Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG range offers three distinct buying directions. The first generation, produced from 2015 to 2020 as an SUV Coupe, pairs either a 2,996 cc V-shaped 6-cylinder engine or a 5,461 cc V-shaped 8-cylinder engine with AWD.
The Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG range offers three distinct buying directions. The first generation, produced from 2015 to 2020 as an SUV Coupe, pairs either a 2,996 cc V-shaped 6-cylinder engine or a 5,461 cc V-shaped 8-cylinder engine with AWD. The second generation, produced from 2020 to January 2024 in the same body style, moves to 2,999 cc Inline 6-cylinder and 3,982 cc V-shaped 8-cylinder engines. Its restyling, available from February 2023, adds 4Matic Plus Gasoline versions and a Plug-in alternative. The best choice therefore depends on whether the priority is lower consumption, power-to-weight performance, maximum speed, or the Plug-in drivetrain.
Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG generations compared
The first generation contains four versions. The two GLE AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic specifications produce either 367 hp or 390 hp from 2,996 cc. Above them are the GLE AMG 63 5.5 AT 4Matic, with 558 hp, and GLE AMG 63S 5.5 AT 4Matic, with 585 hp. Every version is Gasoline and AWD. The 6-cylinder models use a 9-speed Automatic, while both 8-cylinder models use a 7-speed Automatic.
The second generation contains five listed specifications. Its GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic appears with either 435 hp or 429 hp, both from 2,999 cc. The 3,982 cc choices are the 571 hp GLE AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic and two GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic specifications producing 612 hp and 603 hp. All five use AWD and a 9-speed Automatic. Compared with the first-generation 5,461 cc models, the second-generation V8 versions reduce displacement by 1,479 cc while delivering between 571 hp and 612 hp rather than between 558 hp and 585 hp.
The second-generation restyling contains four specifications. Gasoline choices comprise the GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic Plus, listed at both 435 hp and 429 hp, and the 612 hp GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus. The fourth version is the 544 hp GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT PHEV 4Matic, whose fuel type is Plug-in. All use AWD and a 9-speed Automatic.
Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG engine specs and power per litre
Power per litre helps compare engines of different sizes. Figures below are calculated from the listed horsepower and displacement; small differences between identically named versions are preserved.
| Generation | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive | Approx. hp/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | GLE AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic (367 hp) | 367 hp | 520 Nm | 2,996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 122.5 |
| First | GLE AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic (390 hp) | 390 hp | 520 Nm | 2,996 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 130.2 |
| First | GLE AMG 63 5.5 AT 4Matic | 558 hp | 700 Nm | 5,461 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD | 102.2 |
| First | GLE AMG 63S 5.5 AT 4Matic | 585 hp | 760 Nm | 5,461 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD | 107.1 |
| Second | GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic (435 hp) | 435 hp | 520 Nm | 2,999 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 145.0 |
| Second | GLE AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic | 571 hp | 750 Nm | 3,982 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 143.4 |
| Second | GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic (612 hp) | 612 hp | 850 Nm | 3,982 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 153.7 |
| Second | GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic (429 hp) | 429 hp | 520 Nm | 2,999 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 143.0 |
| Second | GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic (603 hp) | 603 hp | 850 Nm | 3,982 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 151.4 |
| Restyling | GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic Plus (435 hp) | 435 hp | 560 Nm | 2,999 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 145.0 |
| Restyling | GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus | 612 hp | 850 Nm | 3,982 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 153.7 |
| Restyling | GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT PHEV 4Matic | 544 hp | 765 Nm | 2,999 cc | Plug-in | 6, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 181.4 |
| Restyling | GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic Plus (429 hp) | 429 hp | 560 Nm | 2,999 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD | 143.0 |
The restyled GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT PHEV 4Matic has the highest calculated output per litre at approximately 181.4 hp/L. Among the Gasoline versions, the 612 hp GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic and GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus lead at approximately 153.7 hp/L. Buyers prioritizing engine output without choosing the largest displacement can therefore focus on the second-generation 3,982 cc models or the restyled Plug-in.
Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG performance, mpg and economy
The table uses 0–100 km/h because that is the acceleration measurement supplied. A 0–60 mph figure is not measured. Fuel consumption is shown in L/100 km; where the database has no result, it is stated explicitly.
| Exact version | 0–100 km/h | 0–60 mph | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic (367 hp) | 5.7 s | not measured | 250 km/h | 11.7 | 8.1 | 9.4 |
| GLE AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic (390 hp) | 5.7 s | not measured | 250 km/h | 11.9 | 8.0 | 9.4 |
| GLE AMG 63 5.5 AT 4Matic | 4.3 s | not measured | 250 km/h | 15.8 | 9.7 | 11.9 |
| GLE AMG 63S 5.5 AT 4Matic | 4.2 s | not measured | 250 km/h | 15.8 | 9.7 | 11.9 |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic (435 hp) | 5.3 s | not measured | 250 km/h | 11.7 | 7.9 | 9.3 |
| GLE AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic | 4.0 s | not measured | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 12.2 |
| GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic (612 hp) | 3.8 s | not measured | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 12.2 |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic (429 hp) | 5.2 s | not measured | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic (603 hp) | 3.7 s | not measured | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 12.2 |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic Plus (435 hp) | 5.0 s | not measured | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 10.5 |
| GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus | 3.9 s | not measured | 280 km/h | not measured | not measured | 12.7 |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT PHEV 4Matic | 4.7 s | not measured | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 10.5 |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic Plus (429 hp) | 5.0 s | not measured | 250 km/h | not measured | not measured | 10.5 |
For acceleration, the 603 hp GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic is quickest at 3.7 seconds to 100 km/h. It is 0.5 seconds quicker than the first-generation GLE AMG 63S 5.5 AT 4Matic. The restyled GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus takes 3.9 seconds but is the only listed version with a 280 km/h maximum; the others reach 250 km/h.
