So far only seen in prototype coupe form, the arrival of the GLE brings the number of 53 badged models to three after the CLS and E-class, with the 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine being combined with a 48-volt EQ Boost electric motor for a mild-hybrid setup that produces 320kW/520Nm or, for short spells, an additional 16kW/250Nm.
Teamed to a nine-speed TCT Speedshift gearbox and as its name suggest, the performance-tuned version of Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system, the GLE 53 will complete the 0-100km/h dash in 5.3 seconds and hit the electronic speed buffers at 250km/h.
As expected, the GLE 53 also receives a number of AMG touches such as the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension, Adaptive Damping with three modes; Comfort, Sport and Sport+, AMG Dynamic Select mode selector with seven settings; Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual and the off-road focused Trail and Sand options, three-mode Electronic Stability Programme (Basic, Advanced and Pro) and AMG sports steering with two functions; Comfort and Sport.
Aesthetically, the sportiest GLE to date receives the AMG GT R derived Panamericana grille, a chrome plated front splitter, standard 20-inch alloy wheels or optional 22-inch rollers, a chromed rear diffuser, an AMG sport exhaust with chromed tipped quad outlets and from the options list, the AMG Night Package that adds mainly black finishes to the front apron, air vents, mirror caps, around the windows, on the diffuser and exhaust, on the splitter and roof rails.
Following the A-class in benefitting from the MBUX infotainment system and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with four background themes, Classic, Sport, Discreet and the AMG bespoke Supersport, the GLE 53’s interior enhancements include the AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in black Nappa leather and with red stitching as well as red 12 o’ clock marking, aluminium gear shift paddles, sport seats trimmed as standard n Artico / Dinamica micro-fibres with red stitching and AMG embossed seat backs, a black roof liner and brushed aluminium inlays supplemented by carbon fibre inserts.
Like the regular GLE, the 53 can also be outfitted with a third row of seats as well as the Track Pace function integrated into the MBUX system, that provides a data readout of up to 80 key areas such as acceleration, times on closed and open roads, declaration times and even quarter mile sprints to name but a few.
No word on local availability or indeed international pricing as however been made.
