Not quite a V8 but hey, 7-seats!
German performance marque Mercedes-AMG have revealed their new GLE53 performance SUV ahead of the Geneva motor show, where it’ll sit at the head of the GLE table until the proper full-fat V8 GLE63 arrives at a later date.
The GLE53 makes use of Mercedes-Benz’s new 3.0-litre inline-6 mill, mated to their EQ Boost mild-hybrid setup. Total output is rated at 320kW with torque at 520Nm, with power going to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic and a tuned 4Matic+ all-paw system. So equipped, the GLE53 can hit 100km/h in just 5.3-seconds, onwards to an electronic 250km/h leash. Despite the potency, the big wagon is still rated officially to consume just 9.3L/100km, but there’s fat chance of that.
An AMG only counts if it goes *and* looks like an AMG, and the GLE53 doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find a highly-aggressive front end crowned by the Panamericana grille, with 20-inch alloys as standard (though 22s can be had optionally), a sports exhaust system (with an optional AMG setup if you should so want one), an artificial leather/suede upholstery combination, red contrast stitching, an Artico leather dashboard, and a Nappa-leather steering wheel.
There’s of course the option of adding carbon-fibre trim around the place, in case you need an even more obvious sign of the AMG within. Also here is Merc’s new MBUX infotainment system with its signature dual-screen setup, which features a unique AMG skin to ensure that you never leave the high-performance atmosphere, even when you’re delving into in-car menus.
That Nappa-leather steering wheel is connected to a variable-ratio rack, ensuring near-telepathic levels of control in the drivers seat, though the amount of information it’ll be able to transmit back to the driver remains to be seen. There’s also AMG Ride Control+ air suspension here, which allows the GLE53 to lower itself at speed, or raise itself when tackling more difficult terrain. There are several drive modes available for the GLE53, comprising of Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Trail, Sand, and Individual.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed that the GLE53 will be making a local appearance very soon, with the first deliveries of this hot SUV slated for the last quarter of this year. But with a V8 on the horizon, would you plonk for this, or wait for a GLE63?
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