Mercedes-AMG announces global launch of GLE 53 4Matic+
Mercedes-AMG has launched its performance offering for the new GLE generation with the GLE 53 4MATIC+. The basis for the signature AMG driving dynamics is provided by the 429bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine. It also gets the fully variable all-wheel drive, the agile 9-speed automatic transmission, the AMG-specific drive programs and the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL air suspension. This is based on the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ with electro-mechanical roll stabilisation. Thanks to the AMG-specific radiator grille with 15 vertical strips, it is immediately obvious that it is part of the AMG family. Numerous options such as the selectable performance exhaust system and the AMG steering wheel buttons make the driving experience even more emotional.
“As the inventors of the performance SUV, it is important to us to continue to be at the top with the new generation of the GLE when it comes to innovations, driving dynamics, individuality and design. The first step here is the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+, with which we offer our customers more power than the predecessor model as well as our fully variable all-wheel technology. Not least of all its striking radiator grill shows our new GLE 53 as a fully-fledged member of the AMG family”, states Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Mercedes AMG GLE 53’s six-cylinder engine with twin charging
The EQ Boost starter generator briefly and additionally feeds the 48 V on-board electrical system. The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor. It provides an additional 21.4bhp and 250 Nm of torque. This innovation as well as the intelligent charging via an electric auxiliary compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger all have the same goal: to enhance the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics. But it also reduces fuel consumption and emissions. The GLE 53 4MATIC+ accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. The top speed is electronically to 250kmph.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53’s electric auxiliary compressor and 48 V on-board electrical system
The electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high level of boost pressure without any delays until the big exhaust gas turbocharger kicks in. As a result the 3.0-litre engine reacts extremely spontaneously and provides a dynamic response without turbo lag. An additional bonus is the high level of refinement of the six-cylinder in-line engine.
But the EQ Boost starter-alternator can do even more. It also provides the 48 V on-board electrical system with electricity. A DC/DC converter supplies the conventional 12 V electrical system. The 48 V battery increases the overall battery capacity in the vehicle, which allows supplying 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, which indirectly contributes to saving fuel. The existing 12 V system supplies power to consumers such as lights, cockpit, infotainment displays and control units.
It also does hybrid: EQ Boost starter-alternator
The EQ Boost starter generator is a key component of the 48 V system. It not only serves as an alternator, but is 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-alternator is also responsible for idle speed control.
The hybrid functions include boost with 16 kW of output and 250 Nm of torque, energy recovery, shifting of the load point, gliding mode and the virtually imperceptible restarting of the engine with the start/stop function.
The installation length of the new six-cylinder engine is also less than conventional six-cylinder engines. This is because Mercedes has omitted the belt drive for ancillary components on the front edge of the engine. This creates space for an exhaust gas aftertreatment system mounted near the engine, which is therefore particularly efficient. The particulate filter is the only part of the emission control system that is under the floor.
A special acoustic experience comes courtesy of the optional, selectable AMG Performance exhaust system. The variable adjustable exhaust flaps give the option to change the sound of the vehicle at the press of a button. Depending on the drive program, the sound characteristics change from unobtrusive comfort through to maximum emotive appeal.
AMG Speedshift TCT 9G
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission (TCT = Torque-Clutch Transmission) ensures emotional gear shifting with extremely short shift times. It is optimally tuned to the engine and promises agile pulling off typical of AMG as well as speedy shifting. This is regardless of an automatic or manual transmission via the steering wheel shift paddles. The system also implements upshifts or downshifts instantly. Especially in the “Sport+” and in manual driving modes, the transmission is very responsive. Multiple downshifting enables fast bursts of speed, while the double-clutching function makes shift operations acoustically more emotional.
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive
The new GLE 53 4MATIC+ is equipped for maximum traction and dynamics with AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. The intelligent steering variably links the permanently driven rear axle with the front axle. It also continually calculates the optimum torque distribution – depending on the driving situation and the driver’s wishes. The all-wheel drive thus improves longitudinal dynamics as well as traction and lateral dynamics. The outcome: yet more powerful acceleration from a standing position and for short sprints.
AMG Active Ride Control suspension
Redeveloped in Affalterbach, the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension based on AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension. This forms the basis for a driving experience that is characterised by a high level of agility, neutral cornering behaviour and optimal traction. A new feature makes a significant contribution to the AMG-specific tuning for high levels of driving dynamics: the active roll stabilisation with two electro-mechanic actuators working independently of one another on the front and rear axle as well as fully variable torque distribution.
