Loaner car
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S65
Loaner car
Dropped off the 65 at the Dealer today for some troubleshooting.
Given a GLE53 coupe as a loaner.
Those GLE 53s are very nice!... if you're coming from a freakin' Honda!
Dislikes:
Christ, that thing is anemic! When accelerating, it does feel like it is accelerating with purpose, but there are a lot of gear changes that make it feel quicker than it really is.
The exhaust sounds like a trouser symphony.... a wet one, at that. Yes, I played with the exhaust modes. I think the louder exhaust setting is just noise(s) piped into the speakers, but didn't roll the window(s) down to check if it's actually louder. The exhaust noise was pretty annoying on the "loud" setting... especially on gear changes.
That said, the car isn't absolutely terrible. Steering was nice and sharp. Brakes worked well (but to be fair, I didn't have to do any hard braking, and the car had 40 miles on it when I drove it off the dealer's lot).
Seats weren't terrible, but they aren't S Class seats. This is a pretty basic GLE 53, though. No Massaging seats, not adaptive cruise, no... well, no soul.
I know, comparing apples to bananas here.
Even the War Department mentioned how the GLEs are nowhere near the cars the S65 is. And she's put ~40K miles on a '24 GLE 63S Coupe in the past 2 years.
Given a GLE53 coupe as a loaner.
Those GLE 53s are very nice!... if you're coming from a freakin' Honda!
Dislikes:
Christ, that thing is anemic! When accelerating, it does feel like it is accelerating with purpose, but there are a lot of gear changes that make it feel quicker than it really is.
The exhaust sounds like a trouser symphony.... a wet one, at that. Yes, I played with the exhaust modes. I think the louder exhaust setting is just noise(s) piped into the speakers, but didn't roll the window(s) down to check if it's actually louder. The exhaust noise was pretty annoying on the "loud" setting... especially on gear changes.
That said, the car isn't absolutely terrible. Steering was nice and sharp. Brakes worked well (but to be fair, I didn't have to do any hard braking, and the car had 40 miles on it when I drove it off the dealer's lot).
Seats weren't terrible, but they aren't S Class seats. This is a pretty basic GLE 53, though. No Massaging seats, not adaptive cruise, no... well, no soul.
I know, comparing apples to bananas here.
Even the War Department mentioned how the GLEs are nowhere near the cars the S65 is. And she's put ~40K miles on a '24 GLE 63S Coupe in the past 2 years.
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From: Half Moon Bay, CA
2016 S550e, 2005 Nissan Xterra 4x4, 1984 300ZX
I had that one as a loaner, initially was thinking wow this is gonna be nice. Nope, you're totally correct. I had a brand new E class about 3 years ago which was nice but made me realize that it is an S-Class for a reason
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S65
Then, I drive it like I rented it to try it out. Meaning I drive it spiritedly, but not like an idiot.
After that, I drive it like I stole it again, since there's no need to trash on it. More-so, with all of the logging these new cars do nowadays, I don't need some overzealous "Loaner Coordinator" telling me that I was "abusing" the car. Already got a text message telling me I was out of my "area" and I'd be charged 25 cents per mile. They won't, it's an automated thing but still shows the dealership does some monitoring.
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Dropped off the 65 at the Dealer today for some troubleshooting.
Given a GLE53 coupe as a loaner.
Those GLE 53s are very nice!... if you're coming from a freakin' Honda!
Dislikes:
Christ, that thing is anemic! When accelerating, it does feel like it is accelerating with purpose, but there are a lot of gear changes that make it feel quicker than it really is.
The exhaust sounds like a trouser symphony.... a wet one, at that. Yes, I played with the exhaust modes. I think the louder exhaust setting is just noise(s) piped into the speakers, but didn't roll the window(s) down to check if it's actually louder. The exhaust noise was pretty annoying on the "loud" setting... especially on gear changes.
That said, the car isn't absolutely terrible. Steering was nice and sharp. Brakes worked well (but to be fair, I didn't have to do any hard braking, and the car had 40 miles on it when I drove it off the dealer's lot).
Seats weren't terrible, but they aren't S Class seats. This is a pretty basic GLE 53, though. No Massaging seats, not adaptive cruise, no... well, no soul.
I know, comparing apples to bananas here.
Even the War Department mentioned how the GLEs are nowhere near the cars the S65 is. And she's put ~40K miles on a '24 GLE 63S Coupe in the past 2 years.
Given a GLE53 coupe as a loaner.
