The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe emerges as a distinctive vehicle, seamlessly blending sporty coupe aesthetics with the robust capabilities of an SUV, all while delivering exhilarating AMG performance. This model distinguishes itself with a potent 429-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engine, enhanced by 48-volt technology. Coupled with the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission, the GLE 53 Coupe promises a dynamic driving experience. Notably, it features a wheelbase that is 2.4 inches shorter than its SUV counterpart, contributing to its agile handling, which is further refined by AMG drive programs and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension based on AIRMATIC. The AMG-specific grille proudly announces its AMG family affiliation. Beyond its performance prowess, the 2021 GLE 53 Coupe retains the practical advantages of a Mercedes SUV, offering generous space, comprehensive safety features, and exceptional traction across diverse terrains and driving conditions.
Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasizes, “The new GLE 53 Coupe amplifies the style and elegance within our SUV range, enriched with signature AMG attributes like the distinctive radiator grille. Its captivating coupe silhouette encloses advanced suspension technology and our robust, efficient six-cylinder in-line engine with 48-volt technology. Together, these elements ensure a thrilling driving experience, characterized by exceptional longitudinal and lateral dynamics.”
Expressive and Muscular Exterior Design
The exterior of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is a bold statement of AMG Driving Performance. The AMG-specific radiator grille immediately signals its high-performance lineage. Its coupe silhouette exudes confidence and dynamism, with lines that speak to passion and power. The hood’s prominent powerdomes further underscore this muscular aesthetic. Refined details such as the Mercedes star within a double ring, sleek headlamps, and the assertive “A-wing” design in the front bumper sharpen its visual appeal.
The front bumper incorporates AMG-specific elements, including sporty outer air inlets, each detailed with twin side louvers in silver chrome with black accents. The front splitter, matching the air inlet louvers, is also finished in silver chrome. AMG side skirts and a trunk lid spoiler, painted in body color, further enhance the integrated design. Flared wheel arches accommodate substantial 21-inch wheels with AMG lettering as standard, with optional 21-inch and 22-inch wheel upgrades available.
The redesigned rear bumper features AMG hallmarks such as a pronounced diffuser and a silver chrome trim strip, emphasizing the vehicle’s powerful stance. The specialized AMG exhaust system, complete with round twin-tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome, amplifies the sporty and dominant appearance. For further personalization, the AMG Night package offers high gloss black elements across the front splitter, bumper trim, diffuser, outer air inlets, mirror caps, window frames, and exhaust tailpipe trim elements.
Progressive and Elegant Interior Design
The distinctive AMG ambiance continues within the high-quality interior of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe. Unique color accents, such as red contrast stitching and red seat belts, contribute to a sporty yet exclusive atmosphere. AMG seats, upholstered in black MB-Tex / DINAMICA microfiber, provide excellent lateral support and feature an AMG-specific pattern with “AMG” badges integrated into the front backrests.
The latest generation AMG Performance steering wheel, with its aluminum shift paddles and driver-focused ergonomics, enhances the driving experience. AMG stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs and black floor mats adorned with “AMG” lettering further accentuate the sporty character.
A wide array of leather upholstery options and high-quality interior trim elements are available for extensive customization. Optional AMG Carbon Fiber trim elements add a particularly sporty edge to the interior.
Agile Handling with AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL
Optional on the 2021 GLE 53 Coupe, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL based on AMG RIDE CONTROL+ elevates the driving dynamics. A key innovation is the active roll stabilization system, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL, which employs two independent electro-mechanical actuators at the front and rear axles. This system significantly reduces body roll during cornering and provides more precise control over steering and load changes. It also enhances ride comfort in straight-line driving by effectively smoothing out uneven surfaces. Body movements are actively adjusted to driving conditions, refining the overall driving experience.
Compared to traditional hydraulic systems, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL offers a much faster response time, adapting to driving conditions up to 1000 times per second. Furthermore, this advanced system achieves significant weight savings, contributing to vehicle efficiency and agility.
