2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 PHEV First Drive & Engineering Review: 577-HP Plug-In Performance Done Properly
With 577 horsepower, a characterful 3.0L inline-six, a 31.2 kWh gross (25.3 kWh usable) battery, 60 kW DC fast charging, and 45–50 miles of real-world EV range, the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 PHEV proves how performance plug-in hybrids should be built.
Mercedes-AMG's plug-in hybrid performance cars have sparked intense debate among enthusiasts in recent years. While the four-cylinder C63 S E-Performance drew criticism for trading its thunderous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 for a complex four-pot hybrid, the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+ (PHEV) gets the plug-in performance formula exactly right: keep the beloved, characterful 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (M256M Evo) and pair it with a massive battery and a 181-hp electric motor.
First-drive testing across Colorado's mountain passes reveals that the refreshed 2027 GLE 53 PHEV effortlessly bridges three worlds: a zero-emission daily EV capable of 45–50 miles (72–80 km) of real-world electric range, a 30-mpg mountain cruiser, and a 577-horsepower performance SUV that breathes right down the neck of the V8-powered GLE 63 S.
The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 PHEV is offered in both traditional SUV ($98,400) and slant-back Coupe ($99,450) body styles. (Photo: Logan K. Carter / Jalopnik)
1. Under the Hood: Inline-Six Soul Meets 181-HP Electric Torque
Rather than downsizing cylinder count, AMG engineers upgraded the 3.0-liter M256M Evo inline-six and integrated a permanently excited synchronous electric motor into the 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission (P2 parallel hybrid architecture).
Under the hood sits the AMG-enhanced 3.0L turbocharged inline-six paired with a 181-hp electric motor for a combined 577 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Logan K. Carter / Jalopnik)
Powertrain & Performance Specifications:
- Combustion Engine: 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (M256M Evo) producing 443 hp
- Electric Traction Motor (P2): 181 hp (136 kW) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) of instant torque
- Total System Output: 577 hp and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) — a massive gain of +148 hp and +140 lb-ft over the outgoing non-PHEV GLE 53, coming remarkably close to the 603-hp V8 GLE 63 S
- 0–60 mph Sprint: 4.1 seconds (0.8 seconds quicker than its predecessor despite the battery weight)
- Max Pure-EV Speed: 87 mph (140 km/h)
Unlike the sedate four-cylinder GLE 500e/400e PHEV, the GLE 53 PHEV delivers seamless hybrid blending and a symphonic straight-six exhaust note complete with subtle pops and burbles on overrun.
2. Battery Capacity, Real-World EV Range & 60 kW DC Fast Charging
Where many sport-oriented PHEVs treat the battery as a small track-boost capacitor, the GLE 53 PHEV packs a serious high-voltage NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery:
- Battery Capacity: 31.2 kWh gross / 25.3 kWh usable NMC pack
- Verified Electric Range: Rated at 45 miles (72 km) EPA (and 80–87 km WLTP in Europe), real-world testing on a full charge indicated and delivered closer to 50 miles (80 km) of pure electric driving.
- Real-World Hybrid Efficiency: Even during spirited mountain driving in Colorado, the GLE 53 PHEV averaged 30 mpg (~7.8 L/100 km), vastly outperforming the outgoing model's 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway ratings.
- 11 kW AC & 60 kW DC Fast Charging: Equipped with a CCS Combo port supporting 60 kW DC fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 20 minutes.
Riding on 22-inch wheels, the retuned AMG Ride Control+ air suspension delivers a plush Comfort ride without the harshness of the smaller GLC 53. (Photo: Logan K. Carter / Jalopnik)
What is the Real-World Range of the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53 HYBRID 4MATIC+?
Official WLTP ratings are measured in a controlled 23°C laboratory. Test how winter sub-zero temperatures (-10°C), sustained 130 km/h highway speeds, and terrain elevation impact actual battery range on your specific commute.
3. Chassis Dynamics, the 6,107-Lb Weight Penalty & Launch Control
Adding a 31.2 kWh battery and high-output electric hardware adds 827 lbs (375 kg) compared to the outgoing mild-hybrid GLE 53, bringing curb weight to 6,107 lbs (2,770 kg) for the SUV and 6,063 lbs (2,750 kg) for the Coupe.
- Plush AMG Ride Control+: In Comfort mode, the updated air suspension completely erases the overly stiff ride complaints of the smaller GLC 53, riding nearly as smoothly as a standard GLE.
- Cornering & Launch Control: For the first time on any GLE, the 2027 GLE 53 features Launch Control in Sport+ mode—cinching the seatbelts tight and unleashing a fierce initial electric-assisted punch off the line. Through tight canyon switchbacks, sharpened steering provides good feedback, though the extra 827 lbs of battery mass remains palpable under heavy lateral load.
4. Interior Update: MBUX Superscreen & Cabin Ergonomics
For 2027, the GLE adopts Mercedes' tri-display MBUX Superscreen across the dashboard alongside the tactile AMG Performance steering wheel with rotary drive-mode dials.
The 2027 interior introduces the three-screen MBUX Superscreen while retaining physical steering-wheel rotary dials for instant hybrid mode switching. (Photo: Logan K. Carter / Jalopnik)
While the rotary dial makes switching out of default Electric mode into Comfort, Battery Hold, or Sport+ effortless, the seven-year-old W167/C167 cabin architecture shows its age in a few areas at the ~$100,000 price point—notably vinyl sun visors, hard plastic lower door pockets, and optional Multicontour seats that could use deeper lateral bolstering.
Quad round AMG exhaust outlets and an aggressive rear diffuser distinguish the 577-hp GLE 53 PHEV. (Photo: Logan K. Carter / Jalopnik)
5. Verdict: Plug-In Performance Done Properly
By combining a 45–50 mile real-world EV range, 60 kW DC fast charging, and 577 horsepower without sacrificing its charismatic 3.0-liter inline-six engine, the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 PHEV hits the sweet spot of the entire GLE lineup—delivering V8-rivaling pace without V8 fuel consumption.
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