Hello
I am in the process of ordering AMG GLE 53, does anyone regret not getting the AMG Active ride control. Not sure it’s a necessary option as the vehicle already come with upgraded suspension. I drove the AMG 53 without that option seems to be ok and not under sprung. I drove the 450 and it was more luxury ride. I checked off a lot of the other options and vehicle is already around 100 Gs is it really necessary to add another $2800 for the Active ride control.
thank you

 

Mixed reviews on this site and rennlist Cayenne forum.

Some say “it’s good”.

Some say “can’t tell if it’s working”.

Some say it’s unreliable and have reported problems with it.

No one says it changed their lives.

My view is skip it. It’s a big liability out of warranty because it’s powered by 48V. Something to be strongly avoided with all brands but especially with MB.

 

Not available to order on the 53 in the USA as far as I know. It was nixed during the pandemic for the US market.

 

I wouldn't buy a car without ARC.

The ride improves a lot, but the handling and responsiveness improvements are an absolute bargain.

48v worries are imaginary, as we've not seen any reports related to the active suspension.

If you're spending 100k, don't let the best available option slip away.

I went through the same dilemma when I approached 100k, but omitted the 3D Burmester. Kicking myself now.

And BTW, the Mercedes ARC is noticeably better than the Cayenne's PDCC, a similar approach from the VW Group. I haven't driven Audi's version.

 

I guess follow-up question would be are those with vehicle that don’t have the AMG ride control regretting not getting it?And is the ride not acceptable? I don’t plan on taking truck on race track and was 50/50 between getting the AMG vs the 450. Looking for a comfortable ride with a sporty fast side as well. The 450 drove too much like my 350 and didn’t feel that much faster although you felt the difference in the engine. AMG 53 was noticeably different even without the ARC and once you put it into Sport mode it became like a sports car.

 

I just got a 2024 GLE 53 AMG Coupe which does NOT have the ARC option. My previous car was a 2021 GLE 350 without air suspension. I did not drive a 53 AMG Coupe with ARC option so I do not have any thing to compare it to, and this is my first AMG, so I do not regret getting that option. Also like mentioned above, it is not available on the US as an option.

Regarding ride, mine has the 22 inch forged matte black AMG wheels and I will say the ride is definitely stiffer than what I am used to. It's not unbearable, but when going over bumps it is very noticeable. Now if you decide to go with a smaller wheel, the ride may be more comfortable. I have not driven in sport mode yet because I am still in the break in period (I have about 4 miles left lol) so I am not sure it performs in those modes. I will say even in comfort mode, it does move. Also it is substantially quicker than the 450. I would say get the 450 if you are looking for more comfort or get the 53 AMG if you want something more sporty and louder.

 

I ordered AMG 53 just waiting on build confirmation from dealership was advised delivery should be around June. Usually they provide purchase order # when build is accepted. I got 21 inch rims with all season tires and night package. I don’t think I need the ARC I drove a truck without it I liked the ride don’t think I need it stiffer nor will I take it on the track.

 

Definitely do not drive an example with ARC.
It will spoil you for anything else, and you'll be less satisfied with yours.🙁

 

Dealership advised not available option now but I did drive an AMG 63 which had the ARC and bigger engine. Was definitely different ride I’m ok with the 53 and I’m not going to wait for future availability.

thank you.

 

Be prepared for delays. I ordered mine back in July 2023 with delivery in October 2023. The car was built and sitting at the factory for over 2 months until it finally made it to the dealership right before Christmas 2023.

 

I think we knew that the ARC wasn't available earlier this year, as@superswiss mentioned.

I was hoping that you were on to something coming soon, since you were continuing to inquire.

I'd buy a 63s just for the ARC (and the HD Burmester) but I don't want a V8.

And I really like this 6.
Oh well, maybe next year.

You'll love the car.

 

The Cayenne crowd views ride quality as sublime with air suspension, with PASM (adjustable shocks) and without PDCC (active roll control, exactly the same system as AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL.

Air suspension + adjustable shocks = supremely comfortable ride and sportiness when desired. Active roll control adds little to the experience.

 

I did see a GLE 53 with ARC in one of the dealerships’s inventory but I didn’t inquire about that vehicle. I asked my dealership if ARC is available and was advised no. Could be many different reasons why it’s in inventory with ARC idk. I haven’t seen any other AMG 53 lately with ARC though. Might be that Mercedes just releases some vehicles with that option to select dealerships or maybe prior orders before that option was suspended.

 

I'm in the process of deciding on a 24 GLE 53, and I specifically asked about this. It's not available as an item that can be ordered. The salesman said it may be part of the base package itself - but I looked at the printout he gave me and it was not on called out on the list of standard features.

