CAR COMPANIES ARE DOING everything in their power to ensure they cover every single tiny niche in the market. The latest addition to the already substantial Mercedes-Benz GLE range is a new high-performance variant, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+.
The AMG GLE 53 builds on the attributes of the existing range of petrol and diesel-powered models, adding a potent mix of brawny performance, aggressive styling and upmarket enhancement.
“As the inventors of the performance SUV, it is important to us to continue to be at the top with the new generation of the GLE when it comes to innovations, driving dynamics, individuality and design,“ says Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“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. Not least of all, its striking radiator grille shows our new GLE 53 as a fully-fledged member of the AMG family.”
Powerful performance
The GLE 53 utilises a 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine fitted with twin turbochargers (one conventional turbo and one electric compressor) plus EQ Boost, a 48V electric starter-generator that bolsters accelerative efforts and provides seamless performance, helping the GLE 53 to achieve astounding responsiveness – sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. Output is an impressive 320kW of power and 520Nm of torque from the engine, plus up to 16kW and250 Nm from the EQ Boost system.
This is allied to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G automatic transmission with nine performance-geared ratios and a torque converter, driving power to the road via AMG Performance 4MATIC+, the intelligent and intuitive all- wheel drive system developed specifically by Mercedes-AMG. Fuel economy is rated at 9.4L/100km for the combined cycle.
An AMG active exhaust system featuring a pair of twin outlets allows occupants to enjoy muted output during daily driving, while the experience of spirited driving can be enhanced at a press of a button to generate more characterful responses.
The impressively powerful GLE 53 is brought to heel by a high-performance braking system designed to produce short braking distances even with heavy loads on board. Massive 400 x 36mm internally ventilated and perforated discs on the front axle combine with 345 x 25mm discs at the rear.
Sharp styling, exceptional control
The GLE 53 is immediately distinguishable as part of the Mercedes-AMG range with its assertive radiator grille featuring 15 vertical struts, along with aerodynamically-inspired enhancement of the lower grille section. Night Package additions include several trim enhancements in high-gloss black. Substantial 21-inch AMG 5 twin spoke light-alloy wheels ensure a potent mix of performance and prominence.
Exceptional driving dynamics also come as standard fitment via AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension, which incorporates adaptive damping and can be preselected in three on-road modes – ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ – allowing more noticeable differentiation between long-distance comfort and more sporty dynamics. Two new damping levels – ‘Trail’ and ‘Sand’ – are designated for off-road use.
An optional AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL package forms the basis for even higher levels of agility, neutral cornering behaviour and optimal traction. This new feature extends the level of AMG-specific tuning by introducing active roll stabilisation, with two 48-volt electro-mechanical actuators working independently on the front and rear axle, as well as fully variable torque distribution.
This not only reduces rolling during cornering, it also enables more precise tuning of the cornering and load change properties. Movements in the body can be actively and optimally adjusted to the driving conditions. Another benefit is significantly faster response: AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL can adapt the driving status up to 1000 times per second.
Electro-mechanical speed-sensitive power steering uses an AMG-specific rack and pinion ratio for precise feedback. Steering power assistance can be adjusted in two stages, ‘Comfort’ or ‘Sport’.
Sporty appointments
Inside the well-appointed cabin, AMG-inspired details include seat trim plus the AMG Performance steering wheel in supple Nappa leather, a Burmester surround sound system, panoramic sunroof, door sills with illuminated AMG lettering, memory settings for front seats, mirrors and steering wheel, and wireless charging for compatible mobile devices.
These features specific to the GLE 53 model add to a comprehensive range specification that includes the ground-breaking MBUX infotainment and voice recognition system – with AMG-specific graphics and content – rendered on side-by-side 12.3-inch digital screens, THERMATIC climate control, a head-up display, heated front seats, ambient lighting with 64 colours, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, digital radio, and MULTIBEAM LED headlights featuring Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS.
Safety and security as standard
Safety and security are built in with a comprehensive array of systems including Parking Assist PARKTRONIC with 360-degree surround cameras plus Active Parking Assist, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist and the PRE-SAFE PLUS accident preparation system. Tyre pressure monitoring is standard, as is an anti-theft protection package which triggers the alarm upon unauthorised access or if the vehicle moves without permission.
In addition, owners have access to Mercedes me connect, an app-based system that makes a suite of operations and notifications controllable from a connected phone or device. These include remote engine start and door locking, geofencing, retrieval of vehicle status and location, speed alert, predictive navigation, theft notification and maintenance management.
Pricing
The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ SUV retails for $166,700 (plus on road costs) and is available now.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.