Mercedes-Benz NZ powers up its GLE line-up

The Mercedes-AMG produces 520Nm of torque. Photo: Mercedes-Benz NZ

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has announced the pricing of a high-performance variant of the GLE SUV.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ joins the GLE 300d and 400d in the model range and is priced from $180,100.

It gains a 3-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engine fitted with twin turbochargers (one conventional turbo and one electric compressor) plus EQ Boost, a 48V electric starter-generator that bolsters accelerative efforts.

The output from the engine is 320kW of power and 520Nm of torque from the engine, plus up to 16kW and 250Nm from the EQ Boost system.

The GLE 53 will go from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

Fuel economy is rated at 9.4L/100km for the combined cycle.

It gets the AMG 9G automatic transmission plus nine performance-geared ratios and a torque converter, driving power to the road via AMG Performance 4MATIC+.

An AMG active exhaust system featuring a pair of twin outlets allows occupants to enjoy muted output during daily driving, while the experience of spirited driving can be enhanced at the press of a button to generate more characterful responses.

Exceptional driving dynamics also come as standard via AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension, which incorporates adaptive damping and can be preselected through three on-road modes – ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ – allowing more noticeable differentiation between long-distance comfort and more sporty dynamics.

Two new damping levels – ‘Trail’ and ‘Sand’ – are designated for off-road use.

The Mercedes-AMG gains the brand’s luxurious interior. Photo: Mercedes-Benz NZ

An optional AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL package forms the basis for even higher levels of agility, neutral cornering behaviour and optimal traction.

This new feature extends the level of AMG-specific tuning by introducing active roll stabilisation, with two 48-volt electro-mechanical actuators working independently on the front and rear axle, as well as fully variable torque distribution.

This not only reduces rolling during cornering, it also enables more precise tuning of the cornering and load change properties.

Movements in the body can be actively and optimally adjusted to the driving conditions. Another benefit is significantly faster response: AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL can adapt the driving status up to 1000 times per second.

The GLE 53 is available now in New Zealand.