 

It’s a stand alone option for $2800 on the AMG GLE 53 configurator but I was advised by Sales Advisor that it’s currently unavailable. It’s not part of the base package 53 but it is part of base package for the 63. You can go on MBUSA and build your own AMG 53 and you’ll see it’s on there but like I said they ain’t producing cars with that option right now. I guess things can change week to week and best to speak with a Mercedes Sales Advisor.

 

I sat with a sales advisor to build what I was looking for - and it did not show up on the screen as an option.

 

I’d assume it’s not currently available from factory so it’s not showing up as option for the sales advisor. Others on this forum were not able to build vehicle with that option and were advised it’s not currently available as well.

 

Apparently i have it on my 2023 GLE63s, I cant really say that I see any notable difference in ride quality compared to my previous cars without it. I'm not even 100% sure what mode activates it? Comfort, Sports or Sports+. The suspension does feel stiffer on Sports+ but that's all I've really noticed.

 

I have a 2022 GLE 63S and tend to agree. I don't have anything to compare it to, but the ride does not feel like anything special. Now, if you are Ricky Racer, I'm guessing it makes a big difference. Also, if you need level control (towing, etc) it would probably make a difference. But for normal driving, probably not doing much. Having said all that......I would definitely get it just cause it sounds pretty cool....

 

I have it on my '24 GLE 53, and I cannot notice whether it is actually working or not , there aren't any settings specifically for it, however, I can surely notice there isn't much leaning at corners and ride comfort is pretty dope on the 22 inch wheels. And for vehicle that sits pretty high on the road its more than welcome. As Mikapen recapped for me "There's an incredible difference in anti-roll. And less resistance to high frequency bumps, giving a smoother ride."

 

I would have ordered a completely different vehicle if ARC was not available for the 53 when I ordered. ARC makes it one of the BEST handling SUVs I've ever driven. Right up there with the latest Grand Cherokee SRTs.

 

What would you have ordered instead? I have toyed with ordering a GLE63, but I don’t need the extra hp, don’t want to pay at the pump even more that I’m already expecting to, and there seems to be no way to get a trailer hitch on the 63.

Love twin turbo V8s, I had two back to back Audi S6s and the engine note was pure magic. I’ve toyed with ordering a 24 Cayenne S, but it’s a bit silly to have two very similar vehicles in the garage. I also find the Porsche ergonomics a bit annoying with the stupid dead key on the left of the steering column.

 

I also seriously considered the following.

- Jaguar F-Pace SVR: It has much more rear legroom with the SVR seats, maybe even more than my GLE53 Coupe. Much cheaper than my GLE by about $16k fully loaded. Downsides were, I couldn't find aftermarket wheels and wasn't a fan of the OEM, no air suspension, and the two package removes some of the rear diffuser. The interior seems rather cheap and generic outside of the seats.

- Range Rover SVR: This was an amazing car. I would have had to buy used which I wasn't a fan of but I found the exact spec I would have ordered. Downsides are the infotainment doesn't hold a candlelight to MBUX, the center console still has a gear shift, to get wire charging you have to use a cupholder insert which takes a way a cupholder and still would have been $16k cheaper than the GLE for an SVR Carbon Edition with 3k miles. Another downside is it's $2k yo retro fit a factory hitch and you don't get sway control.

- Jeep SRT: Infotainment is old but still great. One of the best I've ever used tbh and loved it in my Ghibli. Reclining Rear Seats, Phenomenal power and handling. Literally drives a sports car...great towing ability. Interior seating uses high quality materials like the Jag but the dash looks cheap, but for the price and Jeep is acceptable. I was having trouble finding a low mileage one that was modded, and I couldn't buy new because they've dropped making them. Even went as far to look at Trackhawks even tho I don't need the power. Trackhawk prices weren't worth it.

- I looked at Cayenne GTS. Rear legroom was so small and the trunk capacity was tiny. The price was GLE63 level pricing so just didn't make sense when I could order a GLE53 for much cheaper, and arguable a better car.

Overall, this is my favorite car I've ever owned. I did option it with everything to make it feel bespoke and rushed to order a 2023 because I knew of the changes that were coming (e.g. ARC, GLE63 brakes, steering wheel, front bumper, rear tail lights, price hike).

 

Which body configuration/model was the Cayenne GTS that you looked at?

 

I looked at both Coupe and SUV but was leaning towards SUV between those two. The Coupe has a lower rear seat to allow for more headroom. That results in more discomfort for taller passengers. The Coupe has much less useable cargo space.