Mercedes-amg GLE 53
Big SUV emerges from AMG with bold looks, rippling muscles and honed dynamics
Classy, quick and refined
If you’re looking for a Merc alternative to the Porsche Cayenne Coupé or the Range Rover Sport, you’ll soon find your way to this, the GLE 53. It’s a typical AMG product – thoroughly developed, extremely rapid and richly equipped. It’s also big – over five metres long – and spacious enough for a seven-seat configuration.
The engine is the latest iteration of the Amg-developed twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol straight six, running a 48V integrated starter-generator that contributes 21bhp and 184lb ft and helps with extremes of acceleration and smooths power interruptions – not that there are many from AMG’S nine-speed auto.
The car is Amg-ised by a toothy grille, bonnet power bulges, different bumpers and a big rear diffuser. The interior is plush and well lined with brightwork and there are special AMG graphics for its steering wheel and sophisticated, screen-based instrumentation. The seats are upright and not exactly sporty but supportive and luxurious. The GLE weighs 2250kg, less than many SUVS this size, can run 0-62mph in 5.3sec and delivers a combined 30.4mpg, with 212g/km of CO2.
The engine feels light and free-revving. There are seven driving regimes (Slippery, Comfort, Trail, Sand, Individual, Sport and Sport+) but you soon find that Sport is ideal for on-road driving. It speeds the car’s responses, sharpens gearbox kickdown, adds tautness to the ride and provides supreme stability on turn-in. This GLE can be threaded through small gaps with confidence because the steering is so precise. Bump absorption is also good.
Noise control is well judged, too: use the GLE hard and you’ll know you’re in an AMG product; cruise more quietly and the powertrain will show its creamy side.
Maybe this isn’t the handsomest SUV going, but its quality, equipment and Amg-honed driving dynamics make the GLE 53 a fine choice. At just over £80k, it even looks decent value.