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!

[@v12-s65]

don't like it, too heavy. Choose the regular 53 or the 580 if you're a consumer who cares about driving dynamics.

[@Scrap-press]

34 kWh and only 80 km of electric range. Pathetic.

[@antoniowiesner8098]

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

[@a.3160]

Hate the coupe

[@franktitas7539]

Mercedes is no longer the quality it once was, too many problems and always in the garage. Today I sold my 63AMG and bought a BMW M

[@HQBProductions]

Raz….a car with lots to like but the body shape really does not work…it’s like driving around in a three year old tin of Brut showing off your fake tattoos. It is good…but looks terrible. 😰😰😰

[@peterh407]

GLE has needed major work for look, the interior are really dated I think, the refresh came 18 months or so back and they didn’t do anything to it, a few new colours, wheel designs but nothing else of note in a market where all of its competitors were much much better vehicles, this car needs replacing with a major engineering overhaul to be class competitive

[@jamesblond1100]

A 2,8t monster with an always empty battery? Why not put the V8 there like BMW does in the M60i ?

[@Jdnicks00]

No AMG Active Ride Control makes this car drive like a muscle car, too heavy and overpriced with worse quality.

[@danielsa990]

That huge gap in the airbag plastic on the steering wheel looks horrible.

[@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.

[@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.

[@carshowtv9197]

Nice 😍😍

[@nastystew6942]

I like it

[@Abe317]

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

[@vindevhunta4905]

Nice ❤❤❤❤

[@nskbhatia1]

So do you choose this or the new e53?

[@pauldark3044]

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

[@sav5127]

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

[@okaydokay9809]

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