It’s been just a few days since we saw a range-topping AMG GLE 63 test car with very few bits of camo attached to it and our spies have caught its smaller sibling, the electrified AMG 53 version.
How do we know that the car pictured here is the 53 model? The biggest telltale feature is to be found at the back, as the newly released 53 models get a model-specific round exhaust tail pipe design, whereas the 63 ones feature a set of squared tips.
Other differences can be found up front, where the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is getting a more subtle treatment, with smaller air intakes on the bumper and a regular grille instead of the more rounded Panamericana style.
Power will come from AMG’s fresh hybrid powertrain that combines a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six engine with an EQ Boost-branded starter-alternator for a combined output of 457hp and 567lb-ft (769 Nm) of peak torque.
Power will go to all four wheels through an AMG-tuned 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Despite the rather noticeable difference in power when compared to the GLE 63 models, the upcoming GLE 53 is expected to offer a 0-62mph (100km/h) in less than five seconds.The hybrid powertrain comes with a 48-volt electrical architecture as well.
AMG is rapidly expanding its range towards every direction, making the addition of a 53 variant in the 2019 GLE’s range a rather straightforward decision. So far we’ve seen the E-Class, the CLS and the AMG GT4 receiving AMG’s first hybrid powertrain and the list will grow over the next few months.
Mercedes is expected to reveal the all-new GLE towards the end of the year, but we still can’t tell if the official reveal will include the AMG versions as well. If not, then expect to see them in their full glory sometime in early 2019.