Wednesday 1st April

New plug-in Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 gets 633hp

Straight-six PHEV tops revised GLE range, with mild hybrid 53 alongside

---

Probably the most recent GLE 53 Hybrid won’t be remembered as an AMG great. It ticked all the required boxes of a premium, performance SUV in the mid 2020s - rightsized turbo six, snappy auto, hybrid assistance - without ever coming across as a compelling Mercedes-Benz to spend £100,000 on. But now it’s back, alongside a returning GLE 53 (mild hybrid rather than plug-in), heavily updated and promising ‘even more emotional design, enhanced equipment, and state-of-the-art technology’.

It’s what’s under the bonnet that’s of most interest. Without a V8-powered GLE 63 in the range (at least for the moment; maybe the revised 4.0-litre goes in soon), the plug-in hybrid model is reenergised to the tune of 585hp, or 633hp on overboost - up from 536hp before. While the M256M 3.0-litre turbo produces the same 449hp as before, it receives the changes that are coming to the C53: a new head including updated intake cam, tweaks to the ports and a bit more boost as well. So there’s a wider spread of torque, plus ‘powerful thrust across all engine speeds up to the limiter.’ The performance gains from a more potent electric motor, now rated at 184hp and 354lb ft; while nothing so dreary as electric range or efficiency has been confirmed yet, more power means 0.2 seconds off the 0-62mph sprint - now 4.5 seconds. So there’s that. The battery of a GLE 53 Hybrid can be replenished at up to 60kW. 

The standard GLE 53 benefits from the changes to the combustion engine as well as a second-generation integrated starter generator. The electric auxiliary compressor that’s included can now provide 50 per cent more electrical boost, at 7.5kW, said to further improve throttle response. It too can claim fractionally faster acceleration than before, at 4.9 seconds to 62mph.

The GLE chassis has been revised to take advantage of the revised powertrain, promising ‘a balanced combination of exceptional comfort and AMG typical high driving dynamics for all GLE 53 models’. So that means software recalibration for the active anti-roll and air suspension, plus revisions to the AMG Drive Select modes, to broaden the spread between cushy commuting and sporty sojourns. Even the ESP has had a tweak to better complement what the variable all-wheel drive is trying to achieve. The previous Hybrid was likeable enough when it came to driving without a family destination in mind - ‘easily assured enough for you to go very quickly indeed without sacrificing the sort of long-wave absorbency that makes a large SUV vaguely appealing in the first place’ - so hopefully this facelift improves matters further. 

Speaking of which, there is a cosmetic overhaul, too - you may well have noticed Ireland Medium Green Metallic already. There’s also an AMG-specific grille to mark out both 53s from the rest of the GLE range, the star design lights and an AMG exhaust for ‘a more expressive presence.’ Plus there is a coupe version available for those who crave even more presence. Patagonia Red or Mystic Blue are also on the optional colour palette, with similar shades on offer for the interior alongside the near-obligatory carbon trim. Probably the biggest change for the GLE 53s inside is the return of a haptic rocker and roller for the Performance wheel; AMG’s steering circles can be really busy even at the best of times, so this sounds like a good move. Apparently the change is ‘fulfilling a frequently expressed customer wish’, so it’s not just a car writer whinge. The myriad displays feature an improved resolution.    

AMG CEO Michael Schiebe, said: “We have consistently further developed our GLE 53 six cylinder models: more power, more visual presence, more digital services – and above all, a typical AMG driving experience… The powertrains with 48-volt technology or the long range plug-in hybrid leave nothing to be desired.” Which maybe suggests that the previous cars didn’t quite hit the spot. Still, that doesn’t matter quite so much with early mild hybrids at better than half price. And don’t forget those V8s, if even a revitalised six won’t cut it. Expect the new GLE 53s to be on sale later in 2026.

---

• 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid | UK Review
• Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 | PH Used Buying Guide

[jimothyc]

Like most recent Mercedes Benz, I see the pictures of the outside and think, well that's not bad, looks a lot better than the equivalent BMW etc. And then I see the interior and think, nope I'm out. And then I'll go back to looking at old W123 estates and dreaming of what used to be.

[Ecosseven]

jimothyc said:

Like most recent Mercedes Benz, I see the pictures of the outside and think, well that's not bad, looks a lot better than the equivalent BMW etc. And then I see the interior and think, nope I'm out. And then I'll go back to looking at old W123 estates and dreaming of what used to be.

I have to agree. Considering that amount of time I spend looking at, and using the interior space of a car, it is really important when considering my next car. The interior of this looks awful, sadly. I do wonder what designers are smoking when they come up with stuff like this...........or perhaps I'm just getting old.

[thecremeegg]

Merc interiors are actually really nice places to be, it seems to be a PH trope to hate on them imo

[Legacywr]

thecremeegg said:

Merc interiors are actually really nice places to be, it seems to be a PH trope to hate on them imo

They’re really nice, just a little over the top, something I can’t put my finger on.

I’m really impressed when I get in a modern MB taxi, but don’t want to buy into it.

[ucb]

My BIL has one of these. I've always found it slightly underwhelming. The sound is a bit gruff and non descript, the ride is not exactly plush or sporty, just bangs through the road imperfection and it doesn't seem that quick.

[T1berious]

[quote=jimothyc]Like most recent Mercedes Benz, I see the pictures of the outside and think, well that's not bad, looks a lot better than the equivalent BMW etc. And then I see the interior and think, nope I'm out. And then I'll go back to looking at old W123 estates and dreaming of what used to be. [/quote

Exactly this.

I was scrolling through, thinking... OK no range figures as yet but no one's offering a hybrid without 50 odd miles of EV range...

