The new plug-in AMG is far more relaxed than its numbers suggest. It is also much quicker than the model it replaces.
AMG launches usually mean racetracks or the autobahn. Ours meant a rainy, foggy mountain road in southwest Colorado, which is not exactly the place for lap times. The plan was simple: leave a ranch near Crawford and reach the airport in Grand Junction, about 2.5 hours away, in the refreshed 2027 AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+.
Key Takeaways
- The plug-in AMG GLE 53 makes 585 hp and 553 lb-ft, and reaches 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, two-tenths quicker than before.
- Electric range is rated at 88-91 km (SUV) and 90-93 km (Coupe) on the WLTP cycle.
- Canadian pricing starts at $132,200 MSRP for the SUV; the Coupe adds $5,400.
The Drive –
The route follows Colorado State Highway 65 over the Grand Mesa, part of a roughly 100-km scenic byway that climbs to 3,307 m. Rain, fog and temperatures around 4 or 5 degrees made for a drama-free, sedate pace until the weather cleared near the end. I switched between Comfort on the flats and Sport over the pass, then used Electric mode to glide into the airport lot.
The air suspension gave a comfortable ride and the new ESP system worked well with the variable AWD, so the system never needed to step in. Going downhill, I preferred engine braking to riding the brakes.
Powertrain
Both GLE 53s use a reworked 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six making 449 hp. The Hybrid adds a 184-hp electric motor with 354 lb-ft available instantly, for 585 hp and 553 lb-ft combined. The 400-volt system moves a 2,770-kg vehicle without noticeable turbo lag.
Electric-only driving works up to 140 km/h. The standard onboard charger is 11 kW, and an optional 60-kW DC charger takes the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in about 20 minutes. The Battery Hold program preserves the state of charge so you can save electric range for the city. NRCan has not yet published 2027 fuel figures; last year’s hybrid GLE 53 was rated 12.9 L/100 km city, 10.2 highway and 11.7 combined.
Drive programs include Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Trail and Individual.
Design and Cabin
Changes are modest: a revised AMG grille, new air intakes, star-pattern taillights and twin tailpipes. Inside is the three-screen MBUX Superscreen, a flat-bottom AMG steering wheel with physical buttons again, and a nine-speed transmission you can shift with the paddles.
Canadian Pricing
| Model | MSRP (SUV) | MSRP (Coupe) |
|---|---|---|
| AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ | $132,200 | $137,600 |
| AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ (603-hp V8) | $170,500 | $177,600 |
Verdict
This was a mountain commute rather than a performance test, but it showed what most owners will experience: a quiet, quick and very comfortable plug-in with real electric range. The rest of the story, the full performance test, will follow.
