What's all this about?
Mercedes-AMG has revealed its first take on a hot version of the latest GLE premium SUV, in the form of the GLE 53 4Matic+. Yup, that means it's not a fire-breathing V8. But at least you have the compensation of knowing it has the rather superb inline-six, hybridised drivetrain that's already been used in the CLS 53.
Ah, so the power stats are the same?
Yes, there's 435hp on offer from the EQ-Boost-ed system and 520Nm too. This is enough to shunt the GLE's frame from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds and on to a 155mph limited top speed. Other equipment for this fast family chariot includes the nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G gearbox, the AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, AMG Active Ride Control+ air suspension with continuously adjustable damping, AMG Dynamic Select drive modes (comprising Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, Slippery, Trail and Sand settings), sports-rated electromechanical and speed-sensitive power steering, and big brakes - 400 x 36mm discs on the front with twin-piston fixed callipers, 345 x 25mm stoppers on the rear with a single-piston floating calliper.
And what of the aesthetics?
Classic AMG. The GLE 53 has a big, AMG-specific radiator grille. It has an A-wing lower front bumper and air intake arrangement. It has large alloy wheels, ranging from 20 to 22 inches in diameter. It has quad exhausts. And it has an interior graced with Artico/Dinamica upholstery, AMG-specific badging and design, plus the glorious Widescreen Cockpit array with the twin 12.3-inch TFT screens and the latest MBUX operating system. As standard, for the UK market, the GLE 53 will be a seven-seat model.
Any word on eco-stats?
NEDC-correlated numbers suggest a combined economy figure of 30.3mpg, with 212g/km of CO2 emissions. No word on prices as yet, although we think they'll tumble out of the Geneva Motor Show, where the car is debuting, in some shape or form.
Does AMG itself have anything to say about the hot-rodded GLE?
No less than Tobias Moers himself, the CEO of Mercedes-AMG, says: "As the inventors of the performance SUV, it is important to us to continue to be at the top with the new generation of the GLE when it comes to innovations, driving dynamics, individuality and design. The first step here is the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, with which we offer our customers more power than the predecessor model as well as our fully variable all-wheel technology. Not least of all, its striking radiator grille shows our new GLE 53 as a fully-fledged member of the AMG family."
Matt Robinson - 26 Feb 2019