View Poll Results: AIRMATIC on GLE 450 worth it?
Yes
22
73.33%
No
8
26.67%
Voters: 30. You may not vote on this poll
AIRMATIC on GLE 450 - worth hunting for?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 13
Audi Q5, 986 Boxster
AIRMATIC on GLE 450 - worth hunting for?
I have been searching pretty much all available inventory near me including both CPO and NEW, it is EXTREMELY difficult to find one with the AIRMATIC option on GLE 450. Almost makes me want to just get a base GLE 580 and call it a day... LOL
During the test drive I found the AIRMATIC very quiet and comfortable, I regret not do a back-to-back with one with regular suspension.
Before I drive myself insane... Is the AIRMATIC option worth hunting for? We don't do any off-roading or towing, but do quite a bit of road trips ranging from 2-8 hours, carrying average luggage and stuff.
Thanks in advance!
During the test drive I found the AIRMATIC very quiet and comfortable, I regret not do a back-to-back with one with regular suspension.
Before I drive myself insane... Is the AIRMATIC option worth hunting for? We don't do any off-roading or towing, but do quite a bit of road trips ranging from 2-8 hours, carrying average luggage and stuff.
Thanks in advance!
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 775
Likes: 413
From: Pennsylvania
2024 GLE 450 4matic
I had a loaner with airmatic and found the ride a bit too floaty for my tastes. That wasn't my primary reason for skipping it though, I was more concerned with longevity. If you're only planning to keep the car until the end of warranty, it's a nice option. If you're thinking long term, eventually it will need an expensive repair. Steel springs tend to hold up better.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 70
Likes: 33
From: Aubrey, TX
GLS550, GLE450 Coupe
@cZ-727 I'll preface my opinion by saying that I am 67 and my wife is 65. We just ordered and purchased a '26 GLE450 Coupe without the AirMatic suspension and I *really* regret not getting it. We had AirMatic on our GLS550 and it was a plush but firm ride. The "steel" suspension is overly harsh in comparison in my opinion especially for rear seat passengers. It is to the point where I will probably trade out of this car in a year or so (especially if the GLE gets refreshed for '27) and order one with the air suspension. The AirMatic just has a much more pleasant and refined ride; it feels more luxurious if that makes any sense.
I did have to replace the air bags on the GLS550 at around 6 years because the right rear leaked a bit, but the repair was done by a local independent shop and was not expensive. I purchased OE Bilstein air bags from RockAuto.com and supplied my own parts. They were between $300 and $400 for the back pair at the time.
Hold the line and continue your hunt; or just order exactly what you want - it takes about eight weeks to get your car.
I did have to replace the air bags on the GLS550 at around 6 years because the right rear leaked a bit, but the repair was done by a local independent shop and was not expensive. I purchased OE Bilstein air bags from RockAuto.com and supplied my own parts. They were between $300 and $400 for the back pair at the time.
Hold the line and continue your hunt; or just order exactly what you want - it takes about eight weeks to get your car.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 13
Audi Q5, 986 Boxster
I had a loaner with airmatic and found the ride a bit too floaty for my tastes. That wasn't my primary reason for skipping it though, I was more concerned with longevity. If you're only planning to keep the car until the end of warranty, it's a nice option. If you're thinking long term, eventually it will need an expensive repair. Steel springs tend to hold up better.
Yeah I've heard about the cost but I have not seen actual numbers on how much different it will be. We do plan to keep the car for a long time though so that is certainly a factor.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 13
Audi Q5, 986 Boxster
@cZ-727 I'll preface my opinion by saying that I am 67 and my wife is 65. We just ordered and purchased a '26 GLE450 Coupe without the AirMatic suspension and I *really* regret not getting it. We had AirMatic on our GLS550 and it was a plush but firm ride. The "steel" suspension is overly harsh in comparison in my opinion especially for rear seat passengers. It is to the point where I will probably trade out of this car in a year or so (especially if the GLE gets refreshed for '27) and order one with the air suspension. The AirMatic just has a much more pleasant and refined ride; it feels more luxurious if that makes any sense.
