There is engineering and then there is German engineering, and when it comes to German engineering, Mercedes-Benz is its magnum opus. With the 2024 AMG GLE53W4, Mercedes is only continuing to build on its legacy as the Michael Jordan of the car world.
From the outside, the GLE53W4 has the typical classic, understated look that Mercedes has become known for, but once you step inside, it’s anything but pedestrian. The cabin is like sitting in the lobby of a swanky hotel where all the movers and shakers congregate. From the Nappa leather upholstered seats that exude opulence down to the sleek Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) interface, it’s hard not to feel like every drive is a privilege. All the gizmos and gadgets can be slightly intimidating, but after a few session of pushing buttons and manual flipping, things quickly become second nature. You can’t go wrong with turning up the volume on the Burmester surround sound system, connecting to Apple CarPlay, and putting on some killer tunes while you learn how to use your newest toy.
Under the hood, this SUV continues to impress. The AMG 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo Engine with Hybrid Assist packs quite the punch with 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. It also comes standard with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. With all that power, one might expect the gas mileage to take a hit, but it still achieves a pretty respectable 18 city MPG/23 hwy MPG. All this makes for a really fun vehicle to drive. The perfect balance of speed and comfort with its precise steering and well-tuned suspension, leaves nothing to be desired.
This Benz isn’t just a comfortable speedster for the driver. The entire cabin is extremely spacious, even in the back seat. I took my family of five on a few lengthy road trips and didn’t hear one complaint from my very particular children about being squished, which is quite the testament to its roominess. If we had been going on vacation, the cargo space would’ve been more than enough to accommodate all our luggage. I found that there’s enough room for 11 carry-on suitcases behind the second row of seats. The space for both people and luggage makes the GLE53W4 a great choice for larger families that enjoy traveling together.
While the GLE53W4 is undeniably impressive, it comes at a premium price. The example model I tested came in at a hefty $86,750. However, for those who demand the utmost in luxury, refinement, and performance from their vehicles, it’s worth every penny.
