Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV Review: Brave and Bold!

If you are like me, you are likely to have some reservations about modern cars. They often lack character and are soulless, for they seem to be designed by corporate strategists rather than passionate engineers. While in a world driven by PowerPoint presentations, surveys and market trends, a downright bad car is rare, a car with a distinct personality and memorable charm – things that you can’t easily quantify – is even rarer. And if you are like me, you’d agree with the sentiment, and if you do, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe might just be the car for you.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Review: On the FACE of it

I write FACE (in capital letters) because just look at it! Sure, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and all that, but love it or hate it, you can’t ignore the GLE 53. For 2024, Mercedes has given it a facelift, albeit a subtle one. The updates include a new front bumper, which is a tad more aggressive, a new set of adaptive LED headlamps with a good-looking Daytime Running Light (DRL) signature, the new AMG emblem on the bonnet, like other new AMG offerings, and new taillamps. Now, these updates haven’t done much to enhance the car’s appeal compared to the outgoing model. I mean, at the very least, a set of alloy wheels with an updated design would have been nice to make the facelifted car easily identifiable.

Overall, the GLE 53’s commanding silhouette, along with the imposing proportions and the fat 315-section tyres, never fails to turn heads on the road. I must say that even in Mercedes’ extensive SUV line-up, there is nothing quite like the GLE 53 in terms of sheer road presence, unless you consider something like the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, which, if you think about it, is a feat in itself.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Review: Soft on the Inside

Even inside the GLE 53, the changes are minimal, with the standout being the new AMG steering wheel, offering comprehensive control over nearly every feature of the car. It features several touch-based controls, which may require some time to get acclimated. Additionally, it has two smaller dials, which allow you to control different drive modes, exhaust valves, suspension modes, and even the car’s ride height. Other updates include temperature-controlled cup holders, updated software for the screen layout, and USB-C ports with 100W output, which means that you can also charge your laptop if required.

The cabin continues to maintain its hallmark high fit and finish and doesn’t leave much room for improvement. Moreover, it also retains the familiar dual-screen layout instead of opting for a dash with massive screens seen in models like the Mercedes-Benz EQE. Now, you may, or may not, like it, depending on your affinity for screens in your car.

However, as a Coupe, its sloping roofline compromises rear headroom compared to the regular Mercedes-Benz GLE – the car it is based on. Consequently, passengers over 6 feet in height may find it a bit cramped. Overall, the interior feels plush and exudes luxury. It’s almost as if the car pampers those inside while simultaneously intimidating those on the road – I simply love it.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Review: The Real Deal

The GLE 53 proudly wears the coveted AMG badge, which is notably absent from the engine cover, suggesting that it’s a series production engine tuned to AMG standards and not a hand-built unit. Now, let’s talk about performance. Yes, it is a ‘53’, but don’t let that fool you, for the GLE 53 is impressively quick despite its considerable size and weight. The 3.0-litre turbocharged engine can propel the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in just five seconds and can take it all the way to a claimed top speed of 250 km/h. These figures speak volumes, and the real experience of driving this behemoth confirms it – its acceleration is so exhilarating that you’ll never find yourself questioning its AMG pedigree, in case you did so given the SUV’s size.

Furthermore, the GLE 53 features the AMG Ride Control+ suspension, equipped with adaptive damping, and sends power to all wheels through a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

Consequently, it gracefully conceals its substantial footprint around corners. With this update, the GLE 53 now gets a mild hybrid system with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), capable of providing a slight boost in terms of power and torque when needed, like during hard acceleration.

Lastly, the auditory experience of the car is equally impressive, with the car emitting a satisfying sound, complete with plenty of pops and bangs to match its excellent performance. 

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Review: Verdict

In my opinion, the GLE 53 truly shines when you turn things down. Not only does it offer ample speed when you want to indulge in spirited driving but also exudes luxury and comfort in abundance. It does not flinch at the sight of bad roads, owing to its high ground clearance, and excels as a big (pun intended) mile muncher on the highways. It aces city driving conditions too, with the only concern being availability of a parking spot wherever it is you are headed. Simply put, it is an AMG for all driving conditions, offering everything that you’d expect for your money – provided you are comfortable with its distinctive aesthetics.

The beauty of the GLE 53 lies in the fact that it is many things for many people; however, what’s certain is that it reflects the personality of its occupants. It possesses a rare sense of character and soul, boldly defying the formats characterising modern cars. Rather than aiming to please the masses, it appears to be tailored exclusively to satisfy its owner, and unashamedly so. And I love this about this brute of an SUV.

The only question you need to answer is whether you see it as an extension of your personality. The fact that it is blisteringly fast is merely an added bonus to its distinctive allure.