This mid-tier hot variant of the swoopy GLE Coupe lands locally bearing a price tag of RM 873,888.
Aside from the new GLC Coupe, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has also recently revealed a refreshed version larger sibling locally too. Arriving on our shores in a sole Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe form, this fully-imported mid-tier hot mid-large size SUV-coupe is priced over here at a substantial RM 873,888.
Now as this is just a refresh, the changes made to the GLE are expectedly minor. Up front for instance a new pair of Multibeam LED headlights with a fresh daytime running light signature flank a slightly redesigned AMG radiator grille and a new AMG emblem on its bonnet, which is apparently incidentally a first for this model range.
New too up front is a revised apron with what Mercedes-Benz dubs as ‘expressively shaped side air intakes in jet-wing design’, that certainly compliments the similarly aggressive AMG Night package blacking out certain exterior elements like the front splitter, front and rear aprons, window surrounds and mirror housings. The GLE53 also nets 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged alloy wheels and a set of aluminium-look, illuminated running boards with rubber studs. Revised LED tail lights and a two-pipe exhaust system make an appearance round the back too, before an AMG boot lip spoiler finishes off the whole exterior package.
Moving along inside, new angular air vents with chrome louvres familiar from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS sit beneath the usual dual 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and central infotainment screen setup. Though these screens are now running an updated second-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which apparently boasts improved voice recognition and support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Other key technical highlights within the cabin of the GLE53 come from its heads up display, Burmester 3D surround sound system, 4-zone THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control and temperature-controlled cup holder in the centre console. Ambient lighting with animated projection of the AMG logo when the doors are open meanwhile adds a little bit of sporting flair to the proceedings, which are further accentuated by an AMG Performance steering wheel finished in Nappa leather, AMG Nappa leather black upholstery, AMG carbon-fibre trim as well as AMG floor mats.
As for what lies under the hood, the 53 in its name indicates for the presence of a 3.0-litre boosted straight six, that the help of a software update and a larger turbocharger, now outputs 435 hp and 560 Nm. Further boosting performance too on this GLE is a standard 48 V mild hybrid system that provides this SUV-coupe with an extra 20 hp and 200 Nm, which when combined with the nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, therefore sees a rather spritely 0-100 km/h time of 5.0 seconds and a 250 km/h top speed.
The AMG name on this GLE also brings with it AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive adjustable damping, in addition to AMG Active Ride Control active roll stabilisation to keep it planted when pushed to the limit. For daily use however, this SUV-Coupe is also equipped with a long list of active safety kit that includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Extended Automatic Restart in traffic jams, Exit Warning Function, Active Steering Assist, and PRE-SAFE Impulse Side. In addition to that, Sidebags in rear, Parking Package with 360-degree camera, and GUARD 360 ° Vehicle Protection are also present.
Available for purchase at Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide and online as of now, Mettina Plangger, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia & SEA II said of this newly launched SUV-Coupe, “The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé effortlessly commands attention establishing new benchmarks of dynamism and visual allure. Distinguished by unmistakable AMG exterior highlights, it proudly joins the AMG family. Step inside, and you’ll find a host of technical and visual innovations that infuse a sense of sportiness throughout. These enhancements further elevate the AMG GLE Coupé’s performance, rounding off its capabilities.”
