Mercedes-AMG launches its performance offering for the new GLE generation with the GLE53 4MATIC+. The basis for the signature AMG driving dynamics is provided by the 320 kW (435 hp) 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, the fully variable all-wheel drive, the agile 9-speed automatic transmission, the AMG-specific drive programs and the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL air suspension based on AMG RIDE CONTROL+ with electro-mechanical roll stabilisation. Thanks to the AMG-specific radiator grille with 15 vertical strips, it is immediately obvious that it is part of the AMG family. Numerous options such as the selectable performance exhaust system and the AMG steering wheel buttons make the driving experience even more emotional.

"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. The first step here is the new Mercedes-AMG GLE53 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 grill shows our new GLE53 as a fully-fledged member of the AMG family", states Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Always staying nicely in line: six-cylinder engine with twin charging
Its centrepiece is the electrified 3.0-litre engine featuring twin-turbocharging and an electric auxiliary compressor. The 6-cylinder in-line engine generates 320 kW (435 hp) and delivers maximum torque of 520 Nm. Its EQ Boost starter generator briefly provides an additional 16 kW of output plus 250 Nm of torque and additionally feeds the 48 V on-board electrical system.

The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor and is fitted between the engine and transmission. This innovation as well as the intelligent charging via an electric auxiliary compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger all have the same goal: to enhance the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics, but also to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. And this move has been a successful one: The GLE53 4MATIC+ accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and achieves an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h.

It really turns on the pressure: electric auxiliary compressor
The electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high level of boost pressure without any delays until the big exhaust gas turbocharger kicks in. As a result the 3.0-litre engine reacts extremely spontaneously and provides a dynamic response without turbo lag. An additional bonus is the high level of refinement of the six-cylinder in-line engine.

It will be electrifying: 48 V on-board electrical system
But the EQ Boost starter-alternator can do even more. It also provides the 48 V on-board electrical system with electricity. The conventional 12 V electrical system is likewise supplied from the new network - by means of a DC/DC converter. The 48 V battery increases the overall battery capacity in the vehicle, which allows supplying more electrical energy. An additional advantage: the same power requires only a quarter of the current of a conventional system. The result is that the wiring can be thinner and therefore lighter, which indirectly contributes to saving fuel. The existing 12 V system supplies power to consumers such as lights, cockpit, infotainment displays and control units.

It also does hybrid: EQ Boost starter-alternator
The EQ Boost starter generator is a key component of the 48 V system and not only serves as an alternator, but is also responsible for hybrid functions. This allows fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. For the first time, the EQ Boost starter-alternator is also responsible for idle speed control.

The hybrid functions include boost with 16 kW of output and 250 Nm of torque, energy recovery, shifting of the load point, gliding mode and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.

Because the belt drive for ancillary components on the front edge of the engine is omitted, the installation length of the new six-cylinder engine is also significantly reduced compared with conventional six-cylinder engines. This creates space for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system mounted near the engine, which is therefore particularly efficient. The particulate filter is the only part of the emission control system that is under the floor.

A special acoustic experience comes courtesy of the optional, selectable AMG Performance exhaust system. The variable adjustable exhaust flaps give the option to change the sound of the vehicle at the press of a button. Depending on the drive program, the sound characteristics change from unobtrusive comfort through to maximum emotive appeal.

Speedy shifting: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission (TCT = Torque-Clutch Transmission) ensures emotional gear shifting with extremely short shift times. It is optimally tuned to the engine and promises agile pulling off typical of AMG as well as speedy shifting - regardless of an automatic or manual transmission via the steering wheel shift paddles. Upshifts or downshifts are implemented instantly. Especially in the "Sport+" and in manual driving modes, the transmission is very responsive. Multiple downshifting enables fast bursts of speed, while the double-clutching function makes shift operations acoustically more emotional.

Unlimited grip: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive

The new GLE53 4MATIC+ is equipped for maximum traction and dynamics with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. The intelligent steering variably links the permanently driven rear axle with the front axle and continually calculates the optimum torque distribution - depending on the driving situation and the driver's wishes. The all-wheel drive thus improves longitudinal dynamics as well as traction and lateral dynamics. The outcome: yet more powerful acceleration from a standing position and for short sprints.

