TheGuac

Hello,

Thinking about trading in my X3M Competition for something with a little more luxury and V8 goodness and was trying to decide between the 2021 GLE63S (SUV) vs RSQ8. I've got a 2021 RS7 so I am familiar with the Audi system but I don't like how Audi is neutering their exhausts on the RS models. I had a 2018 E63S and liked the AMG sound although I kind of feel like the E class sedans and SUVs aren't as loud as the C class. What do you guys think of the new GLE? The X5M is out of the running due to the harsh nature of its ride and BMW exhausts sound terrible.

Thanks.

GlennC

I've had my 2021 GLE63S for a little over a month now and absolutely love it. For me, it's the perfect balance of comfort and power. I owned a 2020 X5M for a month but ended up trading it in as I found the ride to harsh for me. I have no experience with the RSQ8. It has received many positive reviews. I suggest you try to test drive both vehicles to help inform your decision.

GlennC

PS - I think the exhaust sound in the GLE 63S (which has two settings) is awesome. The sport setting is an absolute screamer and the non-sport setting sounds like a nice rumble. To me, the exhaust sound is much better than the X5M. I've never heard an RSQ8. This video comparing all 3 SUVs may help your decision.. . Good luck!

TheGuac

Thanks! And every GLE63S has the AMG performance exhaust as standard, right? I don't see an option on the configurator and the vehicle I am considering has the exhaust switch in the center console. Problem with Audi, even though the RSQ8 looks cool, is that they are more focused on comfort rather than sportiness. Same thing with the RS7 vs M5 and E63S. Although arguably the RS7 looks the best to me but it is the slowest and quietest of the bunch. The seats in the GLE63 don't look very sporty though.

BlownV8

Given the rough rollout of the X167, you may want to go with a 2019 X166 or hold off for a few years.

TheGuac

What do you mean rough rollout? Is there an issue?

BlownV8

Yes, seems to be many issues reported. Do your research.

GlennC

I believe you are correct that they all have the AMG performance exhaust as standard but you should ask your sales advisor to be sure. Just an FYI....I have 1,600 miles on mine and have not had any issues whatsoever so far.

another_geek

The performance exhaust comes standard on the 63s. I've had mine since Sept and while the exhaust is nice, it's not as loud as older AMGs. EU regulations have forced Mercedes to tone-down the exhaust in recent years. Compared to my previous W166 63, the V167 is softer/more muted. Compared to my F-type, the Jaguar wins hands-down

TheGuac

Thanks guys. The E63S exhaust was also not very loud, which annoyed me since the M5 surprisingly was louder. This is the opposite in the SUV world. I also don't like how the GLE is built in the USA but other AMG models are built in Germany still. RSQ8 is still Germany built. Do you notice the interior as creaky or cheap?

another_geek

I don't notice any creaks in the interior. The lower portion of the doors however is hard plastic vs leather in BMWs which could have been nicer. I suspect Mercedes chose durability over looks in this case. But everything at eye level is nicely finished.

GlennC

Same here, no issues on interior. Agree re bottom of doors but I think my 2020 X5M had the same issue....plastic.

RaceTank

i'd go for the RS6 AVANT, same space as a SUV. Looks insane

TheGuac

I've got the next gen RS7 so the same car, just different dimensions. I much prefer the look of the RS7 over the RS6, hence the RS7 purchase. I need an SUV for the ground clearance issues when it snows a ton in Colorado. RSQ8 would be more of the same when paired with the RS7. Seems like I would get bored faster since the interior and some of the exterior is the same.

I kind of am digging the look of the GLE63 Coupe now over the SUV. Seems more sporty, but functionality is worse and the Coupe would be white color rather than the blue for the SUV (at least the ones I am looking at).

Anotherone

I am biased so GLE63s. AMG is hands down the best.

places

AMG 63 anything trumps any Audi all day.

V8ray

I owned my GLE63S for about two weeks and love it! The exhaust is perfect on sport or race when you want loud and quiet when it needs to be... you won’t regret it.

TheGuac

Did you go suv or coupe?

V8ray

I don’t like coupe.

js_cls

I'm surprised you didn't find the Pre-Refresh E63S loud compared to the C63 (post and pre-refresh), or even an M5, the new F90 sounds awful. Those pre-refresh E63's sound awesome in my opinion.

I'd go with the GLE. The RSQ8 is nice but since you already have an RS7 you won't be getting a much different car, and many dealers are not discounting and are actually marking up the RSQ8 significantly. Variety is the spice of life! That being said, as always, test drive both and see what's right for you.

TheGuac

My e63 was post refresh, 2018. Compared to my C43, it was not that loud but exhaust was still better than the competition haha. My old RS5 was pretty good in sport mode but now Audi is neutering everything, including the R8.

My dealer is actually selling the RSQ8 as an allocation at MSRP, just like the RS7 so that's good at least, even though I hate paying MSRP. GLE63 would be 2k off, can't get more than that.

Unfortunately I can't test drive since COVID restrictions, plus no one has the RSQ8 in stock around here. I'm leaning on the GLE just because it's different than the Audi but I wish it looked more different than the standard GLE.

GlennC

Just as an FYI, I'm in the NYC area and paid $8k below sticker in late Dec for my GLE 63S. It was on the lot. My local dealer only wanted to give me $3k below but I found a dealer about 30 miles away with the car I wanted with the better discount.

places

Durability and Mercedes no longer go together. It's all cost.

TheGuac

Oh wow, what dealer was that? We've got barely any inventory here and I want one with the upgraded sound system which makes pickings even slimmer.

GlennC

MB of White Plains. They had two in inventory at the time. Neither had the upgraded sound system but I was ok with that. I like hearing the engine and exhaust LOL!