Not only does the system reduce rolling movements when cornering, it also enables more precise tuning of the cornering and load change properties. In addition, it increases the drive comfort when driving straight ahead because stimuli are balanced out by one-sided road bumps, for example. Movements in the body can be actively and optimally adjusted to the driving conditions. This means that the AMG-typical form of the driving characteristics regarding dynamics, precision and response can be even more intensively experienced by the driver.
Another benefit in comparison to the usual hydraulic-based systems is the significantly faster response. The AMG control can adapt the driving status up to 1000 times per second. The sampling rate is thus a mere one-thousandth of a second. There is also the low weight of the components in comparison to the usual solutions.
Air suspension with continuously adjustable damping
The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with particularly sporty spring/damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) combines outstanding driving dynamics with high ride comfort. The driver can preselect the damping characteristics in three modes, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. This allows a significantly more noticeable differentiation between excellent long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics. In addition, there are two new levels for off-road use – “Trail” and “Sand”.
Thanks to pneumatic self-levelling at the front and rear axle, the GLE 53 4MATIC+ maintains a constant ride height regardless of the vehicle load. The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programmes “Sport” and “Sport+” lowers the vehicle by 15 mm. In the “Comfort” drive programme, the vehicle is lowered by 15 mm from a speed of 120 km/h. This reduces aerodynamic drag and, in turn, fuel consumption. In addition, handling stability is improved thanks to a lower centre of gravity. In order to increase the ground clearance on poor road surfaces or on ramps, the vehicle body level can be raised by up to 55 mm at the touch of a button with the engine running – both with the car stationary and in motion.
Mercedes AMG GLE 53’s sports steering and braking system
The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering has a variable ratio. It wins over customers with AMG-specific rack and pinion ratio and precise feedback. In addition, the driver can adjust steering power assistance in the two stages “Comfort” or “Sport”. The GLE 53 can automatically activate these settings based on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programme. The driver can optionally personalise these settings at any time in the “Individual” drive programme.
The large sized high-performance braking system reliably slows down the performance SUV even with heavier loads and short braking distances. The vehicle uses 400 x 36 mm internally ventilated and perforated integral brake disks on the front axle as well as 2-piston fixed calipers painted silver with black AMG lettering. On the rear, the internally ventilated integral brake disks measure 345 x 25 mm and have a 1-piston floating calliper.
AMG Dynamic Select
The GLE 53 4MATIC+ has seven drive programmes: The levels “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual”. There are also two more off-road-specific settings: “Trail” and “Sand”. AMG DYNAMIC SELECT adapts important parameters such as the responsiveness of the engine and transmission, the characteristic curve of the accelerator and steering, the suspension damping or even the vehicle’s sound. The programmes selected using the paddle in the centre console or the AMG steering wheel buttons. Next, the driver can toggle the visuals in the instrument cluster and on the multimedia display.
- “Slippery”: optimised for slippery road conditions. Reduces power and flattens torque curve.
- “Comfort”: comfortable and fuel-efficient driving, thanks to early upshifts. Softens suspension and steering for enhanced comfort.
- “Sport”: More agile response to the driver’s accelerator pedal input, shorter shift times, earlier downshifts,with a more dynamic suspension and steering set-up.
- “Sport+”: extremely sporty characteristics, more agile throttle response, increased acoustic emphasis on double de-clutching during downshifts as well as selective torque control on upshifts with cylinder suppression for optimal shift times. Increased idle speed for faster pulling away. More dynamic set-up for suspension, steering and drivetrain.
- “Individual”: individual adjustment of the drive system, transmission, AMG DYNAMICS, suspension and exhaust system.
- “Trail”: safe driving at maximum performance on soft, muddy or slippery ground.
- “Sand”: sporty set-up for the best possible grip and steerability on sandy slopes and in desert dunes.
But how does AMG Dynamics work?
AMG DYNAMICS vehicle dynamics control is integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programmes. In the “Basic”, “Advanced” and “Pro” levels, it influences the control strategies of the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) or the all-wheel drive. The intelligent pilot control anticipates the desired vehicle behaviour based on the driver’s actions and the sensor data. The spectrum ranges from extremely stable to highly dynamic. Additionally there are the “Traction” and “Slide” levels in the off-road “Trail” and “Sand” drive programmes when the ESP® is deactivated.
