Back in early March, Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia introduced the facelifted W213 E-Class along with its AMG 53 counterpart in both saloon and estate guise, which we love. This time, it’s the E-Class’ crossover that comes to light. The 2020 GLE 53 4MATIC+ lands on our shores priced from $166,700.
"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, says Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“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.”
As you may know, the GLE 53 steps up the performance game from the 43-monikered version and acts as the middle ground for the performance SUV before hitting the full-fat 63-badged versions. But just like the E 53, the main attraction is that mill under the bonnet. That said, if you’re in the market for a fast luxury saloon or estate car, check out our Showroom for the best deal on your next brand-new car.
Unlike most of the AMG cars that come to light, the 53-baged AMGs isn’t subject to Affalterbach’s one-man one-engine philosophy. Rather, the 3.0-litre straight six under the bonnet is a tuned version of the M256 mill in 450-badged models such as the S 450, GLE 450 and CLS 450.
The GLE 53, just like its saloon and estate counterparts, is fitted with an EQ Boost power system that feeds the M256 engine with an additional 16kW and 250Nm of torque. The 48V mild hybrid system is also responsible for working the engine’s e-booster, which is an electric compressor that works in tandem with the single twin-scroll turbocharger on the 3.0-litre mill.
The M256 engine, in AMG guise, puts out 320kW and 520Nm of torque, excluding the power outed from the electrified EQ Boost system. This allows the GLE 53 to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. The engine is allied to an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission which is AMG speak for a nine-speed torque converter box. Power is then channeled through an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. The GLE 53 claims an official fuel consumption figure of 9.4L/100km.
Other AMG garnishing’s litter the GLE as well, such as the active exhaust system which remains muted during daily driving but opens up at the touch of a button for more sonorous driving experience. Stopping the performance SUV is a job tasked to a set of vented and cross-drilled performance brake rotors measuring a massive 400mm up front and 345mm out back.
The SUV rides on AMG’s Ride Control + air suspension system which incorporates active damping with three modes, namely: Comfort, Sport and Sport+. It also has two off-road damping modes, one for ‘Trail’ and the other for ‘Sand’. Optionally available is the AMG Active Ride Control pack which introduces active roll stabilisation, with two 48V electro-mechanical actuators working independently on the front and rear axle, as well as fully variable torque distribution. The system is also able to adapt to driving conditions up to 1,000 times per second.
Elsewhere, the 53 gets an electro-mechanical speed-sensitive power steering system which uses an AMG-specific rack and pinion ratio for more precise steering. The rack can be set to either Comfort or Sport.
Outside, the GLE sits on a set of 21-inch AMG 5 twin spoke light-alloy wheels. The AMG treatment continues with the radiator grille which features 15-verticle struts, that identify it as an AMG model. Furthermore, adding the Night Package darkens several trim pieces in gloss black.
Inside, the GLE gets seats trimmed in Nappa leather, a panoramic sunroof, AMG-illuminated door sills, wireless smartphone charging and memory for the front seats, mirrors and steering wheel. The MBUX infotainment system – with AMG-specific graphics – are displayed via the 12.3-inch side-by-side screens. The system also gets Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration, along with DAB+ digital radio and is hooked up to a Burmester surround sound system.
As you would expect, GLE 53 is also equipped with an array of safety systems such as PARKTRONIC with 360-degree surround cameras, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist and the PRE-SAFE PLUS accident preparation system. Additionally, a tyre pressure monitoring system comes as standard, as is an anti-theft protection package which triggers the alarm upon unauthorised access or if the vehicle moves without permission.
The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ is currently on sale from $166,700 excluding on-road costs.
For more information on the Mercedes-AMG GLE or the ‘civilian’ Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, please head down over to our Showroom. There you’ll be able to find the best deal on your next brand-new car. Take up our Best Price Challenge today.
