New Mercedes-AMG GLE 53: A 536hp PHEV
On electric power alone, the refreshed versions (SUV and Coupe) can travel up to 87km and top out at 140kmph.
When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the refreshed GLE range earlier this year, the AMG 53 versions (Coupe and SUV) had mild electrification systems in their powertrains. Now, about nine months later, a significant change has been made. Instead of featuring the mild-hybrid setup, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ is now a PHEV – a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
Here’s how it goes. Under the bonnet is a reworked and turbocharged 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 443hp/560Nm on its own. Working with it is an electric motor with a peak output of 134hp/480Nm. The total system output is rated at 536hp/750Nm, a significant increase over the mild-hybridised powertrain from earlier. As a result, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 4.7 seconds (0.3 seconds faster) and reach 250kmph (electronically limited) without breaking a sweat.
The electric motor gets its juices from a 31.2kWh battery, the same that does duty in the GLE 400e and GLE 350de derivatives. That offers a WLTP-certified range between 80-86km and 82-87km for the SUV and Coupe variants, respectively. Moreover, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ can hit speeds up to 140kmph on electric power alone. Doing that, however, will hurt the range. The battery can be replenished using AC and DC feeds. The quickest option, a 60kW DC charger, can charge the battery from 20 to 80 per cent within 20 minutes.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ rides on 21-inch light alloy wheels, accompanied by ventilated brake discs spanning 400x38mm at the front with six-piston callipers and 370x32mm at the rear with single-piston callipers. Bespoke AMG Ride Control air suspension with adaptive damping, backed by new hardware and software, and AMG Dynamic Select driving modes help the driver relish the experience.
Features-wise, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ is loaded to the gills. Besides packing an electric panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and automatic headlamps, both derivatives also have a 360-degree parking pilot, blind spot assistant and the Keyless Go package as standard.
In Europe, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ pricing starts at EUR 125,515 for the SUV and EUR 133,851 for the Coupe.
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