Teched-out 2020 AMG GLE 53 to Debut at Geneva Auto Show
Active Ride Control
Redeveloped in Affalterbach, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL based on AIRMATIC forms the basis of a driving experience characterized by a high level of agility, neutral cornering behavior and optimal traction. A new feature makes a significant contribution to the AMG-specific tuning for high levels of driving dynamics: the active roll stabilization with two electro-mechanical actuators working independently of one another on the front and rear axle, as well as fully variable torque distribution.
Not only does the system reduce rolling movements when cornering, it also enables more precise tuning of cornering and load changes. In addition, it increases driving comfort when driving straight ahead. Movements in the body can be actively and optimally adjusted to driving conditions.
Air Suspension & Continuously-adjustable Damping
The AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL based on AIRMATIC with particularly sporty spring/damper set-up, including adaptive adjustable damping ADS+ (Adaptive Damping System), combines outstanding driving dynamics with high ride comfort. The damping characteristics can be pre-selected in three modes, “Comfort,” “Sport” and “Sport+,” allowing a significantly more noticeable differentiation between excellent long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics. In addition, there are two new levels for off-road use – “Trail” and “Sand.”
Thanks to pneumatic self-levelling at the front and rear axle, the GLE 53 maintains a constant ride height regardless of the vehicle load. The vehicle level is generally lowered by 15 millimeters in the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs “Sport” and “Sport+.” In the “Comfort” drive program, the vehicle is lowered by 15 millimeters from a speed of 75 mph. This reduces aerodynamic drag and, in turn, fuel consumption. In addition, handling stability improves thanks to a lower center of gravity. In order to increase the ground clearance on poor road surfaces or on ramps, the vehicle body level can be raised by up to 55 mm at the touch of a button with the engine running – both with the car stationary and in motion.
Sports Steering & High-performance Braking System
The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering has a variable ratio. It wins over customers with AMG-specific rack and pinion ratio and precise feedback. In addition, steering power assistance is adjusted in two stages: “Comfort” or “Sport.” The configuration is automatically activated based on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program. They can optionally be personalized at any time in the “Individual” drive program.
The large size high-performance braking system slows down the performance SUV even with heavy loads and short braking distances. 400 x 36 millimeters internally ventilated and perforated integral brake disks are used on the front axle as well as 2-piston fixed calipers, painted silver with black AMG lettering. On the rear, the internally ventilated brake discs measure 345 x 25 millimeters and have a one-piston floating caliper.
AMG Dynamic Select
The GLE 53 has seven drive programs: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual, and Offroad (Trail and Sand). AMG DYNAMIC SELECT adapts important parameters such as the responsiveness of the engine and transmission, the characteristic curve of the accelerator and steering, the suspension damping and even the vehicle’s sound. Selected using the paddle in the center console or the AMG steering wheel buttons, the programs are then visualized in the instrument cluster and on the multimedia display.
- “Slippery”: optimized for slippery road conditions, with reduced power and a flat torque curve for a driving configuration oriented toward stability.
- “Comfort”: comfortable and fuel-efficient driving, e.g. thanks to early upshifts. Suspension and steering are set up for an emphasis on comfort.
- “Sport”: sporty characteristics thanks to a more agile response to the driver’s accelerator pedal input, shorter shift times, earlier downshifts and significantly more dynamic gearshifts. A more dynamic suspension and steering set-up.
- “Sport+”: extremely sporty characteristics thanks to an even more agile throttle response, increased acoustic emphasis during downshifts as well as selective torque control on upshifts with cylinder suppression for optimal shift times. Increased idle speed for faster pulling away. An even more aggressive set-up for suspension, steering and drivetrain.
- “Individual”: individual adjustment of the drive system, transmission, AMG DYNAMICS, suspension and exhaust system.
- “Trail”: safe driving at maximum performance on soft, muddy or slippery ground.
- “Sand”: sporty set-up for the best possible grip and control on sandy slopes and desert dunes.
