Overview
With up to 603 horsepower on tap, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE class takes the regular Benz-branded GLE class (reviewed separately) and lights a fire underneath. Available in rectangular and sporty coupe-like body styles, the AMG-tuned GLE53 and GLE63 S bring plenty of horsepower to the already luxurious midsize SUV. The GLE53 gets a super-smooth 429-hp turbocharged inline-six, while the GLE63 S features a mighty 603-hp twin-turbo V-8. Both powertrains are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Both coupe versions sacrifice some cargo space, but they don’t take away from the GLE’s relaxed drive and tech-heavy cabin. Every 2023 GLE comes with an electric panoramic sliding sunroof, heated front seats and automatic high beams. Hidden among its blend of luxury and performance is an impressive 7700-pound towing capacity, making the AMG-badged GLE-class capable of hauling more than just a donkey.
What’s New for 2024?
For 2024, the GLE53 and GLE63 S received some polish thanks to a mid-cycle refresh. The GLE53 gets a new front bumper, giving it a bit more attitude like the GLE63 S. Both models get revised daytime running lights and LED taillights. Mercedes also added two new paint options, Alpine Gray and Twilight Blue metallic. A new 22-inch forged wheel design is now standard on the GLE63 S coupe; it is optional on other models. Additionally, Mercedes says the turbo six has more torque meant to provide faster acceleration.
Price and Which One to Buy
We’ll save our money and stick with the more conventional, boxy GLE-class SUV. Polar Black and White are the only no-cost paint options, and we’ll pair the more sinister colors with the AMG Night package that includes blacked-out exterior trim. The illuminated three-pointed star emblem is a neat choice. An optional heated steering wheel will keep our hands warm, and the Acoustic Comfort package helps keep the cabin more isolated from the noise of the outside world. Multicontour front seats with massage and rapid heating functions are also a must-have. Soft-close doors and a four-zone climate system complete our selection.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The GLE53 has a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The engine is equipped with an electric supercharger powered by a 48 volt electrical system. Combined with the GLE53’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the SUV’s powerplant produces 429 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The preparation helps to jump ahead The GLE53 Coupe we tested to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and through the quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 103 mph. Compare with the Benz brand 362-hp GLE450 we tested, which do the deed in 5.3 seconds and 13.9 seconds at 100 mph, respectively. The GLE63 S generating 603 horses with a twin-turbo V-8. The GLE53 also features a false suspension which consists of an airbag system coupled with an active anti-roll bar that is said to provide corner-carving capability without sacrificing ride quality. The GLE53 coupe we drove felt smooth even on uneven roads. Switching its drive mode to Sport or Sport Plus stiffens the suspension enough to help keep the heavy family hauler stable when the pavement is rolling.
Tow Capacity
The AMG-badged GLE-Class makes a great trailer tool, with a maximum towing capacity of 7700 pounds. That’s up there with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Turbo. It’s also the same as the average mid-size pickup truck.
Real World Fuel Economy and MPG
When it comes to fuel economy, the GLE53 is rated at 18 mpg city and 22 highway—the coupe version sees both estimates drop by 1 mpg. Meanwhile, the GLE63 S is a thirstier pig, with a city rating of 15 mpg and a highway rating of up to 20 mpg. On our 75-mph fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, a GLE53 coupe delivers an impressive 26 mpg. We haven’t tested the GLE63 S. For more information on the GLE’s fuel economy, visit EPA website.
Interior, Comfort and Cargo
Inside, two giant digital displays dominate the dashboard of every GLE class. The interior environment is sportier than the standard Benz model, though, as the AMG version comes with sports seats with red contrast stitching, a sports steering wheel, red seat belts and aluminum accents. The cabin is also spacious, even in the back seat. The third row of seats is optional with the SUV’s square rear body style. The GLE53 offers the same cargo space as the GLE450, which means it has room for 11 very large suitcases behind the second row of seats and, with the rear seats stowed, room for up to 26 boxes. However, the GLE53 coupe’s sloping roofline results in a loss of 5 cubic feet of cargo space, and that area holds two fewer suitcases with all seats in place and five fewer with the back row stowed.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Twin 12.3-inch infotainment displays dominate the GLE’s dashboard and, just like in the lower Benz-branded GLE class, AMG models support the latest MBUX software interface. The driver and front-seat passengers can interact with the system via the touchscreen, the controller mounted on the center console, or by simply saying “Hey Mercedes” and then giving voice commands. We found the system a bit clunky to use, but owners should get used to it after a few weeks behind the wheel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
Each model offers a variety driver assistance featuresincluding Level 2 driving assistance. For more information on GLE crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control is available with stop-and-go technology
- Lane departure warning and lane keeping assist are available
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG’s standard warranty policy is nothing special. Furthermore, they offer zero free scheduled maintenance, unlike BMW and Audiwhich both offer such benefits.
- The limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- No free scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S
TYPE OF VEHICLE
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 head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
243 in33982 cm3
Power
603 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
627 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): control arm/multi-link
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 inches
Length: 195.0 in
Width: 79.4 inches
Height: 70.2 inches
Total passengers: 111 feet3
Cargo volume: 33 feet3
Curb Weight: 5568 lb
C/D TEST RESULT
60 mph: 3.4 seconds
100 mph: 8.5 seconds
130 mph: 15.0 seconds
150 mph: 22.1 seconds
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 seconds
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 seconds
1/4 mile: 11.9 seconds @ 117 mph
Top speed (claimed mfr): 174 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 feet
Braking, 100–0 mph: 321 feet
Road grip, skid pad 300 feet: 0.91 g
The standing start acceleration time leaves a 1-foot launch of 0.2 seconds.
C/D OIL 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 Specifications