2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE53 AMG 4Matic Coupe
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About the Car
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE53 AMG 4Matic Coupe
The new Mercedes-AMG GLE53 4MATIC+ Coupé uniquely combines sporty elegance and powerful performance with good off-road capabilities. Impressive agility is guaranteed by the 320 kW (435 hp) 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with 48 volt technology, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G 9-speed automatic transmission and the 60 mm shorter wheelbase compared with the SUV variant. The enhanced driving dynamics also come by virtue of the AMG-specific drive programs and the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with stabilising, electro-mechanical AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL. The AMG-specific radiator grille visually accentuates the Coupé’s membership of the AMG model family. In addition, the performance Coupé offers all the advantages of a Mercedes SUV: ample space for passengers and luggage, extensive safety features and superior traction on damp or sandy surfaces and in wintry road conditions.
“The new GLE53 4MATIC+ Coupé adds even more style and elegance to our SUV family, together with hallmark AMG features such as the brand-specific radiator grille. The attractive coupé lines envelop sophisticated suspension technology and our powerful, efficient six-cylinder in-line engine with 48 volt technology. Both guarantee a thrilling driving experience in terms of longitudinal and lateral dynamics,” says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Exterior design – expressive, muscular and dynamic
The design idiom of the exterior is the embodiment of hallmark AMG Driving Performance. Membership of the AMG model family is obvious at first glance thanks to the AMG-specific radiator grille. The stylish and striking coupé silhouette makes for a self-assured appearance, with design lines that convey the passion for performance. This is also confirmed by the prominent powerdomes surmounting the bonnet. Elegant details such as the Mercedes star in a double ring, the slim headlamps and the striking “A-wing” in the front apron accentuate the sharper all-round design.
The AMG front apron has model-specific features such as sporty outer air inlets, each with two side louvres in silver chrome, and black flics. Like the louvres of the air inlets and the trim on the A-wing, the front splitter is in silver chrome. The AMG side skirts and the spoiler lip on the boot lid are painted in the vehicle colour. The flared wheel arches allow space for the large wheels – 20-inch light-alloy wheels with AMG lettering are fitted as standard. A choice of six other wheel variants from 20 to 22 inches is available on request.
The newly designed rear apron with AMG-specific details such as a striking diffuser and a trim strip in silver chrome visually accentuate the vehicle’s width. The special AMG exhaust system with two round twin tailpipe trim elements in high-gloss chrome rounds off the sporty, dominant look. Further individualisation options are available in the AMG Night package. This includes heat-insulating, dark-tinted windows and also the front splitter, front apron trim, diffuser and outer air inlets, mirror caps, window frames and exhaust tailpipe trim elements in dignified black.
Interior design – progressive elegance and robust ambience
The look and feel typical of the brand also continue in the high-quality interior. Characteristic colour highlights such as red contrasting topstitching on the upholstery and red seat belts ensure a thoroughly sporty ambience with a dynamic and exclusive touch. The AMG seats in black ARTICO man-made leather / DINAMICA microfibre provide optimum lateral support and have an AMG-specific pattern layout with “AMG” badges in the front backrests.
AMG-specific interior features and controls lend a typical AMG atmosphere to the cockpit and support the sporty, precise handling. The latest generation, three-spoke AMG steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles impresses with its optimum driver-oriented ergonomics. Alongside the AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs, door sill panels and black floor mats with “AMG” lettering accentuate the sporty look.
A host of leather upholstery variants and a wide range of high-quality interior trim elements are available for further individualisation of the interior. AMG trim elements in carbon fibre lend a particularly sporty touch to the interior.
Agile and precise: AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilisation
The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension newly developed in Affalterbach provides a driving experience characterised by both long-distance comfort and great agility, neutral cornering behaviour and maximum traction.
One new feature makes a decisive contribution to the AMG-specific setup for high driving dynamics: the active roll stabilisation system AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL with two independently operating, electro-mechanical actuators at the front and rear axle. This system not only reduces body roll when cornering, but also allows more precise control of cornering properties and load change characteristics. In addition, it increases ride comfort when driving in a straight line because stimuli by one-sided road bumps are balanced out, for example. Body movements can be actively and optimally adapted to the driving status, which intensifies the driving experience.
Another benefit compared with 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 compared with the usual solutions.
For heightened sportiness: air suspension with continuously adjustable damping
The AMG RIDE CONTROL+ air suspension with a particularly sporty spring/damper setup and the adaptively adjustable ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System) ensures a combination of outstanding driving dynamics and a high level of ride comfort. The damping characteristics can be preselected in three modes, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”, allowing 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 the all-round pneumatic level control, the GLE53 4MATIC+ Coupé maintains a constant vehicle level irrespective of the load carried. The vehicle level is generally lowered by 10 mm in the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Sport” and “Sport+”. In the “Comfort” drive program, the vehicle is lowered by 10 mm from a speed of 120 km/h. This reduces aerodynamic drag and therefore fuel consumption. In addition, handling stability is improved thanks to a lower centre of gravity. To increase ground clearance on poor surfaces or on ramps, the suspension level can be raised by up to 55 mm at the touch of a button when the engine is running – both when stationary and when driving at up to 70 km/h.
Optimum handling: sports steering and high-performance braking system
The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering has a variable ratio. It impresses with its direct steering action and precise feedback. In addition, steering power assistance is adjusted in the two stages “Comfort” or “Sport”. The configuration is automatically activated based on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program. Settings can optionally be personalised at any time in the “Individual” drive program.
Even when severely stressed, the high-performance braking system reliably decelerates the performance Coupé with short braking distances. The front brakes have internally ventilated and perforated integral brake discs with a diameter of 400 mm, with 2-piston fixed callipers painted in silver with black AMG lettering. At the rear the internally ventilated integral brake discs have a diameter of 345 mm and are gripped by 1-piston floating callipers.
Six-cylinder engine with twin turbocharging
The basis for the hallmark AMG vehicle dynamics is provided by the electrified 3.0-litre engine with twin turbocharging by a turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor. The 6-cylinder in-line engine generates 320 kW (435 hp) and delivers a maximum torque of 520 Nm. Its EQ Boost starter-alternator delivers an additional 16 kW (22 hp) and 250 Nm of torque for a short period, and also feeds the 48 volt onboard electrical system.
The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor and is fitted between the engine and transmission. 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 also to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The GLE53 4MATIC+ Coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h is just 5.3 seconds, and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Extra power thanks to an electric auxiliary compressor and a 48 volt onboard network
The electric auxiliary compressor builds up a high level of boost pressure without any delays until the large 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. The conventional 12 V electrical system is likewise supplied from the new network – by means of a DC/DC converter. 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.
Highly efficient: the EQ Boost starter-alternator
The EQ Boost starter-alternator is a key component of the 48 V system and 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 boosting, recuperation, load point adjustment, gliding and practically unnoticeable engine restarting with the start/stop function.
Because the belt drive for ancillary components on the front edge of the engine is omitted, the installation length of the new six-cylinder engine is also significantly reduced compared with conventional six-cylinder engines. 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 touch of a button. Depending on the drive program, the sound characteristics vary between discreet and emotive.
Maximum traction: fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive
The new GLE53 4MATIC+ Coupé is equipped with fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive for maximum traction and dynamism. The intelligent steering variably links the permanently driven rear axle with the front axle and 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 result is even more powerful acceleration from a standstill and optimum traction on bends or on slippery surfaces.
Even more dynamism and emotion: 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 the agile pulling away that is so typical of AMG, along with speedy gearshift changes – either automatic, or manual via the steering wheel shift paddles. Upshifts or downshifts are implemented instantly. Especially in the “Sport+” drive program and in manual mode, the transmission is very responsive. Multiple downshifts allow fast intermediate sprints.
Intelligent control electronics: AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
The GLE53 4MATIC+ Coupé has seven drive programs: the levels “Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport”, “Sport+” and “Individual” are complemented by two off-road-specific settings: “Trail” and “Sand”. AMG DYNAMIC SELECT adapts important parameters such as the responsiveness of the engine and transmission, the characteristics of the accelerator pedal and steering, the suspension damping or even the vehicle’s sound. Selected using the rocker switch in the centre console or the optional AMG steering wheel buttons, the programs are shown in the instrument cluster and multimedia display.
- “Slippery”: optimised for slippery road conditions, with reduced power and a flat torque curve for a driving impression oriented toward stability.
- “Comfort”: comfortable and fuel-efficient driving, e.g. thanks to early upshifts. Suspension and steering are set up for an emphasis on comfort.
- “Sport”: sporty characteristics thanks to a more agile response to the driver’s accelerator pedal input, shorter shift times, earlier downshifts and significantly more emotive gearshifts owing to double de-clutching. A more dynamic suspension and steering setup.
- “Sport+”: extremely sporty characteristics thanks to an even 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. An even more dynamic setup 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 setup for the best possible grip and steerability on sandy slopes and in desert dunes.
AMG DYNAMICS vehicle dynamics control is integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. In the “Basic”, “Advanced” and “Pro” levels, it influences the control strategies of the ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) or the all-wheel drive, for example. 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 programs when the ESP® is deactivated.
With AMG-specific displays: the MBUX infotainment system
The innovative control and display concept MBUX is standard equipment in the GLE53 4MATIC+ Coupé, and has numerous AMG-specific functions. With the Widescreen Cockpit, the instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia display optically combine into one unit. Numerous functions can also be activated via the intelligent voice-operated control “Hey Mercedes”.
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 AMG-specific DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Trail” and “Sand” are activated, off-road-specific settings such as slope, incline and level can be selected and displayed on the instrument cluster. Rocker switches are embedded in the centre console for displaying and controlling the drive programs, transmission, suspension, ESP® and exhaust system.
No letting go: the AMG Performance steering wheel
The AMG Performance steering wheel in black nappa leather with red contrasting topstitching 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 entire infotainment system can be controlled with swiping finger movements.
Innovative steering wheel buttons optionally enhance the steering wheel with a round controller with an integral display beneath the right-hand steering-wheel spoke, plus two vertically positioned colour display buttons with switches beneath the left-hand steering-wheel spoke. These enable the AMG drive programs to be activated directly, with other AMG functions conveniently controlled directly at the steering wheel.
Your personal racing engineer: AMG TRACK PACE
With the optional extra AMG TRACK PACE, MBUX is enhanced with a virtual engineer which enables up to 80 vehicle-specific data as well as times on closed-off circuits outside of the public traffic area to be recorded and analysed in detail. Many of these values can be displayed if desired on the Widescreen Cockpit or in the optional head-up display in real-time. After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyse and, if necessary, improve their driving skills. In addition, acceleration and deceleration values (e.g. 0-100 km/h, ¼ mile, 100-0 km/h) can be measured and saved.
The driver can record any circuits and open circuits him or herself and can save them for later vehicle data recording. Thanks to a newly developed algorithm which determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, AMG TRACK PACE even detects when the circuit has been left or it has been shortened. This is done using GPS data as well as the sensors available in the vehicle (acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, wheel speeds).
The additional smartphone app enhances AMG TRACK PACE on these circuits with functionalities such as video recording of the journey, individualisation options for the recorded videos and photos as well as sharing the experiences on social networks.