AMG DYNAMICS is integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. In the “Basic,” “Advanced” and “Pro” levels, it influences the control strategies of the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) or the all-wheel drive. The intelligent pilot control anticipates the desired vehicle behavior based on the driver’s actions and the sensor data. The spectrum ranges from extremely stable to highly dynamic. Additionally there are the “Traction” and “Slide” levels in the off-road “Trail” and “Sand” drive programs when the ESP is deactivated.
AMG-specific Radiator Grille
The appearance of the GLE 53 captivates thanks to its exclusivity, powerful sportiness and progressive dominance. Thanks to the AMG-specific radiator grille with 15 vertical chromed strips, it is immediately obvious that it is part of the AMG family. Equally striking is the star in the double ring, the narrow headlamps and the striking A-Wing in the front bumper. Apart from the slats in the outer air inlets and the trim element on the A-Wing, the front splitter is also silver chrome-plated. The wheel arches in the same color as the car provide space for the large wheels, mounted with 20-inch light alloy wheels with “AMG” lettering as standard.
The horizontal chrome diffuser strip in the pronounced rear bumper and the special exhaust system with two round chrome tailpipes underline the powerful appearance from the rear and emphasize the width. The optional AMG Night Package further enhances the vehicle’s performance appearance. It includes A-wing trim, trim on the rear apron, tailpipes, front splitter, roof rails and window trim in refined black.
Red Accent Interior Design
The GLE 53 can be easily recognized by its characteristic red color accents. This starts with the seats, fitted standard with ARTICO microfiber DINAMICA in black with red contrasting topstitching. They not only offer optimal lateral support, but also have an AMG-specific design and “AMG” badging in the front seat backrest. The top part of the instrument panel is covered in ARTICO. The black roof liner, standard red seatbelts, and the trim elements in aluminum brushed with light longitudinal grain underscore the sporty appearance.
Further elements to individualize the interior include unique leather seat covers and a wide range of high-quality trim elements, among other items. The carbon AMG trim elements add a particularly sporty feel to the interior.
A utility highlight is the optional, foldable third row seat, which make the GLE 53 a seven-seater. Thanks to the Easy Entry function of the fully electrically adjustable second seat row, the two rearmost passengers can conveniently reach their seats.
AMG-specific MBUX Display
The innovative operating and display concept MBUX is included as standard in the GLE 53 and contains numerous AMG-specific content. With the widescreen cockpit, the instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia display optically combine into one unit. Numerous functions can be activated via the intelligent voice-operated control “Hey Mercedes”. The optional MBUX Interior Assist also allows intuitive, natural operation of different comfort and MBUX functions by movement recognition and gestures.
The instrument cluster has its own specific details such as the AMG start-up menu and the four selectable styles: “Classic,” “Sport,” AMG exclusive “Supersport” and “Discreet.” When the AMG specific offroad modes “Trail” and “Sand” are activated, settings such as slope, incline and level can be selected and displayed on the instrument cluster. Rocker switches are embedded in the center console for displaying and controlling the drive programs, transmission, suspension, ESP and exhaust system.
Sporty Performance Steering
The AMG Performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather combines maximum functionality, high-quality haptics and ideal ergonomics. Apart from the aluminum shift paddles, it also impresses thanks to the touch control buttons, which are intuitive to operate. The infotainment system can also be controlled with swiping finger movements.
Innovative steering wheel buttons optionally enhance the steering wheel with a round controller with an integrated display beneath the right-hand steering wheel spoke, plus two vertically positioned color display buttons with switches beneath the left-hand steering-wheel spoke.
AMG Track Pace
With the optional AMG TRACK PACE, MBUX is enhanced with a virtual engineer, which enables up to 80 vehicle-specific data metrics as well as times on closed routes to be recorded and analyzed in detail. Many of these values can be displayed if desired on the widescreen cockpit or in the optional head- up display in real-time. After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyze and, if necessary, improve their driving skills. In addition, acceleration and deceleration values (e.g. 0-60 mph, quarter-mile, 60-0 mph) can be measured and saved.
The driver can also record circuits and save them for later vehicle data recording and analysis. Thanks to a newly developed algorithm which determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, AMG TRACK PACE even detects when the circuit has been left or has been shortened. This is done using GPS data as well as the sensors available in the vehicle (acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, wheel speed).
The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show and will go on sale in the U.S. in late 2020.