The three-in-one 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53 Coupe

Can’t decide if your next vehicle should be an SUV, sports car, or a coupe? Well with the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe, you practically get all three in one vehicle. First a foremost, the GLE53 is an SUV, but in Coupe form, it sacrifices rear passenger room and cargo space for a fastback roofline that conveys the sportiness and style you expect in a coupe. And to make sure it has the power and capabilities to match its looks, it’s has a potent 3.0 liter turbocharged six-cylinder under its hood that provides that sports car feeling. If you need extra assurance that you are in a performance vehicle, you’ll be happy to know that every GLE Coupe comes standard with AMG performance tuning to back up its looks with athleticism.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe is based off the midsize GLE SUV. Even though it is referred to as a coupe, it has four doors and five-passenger seating – similar to the regular GLE SUV. The Coupe’s availability is limited compared to the standard version, making it a much more exclusive vehicle. It’s curvy styling is debatable – you either love it or hate it, but there is no doubt that in coupe form, the GLE is quite a performer. Mercedes-Benz says the GLE Coupe matches up against other couple-like SUVs like the Audi Q8, BMW X6 and the Porsche Cayenne Coupe.

Inside, the GLE Coupe feels just as luxurious as the GLE SUV. The heated front seats, along with the optional ventilated and massaging versions, provide excellent all-day comfort. In back, the rear seats don’t slide or recline but are still plenty comfortable for both adults and children. Overall, the cabin is quite roomy, rear passengers just need to watch their heads entering due to the low roof styling.

For the driver and front passenger, an infotainment setup like the one in the GLE-Class SUV is used. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen joins a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to form a single plane-like interface. If you prefer not to use the touchscreen, a console-mounted touchpad can be used as well as voice activation if you’d rather not touch anything at all. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, while a heads-up display and wireless charging is optional.

Two versions of the GLE Coupe are available – the AMG GLE 53 Coupe and the AMG GLE 63 S Coupe. The GLE 53 Coupe uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology that makes 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. For those needing even more performance, there is the GLE 63 S Coupe that utilizes a hand-built turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine to the tune of 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Both models use a nine-speed automatic transmission and come with Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and have performance-tuned AMG hardware including an adaptive air suspension, braking system and exhaust system.

The tester arrived as an AMG GLE 53 Coupe carrying with it a price tag of $94,820.

Regardless of what you think of the styling of the GLE Coupe, there is no getting around that it is a real performer. It offers massive amounts of power from its boosted and hybrid engine. Acceleration is impressive for a 5,400-pound crossover, where it can do a 0-60 mph sprint in less than 5 seconds and the quarter mile in about 13.4 seconds. Even better is how strong that power is delivered – practically instantaneously. The racy exhaust note that AMG is known for is present, but only for passerbyers – for the most part, it’s muted from the cabin.

The ride and handling is more sport than luxurious. The ride is on the firm side and gets even more aggressive in the sportier driving modes. The sophisticated adaptive suspension system uses air springs and active anti-roll bars to control chassis dynamics and even automatically raises and lowers the vehicle based on speed. To the driver, this translates to little body roll and a vehicle that feels like it is constantly hugging the road.

Utility? Well, this is a sport utility vehicle after all. Some of the cargo area is compromised by the coupe-like styling compared to the regular GLE, but there is still 27.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat. Fold the rear seats and that increases to 63.2 cubic feet of space. If you really want to put it to work, the GLE 53 Coupe is capable of towing 7,700 pounds.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 Coupe is an interesting SUV in the massive lineup of Mercedes-Benz/AMG vehicles. It fills a niche in the market that, for the most part, didn’t know we needed – and that some of us still don’t understand (I still don’t get how a coupe can have four doors). But it does attract attention with its unique and questionable looks. After getting past the exterior, the interior is simply stunning and offers all the modern comforts you’ll ever need. Then, once behind the wheel and driving the GLE 53 Coupe, it become apparent that there is a massive dose of power – and performance becomes the name of the game. Overall, I must say, the GLE 53 Coupe is somewhat weird – but in all fairness, it works – and works very well.
– Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:

2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53 Coupe

Base Price: $89,800.00
Price as Tested: $94,820.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 3.0 turbocharged inline 6-cylinder
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Horsepower: 429 hp
Torque: 384 lb-ft
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city / 22 mpg highway

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