We had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the freshly updated Mercedes GLE AMG 53 Plug-in Hybrid to see if it lives up to its promises. This large SUV aims to be both powerful and relatively eco-friendly, thanks to its plug-in hybrid technology. On the one hand, it boasts over 500?hp combined, and on the other, it can drive several miles on electric power alone. But does this complex setup make for a genuinely convincing everyday SUV? Here’s our detailed verdict.
Dimensions and Exterior Design
The GLE 53 Plug-in Hybrid is impressively sized, measuring about 4.93 meters in length, nearly 2.01 meters in width, and around 1.78 meters in height. On the road, its imposing stature immediately catches the eye, enhanced by its AMG cues: notably the Panamericana grille with its large vertical slats, a signature of Mercedes’ performance division.
At the front, you’ll notice the headlights redesigned for the facelift, along with a noticeably open bumper that highlights its sporty nature. Along the sides, the broad wheel arches house 21-inch alloy wheels as standard (22 inches optional), and at the rear, there’s a reworked diffuser and four round exhaust outlets. Naturally, you can’t miss the charging port at the rear, which identifies the GLE 53 as a plug-in hybrid.
Interior Design and Ergonomics
Inside, the atmosphere is typical of Mercedes’ latest models, although the dashboard layout is somewhat more “traditional” compared to newer vehicles in the brand’s lineup. Two large screens positioned under one glass panel dominate the top portion: on the left, a display devoted to driver information, and on the right, a touchscreen for navigation, media, and all other infotainment features. The menus dedicated to battery management are well integrated, and we appreciate the presence of a few physical controls—especially for the climate settings—which makes life onboard more intuitive.
Overall build quality is outstanding, both in terms of materials (leather, aluminum trims, or even carbon fiber depending on the configuration) and assembly. The seats offer solid lateral support while still being plush enough to ensure a first-class ride. Generous cabin space is a notable strong point, especially in the rear seats thanks to the 3-meter wheelbase. The trunk has about 490 liters of storage capacity under normal conditions and can expand to around 1,915 liters with the rear seats folded flat. This is fairly impressive for a plug-in hybrid, although the battery slightly encroaches on the floor space.
Different Powertrains
Originally, the GLE 53 AMG was powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 biturbo engine producing 435hp, paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. In this plug-in hybrid version, you still get the same six-cylinder, now tuned to 449hp, plus a 136hp electric motor integrated into the nine-speed automatic transmission. Combined, they deliver 544hp and a maximum torque of 750Nm.
This PHEV variant allows for up to 86-87 kilometers (depending on whether you choose the “SUV” or “Coupé” body style) of pure electric driving, courtesy of an approximately 31.2kWh battery. Charging is done via a port at the rear, with a DC fast-charging capability of up to 60kW. Of course, Mercedes offers other GLE models, such as the non-plug-in AMG GLE 53 with mild hybridization or the more extreme GLE 63S V8, though that one isn’t equipped with a full plug-in system.
Driving Experience
Behind the wheel, you’ll immediately feel the extra weight from the battery and the hybrid system: the GLE 53 weighs well over 2.7tons when empty. Still, the powertrain’s total output of 544hp handles that mass without too much trouble. The SUV clocks 0–100km/h in 4.7seconds and hits a top speed of 250km/h, which proves it remains quite capable, if not as nimble as a lighter sports car.
Despite its hefty 2.8 ton curb weight, this Mercedes-AMG manages a commendable on-road balance. The adaptive air suspension effectively absorbs bumps and keeps body motions in check. Depending on which drive mode you select (Comfort, Sport, Sport+), you can either enjoy a smooth, relaxed ride or ramp things up on twisty roads. The fully variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive further reassures you in all driving conditions.
In pure EV mode, the cabin is remarkably quiet, which enhances the feeling of traveling in a refined cocoon. You can drive around 50 kilometers (or even over 80 under ideal conditions) without using a drop of gasoline, especially on daily commutes. Beyond that, or when you demand high performance, the gasoline engine kicks in with a pleasantly subdued six-cylinder growl.
Comparison with the Competition
In the realm of large plug-in hybrid SUVs, there’s no shortage of competition. BMW’s X5 xDrive50e also pairs a six-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. Porsche offers the Cayenne E-Hybrid, which is more performance-focused but can get expensive when you start adding options. Volvo’s XC90 Recharge, meanwhile, is more understated in its styling yet still competes well in terms of comfort and space.
What sets the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Plug-in Hybrid apart is its successful blend of substantial power, plush comfort, and noteworthy electric range. Some rivals may be more agile or have a different personality on the road, but if you value a silky inline-six and a generous zero-emission range, the AMG variant makes a strong case for itself.
Price in Belgium
In Belgium, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Plug-in Hybrid 4MATIC+ starts at about €115,750 for the standard SUV (excluding options). This aligns with the typical pricing for this premium segment, and the bill can rise significantly once you add optional features. Buyers in this category, however, often accept the higher price tag for the coveted AMG badge and its associated high-end performance.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Plug-in Hybrid successfully merges two seemingly opposite worlds: a powerful turbocharged inline-six and the ability to drive purely on electricity for a considerable distance. The comfort, technology, and high-quality cabin align well with Mercedes’ premium reputation, and while the vehicle’s weight is undeniably hefty, it doesn’t overly compromise driving enjoyment.
Pros:
- Outstanding ride comfort and capable air suspension
- High-quality interior finishes
- A truly usable EV mode for daily driving
- Confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive
Cons:
- Heavy curb weight (over 2.7?tons) limiting agility
- Already high base price with expensive options
- Slightly reduced trunk space due to the hybrid setup
In the end, the GLE 53 Plug-in Hybrid strikes a compelling balance: you get robust performance along with genuine electric capability for daily errands. It caters to those looking for a spacious, premium SUV that’s also kinder to the environment and local regulations, all without sacrificing the joys of a quintessential AMG driving experience.
