2024 AMG Mercedes-Benz GLE53 Coupe is high-performance SUV

Published 9:31 am Tuesday, January 23, 2024

For many years the AMG versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles were guaranteed to offer their highest level of performance. The independent engineering firm turned out factory-approved models with more power, sportier suspensions, bigger brakes, special interiors, and unique trim. But then Mercedes brought AMG in house and some AMG-badged models have seemed to offer more style than substance to me.

That is not a problem with the 2024 AMG GLE53 Coupe which — despite its name — is actually a high-performance four-door fastback midsize crossover SUV. It comes loaded with genuine AMG upgrades, including an AMG Enhanced 3.0-liter inline six with hybrid assist that produces 429 horsepower, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission, an AMG AIRMATIC RIDE CONTROL suspension, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, 22-inch AMG Cross-spoke forged wheels, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and an AMG DYNAMIC SELECT System that allows driver to select Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and customizable Advance modes. GLE53 Coupe which — despite its name — is actually a high-performance four-door fastback midsize crossover SUV. It comes loaded with genuine AMG upgrades, including an AMG Enhanced 3.0-liter inline six with hybrid assist that produces 429 horsepower, an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission, an AMG AIRMATIC RIDE CONTROL suspension, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, 22-inch AMG Cross-spoke forged wheels, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and an AMG DYNAMIC SELECT System that allows driver to select Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and customizable Advance modes.

The AMG upgrades were immediately apparent on my Cardinal Red Metallic tester. The sharp exhaust tone announced the 2024 AMG GLE 53 Coupe is meant for serious driving, even in the snow that hit my hometown in the days before it arrived. The traction was awesome even on slick hills — and more impressive when the snow melted, allowing spurts of hard driving between downed trees and limbs. The ride was firm but not harsh over the poorly maintained roads in my neighborhood. And the Napa leather covered seats are among the most comfortable offered in any vehicle at any price.

I’ve always like inline six-cylinder engines and am disappointed there are not more available. In my experience the power delivery is always smooth, especially when boosted by turbocharges or superchargers. Jeep needs to be thanked for introducing a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter “Hurricane” inline six with up to 510 horsepower to replace the V8s in Grand Wagoneers that no longer meet emission standards. But, although the I6 in the Mercedes is not as powerful, the GLE 53 is much faster because it is smaller, lighter, and equipped with a more responsive transmission.

The AMG GLE53 is, of course, part of the G-class, which is offered in a wide range of sizes and versions. version. The midsize GLE is right in the center of Mercedes’ SUV lineup. On the smaller end are the GLA, GLB, and GLC, and on the larger end the GLS and the iconic G-Wagon. The GLE is primarily a luxury family SUV available as a conventional boxy SUVs or fastback hatchbacks dubbed Coupes, with proportions that take a little getting used to. All come with the company’s excellent 4Matic all-wheel-drive system for increased traction in wet weather and mind-number range of engines.

The lowest-priced GLE350 starts with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four that produces 255 horsepower and 295 foot-founds of torque. The GLE450 has a less powerful turbocharged 3.0-lter inline-six that offers either 375 or 369 horsepower. The same engine in the AMG GLE53 is tweaked to generate 429 horsepower and 413 foot-pounds of torque. The 4.0-liter V8 in the GLE 580 is good for 510 and 538, respectively. In the GLE 63 S, the totals climb to 603 and 627. And the plug-in hybrid GLE450e adds a 134-horsepower electric motor to the 2.0T in the GLE350, raising the output to a combined 381 horsepower and 479 foot-pounds of torque, while still able to go up to 60 miles on electricity alone.

Exterior changes to 2024 lineup are few but noticeable. From the front, the AMG vehicles can be recognized by the newly designed LED daytime running lights. The GLE 53 models also receive a revised front fascia with expressively shaped side air intakes. The front fascia now also bears the AMG emblem on the front hood of the vehicle, which is the new hallmark for all future AMG vehicles. The rear features revised LED taillights.

Inside, the suite of standard equipment has been significantly expanded for 2024. In the case of the GLE 53, newly added standard features are the selectable AMG Performance exhaust system, enhanced Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos, sound personalization and online music, standard heated and ventilated front seats, and more.

Like all other GLEs, the AMG GLE53 is roomy and very well equipped, with the most advanced infotainment and safety systems Mercedes has ever offered. Twin 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard and, just as in lesser Benz-branded GLE-classes, the AMG models support the latest MBUX software interface. The driver and front-seat passenger can interact with the system though the touchscreen, the center-console-mounted touchpad, or by simply saying “Hey Mercedes” and then giving a voice command. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, and of course there’s a mobile device charging pad.The GLE will also modulate its speed based on the map of the road ahead, to make sure you don’t hit a corner too fast, and it will automatically obey all speed limits, unless you choose not to.

Naturally, all the AMG upgrades push the price of the 2024 AMG GLE53 Coupe well beyond the $63,800 price of the base GLE350. My tester was priced at $99,310, which still pales in comparison to the $128,850 price tag for the V8-powered AMG GLE63 S.

If you’re in the market for a luxury performance midsize SUV that doubles as a comfortable daily driver but will impress when pushed, the 2024 AMG GLE53 Coupe will meet all your needs. And you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing the AMG designation really means it.

2024 AMG Mercedes-Benz GLE53 Coupe

Base price: $89,800

Price as tested: $99,310

Type: Midsize crossover SUV

Engine: AMG-Enhanced supercharged and turbocharged 3.0L Inline-6 with hybrid assist (429 hp, 413 lb-ft)

Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission

Drive modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Advance

EPA estimated mileage: 18/22

Overall length: 194.4 inches

Curb weight: 5238 pounds

Final assembly: Vance, Alabama