Following hot on the heels of the facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, which debuted earlier this year, the Affalterbach brand has now introduced a new plug-in hybrid derivative.
Named the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid, it is a 2026 model set to arrive at dealers nationwide in 2025, offered in both crossover and crossover coupe body styles.
Powering it is an improved 3.0-liter straight-six with forced induction. Mercedes-AMG hasn't gone into specifics yet, stating that it features updated software and an additional heat exchanger. The result is a 14 hp (14 ps/10 kW) increase to 443 hp (449 ps/330 kW) over the normal GLE 53.
Proving an additional 134 hp (136 ps/100 kW) is an electric motor that is juiced up by a 31.2 kWh battery pack. The total output is 536 hp (544 ps/400 kW), and the assembly produces a combined 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. The new GLE 53 Hybrid takes an estimated 4.6 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph (97 kph) and tops out at 155 mph (250 kph).
By comparison, the normal GLE 53 uses a turbo'd 3.0-liter straight-six with mild-hybrid tech that develops 429 hp (435 ps/320 kW) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm). It is three-tenths slower compared to the plug-in hybrid variant and returns 18 mpg (13.1 l/100 km) in the city and 22 mpg (10.7 l/100 km) on the highway.
Photo: Mercedes
According to Mercedes-AMG, the GLE 53 Hybrid uses the brand's 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, comes with the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping that was specially developed for this model, has a specific chassis tune, recalibrated drive programs, and 15.7-inch front and 14.6-inch rear brake discs with six- and single-piston calipers, respectively.
To tell it apart from the regular variant, you will have to look for the opening up front that directs the airflow to the extra heat exchanger and the exclusive badges on the front fenders and tailgate. On the inside, it has hybrid-specific functions and displays, including the charging menu, status, temperature of the battery, and electric range.
Speaking of the autonomy, it will be revealed in due course, and Mercedes-AMG states that the GLE 53 Hybrid can reach a top speed of 87 mph (140 kph) in the all-electric mode and that an 11 kW AC and a 60 kW DC on-board chargers are provided.
As we already told you, the German automaker will launch it in the United States later in 2025, and it will arrive at dealers nationwide as a 2026 model. The pricing details haven't been announced either, but it will obviously be costlier than the regular GLE 53. For the 2024 GLE 53 Coupe, you are looking at a minimum of $89,800 before destination and dealer fees.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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