Total stabilisation: AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension
Redeveloped in Affalterbach, the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension based on AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension forms the basis for a driving experience that is characterised by a high level of agility, neutral cornering behaviour and optimal traction. A new feature makes a significant contribution to the AMG-specific tuning for high levels of driving dynamics: the active roll stabilisation with two electro-mechanic actuators working independently of one another on the front and rear axle as well as fully variable torque distribution.

Not only does the system reduce rolling movements when cornering, it also enables more precise tuning of the cornering and load change properties. In addition, it increases the drive comfort when driving straight ahead because stimuli are balanced out by one-sided road bumps, for example. Movements in the body can be actively and optimally adjusted to the driving conditions. This means that the AMG-typical form of the driving characteristics regarding dynamics, precision and response can be even more intensively experienced by the driver.

Another benefit in comparison to the usual hydraulic-based systems is the significantly faster response. The AMG control can adapt the driving status up to 1000 times per second. The sampling rate is thus a mere one-thousandth of a second. There is also the low weight of the components in comparison to the usual solutions.

Especially long breath: air suspension with continuously adjustable damping
The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with particularly sporty spring/damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) combines outstanding driving dynamics with high ride comfort. The damping characteristics can be preselected in three modes, "Comfort", "Sport" and "Sport+", allowing a significantly more noticeable differentiation between excellent long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics. In addition, there are two new levels for off-road use - "Trail" and "Sand".

Thanks to pneumatic self-levelling at the front and rear axle, the GLE53 4MATIC+ maintains a constant ride height regardless of the vehicle load. The vehicle level is generally lowered by 15 mm in the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programmes "Sport" and "Sport+". In the "Comfort" drive programme, the vehicle is lowered by 15 mm from a speed of 120 km/h. This reduces aerodynamic drag and, in turn, fuel consumption. In addition, handling stability is improved thanks to a lower centre of gravity. In order to increase the ground clearance on poor road surfaces or on ramps, the vehicle body level can be raised by up to 55 mm at the touch of a button with the engine running - both with the car stationary and in motion.

Everything under control: Sports steering and high-performance braking system
The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering has a variable ratio. It wins over customers with AMG-specific rack and pinion ratio and precise feedback. In addition, steering power assistance is adjusted in the two stages "Comfort" or "Sport". The configuration is automatically activated based on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programme. They can optionally be personalised at any time in the "Individual" drive programme.

The large sized high-performance braking system reliably slows down the performance SUV even with heavier loads and short braking distances. 400 x 36 mm internally ventilated and perforated integral brake disks are used on the front axle as well as 2-piston fixed callipers painted silver with black AMG lettering. On the rear, the internally ventilated integral brake disks measure 345 x 25 mm and have a 1-piston floating calliper.

Select your programme: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
The GLE53 4MATIC+ has seven drive programmes: The levels "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+" and "Individual" are complemented by two off-road-specific settings: "Trail" and "Sand". AMG DYNAMIC SELECT adapts important parameters such as the responsiveness of the engine and transmission, the characteristic curve of the accelerator and steering, the suspension damping or even the vehicle's sound. Selected using the paddle in the centre console or the AMG steering wheel buttons, the programmes are then visualised in the instrument cluster and on the multimedia display.

• "Slippery": optimised for slippery road conditions, with reduced power and a flat torque curve for a driving impression oriented toward stability.
• "Comfort": comfortable and fuel-efficient driving, e.g. thanks to early upshifts. Suspension and steering are set up for an emphasis on comfort.
• "Sport": sporty characteristics thanks to a more agile response to the driver's accelerator pedal input, shorter shift times, earlier downshifts and significantly more emotive gearshifts owing to double de-clutching. A more dynamic suspension and steering set-up.
• "Sport+": extremely sporty characteristics thanks to an even more agile throttle response, increased acoustic emphasis on double de-clutching during downshifts as well as selective torque control on upshifts with cylinder suppression for optimal shift times. Increased idle speed for faster pulling away. An even more dynamic set-up for suspension, steering and drivetrain.
• "Individual": individual adjustment of the drive system, transmission, AMG DYNAMICS, suspension and exhaust system.
• "Trail": safe driving at maximum performance on soft, muddy or slippery ground.
• "Sand": sporty set-up for the best possible grip and steerability on sandy slopes and in desert dunes.

