6 ideas concerning the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV

DETROIT — I’d have scoffed on the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV just a few brief years in the past. It’s not an AMG. These have raucous 6.3-liter V8s. They’re sports activities vehicles or sedans. They’re positively not SUVs. I’d have been unsuitable.

After every week on this GLE and a decade watching AMG’s evolution, I’m satisfied the right notion isn’t what isn’t an AMG. Fairly, the right mindset is how do you employ your AMG?

Listed here are six ideas on the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE SUV

1. That is an AMG

It has all the pieces you want. A rockin’ engine that sounds the half because of the AMG quad exhaust. Large 22-inch wheels. A hunkered-down stance — it’s nearly slammed. An enormous grille. The facility and design work collectively to create an AMG expertise that’s genuine in any period. I used to be prepared for loads of cognitive dissonance as I rationalized why the GLE grocery-getter needs to be worthy of an AMG badge, but it surely rapidly dissipated. 

2. It begins with the motor

The 53 runs an AMG variant of Mercedes’ well-received straight-six engine. The turbocharged unit with hybrid help know-how makes 429 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, enabling sprints to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Teamed with the nine-speed computerized transmission, it’s fast, keen, crammed with character and refined while you need to simply cruise. I needed to make an emergency cease on the aspect of Interstate 75 to safe a door that wasn’t closed. As soon as battened down, I then wanted to merge with visitors from a lifeless cease. I twisted the knob mounted within the steering wheel to Sport, mashed the gasoline and was doing the posted pace very quickly.

If you really want to, you possibly can step as much as the biturbo 4.0-liter V8 within the GLE 63 and the extra AMG-sounding 603 hp, however I don’t actually assume it’s obligatory for the way most individuals will use a GLE. When smaller engines started to proliferate AMG’s engine lineup within the early 2010s, some fans cried foul, arguing something however the 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 codenamed M156 was blasphemy. 

Actually? I’d reasonably reside within the second and revel in a contemporary automobile for all it gives. Positive, these 6.3-liter AMGs had been legends. However reminiscences can get gauzy. Case-in-point: These motors had been really 6.2-liters (6,208 cc)

3. An AMG SUV is an effective factor

It took me a minute to wrap my head across the concept of an AMG SUV. The GLS 63 was by no means an issue with me, and the GLA 45 is mainly a sizzling hatch, so we’re cool there. However a midsize SUV with Affalterbach tuning? Appeared bourgeois, extreme or each. You both get an AMG otherwise you get an SUV. That’s outdated pondering, extra so than wringing your fingers over the engine displacement.

The GLE is likely one of the finest midsize SUVs. For a lot of, it’s extra pleasant and sensible than a sedan. The view from the motive force’s seat is superb. I like a rear-wheel-drive sedan as a lot as the subsequent fanatic, however the consolation and confidence offered by a midsize SUV is difficult to beat. The GLE 53 and and the E 53 have the identical engine. It comes all the way down to what form of AMG would you like?

I may see numerous fans deciding to commerce the sedan’s driving dynamics and placing seems for a still-cool-looking SUV that’s extra sensible with the identical energy and AMG ethos.

4.  That’s the place the design is available in

The silhouette itself is nothing particular, although the sloping pillar in again remembers the previous ML-class, which is a pleasant contact. However AMG’s huge grille, cross-spoked wheels and outstanding badging gown issues up. This automobile had the $750 Night time Bundle, which provides gloss black for the splitter, apron, window trim, mirror housing and roof rails. The exhaust can be performed up in black chrome.  All of it enhances the Twilight Blue metallic paint, which is a brand new shade for the frivolously refreshed 2024 mannequin.

5.  The inside excellence is why Mercedes is hard to beat

The GLE is properly laid out. The supplies feel and look costly but usable. I spilled some Dunkin and didn’t freak out. The AMG Macchiato Beige and black Nappa leather-based scheme is tasteful and enticing, complemented by brushed aluminum trim.

With a 12.3-inch touchscreen show and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the motive force will get all the data wanted in a colourful and intuitive method. Different manufacturers are too techy, and some appear rooted up to now. The GLE 53 is an instance of enticing supplies blended with usable tech in a harmonious vogue. Most certainly, Benz will replace the GLE to a extra screen-focused inside, as this one has somewhat extra late 2010s, early ’20s really feel, however frankly I am in no rush.

6.  It’s an honest deal, man

That brings me to my ultimate thought. The 53 begins at $86,750. With just a few choices, and vacation spot, you’re out the door at $93,500. A virtually six-figure GLE would have made me blink just a few years in the past, however you get numerous stuff. All the tech items, plus the great inside, and issues like LED lights and a panoramic sunroof are normal on GLE 53. Bake within the AMG firepower and it’s arduous to say this can be a unhealthy deal given inflation, the typical price of a brand new automobile ($50,000-ish), and design and inside execution. The truth is, I believe most homeowners will benefit from the GLE 53 immensely. 

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