2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV Review: Smooth Operator

There's no shortage of mid-size luxury SUVs, but what do you do if you want some spice without breaking the bank? With an $87k base price, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV meets that need with a punchy 429-horsepower six-cylinder powertrain that can get it to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds at a price point about halfway up the GLE range. It's way cheaper than the ballistic $128k GLE 63 S and a more well-rounded car if you prefer a blend of refined luxury and punchy performance. But the AMG GLE 53's star starts to fade a little when you bring in its competition. The 523-hp BMW X5 M60i and 500-hp Audi SQ7 blow it out of the water in terms of grunt, while the Porsche Cayenne S also gets a V8 this year - with 468 hp - and isn't much more expensive than the Merc. With so many major rivals boasting V8s, it boils down to how important gas mileage is to you in this market sector. We fear the lure of the others' power might be the undoing of the GLE 53, despite its many talents and attractive features. The imbalance will only be redressed with the arrival of the potent 536-hp plug-in hybrid GLE 53 for the 2026 model year, but for now, the current model is slipping down the class ranks.

New for 2024

The 2024 AMG GLE 53 SUV gets a mild mid-life refresh that sees revised styling, with a restyled front fascia that's more akin to the one on the GLE 63. The LED headlights are refreshed too, and there are new DRL and taillight signatures. New paint choices, trim options, and wheel designs round out the cosmetic enhancements. Inside, the heated front seats gain ventilation, and the MBUX infotainment system is updated to include a Dolby Atmos-enhanced Burmester audio system and augmented video for the navigation system. The latest version of the AMG Performance steering wheel also makes an appearance.

Under the skin, the AMG engineers have fitted a larger turbocharger with new software; power stays the same at 429 hp, but torque is up from 384 to 413 lb-ft, reducing the 0-60 sprint from 5.2 to 4.9 seconds. Also newly standard this year is a selectable AMG Performance exhaust system. The driver assists are also enhanced, with a new "transparent hood" feature added to the standard surround-view monitoring system.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV Price: Which One to Buy

Going on sale in the USA at a $86,750 base price, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV is $10k more expensive than last year's model - and it's only partly accounted for by the new standard features. Keep in mind that this price is MSRP and doesn't include any options, or the $1,150 destination fee. There is also a Pinnacle sub-trim for $3,450 extra, an option that adds equipment like massaging front seats, heated/cooled cupholders, and an AMG head-up display.

The GLE 53 comes in a single trim configuration, so it depends on how you spec it. Considering how expensive it's become this year and how much quicker the competition is, it makes no sense to inflate the price with a lot of extras. That said, the Merc is lacking in standard driver assists, especially at this price, and you don't even get automatic emergency braking, cross-traffic alert, or adaptive cruise control as standard. These and more are found in the must-have Driver Assistance package, which will cost you an additional $1,950.

Interior and Features

The cabin is still beautifully executed, four years after launch, and combines top-class materials and the latest in-car tech to great effect.

The cabin is still one of our favorite GLE features thanks to excellent quality levels, tasteful materials, and intelligently textured surfaces that make even the harder plastics used in places look appropriately upscale. Nappa leather adorns the seats, and the whole atmosphere is light and airy, thanks to the standard glass panorama roof. Big dual digital screens sit high up on the dashboard and are underscored by a cabin-width trim strip that contains four of the dual-zone automatic climate control's air vents. The latest variation of the AMG Performance steering wheel is fitted and comes with leather cladding, touch-sensitive controls, and AMG Drive Unit controls. Interior space is very good in the first two rows, and you can opt in a third row at extra cost. Getting in is no chore thanks to the raised ground clearance, but clambering into the optional third row is best done by children. The view out is decent, and maneuvering is aided by the backup camera, front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and an automated parking feature.

Space

Its 117.9-inch wheelbase is longer than most cars in this class and suggests a class-leading level of interior space. This is certainly true in the first two rows, which offer abundant legroom, even though second-row headroom is more adequate than ample. The GLE is sold as a five-seater, with an occasional-use third row available as an extra-cost option, so Mercedes doesn't provide figures for the space available back there. Suffice it to say that, in practice, it's cramped and meant for children only. This might be why the similarly sized X5's once-optional third row is no longer offered. The slightly bigger SQ7's fairly usable third row has a leg up on most of its class rivals, then.

Cargo

Mercedes doesn't say how much trunk space is available behind the optional 50/50-split third row, but it's very limited and only good for a few shopping bags. In the normal two-row configuration, trunk volume is a very reasonable 33.3 cu-ft, not far behind the X5's 33.9 cu-ft or SQ7's 35.7 cu-ft. With the 40/20/40-split second row folded, the GLE 53 beats both its rivals with a figure of 74.9 cu-ft.

Cabin storage is decent but unexceptional, starting with a medium-sized glovebox and four roomy door pockets. The two front cupholders are a bit shallow for tall drinks, and the little uncovered storage nook for small items normally found behind the MBUX controller in base GLEs is taken up by the air-suspension controls in the GLE 53. There is a lidded center-console storage cubby further back and a wireless charging pad for your mobile phone as well. The rear-seat passengers' cupholders are in the fold-down center armrest.

Materials and Colors

In terms of interior colors, four are available - black, Macchiato Beige/black, Classic Red/black, and Bahia Brown/black. You can have these in either the standard no-cost Nappa leather or in an even higher grade of Exclusive Nappa leather for $1,560. The standard no-cost trim option is brushed aluminum, but you can opt for extra-cost wood veneers called Brown Linden, Brown Walnut, or Natural Grain Grey Oak for $160. Piano Black Flowing Lines lacquered wood goes for $850, and AMG Carbon Fiber for $1,750. The AMG Performance steering wheel is trimmed in Nappa leather, but it can be had in a combination of Nappa and microfiber faux suede for $500 or in a combination of carbon fiber and microfiber for $900. Red seatbelts are a no-cost option, but a black microfiber headliner costs $1,600.

Features and Infotainment

Whereas in many of the lesser GLEs, luxury features such as Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a glass panorama roof either cost extra money or aren't available at all, these are all present in the AMG GLE 53 SUV. The front seats are heated too, and 12-way electrically adjustable with memory. Other noteworthy features include keyless entry and push-button start, a power-adjustable tilting/telescoping AMG Performance steering wheel trimmed in Nappa leather, dual-zone climate control, and a garage-door opener. On the options menu, you'll find items such as a heated steering wheel, four-zone climate control, heated and cooled front cupholders, and massaging front seats. Some of these, such as the cupholders and massaging seats, in addition to a head-up display, are part of the optional Pinnacle sub-trim, which can be applied to the base car at a cost of $3,450.

The 12.3-inch configurable digital gauge cluster ahead of the driver is flanked by a touchscreen of the same size as part of Merc's cloud-connected MBUX infotainment system, which can also be updated over the air. Now boasting the latest software version, added features this year include augmented video for the standard navigation system (with free map updates for a year) and Dolby Atmos capability for the standard 13-speaker Burmester audio system. The other system features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and online music streaming, "Hey, Mercedes" keyword activation, voice control, multiple USB ports, HD Radio, and SiriusXM. The system can be controlled via the touchscreen, the touchpad controller on the center console, or the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Additional options include the AMG Track Pace app or a dashcam for $250 and $200, respectively.

Performance

Performance is decent in isolation and certainly very smooth, but the GLE 53’s rivals are far more powerful and quicker, leaving the Merc’s driver wanting at the car’s elevated price point.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV's engine is mostly the same turbocharged inline six-cylinder it used last year, supplemented by a 48-V mild-hybrid system. It gains a larger turbocharger and revised software this year, and while the power output remains 429 hp, torque increases from 384 to 413 lb-ft. The electric motor provides up to 21 hp and 184 lb-ft at low to middle engine speeds to fatten up the torque curve, eliminate turbo lag, and smooth out the shifts of the nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission. The changes improve the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV's 0-60 time from 5.2 to 4.9 seconds - swift but well off the competition. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

The only drivetrain configuration offered is AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive. In fact, from this year, no RWD GLEs are left, and AWD is a standard fitment across the board. Trailering is very competitive, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds with the factory tow hitch fitted, matching the SQ7 and Cayenne S. With at least 7.5 inches of ground clearance, the GLE 53 can take on rough roads, but it's not meant for off-road driving and lacks a dual-range transmission. You wouldn't want to wreck those 20-inch alloys or high-performance tires, either.

The overriding impression of the powertrain is how incredibly smooth it is, with the creamy inline six-cylinder and electric assistance evening out the power delivery and dispensing the punch with unwavering consistency and with either very little noise or a gleeful blare, depending on the setting you chose for the newly standard selectable AMG Performance exhaust. The brakes and steering blend into the background, with predictable and accurate responses but little in the way of feedback and excitement. The suspension keeps the body relatively flat in corners and soaks up most of the bumps on the standard wheels, but we'd avoid the 22-inch options, as they hurt ride quality and spoil the 53's excellent balance. Even on the standard wheels, highway expansion joints sometimes send tremors into the cabin. Overall, it's an accomplished and secure handler with good ride quality but little excitement and none of a Cayenne's sense of fun and precision.