AMG DYNAMICS vehicle dynamics control is integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programmes. In the "Basic", "Advanced" and "Pro" levels, it influences e.g. the control strategies of the ESP ® (Electronic Stability Program) or the all-wheel drive. The intelligent pilot control anticipates the desired vehicle behaviour based on the driver's actions and the sensor data. The spectrum ranges from extremely stable to highly dynamic. Additionally there are the "Traction" and "Slide" levels in the off-road "Trail" and "Sand" drive programmes when the ESP® is deactivated.

Quite the eye-catcher: exterior with AMG-specific radiator grille
The appearance of the GLE53 4MATIC+ captivates thanks to its exclusivity, powerful sportiness and progressive dominance. Thanks to the AMG-specific radiator grille with 15 vertical chromed strips, it is immediately obvious that it is part of the AMG family. Equally striking is the star in the double ring, the narrow headlamps and the striking A-Wing in the front apron. Apart from the slats in the outer air inlets and the trim element on the A-Wing, the front splitter is also silver chrome-plated. The wheel arches in the same colour as the car provide space for the large wheels - mounted with 20-inch light alloy wheels with AMG lettering as standard. There are seven rim variants optionally available from 20 to 22 inch.

The horizontal chromed diffuser strip in the pronounced rear apron and the special exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes underline the powerful appearance from the rear and emphasis the effect of the width. The optional AMG Night Package further enhances the vehicle. It includes heat-insulating, dark tinted windows as well as front splitter, trim elements in the front apron and the outer air inlets, mirror covers, window frames, roof railing, diffuser and tailpipe trim in refined black.

The colour of love: interior design with red accents
The GLE53 4MATIC+ can be recognised by the characteristic red colour accents. This starts with the seats, fitted as standard with covers in ARTICO / microfibre DINAMICA man-made leather black with red contrasting topstitching. They not only offer optimal lateral support, but also have an AMG-specific design and "AMG" badge in the front seat backrest. The top part of the instrument panel is covered in ARTICO man-made leather. The black roof liner and the trim elements in aluminium brushed with light longitudinal grain underscore the sporty appearance.

Further elements to individualise the interior include different leather seat covers and a wide range of high-quality trim elements, among other items. The carbon AMG trim elements impart a particularly sporty feel to the interior.

An SUV highlight is the optional, foldable third row of seats, which make the GLE53 4MATIC+ a seven-seater. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.

Stylishly chic: AMG-specific displays in the MBUX system
The innovative operating and display concept MBUX is included as standard in the GLE53 4MATIC+ and contains numerous AMG-specific content. With the widescreen cockpit, the instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia display optically combine into one unit. Numerous functions can also be activated via the intelligent voice-operated control "Hey Mercedes". The optional MBUX Interior Assist also allows intuitive, natural operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition and gestures.

The instrument cluster has its own specific details such as the AMG start-up menu and the four selectable styles: "Classic", "Sport", AMG exclusive "Supersport" and "Discreet". When the AMG-specific DYNAMIC SELECT drive programmes "Trail" and "Sand" are activated, off-road-specific settings such as slope, incline and level can be selected and displayed on the instrument cluster. Rocker switches are embedded in the centre console for displaying and controlling the drive programmes, transmission, suspension, ESP® and exhaust system.

Hands sitting pretty on the steering wheel: AMG Performance steering wheel
The AMG Performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather with red contrasting topstitching and red 12-o'clock marking combines maximum functionality, high-quality haptics and perfect ergonomics. Apart from the aluminium shift paddles, it also impresses thanks to the touch control buttons which are intuitive to operate. The entire infotainment system can be controlled with swiping finger movements.

Innovative steering wheel buttons optionally enhance the steering wheel with a round controller with an integrated display beneath the right-hand steering-wheel spoke, plus two vertically positioned colour display buttons with switches beneath the left-hand steering-wheel spoke.

Drive better: improve your skills with AMG TRACK PACE
With the optional extra AMG TRACK PACE, MBUX is enhanced with a virtual engineer which enables up to 80 vehicle-specific data as well as times on closed routes outside of the public traffic area to be recorded and analysed in detail. Many of these values can be displayed if desired on the widescreen cockpit or in the optional head-up display in real-time. After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyse and, if necessary, improve their driving skills. In addition, acceleration and deceleration values (e.g. 0-100 km/h, ¼ mile, 100-0 km/h) can be measured and saved.

The driver can record any circuits and open circuits him or herself and can save them for later vehicle data recording. Thanks to a newly developed algorithm which determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, AMG TRACK PACE even detects when the circuit has been left or it has been shortened. This is done using GPS data as well as the sensors available in the vehicle (acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, wheel speeds).

The additional smartphone app enhances AMG TRACK PACE on these circuits with functionalities such as video recording of the journey, individualisation options for the recorded videos and photos as well as sharing the experiences on social networks.

Sporty fragrance: fuel for the senses
There is an exclusive fragrance for the interior, named "AMG#63" as part of the AIR-BALANCE package. It is an inspiring, sporty scent to match the spirit of the performance sports car brand.

It can be a bit complicated keeping track of all the new and upcoming Mercedes-Benz models. We were introduced to the new Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class in September 2018, with the only model being a GLE 450 mild hybrid producing 362 horsepower (270 kilowatts) from a turbocharged 3.0-liter I6. AMG followed up with a 429-hp (320-kW) GLE 53 at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show in March, but now Carbuzz reports an even hotter engine option could be coming – not with the upcoming AMG GLE 63 but an up-spec GLE 580.

Specifically, the report points to a visit the Carbuzz folks had with a Mercedes-Benz dealership. While there, an order form allegedly cropped up showing a forthcoming GLE 580 model. Mercedes doesn’t currently offer such a machine, but there is a GLS 580 that was just revealed with the new GLS-Class at the 2019 New York Auto Show. It is Merc’s new range-topping SUV, and under the hood is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 making 483 hp (360 kW). GLE 450, GLE 580, AMG GLE 53, GLS 580 – we weren’t kidding when we said this stuff was a bit complicated.

To be completely clear, no engine option was mentioned with this proposed GLE 580. The prevailing theory at this point is that, since the larger GLS 580 brandishes the boosted V8, the smaller GLE 580 will likely feature it as well. The theory is supported by – and we hesitate to type this because it only makes things more complicated – the lower-level GLE 450 and GLS 450 already sharing the same I6 powertrain mentioned in the first paragraph.

Symmetry aside, having a V8-powered GLE 580 would also bridge the rather large gap between the AMG-tuned GLS 53 and the as-yet-unrevealed GLS 63 (yes, we just tossed another Mercedes model into the mix), a monster SUV which is expected to have over 600 hp (447 kW) from a higher-tuned 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8.

We don’t blame you if you got lost through the alphabet-soup of models mentioned here. To summarize, it appears Mercedes will offer a new high-end model of its midsize SUV with a throaty V8 later this year. It won't be an AMG model, but it would fit neatly between the current AMG-tuned version and the forthcoming bonkers AMG-tuned version.

Geez, maybe we should’ve led with that and filled the rest of the article with links to drag races and smoky burnouts.

Earlier this month we were tipped off to the possibility of a new Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class variant slotting above the GLE 450 and the AMG-tuned GLE 53. Those rumors were indeed true, as Mercedes just revealed the new GLE 580 with a mild-hybrid V8 powertrain.

The amped-up GLE is fitted with Merc’s familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, tuned for this application to generate 483 horsepower (360 kilowatts) and 516 pound-feet (700 Newton-meters) of torque. Aiding the engine is the automaker’s EQ Boost system, consisting of an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that can add an additional 21 hp (16 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) to the powertrain for short periods of time.

Inside you’ll find familiar GLE-Class amenities. The digital cockpit includes dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment display, and the MBUX system is included as well. It’s further updated with the MBUX Interior Assistant for added functionality. Additional options include a range of interior trims and materials, exterior AMG Line details, and 22-inch wheels.

