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

Gle 63s vs 53 comparison/buyer guide

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Feb 11, 2023 | 02:56 PM
  #1  
Flash7's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 44
Likes: 16
AMG GLE 63S SUV | AMG GLE 53 SUV
Post Gle 63s vs 53 comparison/buyer guide

I've had a 53 since Jan of 22 and passed on my 63s that recently arrived since it was missing some key options like the high end burmester. Having spent an hour driving the 63s, launching it, and testing all the different modes I'm making a comparison for anyone who wants to know which one is the right one for them.

Gle 63S:
Pros:
Massive power difference (this feels like an amg, the 53 doesnt)
Immensely more comfortable and enjoyable to drive in (race mode is more comfortable than the 53s comfort mode) **53 with base suspension
Emotion start + any cracks pops, reving sounds much better
You have the top tier trim for bragging rights

Cons:
Lacks any real distinction or prestige from GLE's and even the 53 unless people know what to look for
You can get everything a 63s has minus the engine in a 53 for 30k less.
Suffers from the same clunky transmission issues GLE's have. Struggles to **** down to the right gear often 2 gears higher than needed. When you put your foot down there's a delay before you start going when already driving.

Gle53:
Pros:
Looks exactly the same as the 63s with dynamics plus package (even without most people can't tell a difference)
Massively less expensive
Better on gas
Can get every single option the 63s has here except the engine
Still fast enough for majority of people
Get the pops and crackles and all the "AMG" experience with the performance exhaust option
Handles amazing even with base suspension at high speeds (145mph+)

Cons:
Same clunky transmission as 63S that struggles to find the right gear
Base suspension is very bad for comfort
Slow slow slow, just starts pulling then the torque ends (should have 700NM-520ft-lbs to be there)
Comes with barely anything, you need to add a TON of options
Performance grows stale when you're out of honeymoon phase and realize you will lose 99% in street combat
Silver brakes suck and look bad too
Every option is more expensive than on a 63S
Fully loaded your at the starting price of a 63S



My Must Have Options for both:
High end burmester
Acoustic Comfort
Driver Assistance Package
AMG Performance Exhaust
Massage Seats
Heated & Ventilated
4 zone climate control
Surround view (ridiculous this isn't standard on GLEs)
Augmented Reality
AMG HUD
Rear side airbags

Conclusion:
The cars are extremely similar, aside from the massive performance when you push your foot down and much better comfort and racing feeling due to the upgraded suspension on the 63s, the cars are indistinguishable. This makes it down to one factor in my book. Do you care about driving fast and having a high performance suv? If you do then get the 63s, the 53 will disappoint you since the difference between the two is night and day. Otherwise you can get the 53 and load it up and still save yourself 30k since it's practically the exact same car minus the engine.

My recommendation is to wait for 2024 since even the 53 is getting a torque bump and both cars are getting more options as standard.


Last edited by Flash7; Feb 11, 2023 at 02:59 PM.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:02 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE