This AMG Hybrid Is Getting Way Too Close to V8 Territory

Mercedes already showed the updated GLE, but the one that really matters is the AMG GLE 53 Hybrid. This is where things get interesting, because it edges closer to the old V8 cars than you would expect.

On the outside, it is sharper but still familiar. The AMG grille is larger, the headlights and taillights are updated, and the rear keeps things clean with four round exhaust tips. The GLE 53 badge now gets red accents, and the taillights hide a subtle Mercedes star pattern if you look closely.

Step inside and it feels more like a tech upgrade than a facelift. The MBUX Superscreen stretches across the dash with three displays in one layout. The air vents are slimmer to make space, and the whole thing feels more digital without losing the premium touch.

You still get proper materials, including Manufaktur Nappa leather in Truffle Brown, Carmine Red, or Yacht Blue. The AMG steering wheel now uses roller and rocker controls, which makes it easier to adjust things on the move.

The real change sits under the hood. The old mild hybrid setup is gone. In its place is a plug-in hybrid built around a revised 3.0-liter inline-six. The engine gets a new cylinder head, improved intake and exhaust flow, and a new intake camshaft, allowing it to rev higher while holding torque for longer.

Then there is the electric motor, adding 181 hp on its own. Combined output lands at 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which is not far off the old GLE 63 and its 603 hp. It now does 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds instead of 4.9, and it can run on electric power alone at speeds up to 87 mph.

Charging is straightforward. A 60 kW DC charger takes it from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes, while a 9.6 kW onboard charger handles AC charging.

On the road, it adapts depending on how you drive. The AMG Ride Control+ air suspension adjusts constantly, and the updated 4Matic+ system shifts power where it is needed. You get a full set of drive modes, including Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Trail, and Individual, plus Electric and Battery Hold if you want to manage how the battery is used.

Next to something like the BMW X5 M60i, which hits 60 mph in 4.2 seconds with a V8, the AMG is a touch slower. The difference is that this one gives you the option to drive on electric power when it makes sense.

Mercedes has not shared the electric range or final pricing yet. The current model starts around $90,000, so this one will likely move into six-figure territory when it arrives in the US in the second half of 2026.