Exterior with AMG-specific radiator grille
The appearance of the GLE 53 4MATIC+ captivates thanks to its exclusivity, powerful sportiness and progressive dominance. Thanks to the AMG-specific radiator grille with 15 vertical chromed strips, it is immediately obvious that it is part of the AMG family. Equally striking is the star in the double ring, the narrow headlamps and the striking A-Wing in the front apron. Apart from the slats in the outer air inlets and the trim element on the A-Wing, the front splitter is also silver chrome-plated. The wheel arches in the same colour as the car provide space for the large wheels – mounted with 20-inch light alloy wheels with AMG lettering as standard. There are seven rim variants optionally available from 20 to 22 inch.
The horizontal chromed diffuser strip in the pronounced rear apron and the special exhaust system with two chromed twin tailpipes underline the powerful appearance from the rear and emphasis the effect of the width. The optional AMG Night Package further enhances the vehicle. It includes heat-insulating, dark tinted windows as well as front splitter, trim elements in the front apron. The outer air inlets, mirror covers, window frames, roof railing, diffuser and tailpipe trim are finished in refined black.
Interior design with red accents
The GLE 53 4MATIC+ gets characteristic red colour accents. This starts with the seats, fitted as standard with covers in ARTICO / microfibre DINAMICA man-made leather black with red contrasting topstitching. They not only offer optimal lateral support, but also have an AMG-specific design and “AMG” badge in the front seat backrest. ARTICO man-made leather covers the top part of the instrument panel. The black roof liner and the trim elements in aluminium brushed with light longitudinal grain underscore the sporty appearance.
Further elements to individualise the interior include different leather seat covers and a wide range of high-quality trim elements, among other items. The carbon AMG trim elements impart a particularly sporty feel to the interior.
An SUV highlight is the optional, foldable third row of seats, which make the GLE 53 4MATIC+ a seven-seater. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.
AMG-specific displays in the MBUX system
The GLE 53 4MATIC+ gets the innovative operating and display concept MBUX as standard. This also contains numerous AMG-specific content. With the widescreen cockpit, the instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia display optically combine into one unit. An intelligent voice-operated control “Hey Mercedes” also activates numerous functions. The optional MBUX Interior Assist also allows intuitive, natural operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition and gestures.
The instrument cluster has its own specific details such as the AMG start-up menu and the four selectable styles: “Classic”, “Sport”, AMG exclusive “Supersport” and “Discreet”. When the driver activates the AMG-specific DYNAMIC SELECT drive programmes like “Trail” and “Sand”, off-road-specific settings such as slope, incline and level can be toggled using on the instrument cluster. Rocker switches embedded in the centre console display and control the drive programmes, transmission, suspension, ESP and exhaust system.
AMG Performance steering wheel
The AMG Performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather with red contrasting top-stitching and red 12-o’clock marking combines maximum functionality, high-quality haptics and perfect ergonomics. Apart from the aluminium shift paddles, it also impresses thanks to the touch control buttons which are intuitive to operate. The driver can control the entire infotainment system with swiping finger movements.
Innovative steering wheel buttons optionally enhance the steering wheel with a round controller with an integrated display beneath the right-hand steering-wheel spoke, plus two vertically positioned colour display buttons with switches beneath the left-hand steering-wheel spoke.
Improve your skills with AMG TRACK PACE
With the optional extra AMG TRACK PACE, MBUX is enhanced with a virtual engineer. This enables the car to record and analyse up to 80 vehicle-specific data as well as times on closed routes outside of the public traffic area. The car can display these values on the widescreen cockpit or the optional head-up. After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyse and, if necessary, improve their driving skills. In addition, the car can measure and save acceleration and deceleration values.
The driver can record any circuits and open circuits him or herself. Drivers can also save these recordings for later vehicle data recording. A newly developed algorithm determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible. AMG TRACK PACE even detects when the car leaves circuit or shortens its path around it. Sensors in the vehicle calculating acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle and wheel speeds do this, along with help from GPS data.
The additional smartphone app enhances AMG TRACK PACE on these circuits. It includes functionalities such as video recording of the journey, individualisation options for the recorded videos and photos. It can also share the vehciles’ driving experiences on social networks.
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