2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Spotted Testing With A Hybrid Powertrain

Mercedes’ AMG department is not going to keep the current GLE 43 model alive for a long. Instead, they will introduce a brand new replacement which will arrive late next year. The successor will be named the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53. In contrast to today’s model which is strictly mated to a gasoline unit, the new one will get some help from an electric motor.

Yes, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 will get its power from a hybrid drivetrain. The system will combine a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six engine with a starter-alternator which is EQ Boost-branded. Together the drivetrain will deliver 475 horsepower and 576 pound-feet of torque which will be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels through an AMG-tuned 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. According to the first estimates, by using the powertrain the mighty SUV should be able to speed up from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds.

In contrast to the topping 63 models which is going to host the awesome Panamericana grille, the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 will lack the details. Instead, the SUV will get regular grille inserts. Below, the automaker will add different air intakes, which will be smaller, while the rear end hosts a new bumper with round exhaust tips. The vanilla 63 version of the SUV, for example, gets a set of squared pipes.

The all-new AMG GLE 53 rides on a new architecture which will make it lighter. The platform will enable more space inside, as well as more options for the carmaker to add new driving assistance features, which will likely mirror the new S-Class sedan. Of course, Mercedes will not skip the chance to add the new MBUX infotainment system with an Nvidia GPU and 8 GB of RAM.

Mercedes will introduce the SUV before the end of this year, likely at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.