2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe

When it comes to ultra-luxurious, high-performance coupe-styled SUVs, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is right near the top of a short list. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with mild-hybrid assistance for combined outputs of 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. As a high-tier AMG model, loads of features are included as standard, too. All of this makes it a very strong rival to other premium midsize SUVs like the BMW X6 M50i and Porsche Cayenne Coupe in S trim, though it might not be quite as thrilling to drive in comparison. Still, with loads of power, grippy all-wheel drive, and a sport-tuned suspension, it's a lot more fun than your average Merc crossover.

For the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, metallic paints are no longer an extra-cost option but rather included as standard with the updated price. It carries over otherwise unchanged into the new model year.

The price of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is quite a hurdle to overcome, with the MSRP set at $81,200. Luckily, you get a lot in return for your investment, but this doesn't take into account the $995 destination charge.

There's just one model to choose from, but it's worth noting that some desirable features are relegated to the options list. Many can be left off completely, but we'd suggest adding the Driver Assistance Package ($1,950) to get all the active safety systems that aren't included as standard. Quad-zone climate control will cost you $860 and may be worth considering, too, if you intend on taking long trips with the family. The 25-speaker Burmester sound system upgrade is hard to resist, too.

The interior of the Merc GLE 53 Coupe is a remarkable space, with high-quality materials used throughout and loads of features included as standard. More than just a luxurious and comfortable area, it is stylish in a sporty way, with sports seats and stainless steel pedals. The dashboard features a lot of nice wood or metal trim, but the large rectangular vents look a bit dated - it's good that there are some improvements on the way for 2024. The controls are centered around the touchscreen or within easy reach on the center console. A standard panoramic sunroof does help to create an airy and light cabin, which is important since the sloping roofline does have a negative effect on visibility out the back.

As a midsize SUV, the GLE 53 Coupe has a lot of interior space. However, it also has coupe styling, which doesn't do passengers in the back any favors. Headroom is limited, and taller passengers will have to slouch a bit to get inside. Luckily, the wide-opening doors and high step-in help counteract these difficulties. The front seats are power-adjustable and heated as standard, ensuring comfort and a compliant driving position. This works in concert with good sight lines to instill confidence in the driver - at leat in terms of the forward view. The large C-pillars do create some blind spots you need to beware of.

Sport utility vehicles are desirable for their practicality, but when you focus too much on style and performance, you sometimes have to make sacrifices in this area. Still, the GLE 53 Coupe is quite on par with other similarly styled coupe-SUVs in the segment with 27.5 cubic feet of trunk space - almost six cubes less than in the SUV counterpart.

Luckily, the small-item storage spots around the cabin are plentiful, so you can still leave your keys or phones in the cupholders or center console bin, while larger items can go inside the armrest cubby or glove compartment. Each door also has a modest pocket.

The Germans don't skimp when it comes to quality, and while the standard upholstery may be synthetic MB-Tex, it is extremely plush and comfortable. You get a wide range of interior colors to choose from, from plain Black to dual-tone Macchiato Beige/Black or Classic Red/Black. If you prefer something a bit more genuine, leather is available at extra cost in similar hues, while exclusive Nappa leather is your most premium option. These can be paired with brushed aluminum trim for free, or Brown Linden, and Natural Grain Grey Oak or Brown Walnut for $160. Piano Black Lacquer with Flowing Lines will add $850, while AMG Carbon Fiber will set you back $1,750.

Considering how much you're spending, it makes sense that you'd be getting a long shopping list of features. These start with dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable and heated front seats, keyless go with remote start, cruise control, a 115-volt power outlet, and a wireless charging pad. A 12.3-inch display shows you vital driver information, while another of the same size presents you with infotainment menus.

These grant access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, HD Radio, and SiriusXM, all channeled through a 13-speaker Burmester sound system. Naturally, there is still room for improvement on the features list, so optional extras include adaptive cruise control, ventilated front seats with massage functions, heated rear seats, quad-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, a 25-speaker sound system, and a head-up display.

