Cars with airmatic float on clouds! My wifes ML does not have it because she did not want it. She missed out I think lol.
Opinions on Airmatic?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 2
From: Philly
TBD
Opinions on Airmatic?
Thoughts / opinions form those who have Airmatic?
Worth it? Or Skip it?
What's your favorite thing about it?
Does it help performance in spirited driving or is more about comfort or something else entirely?
Worth it? Or Skip it?
What's your favorite thing about it?
Does it help performance in spirited driving or is more about comfort or something else entirely?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
Likes: 27
From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
I am very happy with it for the following reasons:
1. Sport setting perfect for me 99% of the time. Not harsh but firm enough. Ability to create custom profile where my steering and suspension is set to sport but engine set to comfort.
2. Comfort is good for some bumpy roads or when I see a few speed bumps ahead. Change is immediate and much softer.
3. When towing the vehicle stays level, no rear end sag at all.
4. Ability to raise entire vehicle significantly at the push of a button - I just used this last week when driving through deep snow left by snowplow at entrance to my driveway after big snowfall.
I've had it on last two and ordered it on my 2020.
1. Sport setting perfect for me 99% of the time. Not harsh but firm enough. Ability to create custom profile where my steering and suspension is set to sport but engine set to comfort.
2. Comfort is good for some bumpy roads or when I see a few speed bumps ahead. Change is immediate and much softer.
3. When towing the vehicle stays level, no rear end sag at all.
4. Ability to raise entire vehicle significantly at the push of a button - I just used this last week when driving through deep snow left by snowplow at entrance to my driveway after big snowfall.
I've had it on last two and ordered it on my 2020.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 2
From: Philly
TBD
Thank you for the reply. I placed my order for the 2020 without Airmatic but am now wondering if that is the correct choice. My preference would be for a firm and responsive ride - Similar to what Q7 & X5 offer.
I currently drive an 6spd manual Audi S4 so going to an SUV is going to be a huge change for me. The suspension is the biggest consideration here.
I currently drive an 6spd manual Audi S4 so going to an SUV is going to be a huge change for me. The suspension is the biggest consideration here.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 852
Likes: 132
From: North Carolina
AMG GLE43 Coupe
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 83
Likes: 2
From: Philly
TBD
My fear is the Airmatic option will make the car too "floaty". Unjustified?
Did you order your 43? None of the local dealers have had any GLE SUV's equipped with the Airmatic option.
Zack Spencer's comments on the Airmatic at around 8min 40sec are scaring me off:
Did you order your 43? None of the local dealers have had any GLE SUV's equipped with the Airmatic option.
Zack Spencer's comments on the Airmatic at around 8min 40sec are scaring me off:
Last edited by buddy0329; Nov 28, 2018 at 09:53 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 852
Likes: 132
From: North Carolina
AMG GLE43 Coupe
My fear is the Airmatic option will make the car too "floaty". Unjustified?
Did you order your 43? None of the local dealers have had any GLE SUV's equipped with the Airmatic option.
Zack Spencer's comments on the Airmatic at around 8min 40sec are scaring me off:
https://youtu.be/g5yX45TSpuM?t=518
Did you order your 43? None of the local dealers have had any GLE SUV's equipped with the Airmatic option.
Zack Spencer's comments on the Airmatic at around 8min 40sec are scaring me off:
https://youtu.be/g5yX45TSpuM?t=518
Yes, I had to order mine. At that time, most dealers had none and a few dealers had only one. They were extremely rare. Luckily, my dealer had one on the lot. It didn't have all of the options I wanted, but it had the exact combination of performance features I was interested in, so I was able to accurately judge the driving characteristics. Keep in mind I have the Coupe, so the weight distribution and handling may be slightly different.
Don't take my word for it. I would strongly suggest you find one equipped with Airmatic and judge for yourself. Check dealers outside your normal radius. I'm sure you'll find one.
Last edited by GLE43_Sube; Nov 28, 2018 at 11:12 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 83
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From: Philly
TBD
The reviewer did not state it was floaty; I said that I feared it would make the car feel floaty. He's an owner of a Porsche Cayenne and stated in the comments that he still prefers that to the MB. I raise the data point since I recently drove the new Cayenne and found it a fantastic driver's car. I loved the suspension but alas it lacks the cargo room available in SUV's with traditional silhouettes.
So far no luck on finding a Airmatic equipped GLE locally amongst half a dozen dealerships.
So far no luck on finding a Airmatic equipped GLE locally amongst half a dozen dealerships.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Greater Cleveland area
2019 Dune Silver Metallic E-450 Mercedes Cabriolet NEW Mercedes 2020 GLC300 graphite gray SUV
The only thing to remember: when it fails, it's very expensive to replace. Despite this, kinda wish I had gotten this on my CAB; all comes down to money I guess. A $2000 option; needed to make a cut somewhere.
Last edited by rustybear3; Dec 4, 2018 at 10:36 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 60
Likes: 6
From: John's Creek, GA
2008 CL550, 2018 E400 Coupe, 2019 AMG GLE43 Coupe, 1968 C10 Restomod
Airmatic is definitely not floaty. They have different settings based on your needs at the moment. Need soft? Go to comfort. Need firm and sporty? Go to Sport or Sport+. I have it on my CL and GLE coupe. Plus you can adjust it to your desire on Individual mode!
