{"id":241928,"date":"2023-04-21T11:54:21","date_gmt":"2023-04-21T15:54:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/?post_type=reviews&p=241928"},"modified":"2023-04-24T14:51:38","modified_gmt":"2023-04-24T18:51:38","slug":"first-drive-2024-mercedes-amg-gle-53-coupe","status":"publish","type":"reviews","link":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/reviews\/first-drive-2024-mercedes-amg-gle-53-coupe\/","title":{"rendered":"First Drive: 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe in front of Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It seemed silly when the idea of a performance SUV was first broached by Mercedes-Benz in 1999 with the ML55 AMG powered by a 5.4-liter V-8. But it was followed by any number of European competitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then in 2015, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe SUV offered the same performance as before but sporting a silhouette that seemed inspired by 1940s-era sedanettes, although Mercedes might have preferred you thought of sports coupes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, more than half of Mercedes-AMGs sold are sport-utility vehicles, and everyone from Ferrari, Lamborghini and even Cadillac are in the performance SUV game, it\u2019s time for Mercedes-Benz to upgrade the model that pioneered the segment for 2024. And while the ML is now called the GLE, its intent remains the same as always.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The mid-size 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe and its sibling, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe are high-performance renditions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which gets a different bodyshell and a more mainstream approach to comfort and performance. Regardless, both receive a mid-cycle refresh, with the sort of upgrades you\u2019d expect, enhancing their desirability, more power for GLE 53 models, a wardrobe update and more standard equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exterior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is a hoot to drive on your favorite back road.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

New LED daytime running lights and a new front fascia with expressively curved side air intakes are added to the GLE 53 models. The LED taillights in the back have been updated as well. In addition, the GLE 63 S Coupe comes with new standard 22-inch forged wheel with a 10 twin-spoke design, which is optional on the GLE 53. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All models get the AMG symbol, the official identifier for all upcoming AMGs, on the hood of the car. Two new colors are offered for 2024, Manufaktur Alpine Grey Non-Metallic and Twilight Blue Metallic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its sleekly sloping rear silhouette, the vehicle feels far more upright, and there\u2019s an imposing Germanic mass to its overall demeanor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Screens dominate the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe’s interior. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to high fashion, there\u2019s usually a price to pay, literally or figuratively. In the case of the Mercedes-AMG GLE coupes, it\u2019s 5 cubic feet of space compared to other GLE models. But there\u2019s an easy way around this; don\u2019t take as much with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Otherwise, there\u2019s no downside to the GLE Coupe\u2019s interior, only advantages. As you\u2019d expect, the overall character is far sportier than its lower-priced siblings, with red stitching, an AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG Drive buttons and steering wheel heat, red seatbelt webbing and the choice of such new color pairings as Bahia Brown and Black, and Macchiato Beige and Black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there\u2019s also far more standard content on the GLE 53 for 2024, including a Burmester surround sound system, surround view system with \u201ctransparent hood\u201d feature that allows you to see underneath the vehicle, electric panorama sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, and standard heated and ventilated front seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cabin proves very roomy, with generous legroom in both rows. Headroom is unexpected for a mid-sized SUV with a sloping roof line. More unanticipated is its cargo space, which is far larger than you might expect given its styling. The wide, comfortable front seats do a great job of keeping you in place when the road curves and unlike some Mercedes-Benz vehicles, they never prove punishingly firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Powertrain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Check out the sweet wheels.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Both Mercedes-AMG models employ hybrid drivelines. In the case of our test vehicle it\u2019s an \u201cAMG-enhanced\u201d 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine. This silver-tongued powerplant pairs with a 48-volt mild hybrid and an electric auxiliary compressor produces more power for 2024: 429 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, good for a 4.9-second 0-60 mph run, up from 5.2 seconds last year. Top speed is 155 mph. A selectable AMG Performance exhaust system is now standard on the GLE 53.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By comparison, the fierce GLE 63 S has a handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter twin turbocharged V-8 with hybrid assist, good for 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque that propels it to 60 mph 1.2 seconds quicker. Top speed is rated at 174 mph. Both have all-wheel drive and pair to an AMG 9-speed automatic. Maximum towing capacity is 7,700 pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety and Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The rear seat, and the whole cabin, are suprisingly spacious considering the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe’s size.