GLE63s, GLE63, GLE53 AMG SUV & Coupe (W166, W167) 2015 - Present (Two generations)

Is the 53 a “real” AMG?

Old Jul 23, 2022 | 06:15 PM
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Is the 53 a “real” AMG?

This forum is slow, so I thought I would ask this question.

I’ll preface this by saying I have a 53 and no matter what is said here, you won’t hurt my feelings. I’m too old to care about these things and I didn’t buy it for the badge.

I’m a purist myself. I personally think the expansion of M and AMG to the M50i and 53 is nothing but a money grab, but if Mercedes and BMW calls it an “M” and “AMG,” well who are we to say otherwise?
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Old Jul 23, 2022 | 06:26 PM
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Honestly, I don't care either, here is a good thread to start with, OP explains why the 53 models are not bad.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...t-amg-amg.html
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Old Jul 23, 2022 | 06:45 PM
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Cool thread, but it’s all in the eye of beholder. Purists will scoff. But I look at from this perspective: there’s really nothing special between a 63 and 53 other than the engine and over-hyped hand-built badge. Same goes for an X5M and M50i.

These cars are designed the same way: in-house engineers built-out the platform and everything else, then a group of “special” M or AMG engineers will add their components. There”s really nothing special anymore other than slapping on OEM “aftermarket” parts and tuning. These engineers DO NOT build these cars from the ground up anymore. The only primary difference between a 53 and 63 is the engine bin number.

So, as I’ve previously stated, if Mercedes calls the 53 an AMG, it is an AMG, insofar in how they define an AMG in this day and age. There’s really nothing special anymore about the 53 or 63 other than stupid HP numbers.
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Old Jul 23, 2022 | 08:31 PM
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Old Jul 23, 2022 | 10:29 PM
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2021 GLE 53 AMG Coupe
Yes, it is.
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Old Jul 24, 2022 | 08:30 AM
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Just like the 924 was a real Porsche 😜
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Old Jul 24, 2022 | 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Frenetic
.....
I’m a purist myself. I personally think the expansion of M and AMG to the M50i and 53 is nothing but a money grab, but if Mercedes and BMW calls it an “M” and “AMG,” well who are we to say otherwise?
IDK about BMW, but there are significant differences between the 53 and the 450, throughout the chassis, suspension, brakes, transmission and even interiors.
Even the turning radius is different.
And the engine is an AMG variant, even though it isn't signed. The supercharged and turbocharged inline 6 is the most modern engine and powertrain in the Mercedes lineup.

Essentially, only the body and glass are the same. It's a true hot rod in the AMG sense.
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Old Jul 24, 2022 | 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by mikapen
IDK about BMW, but there are significant differences between the 53 and the 450, throughout the chassis, suspension, brakes, transmission and even interiors.
Even the turning radius is different.
And the engine is an AMG variant, even though it isn't signed. The supercharged and turbocharged inline 6 is the most modern engine and powertrain in the Mercedes lineup.

Essentially, only the body and glass are the same. It's a true hot rod in the AMG sense.
Agree!
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Old Jul 25, 2022 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by mikapen
Essentially, only the body and glass are the same. It's a true hot rod in the AMG sense.
I agree also. I currently have two "53s" and previously have enjoyed at least three AMGs with the hand built, signed engines. As I've said before, any competency trained mechanic can assemble an engine and place his plaque on it and that is great. But yes, the M256 is the most modern engine in the Mercedes lineup as mikapen has stated. This engine draws heavily on AMG's Formula 1 technology and you may want to check out my post which I discusses this transfer:

https://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe...ml#post7756813

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