For years, a plug-in hybrid from Affalterbach was regarded as little more than a pragmatic compromise for company car drivers seeking tax advantages. But the updated Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid emphatically dispels that perception.
With a formidable combined output of 585 PS, an instant surge of electric torque and a practical all-electric range of around 90 kilometres, the luxury SUV, weighing almost 2.5 tonnes, aims to bridge the gap between emissions-free urban driving and uncompromised AMG performance. We put the facelifted model through its paces in an initial road test.
Beneath the imposing bonnet sits a comprehensively revised version of the familiar 3.0-litre straight-six engine, now designated M256 Evo and prepared for the forthcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations. The turbocharged petrol engine alone produces 330 kW (449 PS) and 560 Nm of torque. Despite the stricter emissions requirements, AMG’s engineers have given the engine a noticeably sportier power delivery towards the upper end of the rev range.
The real excitement, however, begins when the combustion engine and electric motor work together. Integrated into the transmission is a 400-volt electric motor producing 135 kW (184 PS) and an impressive 480 Nm of torque from the very first revolution. An upgraded 7.5 kW electric compressor provides additional assistance to the straight-six’s large exhaust-driven turbocharger.
In practice, this combination delivers a total system output of 430 kW (585 PS) and a substantial 750 Nm of torque. Press the accelerator firmly and the electric motor effectively eliminates traditional turbo lag. The GLE 53 Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in an impressive 4.5 seconds, two-tenths quicker than its non-hybrid predecessor. Acceleration continues until the electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Enthusiasts will also be pleased to discover that electrification has not robbed the AMG of its soundtrack. Thanks to a revised intake system, modified exhaust routing and carefully tuned AMG exhaust acoustics, the straight-six retains its distinctive, throaty character. It sounds particularly engaging when extended towards the upper reaches of the rev counter.
The GLE 53 Hybrid takes its plug-in credentials seriously, too. Depending on specification, the SUV offers a WLTP electric range of between 88 and 91 kilometres, while the Coupé manages between 90 and 93 kilometres. In electric mode, the substantial SUV can travel in near silence at speeds of up to 140 km/h.
Should maximum performance suddenly be required, a decisive kickdown brings the straight-six back to life almost instantaneously. The Battery Hold driving programme also allows drivers to preserve battery charge for later use, particularly useful when entering urban low-emission zones.
Charging performance remains another strength of Mercedes-AMG’s hybrid architecture. An 11 kW AC onboard charger is standard, while an optional DC rapid-charging connection supports up to 60 kW. At a suitable public rapid charger, the battery can be replenished from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 20 minutes.
This is a particularly useful feature for a plug-in hybrid, especially as urban rapid-charging infrastructure continues to expand. Faster, more convenient charging should encourage owners to make greater use of the electric drivetrain rather than relying predominantly on petrol power.
To keep the hybrid’s substantial additional weight under control, AMG has extensively revised the Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping. Refined software calibration provides a noticeably broader distinction between the driving programmes.
In Comfort mode, the GLE glides smoothly over poor road surfaces. Switch to Sport+ and body control becomes considerably firmer, suppressing even relatively small amounts of roll from the tall, heavy SUV body.
Through faster bends, the responsive, direct steering works particularly well with AMG’s fully variable all-wheel-drive system. The recalibrated ESP intervenes more progressively and, when requested, gives the driver greater freedom to explore the chassis.
Inside, AMG has embraced an extensive combination of digital technology and luxury. The centrepiece is the standard MBUX Superscreen, incorporating three 12.3-inch displays beneath a continuous glass surface, including a dedicated passenger screen.
AMG-specific display configurations place telemetry, battery information and a prominent rev counter directly in the driver’s field of vision. Even the elegant IWC clock, previously mounted physically within the dashboard, can now be displayed digitally.
And that brings us to the updated Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid’s biggest weakness.
Like its conventional GLE siblings, the second major facelift has prioritised digital technology at the expense of some of the interior’s traditional character. Where the previous model featured a neatly integrated twin-screen arrangement and beautifully finished air vents within a substantial dashboard trim panel, there is now an abundance of black display surrounds and rather busy illuminated air vents.
Unless buyers delve deeply into the Manufaktur personalisation catalogue and specify more luxurious Nappa leather, they may reasonably question whether the perceived interior quality represents genuine progress, particularly considering the price.
There is, however, one welcome ergonomic improvement. The AMG Performance steering wheel has regained physical metallic rollers and switches for volume and menu operation, replacing the imprecise touch-sensitive sliders following customer feedback.
Ultimately, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid demonstrates that electrification need not be merely a token gesture in a performance vehicle. Combining 449 PS from its combustion engine with the immediate response of a 135 kW electric motor, the substantial SUV delivers remarkable acceleration without hesitation.
Add a genuinely usable electric range of around 90 kilometres, optional 60 kW DC charging and carefully refined chassis dynamics, and the updated GLE 53 Hybrid emerges as a particularly versatile and well-rounded contender in the performance luxury SUV segment.
Fabian Mechtel
