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The Mercedes-AMG GLE53 Makes The 63 S Feel Unnecessary: Driven

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 gets plug-in hybrid power and 577 horsepower, while the GLE 63 S packs a 603-hp V8. I'll take the 53.

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 First Drive Review

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

Jeff Perez

By: Jeff Perez

Oct 22, at 10:00am ET

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Performance SUVs have gotten way more popular over the past decade, and it’s easy to see why. You get the space, comfort, and elevated driving position of an SUV, plus 600 horsepower? Sign me up.

Mercedes-Benz is one of the biggest players in the performance SUV space, offering an AMG badge on damn near every option in its lineup. For 2027, Stuttgart has updated one of its most popular offerings: the GLE.

Available in both 53 and 63 S guise, with SUV and "coupe" body styles to choose from, the Mercedes-AMG GLE gets some significant upgrades for 2027. The GLE 53 is now exclusively a plug-in hybrid, while the 63 S gets a few powertrain tweaks. Both models also benefit from updated styling and upgraded tech.

After spending time behind the wheel of both, I’d say the changes mostly improve the cars. Mostly.

Pros

Both Powerful
53 Is Comfortable
53 Has Usable EV Range
63 Is Stupid Quick

Cons

63 Is A Little Harsh
Both Get Pricey Quickly

Pick Your Power

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S First Drive Review

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S Coupe

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

As usual, there are a few ways to get into Mercedes-Benz’s hot-rodded mid-size SUV. The GLE 53 is the less powerful of the two, pairing a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a plug-in hybrid system to produce 577 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. It replaces last year’s non-hybrid inline-six.

Despite gaining 827 pounds, the GLE 53 is quicker than before. The SUV weighs 6,107 pounds, while the coupe tips the scales at 6,063 pounds. Even so, the new model hits 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds at its quickest, down from 4.9 seconds previously.

The GLE 63 S, meanwhile, sticks with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. It now adds a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an updated integrated starter-generator (ISG 2.0) to improve low-end responsiveness. Total output remains unchanged at 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the SUV to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S First Drive Review

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S Coupe

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 First Drive Review

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 SUV

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

Then there’s the body style. The swoopy “coupe” remains an option for both models in 2027, with the differences largely limited to styling and weight. Choose either body style, and you’ll get the same power output.

Like the standard GLE, the AMG models also receive some notable styling updates. The grille now features more than 140 three-pointed stars (I counted), a design motif that also carries over to the lighting elements.

Regardless of which trim, powertrain, or body style you choose, one thing’s for certain: You’ll have a hell of a good time behind the wheel of an AMG GLE.

The GLE 53 Is The Sweet Spot

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 First Drive Review

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

Hopping into the GLE 53 SUV, you’d hardly know it was a plug-in hybrid. The powertrain certainly feels different from the non-hybrid setup it replaces, but those differences mostly enhance the experience.

Power delivery remains silky smooth, punchy, and relentless. There’s hardly any noticeable hesitation between the gasoline engine and electric motor, especially when switching into Sport or Track mode. The GLE 53 also has a trick up its sleeve that the 63 S doesn’t: a fully electric driving mode with around 45 miles of range.

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 First Drive Review

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 First Drive Review

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

The suspension setup also differs between the two models. The GLE 53 comes standard with AMG Ride Control+ air suspension, while the 63 S gets the more sophisticated E-Active Body Control system. Honestly, I prefer the former.

Even with more than 6,100 pounds of SUV to haul around, the GLE 53 delivers a sublime ride. It’s comfortable over long distances yet composed enough to let you carve through corners with confidence. Ride quality varies depending on the drive mode, of course, but there isn’t a bad setting in the bunch.

The GLE 63 S Brings The Muscle

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S First Drive Review

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

If outright power is your priority, the GLE 63 S is the one to get. Its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 outpunches the 53’s inline-six by a good margin, with an integrated starter-generator that helps fill in the low end.

Throw the GLE 63 S into a corner, and it emerges on the other side largely unfazed. The standard electronically controlled locking rear differential sends power where it’s needed, while body roll stays in check. The steering is nicely weighted and precise, too. Even by SUV standards, there’s plenty of feedback from the road through your fingertips.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S First Drive Review

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 S First Drive Review

Photos by: Mercedes-Benz

The standard E-Active Body Control suspension is impressive, scanning the road ahead and anticipating how the body will react. But sometimes, it feels like the system is trying a little too hard to tell me what to do. As with the standard GLE, the air suspension on the GLE 53 is already so good that adding another layer of clever technology feels almost unnecessary.

Both models also get the same tech you'll find in the standard GLE, which is a good thing. Inside, Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX Superscreen setup features three 12.3-inch displays spanning the digital instrument cluster, central touchscreen, and front passenger screen.

Verdict: Get The PHEV

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE53 First Drive Review

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

With an AMG badge on the tailgate, neither of these SUVs comes cheap. The 2027 GLE 53 SUV starts at $98,450, while the GLE 53 Coupe begins at $99,450. Both prices include the mandatory $1,450 destination fee.

Step up to the GLE 63 S, and the price jumps to $138,550 for the SUV and $140,550 for the Coupe. Mercedes-Benz has also dropped the non-S versions of the 63 for 2027, meaning every GLE 63 now wears the S badge.

What do you think?

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If it were my money, I’d go for the GLE 53 SUV and be perfectly happy. You get a smooth inline-six, useful all-electric driving range, a traditional SUV body, and a comfortable suspension setup. What’s not to love? Some buyers will want the extra muscle of the GLE 63 S, and that’s perfectly understandable. It’s an excellent SUV in its own right.

Either way, the GLE makes a compelling case as a performance SUV. You can have the practicality of a family hauler without giving up the power, handling, or driving enjoyment of an AMG model.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 / 63 Competitors

2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S

Engine Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-Liter V8 Mild-Hybrid

Output 603 Horsepower / 627 Pound-Feet

Transmission Nine-Speed Automatic

Drive Type All-Wheel Drive

Speed 0-60 MPH 3.6 Seconds

Maximum speed 174 Miles Per Hour

Weight 6,107 Pounds

Seating Capacity 5

Cargo Volume 33.3 / 74.9 Cubic Feet

Base Price $138,550

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