Your advice. GLE450 or 53
#1
Your advice. GLE450 or 53
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.
#2
I think the questions you need to ask yourself and why you want A and why you want B.
No Pinnacle on a AMG...Do you need HUD?
Do you want AMG tax on service?
Do you care about ride quality?
Do you want a quieter ride?
They are similar but also different. If 20 people respond here. HA sorry if 4 people respond here you will get 3 different replies and they are not the ones that will be stuck with the choice.
No Pinnacle on a AMG...Do you need HUD?
Do you want AMG tax on service?
Do you care about ride quality?
Do you want a quieter ride?
They are similar but also different. If 20 people respond here. HA sorry if 4 people respond here you will get 3 different replies and they are not the ones that will be stuck with the choice.
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BlueYonder (09-04-2024)
#3
I think the questions you need to ask yourself and why you want A and why you want B.
No Pinnacle on a AMG...Do you need HUD?
Do you want AMG tax on service?
Do you care about ride quality?
Do you want a quieter ride?
They are similar but also different. If 20 people respond here. HA sorry if 4 people respond here you will get 3 different replies and they are not the ones that will be stuck with the choice.
No Pinnacle on a AMG...Do you need HUD?
Do you want AMG tax on service?
Do you care about ride quality?
Do you want a quieter ride?
They are similar but also different. If 20 people respond here. HA sorry if 4 people respond here you will get 3 different replies and they are not the ones that will be stuck with the choice.
#4
Out Of Control!!
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From: Toronto, Canada
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
Don't forget dealerships overinflate the tires to help prevent flat spotting when sitting on the lot, that also contributes to the stiff ride.
#5
Personally I lowered my 53 and put 22" wheels with thin tires and it is still fine to "me", if I get my dad in my car he will complain .5 miles down the street.
My point is you need to ask yourself what is important to you in the features and looks and ownership of both cars and decide there.
All your questions are subjective and vary person to person.
#6
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
I owned a 2020 GLE 450 and now a '21 AMG 53.
First, there is no difference in service schedules for the 53 compared to the 450, except perhaps a transmission fluid change at 60,000 miles. The V8 s are more expensive with their fluid changes.
While the seats in the 53 are very comfortable, the 450 seats are extremely comfortable. I'm hooked on the massage function.
The 53, with AMG ARC, is much more comfortable than a 450 with or without air suspension. It rides significantly better on horrible roads.
Take away the ARC (I don't think it's available except on a 63 anymore) and the 450 ride is too floaty for me, at least with the air suspension. In some ways I prefer the steel springs because that eliminates the floaty feeling.
If you like driving, get the 53. I enjoy my track days as well as carving canyons.
My quick summary is that there's no wasted motion - when you turn the wheel it turns without hesitation, when you hit the go pedal or the stop pedal it does that without hesitation. It's like driving a car, instead of piloting a seat.
The tire pressures make a really big difference on a 53. Running 2 lb under the gas flap pressure gives you a pretty cushy ride, but with less immediacy to its response.
Would I buy a 53 without ARC?
No.
First, there is no difference in service schedules for the 53 compared to the 450, except perhaps a transmission fluid change at 60,000 miles. The V8 s are more expensive with their fluid changes.
While the seats in the 53 are very comfortable, the 450 seats are extremely comfortable. I'm hooked on the massage function.
The 53, with AMG ARC, is much more comfortable than a 450 with or without air suspension. It rides significantly better on horrible roads.
Take away the ARC (I don't think it's available except on a 63 anymore) and the 450 ride is too floaty for me, at least with the air suspension. In some ways I prefer the steel springs because that eliminates the floaty feeling.
If you like driving, get the 53. I enjoy my track days as well as carving canyons.
My quick summary is that there's no wasted motion - when you turn the wheel it turns without hesitation, when you hit the go pedal or the stop pedal it does that without hesitation. It's like driving a car, instead of piloting a seat.
The tire pressures make a really big difference on a 53. Running 2 lb under the gas flap pressure gives you a pretty cushy ride, but with less immediacy to its response.
Would I buy a 53 without ARC?
No.
Last edited by mikapen; 09-04-2024 at 12:07 PM.
#7
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 14,895
Likes: 2,880
From: Toronto, Canada
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
I owned a 2020 GLE 450 and now a '21 AMG 53.
First, there is no difference in service schedules for the 53 compared to the 450, except perhaps a transmission fluid change at 60,000 miles. The V8 s are more expensive with their fluid changes.
While the seats in the 53 are very comfortable, the 450 seats are extremely comfortable. I'm hooked on the massage function.
The 53, with AMG ARC, is much more comfortable than a 450 with or without air suspension. It rides significantly better on horrible roads.
Take away the ARC (I don't think it's available except on a 63 anymore) and the 450 ride is too floaty for me, at least with the air suspension. In some ways I prefer the steel springs because that eliminates the floaty feeling.
