Brief comments on 2025 GLE 53 AMG after one month - overall pleased.

Options: Active Ride Control, magic vision wipers, dashcam, acoustic quiet package, 20” wheels, third row seats, tow package, running boards, soft close doors, warmth and comfort package, pinnacle trim, Nappa leather, driver assist.

Pluses:

A very comfortable ride, body tilt, yaw and sway are virtually eliminated.

Exterior and interior style and details are great.

The surround view camera is crystal clear, with easy selection of different view options.

Active parking assistance is improved, smooth and controlled process.

Biometric profile selection is convenient.

Negatives: (any work arounds are appreciated)

Easy exit/entry – it’s okay for a short person exiting, but not far enough for a tall person that is entering next.

The trailer electrical connector is recessed in a hard-to-reach area.

The vehicle settings allow for the adjustment between the comfort of a GLE 450, all the way to the full performance of the GLE 53 AMG, except for some slight residual muffler growl still present even when exhaust is set to balanced. It would be nice to be able to just enjoy music sometimes, but the control valve may be at the limit of its range.

 

Thanks for your comments. Which size wheels are you running and do you find the suspension harsh or crap out on imperfect roads?
I was considering between 53 and 450 but the extremely disapproving review by savagegeese guys on YouTube regarding the suspension pushed me away a bit (that and the price…). I also understand that the suspension set-up and feel can often be very subjective

 

This is my candid but admittedly subjective response to your questions, which seem to focus on ride quality and price. Price is hard to quantify or justify once you get past basic features and performance, so I’m going to pass on that topic.

My experience with ride quality is based on owning a variety of vehicles and also test drives over the years. Driving the same models with different wheel sizes convinced me that wheel size is a factor in ride comfort. Because of that, and the availability of adequate tire options, I stick with 20-inch wheels.

My experience with owning a Lexus LX 570 was that it had a comfortable ride but not completely to my satisfaction. I never felt completely in control of a vehicle of that size and weight, because of the subtle but still very apparent tilt and roll that it constantly did to absorb road imperfections. In my opinion, too much body movement as the suspension responds to road imperfections defeats overall ride comfort.

My Mercedes GLS 450 with E-ABC was very comfortable and compensated for body movement and road imperfections with an added hydraulic suspension system that responds very quickly in addition to air suspension. But because of its expense and the need for daylight conditions for the cameras to fine tune the response, Mercedes discontinued it in most models. Also, some road conditions confused the cameras slightly, but it did manage body sway and tilt nicely. I’m confident Mercedes will get it perfect at some point.

The GLE 53 AMG interested me because of the additional engineering and styling applied to its design, but again, price is hard to explain or objectively justify for features and performance. Also, it essentially has the hydraulic suspension assist found in E-ABC, but without the more expensive camera component that only works in daylight.

For me, the GLE 53 AMG with 20-inch wheels provides enough styling and performance to add enjoyment to driving around and also achieves my need for a comfortable ride that includes responding to imperfect road conditions without adding body tilt and roll. It has a very comfortable and secure feeling ride, but that is my subjective opinion.

I don’t know what the configuration of the model in the review video that you mentioned was, but my advice would be to visit as many dealers in your area that have a variety of optioned models and see what you like.