Overview
With up to 603 horsepower on tap, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE-class takes the regular Benz-branded GLE-class (reviewed separately) and lights a fire under it. Available in traditional squareback and sporty coupe-like body styles, the AMG-tuned GLE53 and GLE63 S bring gobs of horsepower to an already luxurious mid-size SUV. The GLE53 gets a supremely smooth 429-hp turbocharged inline-six, while the GLE63 S features an almighty 603-hp twin-turbo V-8. Both powertrains pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Both coupe versions sacrifice some cargo space, but they don’t take away from the GLE’s easy-going ride and tech-heavy cabin. Every 2023 GLE comes with an electric panoramic sliding sunroof, heated front seats, and automatic high-beams. Hidden among its mix of lux and performance is an impressive 7700 pounds of towing capability, making the AMG-badged GLE-class capable of hauling more than just ass.
What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, the GLE53 and GLE63 S receive some polish thanks to a mid-cycle refresh. The GLE53 gets a new front bumper, giving it a little more attitude like the GLE63 S. Both models get revised LED daytime running lights and taillights. Mercedes also adds two new paint options, Alpine Grey and Twilight Blue metallic. A new 22-inch forged wheel design is now standard on the GLE63 S coupe; it’s optional on other models. Plus, Mercedes says the turbo six has more torque that’s intended to provide quicker acceleration.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We’d save our money and stick with the more conventional and boxier GLE-class SUV. Black and Polar White are the only no-cost paint options, and we’d pair the more sinister color with the AMG Night package that includes blacked-out exterior trim. The illuminated three-pointed star emblem is a neat option. The optional heated steering wheel will keep our hands warm, and the Acoustic Comfort package helps keep the cabin further isolated from the noise of the outside world. The Multicontour front seats with massage and rapid heating function are also must-haves. The soft-close doors and four-zone climate system round out our selections.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The GLE53 features a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Its engine is supplemented by an electric supercharger that’s powered by a 48-volt electrical system. Combined with the GLE53’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, the SUV’s powertrain produces 429 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. That setup helped catapult an earlier GLE53 Coupe we tested to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 103 mph. Compare that with a Benz-branded 362-hp GLE450 we tested, which did the deeds in 5.3 seconds and 13.9 seconds at 100 mph, respectively. The GLE63 S generates 603 horses with the twin-turbo V-8. The GLE53 also features a trick suspension consisting of an air-bag system coupled with active anti-roll bars that’s said to provide corner-carving capabilities without sacrificing ride quality. The GLE53 coupe we drove felt smooth even on uneven roads. Switching its drive mode to Sport or Sport Plus stiffened up the suspension enough to help keep the heavy family hauler stable when the pavement coiled.
Towing Capacity
The AMG-badged GLE-class makes for a great trailering tool, with a maximum towing capacity of 7700 pounds. That’s up there with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Turbo. It’s also as much as the average mid-size pickup truck.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
When it comes to fuel economy, the GLE53 is rated as high as 18 mpg city and 22 highway—the coupe version sees both estimates drop by 1 mpg. Meanwhile, the GLE63 S is a thirstier hog, with a city rating of 15 mpg and a highway rating up to 20 mpg. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, a GLE53 coupe delivered an impressive 26 mpg. We haven’t tested a GLE63 S. For more information about the GLE’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, two giant digital displays dominate the dashboard of every GLE-class. The interior environs are sportier than the standard Benz models, though, as the AMG versions come with sport seats with red contrasting stitching, a sport steering wheel, red seatbelts, and aluminum accents. The cabin is spacious too, even in the back seat. A third row of seats is optional with the SUV’s squareback body style. The GLE53 offers the same cargo space as the GLE450, which means it has space for a whopping 11 carry-on suitcases behind the second row of seats and, with the rear seats stowed, room for up to 26 cases. However, the GLE53 coupe’s sloping roofline results in a loss of 5 cubic feet of cargo space, and the area held two fewer suitcases with all seats in place and five fewer with the rear row stowed.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Twin 12.3-inch infotainment displays dominate the GLE’s 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 via the touchscreen, the center-console-mounted controller, or by simply saying “Hey Mercedes” and then giving a voice command. We’ve found the system to be a bit clunky to use, but owners should acclimate after a few weeks behind the wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Every model offers myriad driver-assistance features, including Level 2 driving assistance. For more information about the GLE’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG’s standard warranty policies aren’t anything special. Furthermore, they offer zero complimentary scheduled maintenance, unlike BMW and Audi, which both offer such a perk.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$134,235 (base price: $114,945)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
243 in3, 3982 cm3
Power
603 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
627 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arms/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 16.0-in vented, cross-drilled, grooved disc/14.6-in vented, cross-drilled, grooved disc
Tires: Yokohama Advan Sport V107, F: 285/40R-22 110Y MO1 R: 325/35R-22 114Y MO1
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.9 in
Length: 195.0 in
Width: 79.4 in
Height: 70.2 in
Passenger volume: 111 ft3
Cargo volume: 33 ft3
Curb weight: 5568 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.4 sec
100 mph: 8.5 sec
130 mph: 15.0 sec
150 mph: 22.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
1/4 mile: 11.9 sec @ 117 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 174 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 321 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
Standing-start accel times omit 1-ft rollout of 0.2 sec.
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 22 mpg
Highway range: 490 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/city/highway: 17/15/20 mpg