For measured combined consumption, the second-generation 435 hp GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic records the lowest figure at 9.3 L/100 km. That is 2.6 L/100 km below the first-generation V8 models and 3.4 L/100 km below the restyled GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus. The 429 hp second-generation GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic has no measured city, highway, or combined result, so it should not be assumed to match the 435 hp specification.
Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG weight, clearance and wheel specs
External dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. The available size-related comparisons are kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes.
| Exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Weight per hp | Clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLE AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic (367 hp) | 2,240 kg | 2,880 kg | 6.10 kg/hp | not measured | 93 L | 275/45 R21; 315/40 R21 |
| GLE AMG 43 3.0 AT 4Matic (390 hp) | 2,165 kg | 2,880 kg | 5.55 kg/hp | 198 mm | 93 L | 275/45 R21; 315/40 R21 |
| GLE AMG 63 5.5 AT 4Matic | 2,350 kg | 3,050 kg | 4.21 kg/hp | not measured | 93 L | 285/45 R21; 325/40 R21 |
| GLE AMG 63S 5.5 AT 4Matic | 2,350 kg | 3,050 kg | 4.02 kg/hp | not measured | 93 L | 285/40 R22; 325/40 R22 |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic (435 hp) | 2,325 kg | 3,050 kg | 5.34 kg/hp | 180 mm | 85 L | not measured |
| GLE AMG 63 4.0 AT 4Matic | 2,365 kg | 3,120 kg | 4.14 kg/hp | 202 mm | 85 L | not measured |
| GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic (612 hp) | 2,370 kg | 3,120 kg | 3.87 kg/hp | 202 mm | 85 L | 275/45 R21; 315/40 R21 |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic (429 hp) | 2,325 kg | 3,050 kg | 5.42 kg/hp | 180 mm | 85 L | not measured |
| GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic (603 hp) | 2,370 kg | 3,120 kg | 3.93 kg/hp | 202 mm | 85 L | 275/45 R21; 315/40 R21 |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic Plus (435 hp) | 2,300 kg | 3,050 kg | 5.29 kg/hp | 180 mm | 85 L | not measured |
| GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus | 2,505 kg | not measured | 4.09 kg/hp | 180 mm | 85 L | 275/45 R21; 315/40 R21 |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT PHEV 4Matic | 2,705 kg | 3,250 kg | 4.97 kg/hp | 180 mm | 85 L | not measured |
| GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic Plus (429 hp) | 2,300 kg | 3,050 kg | 5.36 kg/hp | 180 mm | 85 L | not measured |
The best calculated weight-to-power result is 3.87 kg/hp for the 612 hp second-generation GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic. The restyled Plug-in weighs 2,705 kg, which is 405 kg more than either restyled Gasoline GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic Plus specification. The first generation has a 93 L tank, while every second-generation and restyled entry has an 85 L tank, a reduction of 8 L.
Which Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG version should you choose?
For the strongest balance of measured consumption and performance, choose the 435 hp second-generation GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic. It combines 435 hp and 520 Nm with a 5.3-second 0–100 km/h time and the range’s lowest measured combined consumption, 9.3 L/100 km.
For maximum acceleration, choose the 603 hp GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic. Its 3.7-second result is the quickest listed, while 850 Nm and a calculated 3.93 kg/hp support its performance advantage. The 612 hp version has the slightly better calculated weight-to-power figure, 3.87 kg/hp, but its measured 0–100 km/h time is 3.8 seconds.
For the highest maximum speed, choose the restyled GLE AMG 63 S 4.0 AT 4Matic Plus. It reaches 280 km/h, 30 km/h above every other listed version, and combines 612 hp with 850 Nm. Its trade-offs are a 2,505 kg kerb weight and 12.7 L/100 km combined consumption.
For a restyled 6-cylinder Gasoline model, either GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT 4Matic Plus specification provides 560 Nm and a 5.0-second 0–100 km/h time. The 435 hp version offers 6 hp more than the 429 hp version at the same 2,300 kg kerb weight, giving it the better calculated ratio: 5.29 rather than 5.36 kg/hp.
For buyers specifically seeking a Plug-in, the GLE AMG 53 3.0 AT PHEV 4Matic is the sole listed choice. It produces 544 hp and 765 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and records 10.5 L/100 km combined. Its 2,705 kg kerb weight is the highest in the range.
For first-generation character with the best figures from its 5,461 cc engine, the GLE AMG 63S 5.5 AT 4Matic adds 27 hp and 60 Nm over the GLE AMG 63 5.5 AT 4Matic, with no increase from their shared 2,350 kg kerb weight or 11.9 L/100 km combined consumption. It also cuts the 0–100 km/h time from 4.3 to 4.2 seconds. Without price or sale data, however, no claim can be made about whether any version provides better monetary value.