Overview
The Mercedes-AMG GLE53, the high-performance sibling of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class SUV lineup, returns for 2027 packing a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV), fresh styling touches, and a dash-spanning screen. Now boasting a stomping 557 combined horsepower from its 3.0-liter turbo-six and single electric motor, it sends output through a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. So equipped, we’re speculating a four-second run to 60 mph. AMG hasn’t revealed its all-electric driving range, but we expect it to be roughly 50 miles.
The basic mid-size GLE blueprint remains unchanged, however, offering room for five in an AMG-centric cabin with well-bolstered seats, unique stitching accents, and a handful of AMG callouts positioned about the cabin. Available in either standard squareback SUV or coupe profiles, the GLE53 offers a zestier take on the luxury SUV formula.
Expert Tip: The Mercedes-AMG GLE53 is an undeniably cool ride, but if your wallet can’t swing the ticket or you just don’t need the AMG bravado, check out the new Mercedes-Benz GLE-class options, ranging from the GLE350 to the V-8-powered GLE580.
What’s New for 2027?
The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 features an all-new design inside and out, but the real news is found under the hood. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six returns but is now paired with a 400-volt plug-in hybrid system, the combined output now rated at a robust 577 horsepower.
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We suggest going for the traditional SUV body style. True, the GLE53 coupe has a more rakish profile, but if you’re already looking at SUVs, what’s the point in paying more for reduced interior space?
Additional ResearchEngine, Transmission, and Performance Hybrid Powertrain: turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder and one electric motor, 577 hp combined Transmission: 9-speed automatic Drivetrain: all-wheel-drive
The GLE53 transitions to a plug-in hybrid for 2027, replacing the standard hybrid powertrain of the previous model. The turbocharged six-cylinder is rated for an Even-Steven 443 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque by itself.
The internal combustion element is accompanied by a 181-hp electric motor running on juice provided by the 400-volt electrical system. Maximum torque from the motor is 354 pound-feet.
Combined, the setup produces 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The air suspension has been revised for the plug-in-hybrid model, which also adds new bump stops in the front struts and new dampers at the rear.
0–60-MPH Times
Claimed 60-mph Time: 4.4 seconds
In Comparison: AMG claims 4.4 seconds for the new GLE53, but we managed to hit that same 4.4-second mark with the previous GLE53 with only 429 horsepower; given the additional 148 ponies and additional 140 pound-feet of the 2027 GLE53, we feel AMG’s number is conservative. We expect it to be near the 4.0-second mark in C/D testing. That would bring it closer to the 3.8-second time of the 523-hp BMW X6 M60i and the 3.6-second time of the 500-hp Audi SQ8.
Towing and Payload Capacity
In Comparison: The rest of the 2027 GLE-class is rated to tow a max of 7700 pounds, and we expect the 2027 GLE53 to continue on a similar path. That puts it up there with the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Cayenne Turbo, not to mention mid-size pickup trucks. But we’ll confirm that number as soon as it is available.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Mercedes-AMG hasn’t yet revealed an electric-only range estimate, but notes that the “electric” drive mode permits all-electric driving at speeds up to 87 mph under certain conditions. A Battery Hold mode limits the electrical boost to approximately 25 percent, an operating strategy designed to keep the battery state of charge constant for use later.
Battery size and output are not yet available, but we expect it to be in the neighborhood of 31.2 kWh. The GLE53 is equipped with a 60-kW DC fast charger and a 9.6-kW AC charger as standard equipment. Mercedes-AMG claims the DC charger can charge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 20 minutes. We’ll update this with official data as soon as it becomes available.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: In addition to the widescreen display found in every GLE-class, AMG models feature some sporty touches (like red seatbelts and contrast stitching), nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and more. AMG-specific trim elements and a standard flat-bottom AMG steering wheel underscore the sporty nature of the new AMG GLE53. A panoramic sunroof is now standard.
Second Row: The cabin is spacious even in the back seat. Adults have plenty of room to stretch out their legs. AMG does a nice job of mimicking the bolstering and style of the front seats, if not to the same degree of support.
Cargo Capacity: According to Mercedes, all the 2027 GLE-class models provide 22 cubic feet of space in their cargo bays. With the second-row seats folded down, that figure jumps to 72.6 cubic feet.
Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard) 12.3-inch passenger touchscreen (standard) Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 15-speaker Burmester stereo
The 2027 GLE53 is just as screentastic as the rest of the standard GLE-class lineup, offering a trio of 12.3-inch screens: one center-mounted for primary infotainment duties, another for the passenger, and the third serving as the driver’s instrument cluster. Dubbed the “MBUX Superscreen,” they are placed end-to-end under a single pane, running the width of the dashboard and giving off the appearance of a single screen. Content is AMG-specific, with a large tachometer, and performance data are prioritized.
A Dolby Atmos audio system is new for 2027 and features a 710-watt amplifier that replaces the 559-watt unit in the previous car.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes-AMG’s warranty policies aren’t anything special. Furthermore, the GLE-class comes with zero complimentary scheduled maintenance, whereas rival models at BMW and Audi offer such a perk.
Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: noneAs more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about: Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG Safety and Driver-Assistance Features C/D Test Results and Specs
