Just in case you needed some more oomph in your family hauler.
Mercedes-Benz revealed the all-new GLE a few months ago, with two engines options. The entry-level, 2.0-liter GLE 350 puts out 255 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter GLE 450 manages 367 horsepower. Now, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 has arrived as the new performance variant of the brand’s best-selling SUV.
Thanks to the new model’s 48-volt mild hybrid system, the “EQ Boost” starter generator also provides the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 more grunt for a brief period of time. The car uses the same 3.0-liter turbocharged engine as the GLE 450, but this time it packs 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. EQ Boost takes it one step further, providing 21 more horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claims the GLE 53 can hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. As with the standard model, that power is routed through a nine-speed automatic transmission. To bring it to a halt, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 has 15.7-inch front rotors and 13.6-inch rear rotors.
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 features an Active Ride Control air suspension. Overall, there are seven available drive modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual come as expected with all-wheel drive Mercedes models. However, this new AMG variant adds the off-road modes Trail and Sand to the mix. Adding to that range of customization is the AMG Dynamics program as part of the drive modes. That along has three levels: “Basic”, “Advanced” and “Pro”. In a pinch, the car can raise itself 55 millimeters (2.2 inches) on command.
Styling
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 has a 15-bar grille, similar to the AMG GT, to separate itself from the standard models. Thanks to the 20-inch alloy wheels, AMG badging and quad exhaust pipes, there’s no mistaking its identity.
While the interior is similar to the standard GLE, there are some distinctive features to set it apart as well. Red seatbelts, black seats and red contrast stitching round out the AMG-themed changes. Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system comes standard, but this time there are AMG-exclusive menus.
Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing yet, but it will reveal itself at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. We expect pricing to land somewhere between the $68,150 AMG GLE 43 and the $103,050 AMG GLE 63.
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 will go on sale in late 2020. In the meantime, check out the standard model below:
