by Aiden Eksteen
If you're far too wary of the high-performance AMG-forged GLE 63 S but also not quite impressed enough by the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV, then the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV may just be the vehicle you're looking for. In terms of performance, specification, and size, the GLE 53 SUV is the gold standard of the GLE range, sporting a 429-horsepower turbo gas 6-cylinder that imbues the premium midsize 5-door cruiser with real AMG vigor. While it can most certainly be thrilling to punt down a straight and navigate through corners, it's also luxuriously fluid and graceful. Its suave and sporty aesthetic is illustrative of this and a prelude to the Merc's contemporary and high-tech cabin.
With its $72,350 sticker price, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV is a pricey car but it's absolutely rich-in-value and actually slightly more affordable than its core competitors - the Porsche Cayenne S and the Audi Q7.
The GLE-Class was completely redesigned for 2020, officially setting off the second-generation line for the marque. The GLE 53 SUV is an all-new model for 2021 that replaces the outgoing GLE 43. The go-fast SUV also relies on an inline-six with EQ Boost assistance in place of the old twin-turbo V6.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMG GLE 53 4MATIC SUV |
3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$72,350 |
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
For a premium performance-SUV that's been purposefully positioned between the amicable GLE-Class Benz and the high-performance-apogee GLE 63 S, the GLE 53 is anything but middling. At full throttle, the 2021 GLE 53 SUV will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 5.2 seconds and it'll remain confidently composed when shooting through bends by virtue of its active roll-bars and air suspension. It's clearly proficient and entertaining but its real strength lies in its serene and refined driving experience. The sophisticated and sporty Merc-AMG styling is attractive and classy, and hints at its performance potential. On the inside, the GLE 53 SUV boasts a truly exquisite cabin design and layout that incorporates a leather-clad steering wheel, a 2.3-inch dual-screen set-up, and an excess of first-rate materials.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV hasn't undergone review by the USA's vehicle-safety authorities, but the 2020-year version of the regular GLE-Class did and it scored exceptionally well. For the performance nuts, the AMG GLE 53 may not be the best choice, as both BMW and Audi offer more extreme 500-hp versions of their midsize cruisers, but for anyone seeking a genuine luxury cruiser, it's perfect.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
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Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
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Genesis
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Gordon Murray Automotive
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Jeep
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Kia
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Lordstown
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Lucid Motors
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Ram
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Spyker
Subaru
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VinFast
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