Mercedes-AMG presents a new electrified car. This is the GLE 53 Hybrid, which combines a 449 hp in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with a 134 hp electric motor. This gives a combined output of 544 hp and maximum torque of 750 Nm. This gasoline engine develops 14 hp more than the standard 53 variant (435 hp) thanks to reprogramming and a special cooler, and a 134 hp electric motor is installed, which is powered by energy stored in a battery with a gross capacity of 31.2 kWh.
The performance of the new GLE 53 Hybrid is identical in the two available body styles (SUV and Coupé), both in terms of acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (4.7 s) and top speed (250 km/h, self-limited). Differences in fuel consumption are minimal, thanks to the greater aerodynamic efficiency of the Coupé: between 1.2 and 1.4 l/100 for the Coupé and between 1.3 and 1.5 l/100 for the SUV. This has a very slight impact on electric range, which is up to two kilometers longer for the Coupé (82 kilometers vs. 80 for the SUV). The sporty SUV is equipped with an 11 kW on-board charger, but a 60 kW DC rapid charger is available, enabling the battery to go from 10% to 80% charge in 20 minutes.
The electrification of the car means that the driving programs take account of the combination of the two engines to achieve the best possible performance at all times. For example, there’s an Electric function for zero-emission driving, a Comfort function that gives priority to the electric motor over the gasoline engine, Sport and Sport+ functions that give priority to the in-line six-cylinder (the electric section helps out when power demand is high), as well as Smoothness and Individual functions. The GLE 53 Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 140 km/h in pure electric mode.
What else has changed?
In addition to the mechanical update, the GLE 53 Hybrid SUV and Coupé adopt all the new features already seen in the SUV overhaul carried out in spring 2023. However, the 53 Hybrid receives special details such as a specific lower grille, logos, 21-inch light-alloy wheels and a high-performance braking system featuring 370-mm ventilated discs with six-piston fixed calipers and 370-mm rear discs with single-piston floating calipers. Other features include adaptive damping, passive stabilizers, 4Matic+ all-wheel drive and ESP.
Inside, the MBUX infotainment system includes hybrid-specific displays and functions. These include the charging menu and displays on the instrument cluster and multimedia screen, which provide information on the state of charge and temperature of the high-voltage battery, as well as the electric range.
Price and equipment of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid
In the absence of price confirmation in the USA, the brand has announced prices for each in Germany and, as expected, they are in line with its dimensions and claims.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+, $132,900
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ Coupé, $141,774
Standard equipment on the 544 hp GLE 53 Hybrid includes Multibeam LED headlights, sports steering wheel, MBUX, cameras with 360-degree peripheral vision, push-button start, Burmester audio system, panoramic roof….