If you like driving, get the 53. I enjoy my track days as well as carving canyons.
My quick summary is that there's no wasted motion - when you turn the wheel it turns without hesitation, when you hit the go pedal or the stop pedal it does that without hesitation. It's like driving a car, instead of piloting a seat.
The tire pressures make a really big difference on a 53. Running 2 lb under the gas flap pressure gives you a pretty cushy ride, but with less immediacy to its response.
Would I buy a 53 without ARC?
No.
First, there is no difference in service schedules for the 53 compared to the 450, except perhaps a transmission fluid change at 60,000 miles. The V8 s are more expensive with their fluid changes.
While the seats in the 53 are very comfortable, the 450 seats are extremely comfortable. I'm hooked on the massage function.
The 53, with AMG ARC, is much more comfortable than a 450 with or without air suspension. It rides significantly better on horrible roads.
Take away the ARC (I don't think it's available except on a 63 anymore) and the 450 ride is too floaty for me, at least with the air suspension. In some ways I prefer the steel springs because that eliminates the floaty feeling.
If you like driving, get the 53. I enjoy my track days as well as carving canyons.
My quick summary is that there's no wasted motion - when you turn the wheel it turns without hesitation, when you hit the go pedal or the stop pedal it does that without hesitation. It's like driving a car, instead of piloting a seat.
The tire pressures make a really big difference on a 53. Running 2 lb under the gas flap pressure gives you a pretty cushy ride, but with less immediacy to its response.
Would I buy a 53 without ARC?
No.
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#8
#9
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 14,895
Likes: 2,880
From: Toronto, Canada
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
If they did remove it from 53 models, was it because of low take rate because if it is then it is strange, the ARC transforms the ride given how sporty the 53 is.
#10
I went back and forth between a GLS 450 and a GLE 53. Ended up with the 53 and kind of regret it for all of the daily quibbles such as;
stiff air suspension. It rides well but over certain bumps or turning into places off of the street, it’s definitely rough. I have 21” wheels.
The throttle is very poky/sensitive and the transmission behaves like it’s in Sport+ while in comfort for medium to hard acceleration.
But the most annoying day to day nuisance is the AMG fart sound exhaust. Navigating school pick up lines or anywhere you’re driving down the road with light acceleration, it makes the most annoying fart sounding drone. WOT sounds nice and fun.
If I could do it again, I would’ve went with a 450. I just crossed 1k miles and am overall happy, though.
stiff air suspension. It rides well but over certain bumps or turning into places off of the street, it’s definitely rough. I have 21” wheels.
The throttle is very poky/sensitive and the transmission behaves like it’s in Sport+ while in comfort for medium to hard acceleration.
But the most annoying day to day nuisance is the AMG fart sound exhaust. Navigating school pick up lines or anywhere you’re driving down the road with light acceleration, it makes the most annoying fart sounding drone. WOT sounds nice and fun.
If I could do it again, I would’ve went with a 450. I just crossed 1k miles and am overall happy, though.
Last edited by sickk23; 09-05-2024 at 07:13 AM.
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HotRodW (09-06-2024)
#11
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 14,895
Likes: 2,880
From: Toronto, Canada
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
I went back and forth between a GLS 450 and a GLE 53. Ended up with the 53 and kind of regret it for all of the daily quibbles such as;
stiff air suspension. It rides well but over certain bumps or turning into places off of the street, it’s definitely rough. I have 21” wheels.
The throttle is very poky/sensitive and the transmission behaves like it’s in Sport+ while in comfort for medium to hard acceleration.
But the most annoying day to day nuisance is the AMG fart sound exhaust. Navigating school pick up lines or anywhere you’re driving down the road with light acceleration, it makes the most annoying fart sounding drone. WOT sounds nice and fun.
If I could do it again, I would’ve went with a 450. I just crossed 1k miles and am overall happy, though.
stiff air suspension. It rides well but over certain bumps or turning into places off of the street, it’s definitely rough. I have 21” wheels.
The throttle is very poky/sensitive and the transmission behaves like it’s in Sport+ while in comfort for medium to hard acceleration.
But the most annoying day to day nuisance is the AMG fart sound exhaust. Navigating school pick up lines or anywhere you’re driving down the road with light acceleration, it makes the most annoying fart sounding drone. WOT sounds nice and fun.
If I could do it again, I would’ve went with a 450. I just crossed 1k miles and am overall happy, though.
#12
#13
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 14,895
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From: Toronto, Canada
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
#14
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,060
Likes: 1,666
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
"Adaptive shock absorbers" are standard, not ARC.
There is a huge difference. Much more than the $2,800 price.
If you had ARC you wouldn't be complaining about the ride quality. It's superior to a standard 450, which also has adaptive shock absorbers
Last edited by mikapen; 09-05-2024 at 03:03 PM.
