Your advice. GLE450 or 53
09-06-2024, 12:27 PM
#26
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Air suspension is not an option on the 350. The air suspension that’s standard on the 53 (unsure of what comes on the 63) is the “same” as the optional one on the 450 but it’s been tuned by AMG… hence why I said it’s rough/bumpy. Definitely not bouncy like it is on the 450, though.
Which leads me back to my original post. If OP is going to drive it a lot and keep it 7+ years, I’d avoid the 53. The firm standard air suspension and fart can exhaust noise will become tiresome.
OP isn’t going to get the optional suspension on the 53 if they’re trying to keep the price around/under $90k so all of this talk about the rare optional suspension is relatively useless. What’s relevant is the AMG tuned airmatic that it comes with and that’s why I’ve chimed in.
Which leads me back to my original post. If OP is going to drive it a lot and keep it 7+ years, I’d avoid the 53. The firm standard air suspension and fart can exhaust noise will become tiresome.
OP isn’t going to get the optional suspension on the 53 if they’re trying to keep the price around/under $90k so all of this talk about the rare optional suspension is relatively useless. What’s relevant is the AMG tuned airmatic that it comes with and that’s why I’ve chimed in.
The suspension on all GLE 53s is Air. ✔️
It's firmer than a 450.✔️
.....Unless you get ARC, which makes the ride smoother and the handling better.
IMO the 53 is not worth the money without ARC.
Period.
It sounds like you bought the wrong car. Maybe should'a got the ARC, with standard exhaust.
09-06-2024, 12:53 PM
#27
I didn’t buy the wrong vehicle at all. I’m just sayin the suspension OP is going to get on a 53 is unlike either of the options for a 450.
And how am I going to get ARC with a standard exhaust? ARC isn’t available on a 450 and a standard exhaust isn’t available on a 53…
Last edited by sickk23; 09-06-2024 at 12:55 PM.
09-06-2024, 01:02 PM
#28
09-06-2024, 03:08 PM
#29
Member
Thread Starter
Air suspension is not an option on the 350. The air suspension that’s standard on the 53 (unsure of what comes on the 63) is the “same” as the optional one on the 450 but it’s been tuned by AMG… hence why I said it’s rough/bumpy. Definitely not bouncy like it is on the 450, though.
Which leads me back to my original post. If OP is going to drive it a lot and keep it 7+ years, I’d avoid the 53. The firm standard air suspension and fart can exhaust noise will become tiresome.
OP isn’t going to get the optional suspension on the 53 if they’re trying to keep the price around/under $90k so all of this talk about the rare optional suspension is relatively useless. What’s relevant is the AMG tuned airmatic that it comes with and that’s why I’ve chimed in.
Which leads me back to my original post. If OP is going to drive it a lot and keep it 7+ years, I’d avoid the 53. The firm standard air suspension and fart can exhaust noise will become tiresome.
OP isn’t going to get the optional suspension on the 53 if they’re trying to keep the price around/under $90k so all of this talk about the rare optional suspension is relatively useless. What’s relevant is the AMG tuned airmatic that it comes with and that’s why I’ve chimed in.
09-06-2024, 03:32 PM
#30
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Can I get your advice please? I’m single, only have one car, 2017 GLC43 that I had for 7+ years. I’m debating trading it to a new base 53 or a new GLE 450 pinnacle. Keeping budget at about 90k. I know horsepower is kind of similar and fuel economy slightly worse for 53. Not sure if resale value holds better for the 450. But what would you choose if this was your only vehicle for the next 7 years at minimum. Drive about 15 k a year. Thank you for your replies.
Your "2017 GLC43 that I had for 7+ years" is one hard riding son of a *****. The 167 chassis on the AMG 53, has far better suspension tuning on a vastly improved chassis. You don't need a dentist like you did on the 17, even with the base 53 suspension on Sport Plus.
If you can stand your 43, The 53 will suit you fine.
"horsepower is kind of similar" There's a significant and noticeable difference. The supercharger gives extra immediacy to a throttle input. My quarter mile times are 13.5 at 107. Zero to 60 in 4.9 (at 5,000 ft. Elevation).
"fuel economy slightly worse for 53" actually it's a lot worse. My 450 regularly got 24 in town and 30 to 32 on the highway.
