The Mercedes-AMG GLE53 is Technically Still a 7-Seater Hybrid
The all-new GLE hasn’t even reached the Malaysian shore and it’s already getting its first AMG performance variant. The Mercedes-AMG GLE53 4MATIC+ was revealed just a few hours ago with the same inline-6 and 9-speed automatic transmission.
The centrepiece of the whole thing is, of course, that engine. The 3-litre 6-cylinder features twin-turbocharging and an electric auxiliary compressor puts out 435hp and 520Nm of torque. The EQ Boost ISG steps in for an additional 16kW and 250Nm of torque. 0-100km/h is done in just 5.3 seconds. Not bad for a huge, family-friendly SUV.
The presence of the EQ Boost ISG makes the GLE53 technically a hybrid. The fuel savings will mostly come from the powertrain’s ability to switch the engine off while coasting.
It’s not the 9G Tronic, but the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission (TCT = Torque-Clutch Transmission) that is featured here. This isn’t even the MCT we see on the 63 models. 4MATIC+ and AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension are also a part of the GLE53’s DNA. It gives the car fully-variable all-wheel drive great active roll stabilisation.
Visually, the GLE53 4MATIC+ gets a sportier and more dominant outlook. An AMG-specific radiator grille with 15 vertical chromed strips, the tristar encased within double rings, and the striking A-Wing in the front apron are all part of what makes it stand out. Apart from the slats in the outer air inlets and the trim element on the A-Wing, the front splitter is also silver chrome-plated. The wheel arches in the same colour as the car provide space for the large wheels – mounted with 20-inch light alloy wheels with AMG lettering as standard.
The horizontal chromed diffuser strip in the pronounced rear apron and the special exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes underline the powerful appearance from the rear and emphasis the effect of the width. The optional AMG Night Package further enhances the vehicle. It includes heat-insulating, dark tinted windows as well as front splitter, trim elements in the front apron and the outer air inlets, mirror covers, window frames, roof railing, diffuser and tailpipe trim in refined black.
The GLE 53 4MATIC+ can be recognised by the characteristic red colour accents. This starts with the seats, fitted as standard with covers in ARTICO / microfibre DINAMICA man-made leather black with red contrasting topstitching. They not only offer optimal lateral support, but also have an AMG-specific design and “AMG” badge in the front seat backrest. The top part of the instrument panel is covered in ARTICO man-made leather. The black roof liner and the trim elements in aluminium brushed with light longitudinal grain underscore the sporty appearance.
Further elements to individualise the interior include different leather seat covers and a wide range of high-quality trim elements, among other items. The carbon AMG trim elements impart a particularly sporty feel to the interior.
An SUV highlight is the optional, foldable third row of seats, which make the GLE 53 4MATIC+ a seven-seater. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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