New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 – Porsche Cayenne rival gets more power
Mercedes-AMG has given its mid-size SUV a modest boost to take on the flurry of new rivals
Mercedes-Benz has given its GLE SUVs a makeover, including boosts in performance and capability for the flagship AMG GLE 53 models. While there’s no sign of a V8 heart transplant as yet, the existing pair of mild- and plug-in hybrid powertrains have received updates that increase power, performance and so says Mercedes-AMG, personality.
As before, there are two powertrains with the M256 3-litre twin-turbo straight-six at their heart, now producing 442bhp and 442lb ft (on 10-second overboost) in the PHEV and 472lb ft in the 48-volt mild hybrid model. The engine in the MHEV features a new cylinder head with improved ports for both the intake and exhaust, as well as a new intake cam.
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Bigger lungs come courtesy of a new intake system. The overall result is a revvier engine with a wider torque band. These revisions are expected to be seen in the upcoming Mercedes-AMG C53, that’s to semi-replace the maligned but much more powerful C63 E-Performance, as well as the outgoing C43.
Performance boost
Obviously, both engines are electrically augmented, with the mild-hybrid now featuring a second-generation integrated starter generator and the electric compressor jumping to 7.5kW of boost, over 5kW, that is deliverable for longer. The overall boost in output it provides is 23bhp and 339Nm, not necessarily deliverable on top of the engine’s output, but augmenting the power and torque bands. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 4.9sec.
In the PHEV the electric motor is now boosted to 181bhp and 354lb ft. The overall power figure is up to 577bhp from 529bhp, though the 553lb ft torque figure goes unchanged. Performance is improved as a result, with the 0-62mph sprint taking 4.5sec – a 0.2sec improvement over the previous GLE 53. Electric range of the PHEV is rated at up to 56 miles and the battery can be charged at up to 60kW, going from 10-80 per cent in 20 minutes.
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Dynamically Mercedes-AMG’s goal has been to broaden the GLE 53’s skillset, making it more exciting and focussed in the sportier settings and more relaxing and luxurious when slackened off. AMG has achieved this with new calibration and software updates for the active ride control suspension, including the 48-volt active anti-roll system and air springs. It also has a new ESP system working in closer concert with the AMG 4Matic all-wheel drive transmission.
The GLE 53s obviously top a range of GLE SUV and coupe models which include the six-cylinder GLE 450 petrol, GLE 350d and 450d diesels plus a new GLE 450e PHEV, now a six-cylinder replacing the old GLE 400e four-cylinder.
Design and tech updates
All GLE’s come with the new updated styling language, with a more prominent black frame grille and lighting at the front and rear with three-pointed star signatures. If it works on the E-class, it looks a little awkward draped across the frumpy body of the GLE. At the front, there’s definitely something of the original ML about it…
There are big changes inside too. The new full-width triple 12.3-inch screen array has integrated illuminated air vents at its flanks. It’s not as aggressively pixel-dense as, say, the setup in new CLA. Nonetheless, the big black panel-ification of the new GLE’s dash does diminish some of the personality and design intrigue of the old car. The AMG Performance wheel has also been revised with physical buttons and rollers for the cruise control and audio volume – praise be!
Pricing is yet to be announced but the new GLE 53s are expected to pick up where the old cars left off, which are £94,850 for the PHEV and £96,835 for the MHEV, before you’ve explored the Manufaktur customisation programme. The new GLE 53 will likely be arriving in dealers later in 2026.
