Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the updated GLE 53 HYBRID, a 400-volt plug-in hybrid performance SUV built around a revised 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine paired with a 181-hp electric motor. Available in both SUV and Coupe body styles, the model produces a combined 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0–60 mph in an estimated 4.4 seconds.
Highlights
- Combined system output of 577 hp and 553 lb-ft from a turbocharged inline-six and 181-hp electric motor on a 400-volt architecture.
- 0–60 mph in 4.4 seconds — half a second quicker than the outgoing AMG GLE 53.
- All-electric driving up to 87 mph, with 60-kW DC fast charging standard (10–80% in approximately 20 minutes).
- Revised exterior and interior design, new MANUFAKTUR paint and leather options, and the MB.OS infotainment platform.
Powertrain: M256M EVO Inline-Six Plus Electric Motor
The updated M256M EVO 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six produces 443 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque on its own. Mercedes-AMG revised the cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports, fitted a new intake camshaft, and enlarged the intake system volume. Boost pressure sits at 21.8 psi (1.5 bar) from the optimized turbocharger, extending the torque curve at higher engine speeds.
The electric motor contributes 181 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, available from the first revolution. The permanently excited synchronous motor eliminates turbo lag at launch and enables all-electric driving at speeds up to 87 mph.
A 60-kW DC fast charger comes standard, charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 20 minutes. A 9.6-kW onboard AC charger is also included.
Chassis and All-Wheel Drive
The GLE 53 HYBRID rides on a new AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with adaptive damping. The system adjusts continuously based on driving conditions and the selected drive program.
A redesigned ESP system pairs with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Variable torque distribution manages traction across all four wheels. Power reaches the ground through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission.
Drive Programs and Battery Management
Seven AMG DYNAMIC SELECT programs are available: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Trail, Individual, and Electric. The Electric mode limits propulsion to the battery-driven motor at speeds up to 87 mph. If the driver demands more power, the combustion engine activates automatically.
A Battery Hold mode maintains the current state of charge by limiting electric motor usage. This allows drivers to preserve battery capacity for later use — in city driving, for instance.
Interior and Customization
Interior options include Nappa leather and MANUFAKTUR Nappa leather in Truffle Brown, Carmine Red, and Yacht Blue. The AMG Performance steering wheel features new tactile roller and rocker controls, carbon fiber trim options, and two AMG DRIVE UNIT buttons with color LCD displays.
The MANUFAKTUR program adds two new exterior colors: Patagonia Red Metallic and Cirrus Silver Magno. Wheel designs are available in sizes up to 22 inches.
“We have consistently further developed our GLE 53 six-cylinder models: more power, more visual presence, more digital services – and above all, a typical AMG driving experience. This allows us to meet the wishes of our customers even more precisely. Added to this are extensive options for more detailed individualization. The long range plug-in hybrid leaves nothing to be desired,” said Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Technical Specifications
| Spec | GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ (SUV & Coupe) |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L inline-six turbo (M256M EVO) |
| Displacement | 2,999 cc |
| Engine output | 443 hp @ 5,800–6,100 rpm |
| Engine torque | 443 lb-ft @ 2,200–5,200 rpm |
| Electric motor output | 181 hp |
| Electric motor torque | 354 lb-ft |
| Combined output | 577 hp / 553 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (est.) | 4.4 seconds |
| Top speed | 155 mph (87 mph electric-only) |
| Drivetrain | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ AWD |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G |
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