associate. My Dealer doesn’t add unnecessary items (some do) but it’s still best to refresh the recommended services. In the past I’ve done air filters and cabin filters myself on occasion . My shop rate is 0 and I like to tinker.

The one they had available had everything else I was looking for but did not have the Airmatic and I am more than happy with the ride without it.

For the drivers assistance, I do like it. It takes a little tinkering with the settings but I do like overall.

It's the same.
I think the 63's have accelerated differential lube changes.