Carried on scrolling down and was like off I'm oot

Interior was shocking and baring in mind that's actually where you spend your time.... No thanks

[cerb4.5lee]

We didn't have a fantastic reliability experience with the 2022 GLE400d to be honest, but I do still really like the GLE though. I also think that Merc do interiors far better than BMW do as well. Our 2024 X5 40d's interior isn't anything to write home about for example in comparison for me.

The GLE's interior just feels miles more special for me in comparison to the X5's boring interior in my eyes.

[Mosdef]

We’ve got a 2024 GLE53, it’s a great all rounder and on balance, much better than the most recent Cayenne we had, a 2024 model which was pretty disappointing in every respect other than perhaps having slightly tighter handling albeit at the expense of a ride like a 3 series M Sport on run flats. Other than the Mercedes also having a slightly firm low speed ride, the GLE is excellent as family transport and in Night spec, comes with a huge number of options Porsche would charge a fortune for.

I don’t think the PHEV Merc comes with 7 seats, whereas the ‘base’ GLE53 does, one of the reasons we bought it. I don’t know what the 2025 models are like but in the Merc, we don’t have to go through endless menus to turn of the more irritating parts of the assistance systems, which wasn’t the case with a Porsche of the same year.

[fflump]

Legacywr said:

thecremeegg said:

Merc interiors are actually really nice places to be, it seems to be a PH trope to hate on them imo

They re really nice, just a little over the top, something I can t put my finger on.

I m really impressed when I get in a modern MB taxi, but don t want to buy into it.

They just seem to go overboard on the interior lighting and don’t change the theme according to the model. It quite suits a A45 but not the car above which is a very nice shade of green with silver wheels and needs a more classic interior. The seats also look cheap but maybe it’s just the pictures.

[BikeSausage]

Still looks more bloated than its competitors and the interior is still significantly “Disney”.

To be fair, the interior of my E-Class is also a little cheap, but at least I don’t have the bloat or the weight.

[jhubs139]

Every new Merc released makes it less likely I'll have another...

Currently have a 2019 GLE due to be replaced later this year but it won't be with this. Hideous front end grafted onto the original body and that's without looking inside.

Have driven a few 2025/2026 Mercs and the interior quality is terrible now (my GLE is only just about acceptable and they've only gotten worse since).

[Thornberry78]

I have a ‘21 GLE and I generally like the interior but I can see where the haters are coming from. I think this issue is the screens and digital dashboard creates a sort of “new wine bar on the high street’ vibe. I’d much prefer analogue dials in any car that the digital stuff. Always thought digital dashes were the answer to a problem no one had raised and spoil a car interior. Same issue with my ‘11 L322

[NJJ]

Mercedes right through the brand, including Maybach clearly believe more is more: More screens, more nightclub lighting, more exterior chrome, more 3-pointed stars stamped everywhere.

[cerb4.5lee]

Thornberry78 said:

I have a 21 GLE and I generally like the interior but I can see where the haters are coming from. I think this issue is the screens and digital dashboard creates a sort of new wine bar on the high street vibe. I d much prefer analogue dials in any car that the digital stuff. Always thought digital dashes were the answer to a problem no one had raised and spoil a car interior. Same issue with my 11 L322

I'm not against the screens when they're intregated like on this, but I wouldn't want a Tesla or a Polestar when they just plonk a screen on the middle of the dash without any thought for example though in comparison.

[cerb4.5lee]

jhubs139 said:

Every new Merc released makes it less likely I'll have another...

Currently have a 2019 GLE due to be replaced later this year but it won't be with this. Hideous front end grafted onto the original body and that's without looking inside.

Have driven a few 2025/2026 Mercs and the interior quality is terrible now (my GLE is only just about acceptable and they've only gotten worse since).

They have made a mess of the exterior on these now I agree. I absolutely loved the way our old 2022 model looked once I'd dechromed it and put a panamericana grill on it for sure.

[nismo48]

Quite a decent car both aesthetically and ergonomically

[Geoffcapes]

I might be in the minority here, but I like it. The old GLE 53 was more than decent, if this is an improvement, excellent.
Although I'd steer clear of that green.

That said, I'd still take an SQ7 over it.

[NGK210]

Handsome(ish) exterior but naff DLRs and rear lights ruin it.
As for the interior, one word: mercy.
Previous version has an alarmingly bad reputation for reliability.
At the new GLE’s launch, will car journos ask why and what’s been done to rectify? DHYB.
WTF?-grade used GLE review by ReDriven here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qoieLCBPnGo&t=96...

[cerb4.5lee]

NGK210 said:

Handsome(ish) exterior but naff DLRs and rear lights ruin it.
As for the interior, one word: mercy.
Previous version has an alarmingly bad reputation for reliability.
At the new GLE s launch, will car journos ask why and what s been done to rectify? DHYB.
WTF?-grade used GLE review by ReDriven here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qoieLCBPnGo&t=96...

Ours was terrible as well. It went back to Merc 4 times to fix/replace the windscreen cameras. I would throw itself into limp mode because it thought the engine was overheating(it wasn't). It also had a faulty rear diff, and that got completely replaced, only for it to still be faulty though, and it chewed through rear tyres at an alarming rate because of it as well. I got through 7 sets of rear tyres in 3 years for example.

[Phateuk]

cerb4.5lee said:

jhubs139 said:

Every new Merc released makes it less likely I'll have another...

Currently have a 2019 GLE due to be replaced later this year but it won't be with this. Hideous front end grafted onto the original body and that's without looking inside.

Have driven a few 2025/2026 Mercs and the interior quality is terrible now (my GLE is only just about acceptable and they've only gotten worse since).

They have made a mess of the exterior on these now I agree. I absolutely loved the way our old 2022 model looked once I'd dechromed it and put a panamericana grill on it for sure.

Small world.. That's where I get my car serviced :O