2026 Mercedes-The AMG GLE 53 plugs into the future and receives a PHEV powertrain with an added 107 horsepower

Mercedes-AMG introduced the GLE 53 facelift earlier this year and the company has now announced a new plug-in hybrid variant. Expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships in 2025, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid will be offered as a traditional crossover as well as a sporty crossover coupe. While it's not surprising, the model will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 443 hp (330 kW / 449 hp) 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, a 134 kW (100 kW / 136 hp) electric and 31.2 kWh motor. battery. This setup will give the crossover a combined output of 536 hp (400 kW / 543 hp) and 553 lb-ft (749 Nm) of torque. This is enough to enable the GLE 53 Hybrid to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96 km/h) in 4.6 seconds and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

To put those numbers in perspective, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with mild hybrid technology as well as 429 kW (320 kW / 435 hp) and 413 lb. -ft (559). hp). Nm) torque. However, the integrated starter-generator can add 21 kW (16 kW / 21 hp) and 148 lb-ft (200 Nm). Given the less impressive numbers, it's no surprise that the mild hybrid version takes 0.3 seconds longer to reach 60 mph.

Besides the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the GLE 53 Hybrid also has “special elements throughout”. These details apparently include a slightly modified front fairing to direct air to an additional heat exchanger. Mercedes also announced that there is a new hybrid badge and an improved display, which displays hybrid-specific information such as charge status and remaining electric range.

Considering the weight of the battery, it's no surprise that the AMG Ride Control+ air suspension has been redesigned for use on the plug-in hybrid version. Mercedes did not go into details but said it is benefiting from new hardware and software.

Elsewhere, there are new rear shock absorbers as well as new stabilizers on the front and rear axles. The team also refined the chassis, steering and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system.

Speaking of settings, the AMG Dynamic Select system has two modes specifically for hybrid vehicles: Electric and Battery. Electric mode causes the crossover to prioritize battery usage, while Battery Hold mode limits battery usage.

Finally, this model has an audible warning system to warn pedestrians of its presence. As part of this effort, “specially constructed, low-frequency, tuned AMG audio will be output through a speaker in the front and a soundbar with two speakers in the rear" .

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