The AMG sticker is not just there for show. Empowered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe has access to 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to EQ Boost from the mild-hybrid system, most of that torque is available low down in the rev range. Managing the gears is a nine-speed Speedshift automatic transmission, which punts it to the all-wheel drivetrain that can split outputs between the front and rear depending on where power is needed. This sees the GLE 53 Coupe sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph, which is where most Mercs are electronically limited.

However, the coupe-styled SUV is not just quick in a straight line, it is also remarkably capable around the bends. It's no low-slung sports car, but it has a good deal of confidence and doesn't lose its poise easily. The latter is thanks to the Active Ride Control, which drastically limits body roll, and if you switch to Sport or Sport+ mode, you'll feel the suspension stiffen and the throttle responses get quicker. Of course, this is still an SUV, so you can only push it so far, but in exchange for this limitation, you get a more comfortable ride than you would in a sports car.

Big, heavy, high-performance cars simply don't get good gas mileage, so the poor 17/21/19 mpg the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe achieves across the city/highway/combined cycles is no surprise. The mild-hybrid part of the powertrain is designed to improve acceleration, after all, and not fuel economy. Still, this is marginally better than both the BMW X6 M50i and Porsche's Cayenne S Coupe.

Luckily, there is 22.5 gallons of fuel capacity, which means the SUV can still travel a respectable 427 miles or so before needing to seek out a gas station.

While there is no official safety review of the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, the GLE-Class SUV was tested by the NHTSA and achieved a full five-star rating overall. The IIHS also tested the regular GLE-Class SUV and found it to be top-notch, awarding it a Top Safety Pick+ title for 2022. For the most part, these ratings should carry over.

The car comes with many passive and active safety features that should give you peace of mind. For starters, you get seven airbags, driver attention assist, blind-spot assist, crosswind assist, active brake assist, pre-safe with sound, forward collision avoidance, and a parking assistant called Parktronic. But that's not all; you can also add lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot intervention, evasive steering assist, and pre-safe plus with impulse side.

Reliability was once an issue for the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, as it was recalled six times in 2021, but since then, there have been some improvements. Six recalls plagued the GLE range for 2022 as well, but 2023 models are limited to two recalls. The rear door window trim bars that may detach are indicated for AMG variants too, while the recall for loss of drive power from a fuel pump shutdown applies to 'certain 2023 GLE vehicles.

Every new Merc-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is covered by the automaker's standard warranty, which addresses limited and powertrain issues for four years/50,000 miles. Roadside assistance is also offered over this period.

No longer an oddity on the road, the coupe SUV is now a staple on roads in the USA, but automakers are still trying to perfect the recipe. The 2023 AMG GLE 53 Coupe looks bold and aggressive, but its sophisticated heritage also shines through. Large 21-inch alloy wheels see it stand tall, while a standard panoramic sunroof speaks of its luxurious nature, too. The front fascia is dominated by a broad grille with vertical slates and a rather simple Tristar logo in the middle. The LED headlights are not as sleek as you'll find on other models, but they suit the chunky front bumper quite well.

Broad side sills grant ease of entry to the vehicle, while quad exhaust tips in the rear speak of its high level of performance. The sloping roofline ends in an upturned trunk-lid spoiler, and broad LED taillights travel from the corners across the break for the tailgate.

With America's love for large and powerful vehicles, a performance-focused SUV makes sense. The sports utility vehicle is already the most popular segment behind pickups, and adding a coupe-styled model with oomph and impressive sprint times can only help. Mercedes wasn't the first to do this, but the AMG GLE 54 Coupe is an excellent example of how this niche class of vehicle can really turn heads. Aside from a potent turbo-six engine and excellent handling for a car of this size and weight, the coupe SUV is extremely luxurious inside, and the sheer number of features included as standard more than make up for the intimidating price of entry to this market. Unfortunately, there is a hidden cost to owning this stylish and sporty family hauler, and that is reduced cargo capacity and tight rear-seat headroom. This won't likely stop any interested parties from taking it for a spin though, and if the kids are still small enough so as not to slouch down to fit in the back, then it may just be the ideal car for those who want to have their cake and eat it, with no need to trade in performance in the name of luxury and comfort.