The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ has been unveiled, forgoing the mild-hybrid drivetrain of its predecessor for a plug-in hybrid system with up 536bhp and 553lb ft of torque.
The heavily facelifted performance SUV is the first AMG model to receive the new petrol-electric system, which includes a series of electrification developments already seen on parent company Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e 4Matic and GLE 350de 4Matic.
Autocar understands that the plug-in hybrid GLE 53 will not come to the UK, where the current car will remain on sale for the foreseeable.
The GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+ combines a newly developed version of Mercedes-AMG‘s turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with a gearbox-mounted electric motor and a 31.2kWh lithium ion battery.
The reworked combustion engine develops 443bhp and the electric motor contributes up to 134bhp to give a combined system output of 536bhp and 553lb ft – a significant 87bhp and 170lb ft more than the earlier GLE 53 4Matic+.
By comparison, the BMW X5 M60i and X6 M60i’s mild-hybrid drivetrain develops 523bhp and the same 553lb ft.
Power for the electric motor is stored in a 31.2kWh battery – the same unit used by the facelifted GLE 400e and GLE 350de. It can be charged at up to 11kW on an AC charger and at up to 60kW on a DC system. The electric range is put at between 50 and 53 miles for the straight-backed SUV, and between 51 and 54 miles for the more aerodynamically efficient coupé version.
The new plug-in hybrid system offers up to seven driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Smoothness, Individual, Electric and Battery Hold.
AMG has yet to provide a weight figure for the GLE 53 Hybrid 4Matic+, but it claims a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec. This is 0.4sec inside the time quoted for the earlier GLE 53 4Matic+. Top speed remains limited to 155mph.