The updated version of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is the latest model in the company’s line-up to adopt plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology.
Unlike all other high-performance Mercedes-AMG PHEVs to date, however, the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid uses an inline-six engine. All other Mercedes-AMG PHEVs have either four-cylinder or V8 engines.
For now the updated Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid remains unconfirmed for the Australian market, though a Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson said more information about the wider updated GLE range will be announced in late November.
Although it’s not yet confirmed for Australia, the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid will start arriving at US dealers in late 2025.
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid is available in either SUV or ‘coupe’ SUV body styles, like the regular GLE.
Its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six-cylinder petrol engine has been “extensively modified” for the hybrid system, with it now producing 330kW of power (up from 320kW) and 560Nm of torque (up from 520Nm).
The modifications include reprogrammed software and an additional nose cooler. The additional electric compressor has been omitted as the 100kW/480Nm electric motor takes over tasks such as electrical boosting.
This electric motor is fed by a 31.2kWh battery pack. Mercedes-AMG claims the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid has a claimed electric-only range of between 80 and 87km according to WLTP testing.
Total system output is 400kW of power and 750Nm of torque, which is 80kW and 230Nm more than the pre-update mild-hybrid version.
Mercedes-AMG claims the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.7 seconds, and flat out it’s electronically limited to 250km/h. On all-electric power it can travel at up to 140km/h.
Claimed combined WLTP fuel consumption for the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid is between 1.2 litres per 100km and 1.5 litres per 100km, depending on the body style. It also has a claimed WLTP energy consumption of between 28kWh per 100km and 30kWh per 100km, depending on the body style.
The AMG GLE 53 Hybrid can be DC fast-charged at rates up to 60kW, which allows the battery to be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes. It can also be AC charged at rates up to 11kW.
On the outside the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid adopts many of the design changes seen on the updated GLE models that were revealed earlier this year.
There are unique design features however including an open lower section of the front bumper for more airflow to the new nose cooler, as well as hybrid badging on the front and back.
The AMG GLE 53 Hybrid comes standard with 21-inch light alloy wheels. Providing the stopping force are a set of 400x38mm ventilated front brake discs with six-piston fixed calipers, and 370x32mm ventilated rear brake discs with single-piston floating calipers.
AMG Ride Control air suspension comes as standard on the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid. It’s been specially developed for the new plug-in hybrid SUV.
The chassis tuning, stability control, 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, as well as the steering have also been adapted for the plug-in hybrid system.
In addition, there are new passive stabilisers on the front and rear axles, new stop buffers in the front struts, and new dampers on the rear axle.
Inside the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid comes with hybrid-specific displays and functions on the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system. These include the charging status, temperature of the high-voltage battery pack, as well as the electric range.
Standard equipment includes an electric panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, adaptive high-beam, switchable AMG performance exhaust, Burmester sound system, keyless entry and push-button start, as well as the latest-generation round AMG steering wheel.
The AMG GLE 53 Hybrid Coupe gets even more standard equipment including ventilated front seats, an augmented reality for the satellite navigation, and Multibeam LED headlights.
As noted above, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid remains unconfirmed for the Australian market for now, though in Germany it will be priced from €125,515 (~A$209,000) for the SUV and €133,851 (~A$223,000) for the Coupe.
For context, the current AMG GLE 53 SUV costs $179,868 before on-roads in Australia, while its coupe counterpart costs $190,769 before on-roads.
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