Our 2025 European Road Expedition with the GLE53 AMG

[Liveek]

This summer, we undertook a challenge: six countries in six days. During a brief journey through the Netherlands en route to Brussels, we accomplished our objectives – ultimately, our GLE53 AMG traversed about 2,000 miles, while we walked an astounding 37.5 miles touring towns, castles, and racetracks on foot.

Our expedition started in Brussels, where we explored the renowned Manneken Pis, indulged in exquisite Belgian chocolate, and I initiated my Swatch collection. The voyage intensified during the DTM event at the Nürburgring. We resided in a little adjacent hamlet and dined in what was effectively a private living room, where schnitzel was the only menu item – simple, genuine, and just what we needed, but rather unsettling. The hotel proprietor recommended a diversion to Burg Eltz, an idyllic castle concealed in the hills, which ultimately became one of the trip's highlights.


In Heidelberg, we appreciated the exquisite historical architecture before to proceeding to Stuttgart, which houses both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. For any automotive aficionado, these destinations are essential, and even my wife found them enjoyable, particularly after successfully acquiring a new perfume container for the GLE’s glove compartment from a Mercedes parts worker who, despite a language barrier, was very kind.

Subsequent destination: Luxembourg. I had heard it was an exceptional destination, and it met the expectations. The city is aesthetically pleasing, the ambiance is tranquil, and all public transportation is free, enhancing its allure. Subsequently, the experience became less appealing with a night spent at a hotel in Longwy, France, perhaps not our most prudent choice; yet, we emerged unhurt.

We salvaged the French segment of the journey by visiting the historic Reims F1 start/finish straight, a delight for any racing enthusiast. In Reims, we appreciated the remarkable architecture as the children refreshed themselves and entertained themselves in the public fountains. Following a brief visit to Saint Quentin and some shopping in Lille, it was time to return home.

The weather was fantastic during the journey. The temperature consistently above 30°C, and the people we encountered were kind, accommodating, and hospitable. Language difficulties were never a significant issue. What about driving in Europe? Not frightening at all. The pinnacle of the experience was the autobahn, when I accelerated the GLE to 156 mph one morning, until my wife urged me to reduce my speed. It is quite secure at 6 a.m., in my opinion!

Ultimately, our six-day, six-country road trip provided us with castles, cities, chocolate, schnitzels, racing history, and abundant sunlight. With 2,000 miles traveled in the AMG and 37.5 miles on foot, it was an ideal blend of road trip adventure and cultural discovery, resulting in an unforgettable voyage.

[Authorce]

That seems and resonates as magnificent. What a delightful and enjoyable memory for all of you. Premier position.

[Liveek]

Thank you. It was extraordinary. I regret not having done it sooner! We are now contemplating our forthcoming journey.

[Cleverco]

It seems remarkable; the combination of chocolate and schnitzel has convinced me!
Thank you for sharing.

[Racerse]

Adore a journey by automobile. That sounds wonderful.

[Maidaser]

Impressive.

What was the extent of preparation required for French Crit stickers, border crossings, and other mundane logistics?


What suggestions and advice can you provide for anyone contemplating a similar endeavor?

[Liveek]

We were aware that Germany and France mandated environmental labels, but none of the other nations we visited required them. I placed orders online — the cost for Germany was around £4, while for France it was around £2. Ensure that you get directly from the official websites, since several third-party vendors impose exorbitant costs for a process that is fundamentally straightforward.

The German sticker came in around one week, however the French one took almost a month. An email confirmation is sent, which may be used if the physical copy does not arrive prior to your journey. Fortunately, our vehicles comply with Euro 6 standards and are classified as hybrids, allowing us unrestricted access to all the places we visited; however, I am uncertain whether the hybrid classification provides any other advantages.


We scheduled the boat for optimal times—early morning for departure and late evening for return. That provided us with a clear basis for planning. We established a daily driving restriction of four hours, but we often fell short of that duration. We selected our desired stops, identified hotels with parking facilities, and organized the remainder accordingly. Maintained an intentionally minimalistic approach to planning, with the only "fixed" elements being the accommodations, ferry, and the Nürburgring race, which proved to be far more accessible than events in the UK.

Regarding parking, all accommodations had places, and if feasible, we parked outside the cities and used public transportation—just in case the anecdotes concerning driving in foreign cities were accurate. However, in truth, when we drove in them, it posed no difficulties whatsoever. Despite using the GLE ("my bus"), I never had parking difficulties. Certain roadways were quite narrow with elevated curbs; nonetheless, the 360° cameras facilitated navigation well.

[HeadlinesQuick]

Could you provide a link to the Germany stickers, please? We will go to Holland in three weeks via the tunnel and plan to do day excursions to Belgium, Holland, and Germany from our lodge. My husband has registered for the emissions zones in Belgium (Euro 6 compliance). We are proceeding in his X218. I am now texting him about the stickers; I doubt he is aware.

[Liveek]

Certainly.

[Liveek]

https://www.berlin.de/labo/mobilitaet/kfz-zulassung/feinstaubplakette/shop.86595.en.php

[HeadlinesQuick]

Order placed, thank you.

[Liveek]

No issue 🙂 Have a pleasant journey!