News / 13 April 2021 / Albert du Toit

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 now in South Africa – Pricing and photos

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ is now for sale in South Africa.

Both the standard and coupe variants will be sold, with prices starting at R1,837,000.

They are given the AMG treatment on the outside and below the bonnet, and both will “guarantee a thrilling driving experience” – according to the company.

As part of the AMG package, there is an AMG-specific grille with vertical slats on the nose, body-coloured wheel arches, and 20-inch alloy wheels with AMG emblems as standard.

Buyers will then have the option to select between seven rim variants that range between 20-22 inches in size, along with several exterior colour options.

This dynamic design extends inwards, where carbon fibre inserts and red seat belts with contrast stitching provide a sporty atmosphere.

Leather seats have been fitted, two large screens on the dash combine to create a widescreen cockpit, and an intelligent voice assistant will respond to “Hey Mercedes” requests.

A multifunction Nappa leather steering wheel – from where you can control cabin features – is also provided, and touch displays add another level of control.

The latest MBUX infotainment system is then fitted, which supports plenty of features – such as smartphone mirroring and navigation – in addition to AMG-specific content.

The second row of seating gets the Easy Entry function, too, and will let the bench be adjusted completely electronically.

This allows easier entry into the optional third row of seating.

Performance

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is treated to an electrified, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine that generates 320kW of power and 520Nm of torque.

An additional 16kW of power is derived from the electrified part of the engine, along with 250Nm of torque thanks to EQ Boost.

The power is delivered to the road via the 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel-drive system, and each GLE 53 is fitted with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The powerful set-up will push the SUV from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds, regardless of its shape, and on to an electronically-limited top-speed of 250km/h.

Air suspension is fitted as standard, too, and works in conjunction with the adaptive damping system to keep the vehicle level at all times – no matter the load onboard.

It will also allow you to lift the body by 55mm to increase ground clearance, or to lower it by 15mm when Sport mode is selected (or at speeds of over 120km/h).

Providing sufficient stopping power is a set of 400mm brakes at the front and 345mm brakes at the rear.