The Mercedes-AMG GLE lineup has sprouted a particularly powerful 53 Hybrid version in Europe, based on a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Pre-orders are already being processed starting from €125,500.
The car packs 544 PS (536 hp / 400 kW), which allows it to sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.7 seconds. The base engine is the same as in other Mercedes cars, but gets an extra 14 PS in this particular modification for a total of 449 PS (443 hp / 330 kW). An electric motor with 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW) assists it for a combined torque of 750 Nm (553 lb-ft).
The top speed is capped at 250 km/h (155 mph), but you can go in all-electric mode as long as you are fine with 140 km/h (87 mph) or less. A 31.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack yields 80–87 km (49–54 miles) of range per charge.
Drivers can switch among seven electronic drive modes, including two hybrid-specific ones. One of these lets you keep the battery power level at a certain level, while the other one is for all-electric driving. Even with it enabled, the car may automatically engage the petrol engine when it needs rapid acceleration (e.g., overtaking) or when the battery is low.
The suspension is air-cushioned and features new shock absorbers at the rear axle, as well as new sway bars. The ESP on board has been fine-tuned for the hybrid powertrain, Mercedes says, and the same is true for the AWD system and the handling. As for the infotainment system, it gets an extra, hybrid-specific display mode.
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid will be obtainable in two main flavors: SUV and coupe-SUV, the latter priced around €8,000 higher.