Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe 2021 Review

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is more than just a restyled version of the regular GLE family wagon.

The sloping roofline makes for a tough-looking SUV, while a range of updates brought with the new generation promises it is sportier, better equipped and more efficient than its predecessor.

Nestled between the base-model GLE 450 Coupe that starts at $137,000 plus on-road costs and the monstrous flagship GLE 63 S Coupe that costs $222,700 plus ORCs, all of the new stuff comes with a pretty hefty price rise as the GLE 53 Coupe now starts at $171,800 plus ORCs, which is significantly more than the GLE 43 Coupe it replaces that launched in 2016 at $135,530.

Visually separating the GLE 53 from its mainstream counterpart is AMG’s signature oversized Panamericana front grille with 15 vertical strips that incorporates a double-ringed Benz star in the centre.

The narrow headlights adorn the front above an A-wing in the apron with a silver chrome-plated front splitter, while a pair of twin chrome-plated tailpipes feature at the rear with oversized wheel-arches doing their best to accommodate 21-inch wheels.

The beautifully-appointed interior stands out with red colour and brushed aluminium accents, AMG lettering in the Nappa leather-trimmed seats and a black roof lining.

Integrated grab handles dominate the centre console and the widescreen cockpit display with two 12.3-inch colour displays behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel houses the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice-activated MBUX operating system.

Within that cutting-edge infotainment system, the driver has access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring with wireless phone charging, a 64-colour LED ambient interior lighting set-up, a high-quality Burmester 3D sound system and sat-nav with augmented reality that projects virtual directions and road signs onto real-time vision from the forward-facing camera.

On top of that, there’s a head-up display, standard panoramic glass sunroof, illuminated AMG lettering on the door scuff plates, Benz star light projection under the wing mirrors and heated and cooled front seats.

There’s a stack of USB-C charging points up front (bring your USB-C to USB-A adapters) along with a 12V power outlet, while second-row occupants also get a couple of USB ports, dual adjustable air vents and the option of four-zone climate control for an extra $1450.

There’s also a rather expensive $6000 rear Entertainment Package which includes two screens and wireless headsets. 

Mercedes-Benz isn’t the only car-maker to jump on the coupe-style SUV trend that was pioneered by the original BMW X6, with Porsche now offering its popular Cayenne in both wagon and coupe body styles as does Audi with its all-electric e-tron SUV.

By the very nature of their sporting profiles, the Jaguar F-PACE, Maserati Levante S and Range Rover Velar are also prime competitors for the GLE Coupe.

Not surprisingly, considering the company’s record in advancing new technologies over the last century, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is right at the forefront of safety with a five-star ANCAP crash test rating that applies to all model variants (across both wagon and coupe ranges) using rigorous protocols introduced in 2019.

It not only comes equipped with nine airbags but also a comprehensive suite of electronic driver aids including autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that operates across a wider range of speeds than most with the ability to automatically employ an emergency stop on German autobahns and even activate the lane change assistance to swerve away from a potential risk.

On top of that, the Driver Assistance Package bundles together functions like steering assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and traffic sign recognition.

Feeling out the larger extremities of the monster when parking is taken care of by the multi-camera 360-degree surround-view system in combination with all-round parking sensors and an automated parking assistant as standard equipment.

Super-grippy, humongous and wide Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV 275/45 21 front and 315/40 21 rear tyres play a key role in keeping the GLE firmly planted on the road, as does all-wheel drive traction and the Active Ride Control system which I’ll explain down the track.

The heart of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is a powerful 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers (one driven by an electric compressor) that delivers 320kW of power and 520Nm of torque.

Thanks to a 48-volt integrated generator unit that can deploy an extra 16kW and 250Nm, the GLE’s maximum pulling power is available across a very broad rev range with the peak holding strong from a very low 1800rpm all the way to 5800rpm.

The GLE 53 Coupe can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds, which is pretty impressive for an SUV that weighs more than two-and-a-half tonnes.