Fuel Efficiency

Gas mileage is good for a big SUV, but not as good as we'd hoped for, considering the much smaller six-cylinder engine, mild-hybrid assistance, and lower power output compared to rivals. According to the EPA, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV's mpg figures for the city/highway/combined cycles are 18/23/20 mpg - a fair result that beats the 17 mpg combined of the gas Cayenne S and SQ7, but only just slightly better than the 523-hp mild-hybrid X5 M60i's 19 mpg, 4.4-liter V8 and all. With a fuel capacity of 22.5 gallons, expect a range of around 450 miles on the combined cycle.

Safety

Driver assists are mostly comprehensive, even including a surround-view camera and automated parking, but adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking cost extra.

The NHTSA has only conducted a partial safety review of the 2024 Mercedes GLE, but the agency hasn't reviewed the GLE 53 specifically. So far, the results mirror those of last year's GLE, so expect a full five-star overall rating. Last year's GLE received Good scores for almost all the IIHS's testing criteria, along with a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award, so we expect top scores from the latest GLE as well.

Seven airbags are standard, but, rather disappointingly on a car of this caliber, you must pay $700 extra for rear-seat side airbags. Naturally, ABS, stability control, a backup camera, and tire-pressure monitoring are standard. In addition to these, the GLE 53 also gets front-collision alert, automatic brake initiation, brake assist, driver-alertness monitoring, crosswind assist, blind-spot monitoring with exit warning, Pre-Safe, automated parking, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights with auto high beams, auto-dimming for the interior and driver's side mirror, and a surround-view camera with a "transparent hood" function. Notable by their absence are automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, both available via the $1,950 Driver Assistance package, which also includes active assistance for the blind-spot and lane-keep systems, evasive steering, speed-limit assist, and more.

Reliability

JD Power rates the reliability of the 2024 Mercedes GLE range, AMG 53 included, at a very good 81 out of 100, virtually on par with the X5 range's 82 and ahead of the Q7 range's 78. So far, no recalls are listed for the updated 2024 GLE, and last year's model was rather good as well, with only two recalls on record - for rear-window trim bars that may detach while driving and for a failing fuel pump that may cut drive power. Both recalls also affected the GLE 53. This is a far cry from the 2022 GLE lineup, which was recalled six times.

The limited warranty of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE SUV is competitive. It's valid for four years/50,000 miles, exactly the same as the powertrain warranty. Unlike the X5's generous three-year cover, no complimentary servicing is included.

Warranty

Design

The instantly familiar GLE styling features, such as the sweeping C-pillar and just-right proportions, are expressed in a sportier way in the AMG GLE 53. The front fascia is not unlike the V8 GLE 63's, and the bold Panamericana grille has vertical chromed slats. This and the lower fascia treatment with its big air intakes speak of sporty intent, bolstered by sizeable five-spoke 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, but various designs in sizes up to 22 inches are available. The glasshouse surround and roof rails are also picked out in silver. At the rear, you can't miss the silver-trimmed lower valance with its quad chromed AMG Performance exhaust outlets. LED exterior lighting is standard, as is a power liftgate and panoramic glass roof. The optional Night package blacks out the exterior trim and wheels, while other optional exterior enhancements include an illuminated Mercedes grille star, running boards, an AMG filler cap, and more.

Verdict: Is The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV A Good SUV?

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 SUV is everything we've always loved about this mildest of AMG GLEs. It's a swift, comfortable, roomy, and classy mid-size SUV with enough performance to satisfy your sporty bent and a good level of standard kit. But the incremental improvements to the powertrain have seen the 53 fall behind its rivals, which all sport V8 engines and a lot more power and performance for around the same money. The 2026 PHEV GLE 53 with 536 hp is still a way off, while some rivals, such as the X5 M60i, have that level of power right now - at the same price - not to mention a 483-hp PHEV already on sale in the form of the 2024 X5 xDrive50e. Catching up with the competition just as they update their cars and soar ahead seems to be something of a theme for the GLE nowadays, and this, sadly, also relegates the GLE 53 to the middle ranks of the class pecking order.