In the area I live (Michigan), the roads just plain suck. My dealer doesn't have any GLEs in stock, but I test drove an SE and it seemed pretty rough, but manageable. Would the GLE's softer suspension help significantly, or is there no real difference except for the stock tires?

Thanks to anyone who can help me out with this dilemma!

 

Do a search their are several topics on this!

 

Well, I feel my GLE rides firm. It is not soft in any way at all. If you want a cushy ride get a Camry LE but you will definately loose out on the fun factor unless you get a v6 and put a TRD supercharger on it.
l8tr -- SS

 

My brother and I bought our cars at the same time, I have the SE, and he has a GLE, I felt a difference, when we were stock. The suspensions are different. GLE aims more at a smoooth ride. Se is a little firmer. Now with my Maxspeeds, its no contest ....

 

My mom has the 2k2 GLE, and I have the 2k2 SE (both Sunlit Sand). And I can feel a difference even in the driveway (okay, maybe not in the driveway)...

I can safely hit this corner on our highway at 80+ with my maxima, but the GLE doesn't feel as confident. I can't say it matters much for normal driving, but I have noticed on long trips that the GLE is much easier on the body.

Hope that helps.

 

Is there really that much of a difference in the SE and GLE suspension? The GLE must be unsafe since stock SE suspension still sucks to a large degree. I guess its just the curse of the solid rear axle.

 

Sucks? maybe...
Unsafe? not quite that bad...

Another difference you may notice from the two is how they handle emergency braking. Yes, the SE dips in front when braked hard, but the GLE dips even further. But I must say I do love it's feel on long road trips (the GLE that is), but I still wouldn't trade the SE's more "connected" feeling for anything.

Yeah the rear multi-link doesn't help as far as making it a smooth ride!

 

I live in Michigan also.
Lake Orion - pothole filled gravel road and everything......
(although I never come out of 2nd on the gravel)

I love my 2K SE and have no ride issues with it at all. Even with 245/45/17's on it: The roads are bad around here, but not that bad.

On the other hand - since you must be looking at automatics; probably the GLE would fit your driving needs just fine with a slighty softer (but still firm) ride. If I would have been looking at an slushbox - I probably would have gone for the GLE.

Enjoy your choice, whatever that may be!

 

Thanks everyone..

"Monte", I did do a search, but didn't really find what I was looking for, and that's the opinions of people who are very familiar with both models.

I do plan on getting an automatic, only because my commute is solid bumper-to-bumper. However, that doesn't mean I don't plan on driving the car hard every other time... I currently drive a '00 Olds Alero with the tightened "sport" suspension and 16" wheels, and I find that ride tolerable.

I'm probably going to annoy my dealer, but I think to make up my mind I'm going to have to drive both Maxes on my commuter route, and then on a nasty stretch of freeway.

Thanks again!