Mercedes-AMG gives GLE the 53 treatment

MERCEDES-AMG has slotted its 320kW blown inline six-cylinder engine with EQ mild-hybrid boost into the GLE to create its sixth high-performance ‘53’ variant across the Mercedes range in little more than 12 months.

 

The big GLE 53 4Matic SUV joins the CLS, E-Class sedan, coupe and cabriolet, and GT 4-door Coupe in gaining the silky twin-turbo 3.0-litre six with the added performance of an electric motor.

 

The GLE 53 will slot into the range above the 270kW GLE 43 and below the 5.5-litre V8 GLE 63S from the fourth quarter of this year in both wagon and coupe formats.

 

The announcement of the production GLE 53 makes good on the promise of such a vehicle at the Paris motor show last year when Mercedes-Benz rolled out the base GLE range.

 

As well as the new powertrain that includes the latest nine-speed automatic transmission, the GLE 53 gets active air suspension with roll stabilisation, fully variable 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive with seven modes, and a new look with AMG’s vertical-stripe grille.

 

Announcing the latest addition, Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers said that as the inventors of the performance SUV, it was important to AMG to continue to be at the top with the new generation of the GLE when it came to innovation, driving dynamics, individuality and design.

 

“The first step here is the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic, with which we offer our customers more power than the predecessor model as well as our fully variable all-wheel technology,” he said.

 

“Not least of all its striking radiator grille shows our new GLE 53 as a fully-fledged member of the AMG family.”

 

As with other Mercedes-AMG models fitted with the latest 320kW/520Nm 3.0-litre inline engine, the GLE 53 gets an electric-powered blower to quickly boost inlet pressure before the mechanical turbo takes over.

 

A 16kW/250Nm electric motor-generator slotted between the engine and transmission not only boosts power for brief periods but also starts the engine from idle-stop and, under deceleration, recharges the 48-volt battery.

 

The system means AMG was able to delete the serpentine belt at the front of the engine for a shorter package, allowing the engineers to fit most exhaust treatment systems within the engine bay.

 

AMG says the GLE 53 can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds. Fuel economy is claimed to be 9.3 litres per 100km on the European combined fuel test.

 

High performance and a hefty kerb weight require big brakes, and AMG has delivered with 400mm discs up the front and 345mm units at the rear.

 

The active ride control suspension is said to adjust its response at up to 1000 times a second, smoothing out bumps, reducing body roll and assisting with smoother cornering.

 

The air dampers can be set to five modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Trail and Sand.

 

Some of these modes carry over into the AWD system that has six modes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Trail and Sand.

 

Deactivating the electronic stability control system creates two mode modes on the off-road settings – Traction and Slide.

 

The AMG body treatment includes a grille with vertical chrome strips that match chrome features such as the front splitter and rear diffuser.

 

Not a fan of chrome? An optional Night Package switches the trim to black, as well as adding dark-tinted windows.

 

Wheels are light alloy 20 inchers, with a number of optional alternatives up to 22 inches.

 

The AMG interior fit-out includes red highlights set against black “man-made-leather” on the seats and dash.

 

A third row of seats to turn the GLE 53 into a seven-seater is optional.

 

The instrument cluster can be set to four styles: Classic, Sport, Supersport and Discreet.

 

Pricing and Australian specifications will be announced closer to launch.

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