Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 receives surprise plug-in hybrid switch-up

Although seemingly finished with the updated line-up of AMG and non-AMG derivatives of the GLE, Mercedes-Benz has sprung an unexpected surprise by debuting a first-time plug-in hybrid version of the former in both standard and coupe bodystyles.

Didn’t see it coming

Modelled on the GLE 53, the newcomer officially carries the name, Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid, instead of receiving the S or S E-Performance designations.

As its name points out, the Hybrid’s biggest difference from the regular 53 is a change in electrification hardware from the 48-volt mild-hybrid system, to a 31.2-kWh battery pack driving a rear axle mounted electric motor developing 100kW/480Nm.

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A set-up that not only results in the plug-in hybrid configuration, but also the inclusion of the unique 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, the 53 Hybrid keeps hold of the 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine, but now produces a combined 400kW/750Nm.

An uptake of 100kW/100Nm, the Hybrid still tops out at 250 km/h, but gets to 100 km/h from zero in 4.7 seconds, an improvement of three-tenths of a second.

The powertrain continuing to be paired to the nine-speed MCT ‘box, the claimed all-electric range varies from 80 km to 87 km, with emissions-free driving possible at up to 140 km/h.

Supporting DC charging up to 60 kW, the GLE 53 Hybrid comes standard with an 11 kW on-board, although opting for the former method will result in a shorter waiting time of 20 minutes from 10-80%.

Look carefully

Building on the mentioned updates applied to the standard GLE and also the regular 53, Mercedes-AMG has, nonetheless, introduced a number of tweaks unique to the 53 Hybrid inside and out.

Externally, a pair of additional vents underneath the nose and centre of the lower air intake have been opened to help cool the hybrid system, while a secondary flap hiding the charging port features on the left-hand-side rear wing.

Model specific 21-inch alloy wheels, Hybrid badges on the front wings and a two-tone red-and-black GLE 53 badge on the tailgate completes the external adaptions.

Underneath and inside

Underneath, Benz has fitted new stabiliser bars, dampers on the rear axle and stop buffers on the front struts in order to accommodate the hybrid system’s additional mass.

A retuned Electronic Stability Programme and AMG Ride Control air suspension completes the changes, along with the upgraded AMG steel brakes comprising a six-piston caliper setup at the front and single at the rear, with respective disc sizes of 400 mm and 370 mm.

Inside, the alternations are more subtle and limited to hybrid system readouts and graphics within the instrument cluster and MBUX infotainment system, plus two additional setting for the AMG Dynamic Select mode selector; Electric and Battery Hold, the latter saving any energy left in battery for later usage.

Not yet approved

Now available in Germany with pricing from €125 515 (R2 531 250) to €133 851 (R2 699 362) for the Coupe, the GLE 53 Hybrid has not been confirmed for South Africa in lieu of pricing of the standard 53 being revealed earlier this month along with the 63 S.

Should Mercedes-Benz South Africa, however, approve its introduction, expect it to only arrive in 2024 positioned between the 53 and 63 S in a role once fulfilled by the now discontinued “normal” GLE 63.

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