2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53

　　

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53 Review

byBrian WongSenior Reviews Editor

　　Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.

　　, rating written byBrian WongManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　The Mercedes-Benz GLE is the brand's midsize luxury SUV. It's long been a popular choice for people wanting more interior space than what the smaller GLC offers. It's primarily a five-seat SUV, though there is an option for a small third-row seat that can be used in a pinch. For 2024, the GLE gets a significant update. Highlights include revised styling, a more luxurious interior, an upgraded infotainment system and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$233/mo  for GLE-Class AMG GLE 53

　　GLE-Class AMG GLE 53

　　AMG GLE 53 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) (Most Popular) - $86,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The 450e plug-in hybrid

The 2024 GLE 450e is the most exciting addition for this year. It pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder with plug-in hybrid componentry to increase both power and fuel efficiency compared to the base GLE 350. Though the 450e's official electric range figure was unavailable at the time of our review, our test vehicle covered an impressive 59 miles solely on battery power. After that, the 450e's gas engine kicks on and you can drive it as usual. As with all plug-in hybrids, frequent charging will make the most of the GLE 450e's capabilities. Notably, the 450e can be charged at DC fast-charging stations. Most plug-ins are limited to Level 2 charging.

　　

Competitors to consider

The GLE competes with its fellow Germans, the Audi Q8, BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne, and other rivals such as the Genesis GV80 and Lexus RX. All are worthwhile picks for a luxury SUV, though the GLE stands out as zzdcar' top-rated model in this class. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to get the full report.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the GLE AMG 53 drive? We tested the AMG GLE 53. It feels quick around town but, ultimately, acceleration is average for a sporty SUV. Our test vehicle covered 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, which is much slower than a Porsche Cayenne S (4.4 seconds) and only 0.1 second quicker than the GLE 450. If your primary reason for upgrading was significantly more rapid acceleration, we have bad news for you.

　　On the bright side, braking performance is solid, with consistent stops from 60 mph in just 108 feet. The AMG GLE 53 also has impressive handling limits, allowing you to drive this big SUV with confidence.

　　We wish the steering had more feel to it, but the AMG GLE 53 is easy to steer and demands little effort from the driver, even at higher speeds. Also making this SUV easy to drive is the ultra-smooth turbocharged inline-six engine with its hybrid assist. The stop-start system is unobtrusive, as are the shifts from the nine-speed automatic transmission.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the GLE AMG 53? We were wary to see that the AMG GLE 53 comes with the air suspension standard — the GLE 350 and 450 with this suspension can feel wallowy and floaty — but this version is tuned by AMG, and it's excellent. Body motions are well controlled in Comfort mode, and the SUV feels even more planted in Sport and Sport+. The ride is perfectly compliant in these performance modes, so impacts never feel punishing. The front seats are supportive and remain comfortable after hours behind the wheel. The rear seats are also nicely shaped and cushy, though they don't slide for extra legroom.

　　Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard (four-zone is optional) and it worked perfectly fine during our test. Ventilated front seats are newly standard for the AMG GLE 53 as of 2024, and you can control the setting via the MBUX voice assistant. The throaty exhaust note is a double-edged sword. It sounds great, but you do hear it all the time, even under light loads.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below