The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is the high-performance version of the regular GLE-class with 429 horses under the hood. This midsize crossover is sporty and classy, and also extremely luxurious and chock full of features and tech.
Base Price: $89,800
As Tested: $99,310
Horsepower: 429
Mileage: 18 mpg city/22 mpg highway/20 mpg combined
The GLE class sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to SUVs made by Mercedes. It comes in square and coupe-like body shapes.
Two trims are available in AMG versions: AMG GLE 53 Coupe and AMG 63 S Coupe. Starting prices are $89,800 to $129,050, respectively. Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
For 2024, the GLE Coupe gets a mid-cycle refresh with some exterior styling tweaks, some new paint choices, and more standard features including premium leather seating.
The GLE 53 Coupe is powered by an inline six-cylinder engine that makes 429 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The GLE 63 S Coupe gets a twin-turbo V8 that cranks out 603 horses and 627 pound-feet. Both powertrains get a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Touch the gas pedal and acceleration is quick with a pleasant exhaust note. Mercedes says the AMG GLE 53 Coupe can scoot from zero to 60 in 4.9 seconds – not bad for a vehicle that weighs more than 5,000 pounds. Select from three drive modes: Comfort, Sport or Sport+ to customize performance. Steering and braking are responsive. The ride is ultra smooth in Comfort mode. The other modes make for a stiffer suspension, but still provide a smooth ride. The nine-speed shifts smoothly and quickly. Visibility is good to the front and sides but limited to the rear due to the sloping roofline.
While the GLE 53 Coupe is indeed sporty, it doesn’t have the performance chops of some rivals. But it’s athletic and super easy to drive. The emphasis is on luxury, refinement and the latest tech over heart-racing performance.
When properly equipped, the AMG GLE can tow up to 7,700 pounds.
Fuel economy is average for a midsize luxury performance crossover. EPA ratings for my tester are 18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway with a combined rating of 20. I got 20 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
The interior is impressive. It’s tough to find a more luxurious cabin with better build quality. Every little detail is perfect. Materials are top quality. Two ginormous digital displays stretch across the dash – each is 12.3 inches. Red stitching, red seatbelts and aluminum accents give a snazzy look. Passengers in the front row enjoy plenty of leg- and headroom. Legroom is great in the second row, but the sloping roofline eats into some headspace for taller passengers.
Standard features include proximity key, remote keyless entry, push button start, rearview camera, surround view camera system, dual-zone automatic climate control, Nappa leather upholstery, MB-Tex (faux leather) dashboard and door panels, heated and ventilated power front seats with driver memory and four-way lumbar support, AMG Sport Nappa leather steering wheel, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, MBUX infotainment system with 12.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, USB-C Ports, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, 590-watt Burmester surround-sound system with 13 speakers and Dolby Atmos immersive audio, satellite radio, voice activation, interior ambient lighting, air filtration system, electric panoramic sliding sunroof, four 12V DC power outlets, one 120V AC power outlet, automatic high beam headlights, HomeLink garage door opener,
Available features include a head-up display, integrated dashcam, four-zone climate control, multicontour front seats with massage and rapid heating, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated armrest, silver or red seat belts, heated and cooled cupholders, infotainment gesture controls (lets you use hand gestures for certain commands, such as volume control), and soft-close doors.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, PARKTRONIC with Advanced Parking Assist (automated parking system), driver attention monitor, and exit warning assist (alerts passengers of approaching traffic).
Available driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, evasive steering assistance (adds steering control to the forward collision mitigation system), active lane change assistance (the vehicle changes lanes automatically when the turn signal is engaged), cross-traffic collision detection.
The infotainment system is the latest MBUX software interface. Graphics are sharp and modern. The touchscreen responds quickly to touch and voice commands – say “Hey Mercedes” – or you can use the controller mounted on the center console. There’s a learning curve but the system becomes easy to use with practice.
The driver and front-seat passenger can interact with the system via the touchscreen, the center-console-mounted controller, or by simply saying “Hey Mercedes” and then giving a voice command. We’ve found the system to be a bit clunky to use, but owners should acclimate after a few weeks behind the wheel.
The sloping roof of the Coupe eats into some cargo space but there’s still a decent amount of room with 27.5 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place, and about 70 cubes with the second row folded. A power liftgate is standard.
The good:
Capable, athletic performance
Easy handling
Smooth ride
Standard AWD
Impressive, high-end cabin
Laden with features and tech
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
“Coupe” shape stands out from other luxury crossovers
The not-so-good:
Sloping roofline eats into cargo space and second-row headroom
Just average fuel economy
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $89,800. Cardinal Red Metallic paint is $1,750. AMG black exclusive Nappa leather with diamond stitching is $1,810. AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and microfiber is $500. The Winter Package is $450. 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels are $2,850. The Interior Assistant is $350. Illuminated running boards are $650. Destination fee is $1,150 bringing the grand total to $99,310.
Bottom line:
The 2024 AMG GLE 53 Coupe is a well-rounded and extremely well-equipped luxury performance-oriented crossover. Sure, some competitors can beat its performance, but none can top the luxurious cabin and all of the features and tech. Yes, it’s expensive but you sure get a lot for the money.