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have crash tested the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe. Crash tests of the 2023 GLE yielded a five-star rating from NHTSA and a \u201cTop Safety Pick+\u201d rating from IIHS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dual Twin 12.3-inch horizontal screens behind a single sheet of glass house the instrument cluster and infotainment display. Thankfully, the infotainment system can be controlled by touch, a controller on the center console, or by simply saying, \u201cHey Mercedes.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This last method proves ideal, as some functions \u00ad\u2014 such as the heated steering wheel \u2014 are buried on an inaccessible sub-menu, making a vocal command the easiest way to access it. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot is standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving Impressions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Something this large and bulky shouldn\u2019t be so fast, yet it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Yup, it’s fast.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sleek and sporty, with the silhouette of a halved, oversized raindrop, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is a blast to drive, whether eating up the Interstate or carving through coiled roads as its exhaust burbles with a delightfully menacing tone that\u2019s sure to annoy your neighbors. It’s no surprise that the driveline is responsive, so much so, you’d swear it was wired to your cnetral nervous system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sure, it would be even more fun to drive if it were a car rather than a ute, but it\u2019s still an unremitting hoot to hustle. And its driveline is a paragon of smooth refinement, a testament as to why you pay extra for this machine. It\u2019s sublime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You pay for the privilege, of course, but it\u2019s well worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe Specifications<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dimension<\/strong>s<\/td>L: 194.4 inches\/W: 79.3 inches\/H: 67.7 inches\/Wheelbase: 115.6 inches<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>5,126 pounds<\/td><\/tr>
Powertrain<\/strong><\/td>3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder mild hybrid, 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive<\/td><\/tr>
Fuel Economy<\/strong><\/td>17 mpg city\/21 mpg highway\/19 mpg combined (estimated)<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Performance Specs<\/strong><\/td>429 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque<\/td><\/tr>
Price<\/strong><\/td>Base price: $81,200 (estimated)<\/em>; As tested: Not available<\/td><\/tr>
On-Sale Date<\/strong><\/td>Available for ordering<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wrap Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If the idea of performance in an SUV still seems silly to you a turn behind the wheel of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe will change your mind. To be honest, no one was more skeptical of this vehicle that I. Its sensuous yet bulky silhouette once seemed silly, it\u2019s intention as an athletic driving device even more so. Yet after driving it from Mercedes-Benz\u2019s plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, near its U.S. headquarters, it\u2019s place in the automotive firmament doesn\u2019t seem so esoteric, and its shape seems far more fetching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in search automotive exhilaration, this might be your drug of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe \u00ad\u2014 Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n
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How much is the 2024 AMG GLE 53?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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While prices haven’t been announced, the 2023 model started at $81,200.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How much is a monthly payment on a Mercedes-AMG<\/strong> GLE 53?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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According to Edmunds.com, the monthly payment will cost you $1,599 per month with an estimated $2,599 due at lease signing, including down payment, first month payment, and $0 security deposit.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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When can I order a 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Now.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mercedes-Benz gives its SUVs a makeover for the 2024 model year. TheDetroitBureau.com has the test drive. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13752,"featured_media":241925,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[3684,1631,2865,10604,10602,9691,3998,3816,5654,5549,10603,1458],"category_reviews":[27,19,30],"make":[85],"post-state":[],"category_old":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews\/241928"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/reviews"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13752"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/241925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=241928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=241928"},{"taxonomy":"category_reviews","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_reviews?post=241928"},{"taxonomy":"make","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/make?post=241928"},{"taxonomy":"post-state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-state?post=241928"},{"taxonomy":"category_old","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_old?post=241928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}