I did have to replace the air bags on the GLS550 at around 6 years because the right rear leaked a bit, but the repair was done by a local independent shop and was not expensive. I purchased OE Bilstein air bags from RockAuto.com and supplied my own parts. They were between $300 and $400 for the back pair at the time.
Hold the line and continue your hunt; or just order exactly what you want - it takes about eight weeks to get your car.
I did have to replace the air bags on the GLS550 at around 6 years because the right rear leaked a bit, but the repair was done by a local independent shop and was not expensive. I purchased OE Bilstein air bags from RockAuto.com and supplied my own parts. They were between $300 and $400 for the back pair at the time.
Hold the line and continue your hunt; or just order exactly what you want - it takes about eight weeks to get your car.
I will try to continue searching LOL but none of those websites makes it possible to filter on the AIRMATIC option.
Even MB own site is not much helpful when trying to filter inventory by features
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Air suspension is a game changer. Get it. Yes it is worth hunting for.
Latest air suspensions from German carmakers are at least moderately reliable. I have air ride on my Cayenne and it is great, and seems average or above average reliable. On rennlist there aren't commonly reported glitches or widespread early failure. I am not an expert on latest MB Airmatic but it seems "not terrible" from a reliability point of view.
Air springs fail, as do steel coil springs. When the springs fail is unknowable. If buying an out-of-warranty German car with air suspension, plan to self insure (pay for) a pair of air springs if you plan to own beyond 100k miles.
Latest air suspensions from German carmakers are at least moderately reliable. I have air ride on my Cayenne and it is great, and seems average or above average reliable. On rennlist there aren't commonly reported glitches or widespread early failure. I am not an expert on latest MB Airmatic but it seems "not terrible" from a reliability point of view.
Air springs fail, as do steel coil springs. When the springs fail is unknowable. If buying an out-of-warranty German car with air suspension, plan to self insure (pay for) a pair of air springs if you plan to own beyond 100k miles.
Last edited by chassis; Jan 6, 2026 at 11:21 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 13
Audi Q5, 986 Boxster
Air suspension is a game changer. Get it. Yes it is worth hunting for.
Latest air suspensions from German carmakers are at least moderately reliable. I have air ride on my Cayenne and it is great, and seems average or above average reliable. On rennlist there aren't commonly reported glitches or widespread early failure. I am not an expert on latest MB Airmatic but it seems "not terrible" from a reliability point of view.
Air springs fail, as do steel coil springs. When the springs fail is unknowable. If buying an out-of-warranty German car with air suspension, plan to self insure (pay for) a pair of air springs if you plan to own beyond 100k miles.
Latest air suspensions from German carmakers are at least moderately reliable. I have air ride on my Cayenne and it is great, and seems average or above average reliable. On rennlist there aren't commonly reported glitches or widespread early failure. I am not an expert on latest MB Airmatic but it seems "not terrible" from a reliability point of view.
Air springs fail, as do steel coil springs. When the springs fail is unknowable. If buying an out-of-warranty German car with air suspension, plan to self insure (pay for) a pair of air springs if you plan to own beyond 100k miles.
I guess I will keep searching!!
I will have to say though, finder.porache.com is MILES better than any other manufacturers inventory search website.. we briefly looked into Cayenne but it is just too expensive. You get functional options filter and the ability to view window sticker without having to jumping through dealer websites etc.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 602
Likes: 273
From: NYC
S63, GLE580, BV250
I recommend opting for airmatic. Floaty, I disagree, but if you find it to be, you can set up your individual profile to "sport" or sport mode outright.
As for expensive repair, sure its a bit more pricey that steel but overall MB's Airmatic system(s) are fairly reliable. Had it in a e63 up to 120k w/ no issues, w220 s-class 300k (valve block replacement, forget when). Currently s-class 85k & GLE 60k.
When struts/compressor/valve block need to be serviced, overall its not a difficult job for knowledgeable MB mechanics. Parts and remanufactured struts are not obscenely priced.
As for expensive repair, sure its a bit more pricey that steel but overall MB's Airmatic system(s) are fairly reliable. Had it in a e63 up to 120k w/ no issues, w220 s-class 300k (valve block replacement, forget when). Currently s-class 85k & GLE 60k.
