jeremyf0923

Hello all - looking for some guidance/advice. My wife currently drives a 2018 Volvo XC90 and wants something new. She likes it a lot, but wants something a bit more "sporty." Keep in mind "sporty" to her doesn't mean fast, although she wouldn't mind fast. I have a vested interest in this purchase because I recently upgraded from a 2016 C63S to a 2018 Audi R8 V10 Plus. I absolutely love my R8, but it can only haul 2 people so I want to ensure we get something VERY "sporty" for when I'm hauling the family around. We've looked at everything under the sun - from Tellurides to Aviators to X5s to Q8/RSQ8 - and everything in between. I think we've landed on the GLE because of looks, technology, sportiness, etc. - just a great overall package and bang for your buck (except for GLE 63S, which is clearly excess, but awesome!).

So I'm curious about owner opinion of both the 2021 GLE 53 and 63S (including those individuals that have already gone through what I'm going through - weighing the pros/cons of each). If it was my personal daily driver I'd get the 63S hands down, but it is my wife's daily and don't know if she needs all of that power. From an exterior/interior look/feel perspective, they can essentially be optioned identically with the exception of a 3rd row (not available in the 63S - and not an absolute necessity) and that awesome CF steering wheel (not available in the 53). There is a $25K difference between the two fully optioned as I'd like each so that is basically what I'm paying for that incredible hand built V8.

Separately, because we want a very specific batch of options and if I spend this much I want to get exactly what I want (ahem, WE want), we will likely need to order one. Being that it is April, I assume that the window is closing fast on 2021 orders. My gut says wait for a 2022, but I may get a better deal on a 2021. And of course radio silence from MB on what changes are in store for the 2022 model year. If anyone has any insider info on the 2022, do tell!

That all said, would love to here your thoughts/opinions on the matter.

Thanks in advance!

Jeremy

Atlanta AMG

I think the 53 is the sweet spot for value when it comes to the GLE trims. My logic is that the 450 is dangerously close to the 350 base model when it comes to price, and when you spec the 450 with the AMG kit you're in the range of a 53 so you might as well get the 53. The upgrade from the 53 to the 63 is a larger jump through, 25-30K. Is it worth it? I think yes because you get such a fabulous engine and performance but you do pay for it. Furthermore I am honest with myself, brand, image, prestige, matter to me. I'm moderately vain and I accept it. I do like the respect I get from people "who know" that I have the "real amg" top trim, I LOVE my 2016 63 AMG.

I personally can't afford it new and I don't think I ever want to stomach that kind of depreciation, but I have a feeling it it's not that big of a deal to you so why not get the top trim and enjoy yourself? You can't take your savings and investment to heaven.

GlennC

If budget is not a big issue, I would get her the 2021 GLE 63S. In the last 12 months I have owned brand new 2021s X5MC (too stiff for me, especially on bumpy local streets), X5M50i (comfortable but not a true M or AMG) and the GLE 63S. Loved all 3 but the 63S which I purchased in December is PERFECT for me. Best blend of power and comfort. I know you're wife would be fine in the 53 but when you drive her car, you will LOVE the power of the 63S so why not treat yourself....

Insofar as 2021 vs 2022 goes, I have no idea what changes are in store but the 2021 is a new model so I would imagine any changes would be minor if any at all so get the savings if you can. Also suggest you shop around, I did and it paid off. I paid $117k on a $125k sticker by shopping around. My local dealer (less than 1 mile from my home) wanted $122k. I've purchased 5 S series from that dealer over the last 10 years and they wouldn't budge. I found the same exact model on the lot of a dealer 30 miles away and ended up saving an additional $5k. If you don't go for the 63S, how about considering the 580 for the additional power? Having said all that, whatever decision you make you can't go wrong. Great position to be in! Good luck and please let us know what you end up deciding/getting!

PS - I just decided to sell mine (see new thread if you happen to be interested...)

js_cls

Well that took an interesting turn. What did you end up selling it for?

GlennC

$100k, paid $117k (MSRP $125k). Unfortunate, but expected....

js_cls

Oh lol, I meant why did you sell it/what did you trade if for since I know you loved the car, and also have gone through some other cars in the last year , but I saw in another post that since you started work from home it wasn't really as necessary.

Swordfish99

Just traded my 2018 C63 S Cab for a new 2021 GLE 53. I couldn't justify the GLE63 and have been driving the past few years with that amount of power and find there are fewer and fewer places you can use it. Practicality took over as I can't justify spending that much on a car and can only drive it about 6 months per year. I also traded my GLC 43 as part of the deal so I went from two vehicles to one. It will be nice to have a decent vehicle i can drive all year round. This GLE has so much technology, much more than both my other vehicles. It is basically loaded with every option. I have only test drove the vehicle for about an hour and don't get it until next week but I am so impressed by this vehicle. Cant wait to experience the new ride...

GlennC

Congrats and Enjoy!!!

jeremyf0923

I ended up pulling the trigger on a fully loaded GLE53 (custom order). I felt the power of the GLE63 was just overkill for an SUV - not worth an extra $25K. Build is mid-July...hope to be driving in early August. Excited!

js_cls

Congrats! You're gonna love the 53 powertrain. Really is a gem of a motor.