But my 53 gets around 18 to 20 in town, and 22 to 24 on the highway.
There's no way I would have bought a 166 AMG like yours- just too harsh a ride.
The base 53 is worlds better.
It's probably a good car for you.
I say this despite my strong preference for the AMG active ride control (ARC).
I didn't realize that ARC was again available in the 53.
I was resigned to keeping mine after warranty expiration, because it's such an incredible option that makes the car.
Get the 53. Drive an ARC car before you do though. You might agree that it's worth the money.
Last edited by mikapen; 09-06-2024 at 03:41 PM.
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sickk23 (Yesterday)
09-06-2024, 03:38 PM
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Okay, let's start over without the confusion about nomenclature.
Your "2017 GLC43 that I had for 7+ years" is one hard riding son of a *****. The 167 chassis on the AMG 53, has far better suspension tuning on a vastly improved chassis. You don't need a dentist like you did on the 17, even with the base 53 suspension on Sport Plus.
If you can stand your 43, The 53 will suit you fine.
"horsepower is kind of similar" There's a significant and noticeable difference. The supercharger gives extra immediacy to a throttle input. My quarter mile times are 13.5 at 107. Zero to 60 in 4.9 (at 5,000 ft. Elevation). (My problem is a bit of wheel spin in first gear, before my 21's hook up.)
"fuel economy slightly worse for 53" actually it's a lot worse. My 450 regularly got 24 in town and 30 to 32 on the highway.
But my 53 gets around 18 to 20 in town, and 22 to 24 on the highway.
There's no way I would have bought a 166 AMG like yours- just too harsh a ride.
The base 53 is worlds better.
It's probably a good car for you.
I say this despite my strong preference for the AMG active ride control (ARC).
I didn't realize that ARC was again available in the 53.
I was resigned to keeping mine after warranty expiration, because it's such an incredible option that makes the car.
Get the 53. Drive an ARC car before you do though. You might agree that it's worth the money.
Your "2017 GLC43 that I had for 7+ years" is one hard riding son of a *****. The 167 chassis on the AMG 53, has far better suspension tuning on a vastly improved chassis. You don't need a dentist like you did on the 17, even with the base 53 suspension on Sport Plus.
If you can stand your 43, The 53 will suit you fine.
"horsepower is kind of similar" There's a significant and noticeable difference. The supercharger gives extra immediacy to a throttle input. My quarter mile times are 13.5 at 107. Zero to 60 in 4.9 (at 5,000 ft. Elevation). (My problem is a bit of wheel spin in first gear, before my 21's hook up.)
"fuel economy slightly worse for 53" actually it's a lot worse. My 450 regularly got 24 in town and 30 to 32 on the highway.
But my 53 gets around 18 to 20 in town, and 22 to 24 on the highway.
There's no way I would have bought a 166 AMG like yours- just too harsh a ride.
The base 53 is worlds better.
It's probably a good car for you.
I say this despite my strong preference for the AMG active ride control (ARC).
I didn't realize that ARC was again available in the 53.
I was resigned to keeping mine after warranty expiration, because it's such an incredible option that makes the car.
Get the 53. Drive an ARC car before you do though. You might agree that it's worth the money.
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sickk23 (Yesterday)
09-06-2024, 04:17 PM
#32
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Go and test drive both GLE models.
I got a GLE63s to replace my 2018 GLC43, though I still own both. GLE is luxury and refined, smooth and quiet, but it also feels like barge compared the the smaller, lighter, quick and nimble GLC43.
For the money, I'd pick a well-optioned 450 over the 53. Both need options to feel like a luxury car worth buying.
I got a GLE63s to replace my 2018 GLC43, though I still own both. GLE is luxury and refined, smooth and quiet, but it also feels like barge compared the the smaller, lighter, quick and nimble GLC43.
For the money, I'd pick a well-optioned 450 over the 53. Both need options to feel like a luxury car worth buying.
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sickk23 (Yesterday)
09-06-2024, 04:49 PM
#34
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
09-06-2024, 05:00 PM
#35
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Today, 07:51 AM
#36
Can I get your advice please? I’m single, only have one car, 2017 GLC43 that I had for 7+ years. I’m debating trading it to a new base 53 or a new GLE 450 pinnacle. Keeping budget at about 90k. I know horsepower is kind of similar and fuel economy slightly worse for 53. Not sure if resale value holds better for the 450. But what would you choose if this was your only vehicle for the next 7 years at minimum. Drive about 15 k a year. Thank you for your replies.
