News / 9 October 2023 / Albert du Toit

High-performance Mercedes-AMG GLE officially launched in South Africa – Pricing and specifications

The updated Mercedes-AMG GLE range has landed in South Africa with five models on offer split across two powertrains, two body styles, and two seating configurations.

Following the introduction of the standard GLE last week, the high-performance GLEs are now available at a starting price of R2.4 million.

The facelifted SUVs gain new exterior styling cues, standard engine electrification through means of a mild-hybrid system, and an enhanced set of equipment to boot.

Everything new

As before, the AMG GLE 53 is driven by a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged petrol engine, while the 63 makes do with a larger 4.0‑litre, V8, biturbo unit.

Now, however, both drivelines have been endowed with an Integrated Starter Generator and a 48‑volt electrical system, which provides 15kW and 200Nm of electric boost, giving the new 53 a power reading of 320kW and 560Nm – 40Nm more than before – while the 63 pushes out 450kW and 850Nm.

Courtesy of the more powerful foundations, the time it takes to get from 0-100km/h has been cut down by 0.3 seconds to 5 seconds flat for the 53, whereas the 63 reaches the landmark in a brisk 3.9 seconds, with top speed limited at 250km/h and 280km/h, respectively.

Depending on the body style, fuel consumption for the 53 ranges between 10.3-10.7l/100km, and for the 63, between 12.4-12.8l/100km.

Further common to all AMG GLE models are a nine-speed automatic gearbox, fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all‑wheel drive, AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive adjustable damping, and an engageable AMG Performance exhaust system.

The 63 variants also benefit from AMG Active Ride Control with roll stabilisation that reduces body roll when cornering, allows more precise tuning of the turn‑in ability and load change behaviour, and supplies increased ride comfort during straight-line driving.

As part of the facelift, the roll stabilisation and air suspension systems were enhanced with a software update and a new set-up, thereby increasing the spread between dynamic handling and comfort, said Mercedes.

Styling-wise, the refreshed AMG-badged GLEs can be recognised through newly-designed LED daytime running lights, the AMG emblem on the nose instead of the Mercedes star, and revised LED tail lamps.

The 53 models also get a new front apron with more aggressive side air intakes in jet‑wing design to move them “visually closer to the eight‑cylinder models,” said the manufacturer.

Inside the cabin, the SUVs enjoy significantly improved standard equipment, taking the form of an electric panoramic sliding sunroof, heated front seats, the AMG Performance steering wheel, smartphone integration, a Burmester sound system, the Memory Package for the front seats and steering column, the 360‑degree Parking Pilot, keyless entry and start, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist.

In all Coupe models, the level of kit is turned up another notch with climate control for the front seats, augmented reality functions for the central infotainment display, the MBUX Interior Assistant, temperature-controlled cupholders, multi-beam LED headlamps, and AMG-specific puddle lamps.

For the range-topping 63 Coupe, customers can further look forward to the Air‑Balance air purification and fragrance system, multi‑contour front seats, and a heads‑up display.