Those GLE 53s are very nice!... if you're coming from a freakin' Honda!
Dislikes:
Christ, that thing is anemic! When accelerating, it does feel like it is accelerating with purpose, but there are a lot of gear changes that make it feel quicker than it really is.
The exhaust sounds like a trouser symphony.... a wet one, at that. Yes, I played with the exhaust modes. I think the louder exhaust setting is just noise(s) piped into the speakers, but didn't roll the window(s) down to check if it's actually louder. The exhaust noise was pretty annoying on the "loud" setting... especially on gear changes.
That said, the car isn't absolutely terrible. Steering was nice and sharp. Brakes worked well (but to be fair, I didn't have to do any hard braking, and the car had 40 miles on it when I drove it off the dealer's lot).
Seats weren't terrible, but they aren't S Class seats. This is a pretty basic GLE 53, though. No Massaging seats, not adaptive cruise, no... well, no soul.
I know, comparing apples to bananas here.
Even the War Department mentioned how the GLEs are nowhere near the cars the S65 is. And she's put ~40K miles on a '24 GLE 63S Coupe in the past 2 years.
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2024 S580
We can all "bum it" in a lesser car for a couple days.
Last edited by SW20S; Aug 7, 2025 at 11:50 AM.
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I think thats an unreasonable expectation. The dealer can't be expected to maintain hand built AMG loaners. A GLE53 loaner is way better than what most people get. I got a GLS450 loaner once which was nice but I have been given A Classes and GLAs and GLBs etc.
We can all "bum it" in a lesser car for a couple days.
We can all "bum it" in a lesser car for a couple days.
Other than that, EQ loaners when they bring in EQ vehicles, rare but happens, EQ loaners when they bring in ICE.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Aug 7, 2025 at 12:40 PM.
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Thread Starter
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S65
Agreed. Could be slumming it in worse.
Ironically, only using the loaner to get home and then back to the dealership, using my daily driver SUV for daily stuff.
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From: USA
Hah, the GLE53 is a decent grocery-getter, but coming from an S65, it’s like trading a symphony for a kazoo. That exhaust is all bark, no bite fake drama and too many gear shifts to hide the lack of real power. Steering and brakes? Fine, but the soul’s missing. Even the War Department knows it’s no S-Class. Enjoy the loaner life and count the days till your beast’s back.
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From: DFW
SL63
I can imagine. But I think, it's all about perspective and what you're used to.
Don't think that store has S 63 loaners. I'd have been interested in one, just to try it out, but I agree with others... not many dealerships will have S63 sedans as loaners.
Agreed. Could be slumming it in worse.
Ironically, only using the loaner to get home and then back to the dealership, using my daily driver SUV for daily stuff.
Don't think that store has S 63 loaners. I'd have been interested in one, just to try it out, but I agree with others... not many dealerships will have S63 sedans as loaners.
Agreed. Could be slumming it in worse.
Ironically, only using the loaner to get home and then back to the dealership, using my daily driver SUV for daily stuff.
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
I respect your opinion but I guess It depends on the dealership as well I heard forum members getting 63 loaners, yes rare. More common were C 300 when you bring an E class or S-Class in but I seen some only offer CLA even when you bring an S class in, some even only offer off make. I guess still better than those that refuse to offer anything.
Other than that, EQ loaners when they bring in EQ vehicles, rare but happens, EQ loaners when they bring in ICE.
Other than that, EQ loaners when they bring in EQ vehicles, rare but happens, EQ loaners when they bring in ICE.
As an S Class ownerI have been offered A Classes and CLAs and GLAs and GLBs. When offered one of those I request something better because they are truly awful, but if thats all they have I will drive it. I usually get a C Class or a GLC, and thats fine.
MB Service is expensive enough, imagine how expensive it would be if they had to operate high end cars as loaners?!
The loaners always make me appreciate my car that much more.
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I can imagine. But I think, it's all about perspective and what you're used to.
Don't think that store has S 63 loaners. I'd have been interested in one, just to try it out, but I agree with others... not many dealerships will have S63 sedans as loaners.
Agreed. Could be slumming it in worse.
Ironically, only using the loaner to get home and then back to the dealership, using my daily driver SUV for daily stuff.
Don't think that store has S 63 loaners. I'd have been interested in one, just to try it out, but I agree with others... not many dealerships will have S63 sedans as loaners.
Agreed. Could be slumming it in worse.
Ironically, only using the loaner to get home and then back to the dealership, using my daily driver SUV for daily stuff.
