Both powerful and lightning-quick, Mercedes’ new AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ puts the driver in total control
Prediction: The fan base around the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUVs is about to get even larger. The GLE 53, to debut in 2020, is like its predecessors with some key tweaks. Here’s a sneak peek under the hood and behind the wheel.
Packed with Power
The 53’s turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder 429 horsepower engine offers racetrack power with active roll stabilization and continuously adjustable and pneumatic damping to keep this glamorous SUV road-steady in all driving situations. Did we mention speed? The mild hybrid system provides an extra 21 horsepower, which allows the 53 to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers in a mere 5.3 seconds. (Top speed is electronically regulated at 250 kilometers.)
Comfort & Style
The five-seat cabin configuration is spacious enough for adults front and rear with generous head and leg room. The red stitching showcases the ARTICO hand-made leather seats, and opulent lighting sets the mood.
The Choice is Yours
The 53’s AMG Active Ride Control system puts the driver in complete control. Driving modes include Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus as well as Trail and Sand modes for off-road response, and all modes are married to the 53’s adaptive suspension system. Add 4MATIC+ and you’ve got an all-wheel-drive system that differs from normal four-wheel drive by optimizing torque and control of every wheel all the time.
GLE Features
The G in GLE stands for Geländewagen, (German for off road vehicle); its features include a cool diffuser situated between four sporty exhaust tips, a powerful 48-volt electric system and a drivetrain that’s faster and more powerful than in past Mercedes.
Worth the Wait
The 53 will ship to U.S. dealers in late 2020 with a suggested price near $80K. In the meantime, many of the 53’s desirable features are in the current 255 horsepower Model 350 and the current 362 horsepower Model 450.
