Say hello to the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, the
latest vehicle in AMG’s ever-growing family. Set to be shown to the world at
the Geneva Motor Show, the new GLE 53 4Matic+ may not be a full-blown AMG ‘63’
badged model, but it does come with more than enough power to offer all the
excitement one needs from an SUV.
The centerpiece of the GLE 53 4Matic+ is its
powertrain. Found beneath the skin of the vehicle is a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter
twin-turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric
auxiliary compressor.
With everything in tune, the SUV pumps out 429 hp and 520 Nm but the electric motor can be called
upon to add 22 hp and 250 Nm of torque when it’s needed. The
Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 4Matic+ accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds
and tops out at an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h.
The electric EQ Boost starter-alternator combines
the starter motor and alternator into a powerful electric motor found between
the engine and transmission. The electric motor doesn’t just add bursts of
power but it helps to virtually eliminate all traces of turbo lag while also
reducing fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, the EQ Boost starter-alternator
powers the vehicle’s 48-volt electrical system.
Coupled to the engine is an AMG Speedshift TCT
9-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ fully variable
all-wheel drive. This latter system continually calculates the optimum torque distribution,
helping to improve traction in all conditions.
Mercedes-AMG has also outfitted the GLE 53 4Matic+
with its trick air suspension system. Drivers can enjoy three different
suspension settings; Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Additional Trail and Sand
modes are designed with off-roading in mind.
The air suspension system also incorporates
pneumatic self-leveling at the front and rear axles to maintain a constant ride
height regardless of the vehicle load. The vehicle’s body can also be raised by
up to 55 mm thanks to this system.
Visually, the GLE 53 4Matic+ has an edgy and
aggressive design which incorporates the company’s Panamericana front grille.
Many of the air vents you see across the front fascia are fake but they do give
the SUV the presence required of an AMG-branded vehicle. Elsewhere, the SUV
includes a subtle rear diffuser and four circular tailpipes.
Buyers of the vehicle will be pleased to know that
it comes standard with the Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system meaning
there’s a fully-digital gauge cluster and a large central entertainment screen.
An AMG Performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather with red top-stitching
and aluminum shift paddles is also featured.
The German automaker has yet to release pricing
details for the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+.