Coupled to the somewhat unique inline six-cylinder mild-hybrid powerplant is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G torque-converter nine-speed automatic that provides super-quick gear selection.

Transfer of power to the pavement comes via the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that can manipulate power distribution and vary torque across the front and rear axles (whichever end requires it the most), ensuring maximum traction and balanced handling characteristics.

Something that AMG’s SUVs have been crying out for is the AMG Active Ride Control which utilises electronically-controlled anti-roll bars (thanks to having a 48V electrical system) in conjunction with air springs and adaptive shock absorbers.

The system can de-couple the anti-roll bars, soften off and stiffen up depending on requirements which effectively provides the best of both worlds – a soft ride but flat platform when hard cornering.

There’s nothing surprising about the fact that the Mercedes-Benz GLE is now bigger. We’re all aware that the quest for more space and increased room for crash structures drives the development of larger and larger vehicles.

Compared to the model it replaces, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe is 39mm longer, 7mm wider and has another 20mm added to its wheelbase.

But, interestingly, the wheelbase length on the coupe body style is 60mm shorter than the wagon, which Mercedes claims brings benefits in handling dynamics with improved response.

In any case, the new generation delivers a more spacious cabin and 40 litres of extra boot space, now 655L and extending to 1790L with the 40/20/40-split folding second-row seats stowed.

The sloping C-pillar does compromise luggage and rear headroom, but I’m six foot and would be happily accommodated for medium-length trips.

Three top-tether child restraint anchorage points adorn the rear seats as does ISOFIX attachments in the outer pews.

On the road, and as good as the Active Ride Control claims to be, it’s definitely in a battle with its low-profile 21-inch tyres and the compromised ride they create.

Try as the engineers might, you can’t get something for nothing so owners will have to deal with a little harshness on less-than-perfect roads. On smooth surfaces it rides well and I like the fact that it gives a racy feel and lets you know you’re behind the wheel of something a bit special.

The engine in the GLE 53 has the usual Mercedes-AMG brilliance which combines effortless versatility and smoothness around town but can also catapult 2.5 tonnes up the road at a very respectable rate of knots.

I must admit that the racer in me is definitely at odds with most SUVs, but they are here to stay and I’m slowly coming around to them after sampling examples like the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe.

Engineers have the unenviable task of trying to make high-riding, heavy-chassis vehicles behave like low-riding and light sports cars, which in turn gives us technologies like ‘Active Ride Control’ and mild-hybrid engines to help keep fuel economy in check.

All this does transpire to a sporty feel on-road for the GLE, with unmistakeable agile AMG flair. It sits flat during hard cornering with an inevitable physics-limiting ‘safe’ understeering balance that comes with trying to shift 2.5 tonnes.

The GLE’s engine for mine is its greatest asset. The mild-hybrid power unit is so smooth in its application that it’s impossible to detect its operation.

Engaging during heaving braking to supplement the brakes, also during low-load coasting, under full power and providing ‘torque-filling’ between gear shifts, the system also fills the holes and hesitations otherwise found in the 3.0-litre internal combustion engine.

Not that there’s too many hesitations from a super-flat and fat 4000rpm peak torque curve. It does all this on a smell-of-an-oily-rag 9.3L/100km fuel economy figure.

As agile, frugal and powerful as the GLE is, buyers of the coupe version are arguably drawn to its design and I must admit I am too.

It’s only design flaw? Rear-vision is limited by the small rear window, as is cargo space, owing to the C-pillar design – you do have to pay the piper at some stage.

The GLE 53 Coupe does have an intimidating presence about it, not only to look at but to drive, and that’s where its attraction lies.

Disclaimer: Luke Youlden is a Bathurst 1000 champion, 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup series competitor, Tekworkx Motorsport mentor and chief driving coach, deputy chief instructor for the Porsche Experience and also works for Pilota Sportiva, whose clients include Audi Driving Experience and Volkswagen Group Australia.

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe cost?
Price: $171,800 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol
Output: 320kW/520Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 213g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)