Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV-coupe Launched; Packs Quite The Punch

• The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is priced at Rs 1.20 Crore.
• It is powered by a 435PS 3.0-litre in-line six engine.
• It does 0-100kmph in 5.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250kmph.
• Rivals include the Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz India has launched its fourth AMG offering for this year in the form of the GLE 53. The sporty SUV-coupe is a follow up to the C63 coupe and the GT R that were launched earlier this year. Priced at Rs 1.20 crore (ex-showroom), the GLE 53 is a practical AMG offering that can take your family, their luggage and probably your pet on a rapid road trip.

This is the first time Mercedes is offering its AMG 53 series of cars in the country. That means the GLE 53 comes with a smaller V6 engine instead of the full blown V8 unit. It’s a 3.0-litre unit that develops 435PS of power and 520Nm of twist. It comes coupled with an EQ electric boost mild-hybrid system that’s capable of providing 22PS and 250Nm in short bursts. And with power being transferred to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission, the GLE 53 is mighty quick indeed. It does 0-100kmph in just 5.3 seconds and pushing on further results in a top-speed of 250kmph. 

 

Naturally, this being an AMG, the GLE 53 gets a host of upgrades beneath its flesh. For starters, it rides on air suspension with AMG Ride Control. It also gets different modes such as Comfort and Sport+. There’s also an Individual mode so that you can tinker around with different settings for that perfect combination. 

What’s also a first for the new GLE in India is the coupe-like body style. Yes, the GLE 53 is offered as a conventional SUV in the overseas market. But Mercedes has decided to offer the AMG variant as a coupe version in India. The AMG DNA has also been infused here in the form of Mercedes’ Panamericana slatted grille, AMG-branded alloy wheels and sportier bumpers with quad rear exhausts. 

Even the basic interior layout remains unchanged when compared to the standard GLE. However, the piece de resistance is the sports front seats which come with additional bolstering to hold you tight while attacking corners. Also new in the sportier GLE is the chunky three-spoke AMG-specific steering wheel. The Burmerster sound system and the rather brilliant MBUX infotainment system have also been carried over here. 

The new Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE coupe locks horns with the Porsche Cayenne Coupe, which is priced from Rs 1.32 crore (ex-showroom).