AIRMATIC Air Suspension for Adjustable Comfort and Dynamics
The AMG RIDE CONTROL air suspension, based on AIRMATIC, was engineered in Affalterbach to deliver an optimal balance of long-distance comfort and high agility. The sporty spring and damper setup, along with adaptively adjustable damping, ensures a blend of exceptional driving dynamics and ride comfort. Drivers can select from three damping modes—”Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport+”—to tailor the ride from plush comfort to sporty responsiveness. For off-road adventures, “Trail” and “Sand” modes offer enhanced capability.
Thanks to pneumatic all-around level control, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe maintains a consistent vehicle height regardless of load. In AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Sport” and “Sport+”, the vehicle automatically lowers by 0.6 inches. In “Comfort” mode, this lowering occurs at speeds above 75 mph to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel efficiency. Handling stability is also enhanced due to the lowered center of gravity. For increased ground clearance on challenging terrain, the suspension can be raised by up to 2.2 inches at the touch of a button, functional both when stationary and at speeds up to 43 mph.
Optimized Steering and High-Performance Braking
The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering of the 2021 GLE 53 Coupe features a variable ratio, offering direct steering response and precise feedback. Steering power assistance is adjustable through “Comfort” and “Sport” settings, automatically activated with the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program. Personalization is also available within the “Individual” drive program.
The high-performance braking system ensures reliable deceleration and short stopping distances. Front brakes feature internally ventilated and perforated integral brake discs with a 15.75-inch diameter, paired with 2-piston fixed calipers in silver with black AMG lettering. Rear brakes are equipped with internally ventilated integral brake discs of 13.6 inches in diameter with 1-piston floating calipers.
Turbocharged Six-Cylinder Engine with EQ Boost
At the heart of the 2021 GLE 53 AMG’s performance is an electrified 3.0-liter engine, featuring turbocharging and an electric auxiliary compressor. This 6-cylinder in-line engine produces 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of peak torque. The EQ Boost starter-generator provides an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque momentarily and powers the 48-volt onboard electrical system.
The EQ Boost system combines starter and alternator functions into a potent electric motor, located between the engine and transmission. This, along with the intelligent electric auxiliary compressor and exhaust gas turbocharger, aims to enhance AMG performance and driving dynamics while improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. The GLE 53 Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
48-Volt Technology and Electric Auxiliary Compressor
The electric auxiliary compressor in the 2021 Mercedes Gle 53 Amg rapidly builds boost pressure before the exhaust gas turbocharger engages, resulting in immediate engine response and dynamic performance without turbo lag. The 3.0-liter in-line six also stands out for its smooth operation.
The EQ Boost starter-generator further enhances the GLE 53 Coupe and supplies power to the 48V system, which also supports the conventional 12V system. The 48V battery increases overall battery capacity, enabling more electrical energy supply. This system allows for thinner and lighter wiring due to lower current requirements compared to traditional systems. The 12V system powers components like lights, cockpit, infotainment displays, and control units.
Efficient EQ Boost Starter-Generator
The EQ Boost starter-generator is central to the 48V system, acting as both alternator and hybrid system component. It facilitates fuel savings previously exclusive to high-voltage hybrids and manages idle speed control for the first time.
Hybrid functions include boosting, energy recuperation, load point adjustment, gliding, and seamless engine restarts with the start/stop function. The absence of a belt drive for ancillary components on the engine’s front reduces the engine’s installed length compared to conventional six-cylinder engines, creating space for a highly efficient, engine-mounted exhaust gas aftertreatment system.
An optional AMG Performance exhaust system delivers a distinctive acoustic experience. Adjustable exhaust flaps allow drivers to modify the vehicle’s sound at the touch of a button, varying from discreet to powerful depending on the drive program.
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive for Maximum Traction
The 2021 GLE 53 Coupe features fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, enhancing both traction and driving dynamics. This intelligent system continuously adjusts torque distribution between the permanently driven rear axle and the front axle based on driving conditions and driver input. This improves acceleration from a standstill and optimizes traction in corners and on slippery surfaces.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G Transmission
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission (Torque-Converter Transmission) in the 2021 Mercedes GLE 53 AMG delivers rapid and responsive gear changes. It provides quick acceleration typical of AMG vehicles and swift gearshifts, either automatically or manually via steering wheel paddles.
