2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class AMG GLE 53

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.

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.

How’s the interior? The GLE's cabin is close to perfect, exhibiting excellent usability and build quality that is second to none. It's also quite roomy, with plenty of legroom and headroom for second-row passengers. The driving position offers a commanding view of the road and plenty of adjustability, and the controls are within easy reach. Visibility is excellent, with clear sight lines all around.

We like the GLE's intuitive touchpad controller. Functions such as track/preset skipping, home and back are right on the pad, and it has useful haptic feedback. But the steering wheel touchpads are too easy to brush inadvertently and get an input you didn't want.

How’s the storage? The GLE's sizable cabin is well designed. Cubbies and compartments abound for stashing drinks and items. The cargo area is large and flat with no wheelwell intrusion. Max cargo room is among the best in the midsize luxury SUV class. And the GLE's max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds is similarly strong, albeit in line with most competitors. The back seat has four easy-to-access car seat anchors, and there's plenty of room for even the bulkiest child safety seats.

Is the GLE AMG 53 a good value? Considering the AMG GLE 53's lackluster performance gains relative to the GLE 450, it's hard to say this version offers good value. But there's no arguing with the impressive interior design and the quality of the materials used. Every time you run your hands over the meaty, microfiber-wrapped steering wheel or sit in the supple leather seats, you know where your money's going. The warranty isn't exceptional, however. Overall and powertrain warranties are average, and roadside assistance is less generous than what rivals offer.

The GLE can be fun to drive, though this 53 version isn't as great as the AMG badge suggests. Acceleration isn't really superior to the much less powerful GLE 450. On the flipside, the driving dynamics are improved upon — the steering is great, and handling is pretty good, too. If you want a performance SUV, though, you'd have to do some impressive mental gymnastics to choose this over the Cayenne S.