Edit: well, with a V8 S 63 it might not be something that you are missing out at all I understand you are curious and want to test drive one during service in the form of a loaner but other than lighter in the front and faster 0-60... You will never get the bark of the V12.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Aug 7, 2025 at 06:44 PM.
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Any owner getting a 63 loaner would be exceedingly rare. Loaners are usually from the dealer's new car fleet, they take a car off the lot and use it as a loaner and then sell it at a discount as a loaner. I've actaully watched them pull a C Class off the lot and scrape the window sticker off of it, slap a plate on it and give it to me as a loaner. Pretty much every 63 car is in high demand for purchase...why would they do that?
As an S Class ownerI have been offered A Classes and CLAs and GLAs and GLBs. When offered one of those I request something better because they are truly awful, but if thats all they have I will drive it. I usually get a C Class or a GLC, and thats fine.
MB Service is expensive enough, imagine how expensive it would be if they had to operate high end cars as loaners?!
Well of course, you're coming from one of the most expensive cars MB makes...with a V12! Just be glad you aren't driving loaners better than what you have when its in for service lol, because that would mean you have something not great.
The loaners always make me appreciate my car that much more.
As an S Class ownerI have been offered A Classes and CLAs and GLAs and GLBs. When offered one of those I request something better because they are truly awful, but if thats all they have I will drive it. I usually get a C Class or a GLC, and thats fine.
MB Service is expensive enough, imagine how expensive it would be if they had to operate high end cars as loaners?!
Well of course, you're coming from one of the most expensive cars MB makes...with a V12! Just be glad you aren't driving loaners better than what you have when its in for service lol, because that would mean you have something not great.
The loaners always make me appreciate my car that much more.
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
Those FWD MB models are just awful. Loud, hard riding, uncomfortable
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I totally agree with the loaners makes you appreciate your own car more comment
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S65
Hah, the GLE53 is a decent grocery-getter, but coming from an S65, it’s like trading a symphony for a kazoo. That exhaust is all bark, no bite fake drama and too many gear shifts to hide the lack of real power. Steering and brakes? Fine, but the soul’s missing. Even the War Department knows it’s no S-Class. Enjoy the loaner life and count the days till your beast’s back.
Like I said, it's parked in the garage, driving my daily driver instead of that kazoo sounding grocery getter.
Any owner getting a 63 loaner would be exceedingly rare. Loaners are usually from the dealer's new car fleet, they take a car off the lot and use it as a loaner and then sell it at a discount as a loaner. I've actaully watched them pull a C Class off the lot and scrape the window sticker off of it, slap a plate on it and give it to me as a loaner. Pretty much every 63 car is in high demand for purchase...why would they do that?
Edit: well, with a V8 S 63 it might not be something that you are missing out at all I understand you are curious and want to test drive one during service in the form of a loaner but other than lighter in the front and faster 0-60... You will never get the bark of the V12.
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MB’s of all kinds.
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2012 CLS63
AN AMG for a loaner?? LMAO! In what world? Dubai maybe?? For a prince??
What an unrealistic expectation/hope for a loaner.
I do realize OP was not expecting an AMG. But comparing a S65 to any '53' is like comparing a supermodel to white trash
What an unrealistic expectation/hope for a loaner.
I do realize OP was not expecting an AMG. But comparing a S65 to any '53' is like comparing a supermodel to white trash
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Yea that never happens. I agree with you however. They never give you the equivalent of what you bring in. I brought in my CL600 for recall years ago and got a C230. I brought in a CLK55 AMG for a recall and got a GLA250. It’s whatever they have on the lot available and be lucky you even get a loaner car…
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I understand but there are some dealerships that does offer 63 models but that is lucky more than the norm, obviously.
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W212 FL
The Op must have built up a very nice relationship with the dealer and thank you for sharing your thoughts on the vehicle as well. .
Honestly, it may be one of the reasons he was given AMG 53 as he owns the AMG of The AMGs
Honestly, it may be one of the reasons he was given AMG 53 as he owns the AMG of The AMGs
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From: Chicago burbs
2015 S550
You guys are funny! Complaining about "free" MB loaner cars when your car is in for service is like bagging a 12 point buck, then complaining that the hole you left in him was smaller than you expected.
There aren't any dealers of any makes in the US giving out $200k loaner cars when a car is in for service. Not even Ferrari.
There aren't any dealers of any makes in the US giving out $200k loaner cars when a car is in for service. Not even Ferrari.
