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

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

By Matt Bird / Tuesday, 31 March 2026 / Loading comments

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.