The GLE 580 is currently the range-topping model for the revamped GLE-Class lineup in America. The GLE 450 served as the debut model last September, powered by a boosted 3.0-liter I6 making 362 hp (270 kW). It was followed in March by the first AMG variant – the GLE 53 – delivering 429 hp (320 kW) from the same six-cylinder mill. It won’t stay on top, however, because Mercedes-AMG has plans for a GLE 63 that could pack 550 hp (410kW) or more. Power will come from the tried-and-true 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, driving all four wheels and sending the midsize SUV to 60 mph in around four seconds flat. With the GLE 580 now revealed, the AMG GLE 63 could arrive in the fall with sales beginning next year.

In the meantime, Mercedes says the new GLE 580 will hit dealerships late this year. Prices for the SUV start at $76,800.

The refreshed GLC 350e is not the only plug-in hybrid Mercedes is unveiling ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show as the Daimler company is also taking the virtual wraps off the bigger GLE 350de. It’s an interesting proposal in the midsize premium SUV segment in Europe due to the nature of its powertrain as it uses a turbodiesel engine taking the shape of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit.

The internal combustion engine produces 194 horsepower and works together with an electric motor rated at 136 hp. With the two joining forces, the electrified GLE offers a combined output of 320 hp and an ample 516 pound-feet (700 Newton-meters) of torque. The beefy PHEV setup grants the GLE 350de with a sprint to 62 mph (100 kph) in only 6.8 seconds en route to a top speed of 130 mph (210 kph) if the ICE is used or 100 mph (160 kph) when using just the electric motor.

Thanks to a rather large 31.2-kWh battery pack, the electrified SUV will do 99 kilometers (61.5 miles) running solely on electric energy based on the WLTP cycle. On the flip side, the batteries do eat into the amount of luggage space available, with the cargo capacity dropping from 2,055 liters (72.5 cubic feet) to 1,915 liters (67.6 liters) with the seats folded. That’s a compromise worth marking considering the loss is not that significant.

Once the battery is depleted, it’ll take just 20 minutes to charge it from 10% to 80% or 30 minutes from 10% to 100% by using a DC charging station. From a wallbox, it'll take 90 minutes for a full charge while from a conventional power socket it will require about five hours. There's going to be a 7.4 kW onboard charger and regenerative braking to juice up the battery while on the go. If you plan on doing a lot of towing, Mercedes says its diesel-electric GLE will be able to haul up to 3,500 kilograms (7,716 pounds).

The GLE 350de is part of Mercedes’ PHEV onslaught, with more than ten plug-in hybrids to be available by year’s end. That number will more than double by late 2020. Meanwhile, the two new electrified SUVs will be on display later this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show where we’ll also see the zero-emissions Vision EQ S concept.

Versatile: the Mercedes-Benz GLE and its sporty offshoot, the GLE Coupé, are just as suitable for families and leisure time as they are for long-distance journeys and transporting loads. 4MATIC, which comes as standard in Europe, ensures that you can get through even in poor traction conditions or off-road terrain on gradients of up to 100 percent. A towing load of up to 3.5 tonnes makes it possible to pull a horse trailer, a valuable classic car or a larger caravan.

Mercedes-Benz has now updated the exterior, interior, technology and equipment of the model generation launched in 2018. The updated models will reach dealers in Europe from July 2023. The engine range is now electrified throughout. It includes mild hybrids with a 48-volt system and Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) as well as fourth-generation plug-in hybrids. Most models now have more power than the previous versions. The biggest is the increase with 30 kW on the GLE 400 e 4MATIC.

The Driving Assistance Package contains further improved specific functions, for example for the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist and Traffic Sign Assist. The Parking Package with 360°camera supports the driver when manoeuvring into and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces. Another new feature is the "transparent bonnet" function. If the off-road drive program is switched on, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle - helping to make this noticeably easier in steep terrain. Helpful features for towing include the Trailer Manoeuvring Assist, the updated Trailer menu in the central display and the Trailer route planner. It can be used to find optimised routes when travelling with a trailer.

The GLE's lineage began with the M-Class. With it, Mercedes-Benz established the premium SUV segment in 1997. The global success continued with the GLE launched in 2015. The current model series followed in 2018. The GLE and GLE Coupé are produced at the Tuscaloosa Mercedes-Benz plant (USA).