Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ unveiled with 320kW

Mercedes-Benz has added another model to its burgeoning AMG lineup with the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+. Based on the latest Mercedes GLE, the high-performance SUV shares its new Modular High Architecture (MHA) platform.

As the warmer AMG variant until the full-fat V8-powered GLE 63 arrives, the GLE 53 is powered by the same mild hybrid 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine as the GLE 450 4MATIC.

Featuring a 48-volt electrical system, an electric auxiliary compressor, a 16kW/250Nm EQ Boost starter generator and twin-turbo, the hybrid engine pumps out 320kW and 520Nm of torque, which is identical to the CLS 53 4MATIC+.

The engine is connected to AMG’s Speedshift TCT nine-speed automatic with shift paddles that send power to all four wheels via the 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive system. Mercedes says the GLE 53 will sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

There are eight drive modes consisting of Slippery, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, Individual and two off-road specific modes – Trail and Sand.

The fast SUV rides on the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, which is an upgraded version of the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with active roll stabilisation. It reduces body roll when cornering and precisely tunes load change properties via two electromechanical actuators that work independently.

Mercedes says the system has significantly faster response compare to the standard hydraulic-based systems, adapting to driving status up to 1,000 times per second. And together with the adaptive adjustable dampers ADS+, the GLE 53 4MATIC+ promises to offer outstanding dynamics with high ride comfort.

The self-levelling suspension also constantly adjusts the SUV’s ride height regardless of vehicle load, although switching to Sport and Sport+ modes will drop the car by 15mm. It will also lower itself by 15mm in Comfort mode at above 120km/h to reduce drag and improve handling stability. The ride height can be raised by up to 55mm to suit off-road conditions both when stationary or in motion.

Stopping power comes courtesy of a set of 400 x 36mm internally ventilated and perforated discs clamped by a two-piston caliper up front, and 345 x 25mm internally ventilated discs clamped by a single-piston floating caliper at the back.

The GLE 53 rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels though Mercedes offers seven wheel designs measuring in size from 20- to 22-inch as an option. Also optional is the AMG Night Package that includes heat-insulating, dark tinted windows, as well as sinister blacked-out exterior trim.

Inside, the AMG seats are upholstered in a mix of Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfiber with contrasting red stitching. There’s also the usual accouterment of carbon-fibre AMG inserts on the dash and doors.

Mercedes-Benz’s lauded new MBUX infotainment system is standard but tweaked to include numerous AMG-specific contents.