Reworked Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 unleashed with dual powertrains

Revealed at the same time as the regular GLE, Mercedes-Benz has unwrapped the facelift AMG GLE 53, which also becomes the new flagship GLE.

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Power of two

Originally a mild-hybrid upon its launch in 2019, the 53 made a surprise plug-in hybrid transition three years ago as apart of the GLE range’s first lifecycle refresh.

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With the end of the GLE 63, the 53 not only takes over as the sole performance GLE variants, but with the option of either the mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Mild-hybrid

Compared to the original 53, the mild-hybrid still uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six, but with a new integrated starter generator, cylinder head and turbocharger.

Not stopping there, the intake system has been upgraded to accommodate the 48-volt mild-hybrid EQ Boost system and the turbo itself fitted a new exhaust gas driven turbine.

The result is 330kW/600Nm, with an overboost function increasing the latter to 640Nm for short spells. As with the normal GLE, the EQ Boost adds 17kW/205Nm.

Its outputs being 10kW/80Nm up on the original, the AMG GLE 53 will get from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 250km/h.

As before, the 9G TCT transmission sends the engine’s amount of twist to all four wheels.

Plug-in hybrid

Wearing the 53 Hybrid designation, the plug-in hybrid combines the same 3.0-litre straight-six engine with an unspecified battery pack powering a single 135kW/480Nm electric motor.

Combined, the 53 Hybrid develops 585kW/750Nm, which represents a power gain of 185kW over the previous model.

The claimed top speed is 250km/h and the all-electric range between 88km and 93km. Zero to 100km/h is said to take 4.5 seconds.

Exclusive to the plug-in hybrid are for three additional modes for the AMG Dynamic Select system; Electric, Battery Hold and Comfort, which replaces the “HYBRID” setting.

As standard, both the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid are otherwise equipped with six “standard driving modes; Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and Trail.

The 9G TCT ‘box from the mild-hybrid is carried over, as is the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

New outside

Building on the updated aesthetics of the GLE, the 53 gains a chrome surround for the restyled Panamericana grille, wider wheel arches and door sills, AMG specific bumpers and up to 22-inch alloy wheels.

Three new colours can be had, along with alloy wheels up to 22-inches. Picture: Mercedes-Benz

Also new is the quad exhaust outlets and three colours; Ireland Green Metallic, Mystic Blue Metallic and Patagonia Red Metallic.

Inside and underneath

Inside, the AMG GLE 53’s unique touches comprise AMG readouts and graphics within the Superscreen display, the new AMG Performance steering wheel and the AMG sport seats in four leather options.

Subtle changes have taken place inside, on top of the standard GLE’s revision. Picture: Mercedes-Benz

Completing the GLE 53’s transformation is the newly revised AMG Ride Control+ adaptive air suspension and a recalibrated Electronic Stability Control system.

As an option, buyers can swap out the AMG Ride Control+ with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension and dampers, inclusive of the 48-volt Active Roll Stabilisation system.

Not yet for us

Going on sale later this year, the 53 will again be offered as either a “normal” SUV or the fastback-styled GLE Coupe.

For now, market availability for South Africa has not been confirmed.

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