FWIW I had the same dilemma this spring but coming from an LCI M5 comp which was quite rough around the town, I really liked the silence and softness of the GLE 450 on air suspension and I am receiving the car in a couple of weeks.
As a side note, I had a loaner X7 for the summer months and it felt similarly soft and springy like the GLE albeit slightly noisier inside. As for the X5, the ones I tested always felt as if they couldn’t decide if it wants to be a sedan or an SUV. Also, being a tall guy with kids the X5 really has no rear legroom…
If you want the extra acceleration, theres always the 580… Also, the reviewing guys at savagegeese thrashed the new GLE 53’s suspension (non-ARC) so much I couldnt even bother to test drive one.
Today, 08:22 AM
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So what did you get in the end?
FWIW I had the same dilemma this spring but coming from an LCI M5 comp which was quite rough around the town, I really liked the silence and softness of the GLE 450 on air suspension and I am receiving the car in a couple of weeks.
As a side note, I had a loaner X7 for the summer months and it felt similarly soft and springy like the GLE albeit slightly noisier inside. As for the X5, the ones I tested always felt as if they couldn’t decide if it wants to be a sedan or an SUV. Also, being a tall guy with kids the X5 really has no rear legroom…
If you want the extra acceleration, theres always the 580… Also, the reviewing guys at savagegeese thrashed the new GLE 53’s suspension (non-ARC) so much I couldnt even bother to test drive one.
FWIW I had the same dilemma this spring but coming from an LCI M5 comp which was quite rough around the town, I really liked the silence and softness of the GLE 450 on air suspension and I am receiving the car in a couple of weeks.
As a side note, I had a loaner X7 for the summer months and it felt similarly soft and springy like the GLE albeit slightly noisier inside. As for the X5, the ones I tested always felt as if they couldn’t decide if it wants to be a sedan or an SUV. Also, being a tall guy with kids the X5 really has no rear legroom…
If you want the extra acceleration, theres always the 580… Also, the reviewing guys at savagegeese thrashed the new GLE 53’s suspension (non-ARC) so much I couldnt even bother to test drive one.
Today, 09:31 AM
#38
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Thread Starter
So what did you get in the end?
FWIW I had the same dilemma this spring but coming from an LCI M5 comp which was quite rough around the town, I really liked the silence and softness of the GLE 450 on air suspension and I am receiving the car in a couple of weeks.
As a side note, I had a loaner X7 for the summer months and it felt similarly soft and springy like the GLE albeit slightly noisier inside. As for the X5, the ones I tested always felt as if they couldn’t decide if it wants to be a sedan or an SUV. Also, being a tall guy with kids the X5 really has no rear legroom…
If you want the extra acceleration, theres always the 580… Also, the reviewing guys at savagegeese thrashed the new GLE 53’s suspension (non-ARC) so much I couldnt even bother to test drive one.
FWIW I had the same dilemma this spring but coming from an LCI M5 comp which was quite rough around the town, I really liked the silence and softness of the GLE 450 on air suspension and I am receiving the car in a couple of weeks.
As a side note, I had a loaner X7 for the summer months and it felt similarly soft and springy like the GLE albeit slightly noisier inside. As for the X5, the ones I tested always felt as if they couldn’t decide if it wants to be a sedan or an SUV. Also, being a tall guy with kids the X5 really has no rear legroom…
If you want the extra acceleration, theres always the 580… Also, the reviewing guys at savagegeese thrashed the new GLE 53’s suspension (non-ARC) so much I couldnt even bother to test drive one.
It helped a lot in making my decision. I will just miss my GLC43 smaller maneuverability. I bought it fully loaded and iitbg gave me zero issue for 100k miles. Just could not stand the new GLC43. Lower, engine harsh, less leg room, the iPad, all touch only so when I test drove a 450 I fell in love with the inside and comfort and smoothness but it won’t zigzag between traffic as nimble as my 43. But it’s ok. I’m getting old and need to cool it down a notch. 😂 the 450 it is.
