First Drive: 2024 GLE 53 Hybrid Coupe – 544BHP Plug-In SUV!

First Plug-in #AMG SUV! The Hybrid #MercedesAMG GLE 53 AMG is here! Welcome back to RBR, where today we're diving into the brand-new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ — available as both an SUV and a Coupé. This new hybrid powerhouse from Affalterbach sits in between the original GLE 53, and the powerhouse GLE 63 S. Could this version be a must-have for enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike? Let’s find out!

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🚗 Powertrain and Performance 🔋
Under the hood, the GLE 53 HYBRID features the same 3.0-litre inline 6 turbo engine paired with a 100-kW electric motor, just like we saw in the E53. This combo cranks out a total system output of 544 hp and 750 Nm, and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds. Notably, you can cruise up to 140 km/h on electric power alone, thanks to its 31.2 kWh battery offering an impressive electric range of up to 87 km. The driving modes include hybrid-specific modes like "Electric" for silent, emission-free driving and "Battery Hold" to conserve battery charge - these also have EV specific sounds too!

💡 Design and Hybrid-Specific Elements 💡
Visually, the GLE 53 HYBRID barely changes, just with a new front bumper, and redesigned lights front and back. Though there are little details like he Affalterbach badge, and the red lettering on the rear model badges showing it’s a hybrid. Certainly a lot more than the GLE 63 which only gets lights! Inside, the MBUX infotainment system is enhanced with hybrid-specific displays, providing good information about the battery and electric range.

🚀 Chassis and Tech 🚀
The usual AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension is specifically tuned for this hybrid model, but the car loses the active anti roll stabilisation that made the previous car and 63 so good. Instead it has new passive stabilizers, we will have to see how these deal with a heavier car set up. The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive is the same as before.

But will the car prove exciting enough after adding so much weight, despite the increase in power? Let’s drive the #GLE53HYBRID and find out!

Up next on RBR is the New AMG GT63, and the BMW X6M full review! Subscribe be to support us and see them first. :)

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Driving disclaimer:

Please note all driving shots have been filmed either by professionals in a safe environment, or sped up for dramatic effect, or on closed roads. Please drive safely!

[kashkashio]

I have the updated 53 2024 with increased power and mild hybrid and its not slow at all!! love that car, fk e perf.

[jordanabeda]

The '25 GLE 53 isn't "slow". Have one, and its mighty fun to drive mate

[clancep]

Mercedes said this won’t be available in the US until the end of 2025 as a 2026 model. It seems like this hybrid variant has already been on sale in Europe. Lately we’ve been seeing spy shots of another facelift for the GLE. Another confusion is that the 53 has a horsepower rating of 435 but in the US it’s listed as 429. Not sure why the delta. This most recent facelift should have included Digital Key, more interior color options, brought back the Burmester High-End 3D audio option.. in addition to the lighted exterior door handles that were removed after the 2021 model year and increased the power/torque on the regular 53 to around 450-475.

[gubaa]

I love this body style. Don't have to have all that power. I want elegant, yet some power to it. What would be the recommendation? I don't drive alot on the everyday

[Abe]

I like it only if the mpg is increased by a lot

[antoniowiesner]

The 580 is not only faster and lighter, but it also has a v8

[joem]

Have a 24 GLE 53 in the US. Cant wait to upgrade to this version. Love mine but it’s definitely lacking the extra power and MPG

[okaydokay]

hi - will you be doing the new GLE 63 AMG coupe?

[SennTimmer]

How does this car compare to the Cayenne S E-Hybrid?

[jeanbosconiyitegeka]

Next move for Mercedes, G900 Rocket fire, BRABUS, Hybrid

[IddyIggyIddyIggy]

Wow, I thought complaining was our Polish speciality - but I feel at home here in UK comments 😂

[kace]

3:35 thank God the interior designers are not like BMW

[sav]

When I drive my previous version e53, I find it too heavy. This feels like a muscle SUV

[pauldark]

Have a 2022 gle350de coupe, love everything about it besides to heavy in the curves, dont get this in Norway though

[jasonchen]

Considering the price, I will get a slightly used 63 which is lighter and faster. If you were to think about the gas cost savings with this battery, I am concerning bringing this hybrid car to maintainance or repair, the cost of that will cancel out the savings.

[jayproulx]

How is this 53 making so much more power than the CLE53 hybrid?

[Hunter-yyes]

The one thing l dislike is the ipad cluster screen its fixed in 1 postion so when l adjust to sit steering wheel lower it cuts out all visual of the top of the screen, l hope they make this more visible for drivers, and the touch pad on the wheel to control the media and apps, that is purely a pain l spend half my trip battling the sensor to go Left to Right, its actually more inconvenient by having the touch pad removed from the center console. A lot more road hazardous as you can feel if you've moved your selection across so you have to really pay attention to the screens while driving where as the older models with touch pads you know by feel that voice selected where you need to be and only use your prereferral view.

Not enough genuine feed back on this new system from car reviewers it proper shits me hard, lm only 34 lm use to the tech but Mercedes has made it a prick to navigate through apps, and to manual lean in and select Apple car play doesnt even have a quick select anywhere for that. It looks great at night but total arse to deal with in your daily driving.

[cgtc]

don't like it, too heavy. Choose the regular 53 or the 580 if you're a consumer who cares about driving dynamics.
Still think the coupe is absolutely hideous, as a Mercedes owner.

[shingiraimusinga]

Does everything have to have a hybrid?

[MMediaP]

Another refresh for this model will be out in 2027 due to the poor sales of those blasted hideous EQ models. From the spy shots the front fascia gets a new design, interior gets a bigger iPad (screens) etc.

Rumor has it Mercedes Benz is phasing out the EQ brand altogether.