Equipped with an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged engine with an available 48-volt mild hybrid system and electric auxiliary compressor, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV is a punchy and powerful machine. The engine churns out 429 hp along with an additional 21 hp boost from the 48V system, and 384 lb.-ft. of torque onto the wheels. The 4MATIC fully-variable All-Wheel Drive system gets the power transmitted to all four wheels via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-Speed transmission. Though the engine is amply powerful and capable, the SUV is heavier than most of its rivals, but that doesn’t seem to alter the GLE 53’s core intent.
The capable powertrain drags the beefy GLE 53 from 0-60 MPH in 5.2 seconds. Although this figure is significantly slower than the rivals, it's not bad either considering the GLE 53’s overall heft and proportions. However, the engine does a great job in pulling it to a higher speed within this time considering the weight of the SUV. The quarter-mile race is completed within 13.4 seconds, which shows the consistency in performance that the vehicle can provide. Interestingly, with ventilated discs at all four corners assisted by advanced features like Active Emergency Stop Assist, the AMG GLE 53 is also a confident stopper. The brake pedal is firm and easily modulated and the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL keeps it planted, no matter how slippery or bumpy the roads are.
Models
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Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53 SUV (Est)
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BMW X5 M50i
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Audi SQ7
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Porsche Cayenne
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MSRP
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$73,550
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$82,800
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$84,800
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$68,250
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Engine
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3.0-liter turbo inline-6/electric
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4.4-liter twin-turbo V8
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4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
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3.0-liter twin-turbo V6
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Drivetrain
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AWD
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RWD
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AWD
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AWD
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Transmission
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9-Speed Automatic
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8-Speed Automatic
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8-Speed Automatic
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8-Speed Automatic
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Power (hp @ RPM)
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429 @ 6100
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523 @ 5500
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500 @ NA
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335 @ 5300
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ RPM)
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384 @ 1800
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553 @ 1800
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568 @ NA
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332 @ 1340
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
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5.2
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3.9
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4.3
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3.4
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Quarter-mile (seconds)
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13.4
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13.7
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13.3
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11.5
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Top-Speed (MPH)
|
130
|
177
|
155
|
180
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With no changes whatsoever over the 2021 model, the 2022 GLE 53 would continue to delight buyers and enthusiasts alike with its robust performance. While it’s not as powerful and quick as a BMW X5 M50i or Audi SQ7 that produce around 500 horses of power, it blends power and performance surprisingly well. The performance-tuned chassis offers impressive ride quality with uncompromised performance. The 4MATIC fully-variable All-Wheel-drivetrain evenly takes up the power to ensure a smooth ride to the occupants. It gets different driving modes, say manual, sports, comfort modes to adjust the drivetrain to offer ride quality in different terrains. Yet in terms of outright performance, it is slower than all of its competitors and lags considerably behind the Porsche Cayenne that takes 3.4 seconds to 60mph.
The steering is responsive enough and the actions are predictable. It lets you swiftly handle the big SUV even in heavy traffic. Mercedes’ E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL, featuring the world’s most intelligent suspension with Road Surface Scan and a curve inclination function, enables the spring and damping forces to be controlled individually at each wheel. The technical support and dampen the vehicle body during linear and lateral acceleration or when driving on uneven roads. Also, the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension employs the standard air suspension and the Adaptive Damping System to offer great agility and traction, making everyday drives easier.