When struts/compressor/valve block need to be serviced, overall its not a difficult job for knowledgeable MB mechanics. Parts and remanufactured struts are not obscenely priced.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
In 2020 and 2021, we drove every suspension configuration available for the 167 chassis.
We owned an E-ABC car but it was a Covid mess, it was brought back.
Our rankings were as follows:
1. AMG ARC (AMG ride control)
2. Steel springs
3. E-ABC
4. Air suspension
I'd put the Cayenne PDCC just behind ARC, FWIW.
The best combination of ride and handling is the AMG ARC.
The air suspension is just too floaty or boat like. Sport mode on the air suspension is better but harsher than we liked. Really disliked the "Curve" function in E-ABC, as a driver.
We owned an E-ABC car but it was a Covid mess, it was brought back.
Our rankings were as follows:
1. AMG ARC (AMG ride control)
2. Steel springs
3. E-ABC
4. Air suspension
I'd put the Cayenne PDCC just behind ARC, FWIW.
The best combination of ride and handling is the AMG ARC.
The air suspension is just too floaty or boat like. Sport mode on the air suspension is better but harsher than we liked. Really disliked the "Curve" function in E-ABC, as a driver.
Last edited by mikapen; Jan 6, 2026 at 02:18 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
2023 GLE 450
Totally depends on your use cases and priorities. Will it ever venture off pavement? Will people be using the rear seats in particular ie Comfort vs sport preferences. I have a GLE 450 with steel that I quickly replaced with an H&R set to drop it one inch. I do almost entirety city driving and had thought the stock suspension was unnecessarily floaty for my needs. With the H&R springs, it handles sharper, more like a car, but on super deep potholes it’s decidedly harsher. I won’t be crossing the Rubicon trail on my way to Whole Foods so I’m ok with the trade off there.
Last edited by psychopoodle; Jan 6, 2026 at 06:58 PM.
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 18
From: Portland, OR
2024 GLE450 & 2022 CLS450
We have a 2024 GLE450 with air suspension. If you prefer a firmer ride, then yes, the air suspension can feel floaty. But if you drive on poorly maintained roads, then the air suspension is worth it. Really absorbs the road imperfections.
Another benefit to air suspension is the ability to raise and lower the vehicle height.
Another benefit to air suspension is the ability to raise and lower the vehicle height.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 13
Audi Q5, 986 Boxster
Thanks everyone!
I finally found one, 2024 CPO pretty loaded MSRP 93xxx w/ 15k miles, listed for $76k. Fair deal? I've literally went through probably 100 listings LOL...
For comparison, I found one 2026 NEW MSRP $97k, similarly optioned except 22 vs 21 wheels, assuming 12% off (advertised by many brokers) that's $85k. Although new has better interest rate but my used car rate isn't too high (4.9) and I do plan on paying it off early.
I finally found one, 2024 CPO pretty loaded MSRP 93xxx w/ 15k miles, listed for $76k. Fair deal? I've literally went through probably 100 listings LOL...
For comparison, I found one 2026 NEW MSRP $97k, similarly optioned except 22 vs 21 wheels, assuming 12% off (advertised by many brokers) that's $85k. Although new has better interest rate but my used car rate isn't too high (4.9) and I do plan on paying it off early.
Last edited by cZ-727; Jan 6, 2026 at 07:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 13
Audi Q5, 986 Boxster
Totally depends on your use cases and priorities. Will it ever venture off pavement? Will people be using the rear seats in particular ie Comfort vs sport preferences. I have a GLE 450 with steel that I quickly replaced with an H&R set to drop it one inch. I do almost entirety city driving and had thought the stock suspension was unnecessarily floaty for my needs. With the H&R springs, it handles sharper, more like a car, but on super deep potholes it’s decidedly harsher. I won’t be crossing the Rubicon trail on my way to Whole Foods so I’m ok with the trade off there.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 13
Audi Q5, 986 Boxster
I did briefly look at some 580s but $80k only gets me exclusive trim (2024+) and Pinnacle would push too far outside my budget.
