The segment champion remains the BMW X6 and this is why the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe arrives as full-blown performance monster to challenge it before the Porsche Coupe arrives in 2021
The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe will be officially unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show and it is targeted to challenge the Audi Q8, BMW X6 and the soon to be launched Porsche Coupe.
This luxury Crossover uniquely combines sporty design with exhilarating performance and strong off-road capabilities. Its impressive dynamics are enhanced by the 429 hp 3.0- liter six-cylinder in-line engine with 48-volt technology, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all- wheel drive, AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission and a 2.4 in shorter wheelbase than its SUV sibling. Driving dynamics are further enhanced by the AMG drive programs and the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension based on AIRMATIC. The AMG-specific grille visually reinforces its membership in the AMG family. In addition, the new GLE 53 Coupe offers all the advantages of a Mercedes SUV: ample space for passengers and luggage, extensive safety features and superior traction on a variety of surfaces and road conditions.
Exterior design – expressive, muscular and dynamic
The new GLE 53 Coupe‘s exterior design embodies the promise of AMG Driving Performance. Membership of the AMG family is clear at first glance thanks to the AMG-specific radiator grille. The stylish and striking coupe silhouette lends a confident appearance, with lines that convey passion and performance. This is also evident in the hood’s prominent powerdomes. Elegant details such as the Mercedes star in a double ring, slim headlamps and the striking “A-wing” in the front bumper accentuate the sharper design.
The front bumper has AMG-specific features such as sporty outer air inlets, each with two side louvers in silver chrome with black accents. Like the air inlet louvers, the front splitter is also in silver chrome. The AMG side skirts and trunk lid spoiler are painted in the vehicle’s body color. The flared wheel arches allow space for large wheels – 21-inch wheels with AMG lettering are fitted as standard.
Interior design – progressive and robust elegance
The signature AMG look and feel also continues in the high-quality interior. Unique color highlights such as red contrast stitching and red seat belts contribute to a sporty ambience with an exclusive touch. The AMG seats in black MB-Tex / DINAMICA microfiber provide optimal lateral support and have an AMG-specific pattern with “AMG” badges in the front backrests.
The latest generation, three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel impresses with its aluminum shift paddles and driver-oriented ergonomics. The AMG stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs and black floor mats with “AMG” lettering also accentuate the sporty look.
A host of leather upholstery options and a wide range of high-quality interior trim elements are available for further interior individualization. The available AMG Carbon Fiber trim elements lend a particularly sporty touch to the interior.
Agile and precise: AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization
AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL based on AMG RIDE CONTROL+ is optionally available on the GLE 53 Coupe and enhances the driving experience even further. One specific new feature making a singificant contribution to the sporty driving dynamics is the active roll stabilization system, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL. Featuring two independently operating, electro-mechanical actuators at the front and rear axle, this system not only reduces body roll when cornering, but also allows more precise control of cornering properties and load change characteristics. In addition, it increases ride comfort when driving in a straight line, thanks to its ability to balance out one-sided bumps, for example. Body movements can be actively adapted to the driving conditions, improving the driving experience.
Another benefit compared to a traditional hydraulic-based system is the significantly faster response. The AMG control can adapt the driving status up to 1000 times per second. Additionally, the new system has a significant weight-saving advantage.
Air suspension with continuously adjustable damping
The AMG RIDE CONTROL air suspension based on AIRMATIC was developed in Affalterbach to provide a driving experience optimized for both long-distance comfort and high agility.The sporty spring/damper setup and the adaptively adjustable damping ensure a combination of outstanding driving dynamics and a high level of ride comfort. The damping characteristics can be preselected in three modes, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”, allowing for a significant differentiation between high long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics. In addition, there are two new levels for off-road use – “Trail” and “Sand”.
Thanks to the all-round pneumatic level control, the GLE 53 Coupe maintains a constant vehicle level regardless of the load carried. The vehicle level is generally lowered by 0.6 in, in the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Sport” and “Sport+”. In the “Comfort” drive program, the vehicle is lowered by 0.6 in from a speed of 75 mph. This reduces aerodynamic drag and therefore fuel consumption. In addition, handling stability is improved thanks to a lower center of gravity. To increase ground clearance on poor surfaces or on inclines, the suspension level can be raised by up to 2.2 in at the touch of a button– both when stationary and when driving up to 43 mph.
Optimized handling: sport steering and high-performance braking
The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering features a variable ratio. It impresses with its direct steering action and precise feedback. In addition, steering power assistance is adjusted in the two stages of “Comfort” or “Sport”. The configuration is automatically activated based on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program. Settings can also be personalized at any time in the “Individual” drive program.
The high-performance braking system reliably decelerates in short braking distances. The front brakes have internally ventilated and perforated integral brake discs with a diameter of 15.75 in, with 2-piston fixed calipers painted in silver with black AMG lettering. At the rear, the internally ventilated integral brake discs have a diameter of 13.6 in with 1-piston floating caliper.
Six-cylinder engine with turbocharging and EQ Boost
The basis for the GLE 53’s hallmark AMG power is provided by its electrified 3.0-liter engine featuring turbocharging and an electric auxiliary compressor. The 6-cylinder in-line engine generates 429 hp and delivers a maximum torque output of 384 lb-ft. Its EQ Boost starter generator delivers an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for short periods, and also feeds the 48 volt onboard electrical system.
The EQ Boost starter-generator combines the function of a starter and an alternator in a powerful electric motor, and is located between the engine and transmission. This innovation as well as the intelligent charging electric auxiliary compressor and exhaust gas turbocharger all have the same goal: to enhance the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics, while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The GLE 53 Coupe accelerates from zero to 60 mph in only 5.2 seconds, and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
Extra power thanks to an electric auxiliary compressor and a 48-volt onboard network
The electric auxiliary compressor quickly builds up a high level of boost pressure until the large exhaust gas turbocharger kicks in. As a result, the 3.0-liter engine reacts promptly and provides a dynamic response without turbo lag. An additional bonus is the six-cylinder in-line engine’s high level of refinement.
The EQ Boost starter-generator enhances the GLE 53 Coupe even further. It also provides the 48 V on-board electrical system with power. The conventional 12 V electrical system is also powered by the new network. The 48 V battery increases the overall vehicle battery capacity, enabling the supply of more electrical energy. An additional advantage: the same power requires only a quarter of the current of a conventional system. The result is that the wiring can be thinner and therefore lighter. The existing 12 V system supplies power to components such as the lights, cockpit, infotainment displays and control units.
Highly efficient: the EQ Boost starter-generator
The EQ Boost starter-generator is a key component of the 48 V system. It not only serves as an alternator, it’s also responsible for hybrid functions. This allows fuel savings that were previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. For the first time, the EQ Boost starter-generator is also responsible for idle speed control.
The hybrid functions include boosting, recuperation, load point adjustment, gliding and practically unnoticeable engine restarting with the start/stop function.
Because the belt drive for ancillary components on the front of the engine is not necessary, the installed length of the new six-cylinder engine is also significantly reduced compared with conventional six-cylinder engines.
This creates space for an exhaust gas after-treatment system mounted near the engine, which is particularly efficient.
A special acoustic experience comes courtesy of the optional, selectable AMG Performance exhaust system. The variable adjustable exhaust flaps enable the driver to change the sound of the vehicle at the touch of a button. Depending on the drive program, the sound characteristics vary between discreet and very powerful.
