Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ (2025) Review

Fast Facts

Feature	Detail
Price (South Africa)	R 2 450 815
Engine	3.0-litre, inline-6, turbocharged, petrol
Power Output (Max)	$335\text{kW}$
Torque Output (Max)	$560\text{Nm}$
$0-100\text{ km/h}$	$5.0\text{ seconds}$
Top Speed	$\text{250 km/h}$
Transmission	9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G-Tronic (automated dual-clutch)
Driven Wheels	All-Wheel Drive (4Matic+)
Suspension	Adaptive Air Suspension (Standard)
Fuel Consumption (Combined)	$10.3\text{ L/100 km}$
Boot Capacity	$478-1312\text{ litres}$
Tyres (Standard Front/Rear)	275/50 R20 (Optional $21-inch,\; 22-inch$)
Competitor Price (Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio Q4 Super Sport)	R 2 545 900

*Note that all figures were correct at the time of writing, however, can change at any time and without notice.

Related: Everything that you need to know about the Mercedes-AMG GLE53 4Matic+

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Engine: The 3.0-litre inline-6 provides a thrilling, linear, and high-revving power delivery, coupled with an authentic, rousing exhaust note.

• Handling: The Adaptive Air Suspension does well in mitigating bodyroll in the Sport and Sport+ drive modes.

• Gearbox: The 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G-Tronic twin-clutch transmission remains a smooth and fast option in the AMG range with seamless shifts under duress and soft comfort in traffic.

• Practical design: The five-door SUV body offers excellent cargo space and lots of space for the rear occupants.

• Interior: The cabin perfectly balances luxury and sport, with the Alcantara on the steering wheel and plush upholstery on the seats and door cards.

Cons

• Pricey options: As with most Mercedes-AMG models, the extensive options list (e.g., carbon ceramic brakes) can significantly increase the price.

• Interior: While the balance between sportiness and comfort has been achieved, the lighter-coloured interior shows dirt and age rather quicker than the darker options.

Styling

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 retains the timeless design associated with the Mercedes-Benz GLE range. Only when you note the quad-exhaust tips, the 20-inch wheels, the more aggressive bumpers, and the Panamericana grille does it stand out from the rest of the GLE range. Finished in this black paint and with those AMG-specific goodies, the GLE 53 4Matic+ has an ominous or mean look.

As for the silhouette, the GLE retains the traditional SUV design with the rear quarter even hinting back to the Mercedes-Benz M-Class that started the German automaker's modern SUV journey. 

Drivetrain & performance

Power comes from a 3.0-litre, turbocharged, inline-6 petrol engine, which, in combination with a mild-hybrid system, produces 335kW and 560Nm (+200Nm EQ Boost). The inline-6 and the mild-hybrid system deliver power linearly, simulating the responsiveness of a naturally aspirated engine. This power is sent to all four wheels via a smooth and responsive 9-speed twin-clutch transmission. 

Switch the drive mode into Sport mode, and the adaptive air suspension firms up while you gain quicker throttle response. Turn the dial one more position to Sport+, and the exhaust note gets louder. The suspension is ready for the corners, and the engine, as well as the electric boost system, gives you access to all its potential. 

The 0-100 km/h dash takes just 5.0 seconds, which is rapid, especially for a vehicle of this size. While very quick and ready to play, it doesn't feel too much and instils confidence. While the GLE 63 S certainly adds a whole lot of power, speed, acceleration and drama with the V8 engine, the GLE 53 certainly hits the perfect balance between comfort, practicality and performance.

Interior & technology

Step inside the cabin, and a premium environment greets you. In front of the driver, there is a 12.3-inch vibrant colour digital instrument cluster. This can be customised with buttons on the Alcantara-clad multifunction steering wheel. The display offers sporty and more classic layouts with the final screen providing all important vehicle service information such as the tyre pressures and temperatures, engine oil, coolant and transmission temperatures.

Look to the left, and you will find the 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system. This is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and offers onboard navigation and access to comfort settings, such as adjusting the seat's lumbar and side supports. You can also connect to the system via USB ports in the centre console. 

The MBUX system is smooth and intuitive. It connects to a premium Burmester Surround Sound System with 13 speakers and a 9-channel 590-watt DSP amplifier as standard. The sound is clear and crisp, while the bass will envelop you. Ambient lighting that can even be set to combination colours further enhances the mood.

Space & practicality

As you would expect from a GLE-Class model, the interior space is ample, providing good leg, shoulder, and headroom for both the front passengers and the rear occupants, even with the front seats positioned rather far back.

As for the loading space, with the rear seats in use, you can expect a cavernous 630 litres of boot space, but fold that rear bench flat, which expands to 2 055 litres. Thus, should you choose the 7-seat option, you can rest assured that even the third row of passengers will have enough space for shorter trips.

Safety

The safety features are comprehensive, including 9 airbags, Lane Departure Warning, Stability Control, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Advanced optional systems include adaptive cruise control, multi-beam, and directional LED headlamps.

Fuel economy

According to Mercedes-AMG the average fuel consumption is claimed at $10.3$$\text{ L/100 km, }$$\text{but my real world figure was closer to 12.0 L/100km during my time with the car. But I guess, a higher fuel consumption is expected by customers of a performance focussed vehicle such as the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53.}$

Verdict

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S might just be the most desirable of the GLE range from a performance enthusiast's perspective. However, with more controllable power and still prioritising comfort, for this writer, the GLE 53 4Matic+ is the sweet spot of the range when you want a bit of everything. The price difference of nearly R1.5 million between the two derivatives also allows potential customers to tick more options during specification of the GLE 53 for goodies and gadgets that will make the everyday commute even safer and enjoyable.