The rollout of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV range to South African showrooms is now complete with the arrival of the performance-focused updated Mercedes-AMG GLE derivatives.
Visually, there’s a subtle upgrade to the LED daytime running lights and the front apron gets redesigned air intakes. There are new LED tail lamps at the rear and the Mercedes-Benz star logo has been replaced by the AMG logo.
The updated Mercedes-AMG GLE range offers more equipment and the brand claims that options in the pre-facelift are now standard. For the GLE 53, luxuries like the electric panoramic sliding roof, heated front seats, adaptive highbeam assist, smartphone integration, active AMG exhaust, Burmester audio and 360-degree parking pilot are now standard fare. In fact, there are very few options, but for those cold winter mornings, the heated steering wheel might be worth looking into.
For the flagship V8-powered GLE 63 S derivative, heads-up display, air-balance package, multi-contour front seats, temperature controlled cupholders and AMG logo projection. As a reminder, all AMG GLE models feature the crisp MBUX infotainment and digital instrument cluster that stretches across the dashboard.
Under the bonnet of the GLE 53 is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder with electric assistance. The power figure of 320 kW is unchanged, but torque is now up to 560 Nm from 520 Nm thanks to larger turbochargers and a software update. It’s claimed to dash to 100 kph in 5 seconds dead, which is quicker than the predecessor (5.3 seconds).
The flagship GLE 63 S retains its monster 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine with 450 kW and 850 Nm, giving it thundering performance of 3.9 seconds to 100 kph. Both powertrains benefit from an integrated starter generator and 48-volt electrical setup which helps save fuel, reduce turbo lag and provide near instant engine start.
All AMG GLE derivatives feature 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, air suspension with adaptive dampers and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
GLE534MATIC+ SUV R2 400 000
GLE534MATIC+ SUV 7-seater R2 419 400
GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ SUV R3 799 000
GLE534MATIC+ Coupe R2 525 850
GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ Coupe R3 799 000
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