#15
Out Of Control!!
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Posts: 14,895
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From: Toronto, Canada
PFL205.064 with M276.823 (Oil pump solenoid defeated)
I don't think you have ARC.
"Adaptive shock absorbers" are standard, not ARC.
There is a huge difference. Much more than the $2,800 price.
If you had ARC you wouldn't be complaining about the ride quality. It's superior to a standard 450, which also has adaptive shock absorbers
"Adaptive shock absorbers" are standard, not ARC.
There is a huge difference. Much more than the $2,800 price.
If you had ARC you wouldn't be complaining about the ride quality. It's superior to a standard 450, which also has adaptive shock absorbers
#16
I don't think you have ARC.
"Adaptive shock absorbers" are standard, not ARC.
There is a huge difference. Much more than the $2,800 price.
If you had ARC you wouldn't be complaining about the ride quality. It's superior to a standard 450, which also has adaptive shock absorbers
"Adaptive shock absorbers" are standard, not ARC.
There is a huge difference. Much more than the $2,800 price.
If you had ARC you wouldn't be complaining about the ride quality. It's superior to a standard 450, which also has adaptive shock absorbers
Description of the ARC that comes standard on the 53:
The optional suspension for the 53:
Edit: I’m talking about Ride Control+ which is the air suspension that’s standard on the 53. I now realize you’re talking about the optional Active Ride Control. Maybe my confusion is in MB calling the standard one AMG Ride Control+ and I was interpreting that as what you were calling ARC. Regardless, air suspension is standard. And it’s on the bumpy side.
Last edited by sickk23; 09-05-2024 at 03:33 PM.
#17
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
I’m not sure what you’re talking about but I’m stating facts. There’s also a few credible car reviewers on YouTube that tend to agree, the standard AMG Ride Control+ suspension is on the rough side. And that’s because it’s tuned differently than the airmatic on the 450.
Description of the ARC that comes standard on the 53:
The optional suspension for the 53:
Edit: I’m talking about Ride Control+ which is the air suspension that’s standard on the 53. I now realize you’re talking about the optional Active Ride Control. Maybe my confusion is in MB calling the standard one AMG Ride Control+ and I was interpreting that as what you were calling ARC. Regardless, air suspension is standard. And it’s on the bumpy side.
Description of the ARC that comes standard on the 53:
The optional suspension for the 53:
Edit: I’m talking about Ride Control+ which is the air suspension that’s standard on the 53. I now realize you’re talking about the optional Active Ride Control. Maybe my confusion is in MB calling the standard one AMG Ride Control+ and I was interpreting that as what you were calling ARC. Regardless, air suspension is standard. And it’s on the bumpy side.
But they have nothing to do with ARC, AKA Active Ride Control which is 48 volt control of the active sway bars. Which improve both ride and handling.
Drive them both. You'll see/feel what I'm talking about. Then you can comment on your YouTubers videos and correct them.🙂
Last edited by mikapen; 09-05-2024 at 08:53 PM.
#20
If you want a cruiser, family vehicle and your roads are not perfect, do yourself a favor and get a 450 with AIRMATIC. You’ll be driving it in comfort most of the time, putting it in sport mode stiffens the suspension and it rides similar to X5 on steel.
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sickk23 (09-05-2024)
#21
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
And the GLE 53 rides even better, with ARC. And most assuredly, handles better than the X5.
#22
Sorry I misspoke. When I said "Active Shock Absorbers," I should have used the official term that Mercedes uses, which is ADC, AKA "Adaptive Damping Control." They are shock absorbers. And they are active.
But they have nothing to do with ARC, AKA Active Ride Control which is 48 volt control of the active sway bars. Which improve both ride and handling.
Drive them both. You'll see/feel what I'm talking about. Then you can comment on your YouTubers videos and correct them.🙂
But they have nothing to do with ARC, AKA Active Ride Control which is 48 volt control of the active sway bars. Which improve both ride and handling.
Drive them both. You'll see/feel what I'm talking about. Then you can comment on your YouTubers videos and correct them.🙂
Last edited by sickk23; 09-05-2024 at 10:46 PM.
#23
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
The ADS Plus's contribution to comfort and handling is Trivial, compared to ARC.
You need to drive one.
It took me 2 months to drive one with ARC and one without, back to back.
I'd be in a different brand if I hadn't finally found an ARC car to drive/own.
My previous one was a 2020 with E-ABC, the King of active suspensions.
It was more comfortable with full width dips and speed bumps, but the 53 ARC is smoother everywhere else. Like potholes. Or railroad tracks in the middle of a corner. Or on Forest Service roads. Or Daily Driving.
Last edited by mikapen; 09-06-2024 at 01:52 AM.
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bancroftdg (09-06-2024)
#24
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.
Last edited by sickk23; 09-06-2024 at 11:14 AM.
#25
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.