2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Has Straight-Six With Twin Turbos And An Electric Compressor

Say hello to the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+, the latest vehicle in AMG’s ever-growing family. Set to be shown to the world at the Geneva Motor Show, the new GLE 53 4Matic+ may not be a full-blown AMG ‘63’ badged model, but it does come with more than enough power to offer all the excitement one needs from an SUV.

The centerpiece of the GLE 53 4Matic+ is its powertrain. Found beneath the skin of the vehicle is a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric auxiliary compressor.

With everything in tune, the SUV pumps out 429 hp (435PS / 320kW) and 383 lb-ft (520 Nm) but the electric motor can be called upon to add 22 hp and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque when it’s needed. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 4Matic+ accelerates to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.3 seconds and tops out at an electronically limited speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

The electric EQ Boost starter-alternator combines the starter motor and alternator into a powerful electric motor found between the engine and transmission. The electric motor doesn’t just add bursts of power but it helps to virtually eliminate all traces of turbo lag while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, the EQ Boost starter-alternator powers the vehicle’s 48-volt electrical system.

Coupled to the engine is an AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ fully variable all-wheel drive. This latter system continually calculates the optimum torque distribution, helping to improve traction in all conditions.

Trick suspension joins the vehicle’s trick powertrain

Mercedes-AMG has also outfitted the GLE 53 4Matic+ with its trick air suspension system. Drivers can enjoy three different suspension settings; Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. Additional Trail and Sand modes are designed with off-roading in mind.

The air suspension system also incorporates pneumatic self-leveling at the front and rear axles to maintain a constant ride height regardless of the vehicle load. The vehicle’s body can also be raised by up to 55 mm thanks to this system.

Visually, the GLE 53 4Matic+ has an edgy and aggressive design which incorporates the company’s Panamericana front grille. Many of the air vents you see across the front fascia are fake but they do give the SUV the presence required of an AMG-branded vehicle. Elsewhere, the SUV includes a subtle rear diffuser and four circular tailpipes.

Buyers of the vehicle will be pleased to know that it comes standard with the Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system meaning there’s a fully-digital gauge cluster and a large central entertainment screen. An AMG Performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather with red top-stitching and aluminum shift paddles is also featured.

The German automaker has yet to release pricing details for the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+.