In a relentless pursuit of releasing as many performance SUVs as possible, AMG revealed an all-new brute called the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic+. The mid-size performance SUV effectively replaces the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4Matic+, and it will be unveiled at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. The higher number in its name designates a more powerful engine, a super responsive electric auxiliary compressor, and an EQ Boost starter-alternator motor.

Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG CEO confirmed the AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ association with the performance with these words:

“As the inventors of the performance SUV, it is important to us to continue to be at the top with the new generation of the GLE when it comes to innovations, driving dynamics, individuality, and design.”

What Makes the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 4Matic+ Special?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 4Matic+ is like a CES on wheels. AMG knows that it has to compete with the likes of the Audi SQ7 and the BMW X5 xDrive50i, so it threw a slew of modern technologies at it. Interestingly enough, we saw it all a year ago in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 coupe that the company introduced in Detroit. That was the first “53” named AMG. More importantly, it gave us a glimpse into the AMG 53's future that’s “painted” with mild-hybrid systems, 48-volt electrial systems, and a Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission. As is the case with the AMG CLS 53, the E 53 Coupe, and the E 53 Cabriolet, the GLE 53 4Matic+ has a drivetrain system that makes it comfortably more powerful, quicker, and altogether better compared with the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4Matic+. This is what the raw numbers say:

As you can see, it is considerably more powerful than the model it replaces. While the AMG shares almost all of the “53-tech” among Merc's large sedans and SUVs, no one can say that the tech isn’t amazing. However, it isn’t exactly novel or unique. See, the Audi SQ7 is one of the pioneers of the 48-volt electric system and is also a pioneer of the electric compressor system. This is actually a car that the GLE shares its 48-volt framework with. I know, staggering. But you will be even more amazed to learn the following.

Back in 2011, at the Ludwigsburg Elektronik Congress, the big five from Germany (Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, Volkswagen) made an agreement to develop a common 48-volt electrical framework for their cars and SUVs. The SQ7 was one of the first to adopt it and now, the tech will expand to all other cars as well. This AMG GLE 53 included. Interestingly enough, the latest 2020 BMW X5 does not have a similar system in its top-notch xDrive50i version.

That’s not included for the X5 xDrive50i or the SQ7 TDI.

In the case of the GLE 53, the starter-alternator sits between the engine and the transmission and not only does it provide more torque when needed, but it enables seamless activation of the start/stop system. It is more than likely the main reason for the amazing efficiency the AMG GLE 53 can achieve in the real world.

So, the GLE 53 has the most tech of its closest competitors, but what about all-wheel drive and technology that enhances driving dynamics?

Well, Mercedes-AMG calls it “Ultimate grip”. It is a very capable system that fundamentally improves the driving dynamics and enables that blistering acceleration.

Now, complementing the mild-hybrid setup, smart AWD, and 9G transmission, the AMG GLE 53 has a multitude of other advanced features many of which could never work without a 48-volt power supply.

These technologies include:

-* AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension

-* active roll stabilization with two electro-mechanic actuators

-* air suspension with continuously adjustable damping

-* pneumatic self-leveling at the front and rear axle

-* Massive 400 x 36 mm internally ventilated and perforated brake discs

-* AMG Dynamic System that lowers the SUV by more than half of an inch in Sport and Sport+ modes

I know that a lot of these technologies leave a question mark in your head, but I can promise you that without them, the AMG GLE 53, well, wouldn't be the AMG GLE 53. In short, with all of this, the GLE 53 can remain perfectly leveled in the bends, completely comfortable over uneven surfaces, and quicker than some sports cars. This set of technologies comfortably makes the AMG GLE 53 one of the most advanced SUVs ever. Something similar can be found in BMWs and Audis, granted, but that’s beside the point right now.

Stylistic Changes Between the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 and standard Mercedes-Benz GLE

It’s simple. Go to the back and the GLE 53 will greet you with four round exhaust tips. This is a signature styling cue of the AMG 53 line of cars. Between them sits a cool diffuser. This is usually enough to differentiate AMG branded cars from the ones not-AMG, but if it's not then, you can always rely on the fake vents at the back. Can’t make a mistake with those, can you now!?

The cabin is equally well endowed with AMG branded features. Red stitching is the most obvious, but you do get a whole lot of AMG badges, cool ARTICO man-made leather, black roof liner, and third row of seats! Hell yeah. This bad boy can be a seven-seater, with the electrically adjustable second row of seats.

Conclusion

While AMG Boss Tobias Moers ruled out a Black Series SUV and a bespoke AMG SUV, he did not rule out this one, and we all should be grateful. The AMG GLE 53 is a really cool SOB. I mean SUV. Not only can it match the best from Ingolstadt and Munich, but it actually shadows them with all the added tech. The most important part, however, may not be its performance potential, but the fact that it is as fuel efficient as a smaller SUV, family-friendly with three rows, and really comfortable thanks to a whole slew of suspension technology.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 43 4Matic+.

Read our full review on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE.