2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE-Class

Overview

Mercedes’s GLE-class SUV ditches the Benz branding and receives the AMG treatment, which nets the mid-size SUV more power, a performance-oriented suspension setup, and a handful of design tweaks. Mercedes-AMG offers its GLE-class models in both wagon and fastback body styles, as well as in GLE53 and GLE63 S guises. The former packs a 429-hp forced induction straight-six under its hood, while the latter relies on a 603-hp twin-turbocharged V-8 for motivation. Both come standard with all-wheel drive. Despite their lesser cargo capacity, the hunchbacked Mercedes-AMG GLE53 and GLE63 S Coupes sticker for more than their squareback counterparts.

What’s New for 2023?

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the AMG performance brand. To celebrate this, Mercedes-AMG is offering the GLE-class in a limited-run Edition 55 guise for 2023. The special-edition model includes distinct cues such as side-mounted Edition 55 graphics, matte-gray 22-inch wheels with Edition 55-exclusive center caps, and a steering wheel with commemorative badging.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

AMG GLE53

$76,000 (est)

AMG GLE63 S

$115,000 (est)

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 384 pound-feet of torque. That setup helped catapult a GLE53 Coupe we tested to 60 mph in 4.7 second 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 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.

Mercedes-AMG

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Regardless of body style, the GLE53 carries a city rating of 18 mpg, but the squareback is rated at 23 mpg on the highway, while the fastback is rated at 22 mpg. On our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, a GLE53 Coupe delivered an impressive 26 mpg. 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 2023 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 wagon 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.

Mercedes-AMG

The Car and Driver Difference

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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

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

More Features and Specs