Upshifts and downshifts are executed instantly. The transmission is particularly dynamic in “Sport+” mode and manual mode.
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT for Intelligent Control
The GLE 53 Coupe offers seven drive programs via AMG DYNAMIC SELECT: “Slippery,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” “Individual,” and two off-road settings, “Trail” and “Sand.” These programs adjust engine and transmission responsiveness, accelerator pedal and steering feel, suspension damping, and even vehicle sound. Selected via a rocker switch in the center console or optional AMG steering wheel buttons, the chosen program is displayed in the instrument cluster and multimedia display.
- Slippery: Optimized for wet or icy conditions, reducing power and flattening the torque curve for enhanced stability.
- Comfort: Emphasizes fuel-efficient and comfortable driving with early upshifts, and comfort-focused suspension and steering settings.
- Sport: Offers sporty driving characteristics with quicker throttle response, shorter shift times, earlier downshifts, and more sport-oriented gearshifts with double-declutching. Features a more dynamic suspension and steering setup.
- Sport+: Delivers extremely sporty performance with even sharper throttle response, emphasized downshift acoustics, selective torque control on upshifts with cylinder suppression for optimized shift times, increased idle speed for faster starts, and a more dynamic setup for suspension, steering, and drivetrain.
- Individual: Allows for custom settings of the drive system, transmission, AMG DYNAMICS, suspension, and exhaust system.
- Trail: Designed for safe driving on soft, muddy, or slippery terrain, enhancing performance in these conditions.
- Sand: Configured for optimal grip and steering control on sandy inclines and dunes.
AMG DYNAMICS vehicle dynamics control, integrated into AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, influences ESP® and all-wheel drive control strategies in “Basic,” “Advanced,” and “Pro” levels, anticipating driver behavior and sensor data to range from extremely stable to highly dynamic handling. “Traction” and “Slide” levels are also available in “Trail” and “Sand” modes when ESP® is deactivated.
MBUX Infotainment with AMG-Specific Displays
The MBUX infotainment system in the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 AMG includes AMG-specific functions. The Widescreen Cockpit merges the instrument cluster and touchscreen display into a single unit. Voice control via “Hey Mercedes” activates numerous functions.
The instrument cluster features AMG start-up menus and four display styles: “Classic,” “Sport,” “Discreet,” and AMG exclusive “Supersport.” In “Trail” and “Sand” modes, off-road-specific data like slope, incline, and level can be displayed. Rocker switches on the center console provide control over drive programs, transmission, suspension, ESP®, and exhaust system.
AMG Performance Steering Wheel
The AMG Performance steering wheel in black nappa leather with red contrast stitching and a red 12-o’clock marking combines functionality, premium feel, and ergonomics. It features aluminum shift paddles and intuitive Touch Control buttons for infotainment control.
Optional steering wheel buttons enhance control with a round controller and integrated display, plus two vertically positioned color display buttons for direct activation and control of AMG drive programs.
AMG TRACK PACE: Your Personal Racing Engineer
Optional AMG TRACK PACE enhances MBUX with a virtual racing engineer, recording and analyzing up to 80 vehicle-specific data points and lap times on closed circuits. Real-time data display is available on the Widescreen Cockpit or optional head-up display. This system helps drivers analyze and improve their driving performance and measures acceleration and deceleration metrics (e.g., 0-60 mph, ¼ mile, 60-0 mph).
AMG TRACK PACE allows drivers to record and save circuit layouts and uses a new algorithm for precise vehicle position detection, even detecting circuit deviations. A smartphone app extends AMG TRACK PACE with video recording, video customization, photo options, and social sharing capabilities.
2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe Technical Data
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cylinders/Arrangement | 6/in-line |
| Displacement (cc) | 2999 |
| Combustion Engine Output (hp) | 429 |
| Output from EQ Boost (hp) | 21 |
| Peak Torque (lb-ft) | 384 |
| Max. EQ Boost Torque (lb-ft) | 184 |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (s) | 5.2 |
| Top Speed (mph) | 155* |
* Electronically limited
