2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE53 AMG

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE53 AMG is a performance-oriented SUV that blends luxury with sporty driving dynamics. The GLE53 AMG is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine with EQ Boost, producing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a 9-speed automatic transmission. While owners appreciate its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, some have reported specific issues. Dislikes often include the high price point, complex electronics that can be prone to glitches, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

3.0L Inline-6 Turbocharged with EQ Boost

• EQ Boost Starter Generator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The EQ Boost system, which provides electric assistance to the engine, can fail. Symptoms include a loss of power, error messages on the dashboard related to the hybrid system, and the engine potentially failing to start.
  • Solution: Replacement of the EQ Boost starter generator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks (Various Locations)
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gaskets, oil filter housing, and around the turbocharger. Visible oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil levels are indicators.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets or seals. In severe cases, the oil filter housing or turbocharger might need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on location and component)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic (9G-Tronic)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report experiencing harsh or jerky shifting, particularly during low-speed maneuvers. Hesitation when accelerating or delayed engagement of gears can also occur.
  • Solution: Software update of the transmission control module (TCM) or, in some cases, replacement of valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ (depending on if a software update or hardware replacement is required)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: If the vehicle is equipped with the optional air suspension, problems can arise, including the suspension failing to maintain the correct ride height, the vehicle sagging on one side, or error messages related to the suspension system. This can be caused by leaks in the air struts, a faulty air compressor, or issues with the suspension control module.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty air strut(s), air compressor, or suspension control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ (per strut/component)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The MBUX infotainment system can experience glitches, including screen freezes, system reboots, unresponsive touch controls, and connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software updates. If the problem persists, the infotainment unit might need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,000+ (unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of various sensors, such as parking sensors or blind spot monitoring sensors, can occur, leading to error messages and malfunctioning safety features.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (per sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling/Squeaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of rattles and squeaks emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or seats.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the noise and apply damping material or tighten loose components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity and labor involved)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE53 AMG presents a mix of performance and luxury, but owners should be aware of potential issues. The EQ Boost system and the infotainment system seem to be the most frequent problems. Suspension issues can also arise if the vehicle is equipped with air suspension. While some issues are minor and can be resolved with software updates, others require more substantial and costly repairs. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle and consider an extended warranty to mitigate the risk of expensive repairs.