Considering this is a family vehicle, I'd rather trade some HP for nice amenities
I will try to find driving fun somewhere else haha
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 602
Likes: 273
From: NYC
S63, GLE580, BV250
Totally understand, it sure is a slippery slope because “what’s a couple bucks more” turns into a few thousand fast.
Not to twist your arm, but I’ll leave this link right here in case you want to peek at another 580 that fits the bill and price range (with room to negotiate)..
https://www.mercedeshoffman.com/inve...b8fb0rb209554/
just an example, but with that said, the 450 is no slouch and an excellent choice.
Not to twist your arm, but I’ll leave this link right here in case you want to peek at another 580 that fits the bill and price range (with room to negotiate)..
https://www.mercedeshoffman.com/inve...b8fb0rb209554/
just an example, but with that said, the 450 is no slouch and an excellent choice.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 13
Audi Q5, 986 Boxster
Totally understand, it sure is a slippery slope because “what’s a couple bucks more” turns into a few thousand fast.
Not to twist your arm, but I’ll leave this link right here in case you want to peek at another 580 that fits the bill and price range (with room to negotiate)..
https://www.mercedeshoffman.com/inve...b8fb0rb209554/
just an example, but with that said, the 450 is no slouch and an excellent choice.
Not to twist your arm, but I’ll leave this link right here in case you want to peek at another 580 that fits the bill and price range (with room to negotiate)..
https://www.mercedeshoffman.com/inve...b8fb0rb209554/
just an example, but with that said, the 450 is no slouch and an excellent choice.
That particular one you linked is a buyback though... Almost gave me a heart attack like how did I miss that one!?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 260
Likes: 72
2024 GLE 450e
Thanks everyone!
I finally found one, 2024 CPO pretty loaded MSRP 93xxx w/ 15k miles, listed for $76k. Fair deal? I've literally went through probably 100 listings LOL...
For comparison, I found one 2026 NEW MSRP $97k, similarly optioned except 22 vs 21 wheels, assuming 12% off (advertised by many brokers) that's $85k. Although new has better interest rate but my used car rate isn't too high (4.9) and I do plan on paying it off early.
I finally found one, 2024 CPO pretty loaded MSRP 93xxx w/ 15k miles, listed for $76k. Fair deal? I've literally went through probably 100 listings LOL...
For comparison, I found one 2026 NEW MSRP $97k, similarly optioned except 22 vs 21 wheels, assuming 12% off (advertised by many brokers) that's $85k. Although new has better interest rate but my used car rate isn't too high (4.9) and I do plan on paying it off early.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
GLE 4MATIC and Cayenne are excellent off road machines with steel springs and even more so with air suspension because of height adjustability. Complete nonsense to suggest otherwise. Speaking from experience.
The main concern is damaging (scraping) wheels with low profile factory street tires. The factory tires will not, however, prevent impressive off road performance.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 39
Likes: 13
Audi Q5, 986 Boxster
I even tried to find new inventory with the options I wanted but boy is it hard to find one equipped with AIRMATIC... The only one I found is $97k with 22" wheels which I don't like for various reasons. Idk the price difference is justifiable for me though...
Building one would mean less of a discount so the price diff is even larger.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 20
Likes: 11
2020 gle 450
Thanks everyone!
I finally found one, 2024 CPO pretty loaded MSRP 93xxx w/ 15k miles, listed for $76k. Fair deal? I've literally went through probably 100 listings LOL...
For comparison, I found one 2026 NEW MSRP $97k, similarly optioned except 22 vs 21 wheels, assuming 12% off (advertised by many brokers) that's $85k. Although new has better interest rate but my used car rate isn't too high (4.9) and I do plan on paying it off early.
I finally found one, 2024 CPO pretty loaded MSRP 93xxx w/ 15k miles, listed for $76k. Fair deal? I've literally went through probably 100 listings LOL...
For comparison, I found one 2026 NEW MSRP $97k, similarly optioned except 22 vs 21 wheels, assuming 12% off (advertised by many brokers) that's $85k. Although new has better interest rate but my used car rate isn't too high (4.9) and I do plan on paying it off early.
