Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ switches to PHEV drive system

Mercedes replaces the mild hybrid powertrain in the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 with a Plug-In Hybrid. The result: better performance and lower fuel consumption.

The PHEV drive system has become an ideal solution for performance models thanks to torque and power contribution of electric motors. Mercedes has proven this with the P3 Hybrid powertrain in the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance and Mercedes-AMG S E Performance 4-door coupe.

The PHEV drive system is also ideal for achieving low WLTP fuel consumption, especially for models with large and powerful engines, and reducing fleet emissions.

That’s why Mercedes decided to replace the mild hybrid 48V system in the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic with a Plug-In Hybrid system. The word Hybrid has appeared in the car’s name, and the model is now called the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+, while the technical data has changed radically even though the PHEV system is still based on the 3-litre inline 6-cylinder engine.

The ICE engine develops the same torque of 650 Nm as before, but the power has increased from 435 to 449 PS. An electric motor with 136 PS and 480 Nm has been fitted between the longitudinally mounted inline six-cylinder engine and the 9-speed automatic transmission. This gives the PHEV system a total of 400 kW (544 PS) and 750 Nm.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is now achieved in 4.7 seconds compared to 5 seconds previously, while WLTP consumption has dropped dramatically: from 10.4 l/100 km (235 g/km CO2 emissions) to 1.5 l/100 km (33 g/km CO2 emissions). The battery with a gross capacity of 31.2 kWh (similar to the Mercedes S 580 e 4Matic) gives an electric range of up to 86 km (consumption 30 kWh/100 km in pure electric mode). Like other Mercedes PHEV models, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic’s battery can also be optionally charged (595 euro) at DC fast-charging stations with up to 60 kW, an option not available from competitors. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in just 20 minutes.

Because of the large battery mounted above the rear axle, Mercedes has revised the drive train. The AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension has been modified, new rear axle dampers are fitted, and 21-inch light alloy wheels are standard. In addition to the well-known Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Smoothness, and Individual driving programs, two hybrid-specific programs are available: Electric, which operates up to 140 km/h, and Battery Hold, which conserves battery power.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ is available in both SUV and SUV coupe versions. Prices start at 125,515.25 euros for the SUV and 133,851.20 euros for the SUV coupe. The price increase is significant, with the new Plug-In Hybrid SUV version being almost 13,000 euros more expensive than the mild hybrid version.