How is the ride on a GLE 53 AMG, especially in terms of road or tire noise? I will be coming from an S550 and don't mind reasonable firmness but hate tire noise. Will I be picking this up by choosing the AMG 53 versus a GLE 450? Also, do I sacrifice much if I get the 22" wheels or sport exhaust? Thanks!
I know it is GLE 53 but can't edit the heading

 

Get the acoustic comfort package and smaller wheels to minimize.

 

Get the ARC, it is super needed if you want some comfort. Forum member @mikapen has the scoop and experience and the details on this.

 

There is some tire noise with my 21" Continental crosstracks, but I do not have Acoustic Package. I have read that the acoustic package makes big difference. The ride is very smooth with the air suspension and cornering is fantastic with almost no roll at all.
I highly recommend NOT going with 22" as there are few tire choices and tire noise could only be worse.
Everyone's hearing is different so you need to do some test drives with and without Acoustic Package -- which adds dampening to wheel wells and thicker window glass. I did read somewhere that the thicker glass can cause reception issues for cellphones etc.
Finally, the 53 AMG variant has significant build advantages over the 450 and to me is pleasantly louder and quicker when pushed and is certainly more powerful. Also the feel-good element when stepping out of an AMG is certain.
Good luck and let is know your findings!

 

It sounds like I will want AMG Active Ride control (ARC) which is part of the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package. Also, the acoustic package but not the 22"wheels. I also want the driver assistance package. Someone who loads it up with these other options probably gets the 22" wheels. In addition, I want one of the beige or brown interiors. I had hoped to find a used 2024 but it seems as if it will be difficult with this configuration.

 

. My 2924 Gle 63 has AMG Ride Control+ which is based on Airmatic adjusting each shock as need be to the terrain or g force. It is great. Lot of hype out there about ARC but sounds to me unnecessary and just something else to break down. Also I have the AMG Dynamic Select System.and not sure what the AMG Dynamic Plus package is.

 

It doesn't really exist --- or perhaps there's one in the country like this and if so only because it was a custom order -- when I was shopping and deciding between a 53 and 63s. I searched Autotrader and Cargurus for a few months. Beige interior isn't common. None come with the upgraded larger brakes. Active sway bar wasn't available. Air suspension is standard. A few had acoustic package, and about half had the standard 21" wheels.

Part of the reason I went with the 63s. There were 5 I found sitting on the lot with 90-100% of the configuration I wanted, and had it shipped. Keep looking online every few days, otherwise you might have to do a custom order if you can't find it new or used.

 

I have the 22's on my 2024 GLE53, plus the acoustic package no issues at all with the tires frankly, the choice of rubber can also make a huge difference I am running the Michelin Pilot Sports, and they are awesome plus, the wear has been great I just turned 10K miles, and still have plenty o' tread left run flats are the worse IMHO, so try to avoid those if you can

 

I recently purchased my 2025 AMG GLE 53 unless you live in the south I would recommend the 21 inch all seasons, mine are Continentals which I’m happy with and I did not notice any excessive road noise. I did not get the AMG Active Ride Control and do not regret not getting it. I drove an AMG 63 with that option and an AMG 53 without and did not see a need to get it, The truck already comes standard with the Air Suspension designed by AMG and the Adaptive Dampening System to me it’s enough. Others want the ARCS and that’s a personal choice I’d recommend you drive truck with and without to see for yourself. If you want everyday driver the 21 inch all seasons probably best in my opinion but again test drive and see. I think the top speed gets increased if you get the high performance tires I’m not sure by how much. I am never taking my truck on a race track so not relevant for me. I like the Pinnacle package, Drivers assistance Package, Night Package, winter package and Exclusive Nappa Leather with Diamond Stitching. Best wishes!

 

Coincidentally, just ran into someone with a GLE 53 at the car wash. When he started the car, it was very quiet. Am I correct that a sport exhaust is an option on the car and are there differences between coupe and SUV? Thanks for all the great feedback.

 

Performance exhaust is standard. The exhaust is quiet when starting with already warm engine.

 

Coupe and suv very similar truck just coupe has slant back and less room both in trunk and rear seats. All matter of personal preference. Sport exhaust standard as stated in earlier post and in comfort mode is relatively quiet. You can adjust it manually to open up or change modes to sport and it will get louder.

 

My 2025 is equipped with the acoustic comfort package and 20" wheels. I lost a minimal handling with that bigger tires, but the ride is incredibly smooth and quiet. If I want it to "lean less" in turns etc, I simply lower the car. It's plenty responsive and super comfy

 

I have not considered a GLE 63 because the salesman told me that really has comfort compromises. Is that correct?

 

I haven't driven a non-AMG GLE, but I think the GLE63 drives smooth and quiet and handles decently.

 

The 63 is Apex of the AMG GLE models it’s hand build in Germany and signed by the mechanic. It is comfortable just 30-40 Gs more than the 53 and has an 8 cylinder beast. If money is no object and you don’t mind spending for additional gas I’d suggest you go drive one. You can take a look on Utube there are many comparisons and opinions.

 

The previous generation, w166, was the personification of harsh ride.
"Comfort compromises" doesn't begin to describe those suspensions. The chassis flexed, contributing to the overall ride/handling confusion.

The new V167 chassis is noticably stiffer, and softer suspensions can do a better job of chassis control (where you sit).

Add the ARC, AMG Ride Control, and the sway bars relax in high frequency movements (potholes etc), while stiffening up on low frequency events (cornering, body roll).

I.e. a better ride.
The best comfort (and oh, by the way handling) is achieved with ARC.

It's standard on the 63S's - good way to try out ARC.

 

After hearing that the GLE AMGs pass the comfort test, I just spoke with my Ferrari mechanic who works on many high end cars and he tells me the 53 AMG shifts hard. Do I remember seeing that in a video review also? Any truth to this?
It just occurred to me, the 53 AMGe a dual clutch transmission. My 2015 AMG GTS dual clutch was not smooth but that was 9 years ago.. How is it in 2024?

 

63 and 53 use a torque converter. The 9 gear MCT is a lot smoother than the old 7 MCT, though there’s no clutch for the GLE.

 

Looking through ads for GLE 53, new and used, I am rarely seeing the acoustic package and none with the dynamic plus package/active ride control. Are these rare options, even on well optioned vehicles or possibly called something else? After waiting year to get a Huracan STO, I don't know that I have the patience to wait on an order

 

They are rare.
It took me 2 months to find one to test drive before I ordered mine.
I ordered both.

Have you considered a McClaren? That's my aspirational driver's car.

 

I have a Lamborghini Huracan 610 and a Huracan STO. I did have a McLaren 570 S which was a great handling car and very fast but lacked a good engine sound and McLaren has a reputation for poor reliability which is not good when repairs are very expensive. Huracans only go in for oil changes! It does make me wonder whether going for a performance SUV would be so underwhelming I might as well just go for all comfort.
I'm sorry to hear that features which people feel are almost essential for the 53 GLE are rare as hen's teeth.

 

The problem is that a loaded GLE53 is around $110k or more, at which point people with that kind of budget do a custom order or go for the 63 instead.

A lot of the 53s don’t even come with Distronic.

 

Mine is loaded with the exception of ride control. I bought for 100K listed at 104k