New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ gains plug-in power

Mercedes-Benz continues its drive towards electrification, and even the sportiest AMG-badged versions have not been overlooked. The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ is a clear illustration of that approach.

A GLE 53 was already on sale, but the new GLE 53 Hybrid has been “upgraded” to plug-in hybrid status, bringing substantially more power and the ability to cover almost 100 km using electric power alone.

Unlike other models from the Affalterbach-based brand, however, the GLE 53 Hybrid retains a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine rather than adopting a four-cylinder unit.

This engine is already well known from the GLE range, although it has received several alterations for the 53 Hybrid, particularly to its software. These changes deliver an extra 14 PS, taking its output to 449 PS.

The inline-six is paired with a 100 kW (136 PS) electric motor, a 31.2 kWh battery and AMG’s fully variable all-wheel-drive system, known as AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

Overall, the powertrain produces a combined 400 kW (544 PS) and 750 Nm of combined maximum torque. That represents 109 PS more than the standard GLE 53, while leaving it 68 PS short of the GLE 63’s twin-turbo V8.

With these figures, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid reaches 100 km/h from rest in 4.7 seconds - 0.3 seconds quicker than the standard GLE 53 - and has an electronically restricted top speed of 250 km/h.

What is the electric range?

In fully electric mode, top speed is limited to 140 km/h, while the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid can travel up to 93 km on electric power alone under the WLTP cycle.

In terms of charging, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid supports up to 60 kW of direct-current (DC) charging - an unusual figure for a plug-in hybrid - as well as up to 11 kW using alternating current (AC).

Designed to handle the power

As a Mercedes-AMG, performance has not been neglected, as the power and acceleration figures for this large SUV already demonstrate.

To better manage the additional power and torque - along with the weight, which has not been disclosed - the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4MATIC+ comes as standard with 21-inch alloy wheels, rather than the GLE 53’s 20-inch wheels, and wider rear tyres measuring 315 mm instead of 275 mm.

The braking system also includes huge 400 mm front discs and 370 mm rear discs.

It additionally receives new anti-roll bars on both axles and adaptive air suspension. This allows the driver to select different driving modes and, among other functions, alter the ride height and suspension firmness.

How much will it cost?

Mercedes-AMG has yet to announce UK prices for the new GLE 53 Hybrid, which will be offered in both SUV and Coupé body styles.