It’s been just a few days since we saw a
range-topping AMG GLE 63 test car with very few bits of camo attached to it and
Carscoops spies have caught its smaller sibling, the electrified AMG 53 version. How do we know that the car pictured
here is the 53 model? The biggest telltale feature is to be found at the back,
as the newly released 53 models get a model-specific round exhaust tail pipe
design, whereas the 63 ones feature a set of squared tips.
Other differences can be found up front, where the
2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is getting a more subtle treatment, with smaller air
intakes on the bumper and a regular grille instead of the more rounded
Panamericana style.
Power will come from AMG’s fresh hybrid powertrain
that combines a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six engine with an EQ
Boost-branded starter-alternator for a combined output of 457 hp and 769 Nm of peak torque.
Power will go to all four wheels through an
AMG-tuned 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Despite the rather noticeable difference in power when compared to the GLE 63
models, the upcoming GLE 53 is expected to offer a 0-100 km/h in less
than five seconds.The hybrid powertrain comes with a 48-volt electrical architecture
as well.
AMG is rapidly expanding its range towards every
direction, making the addition of a 53 variant in the 2019 GLE’s range a rather
straightforward decision. So far we’ve seen the E-Class, the CLS and the AMG
GT4 receiving AMG’s first hybrid powertrain and the list will grow over the
next few months.
Mercedes is expected to reveal the all-new GLE
towards the end of the year, but we still can’t tell if the official reveal
will include the AMG versions as well. If not, then expect to see them in their
full glory sometime in early 2019.
