Mercedes-Benz South Africa has quietly added the new Mercedes-AMG GLE53 to its configurator, revealing local pricing in the process.

So, how much are you looking at here? Well, pricing starts at R1 628 638, which sees the GLE53 slot in some way above the GLE300d, GLE450 and GLE400d. Of course, there’s a range-topping Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S on the way, too, as well as the coupé-style versions of the GLE range.

Revealed back in February 2019, the GLE53 4Matic+ employs an electrified powertrain featuring twin-turbocharging and an electric auxiliary compressor. The 3,0-litre inline six-cylinder engine makes 320 kW and 520 N.m, while the so-called “EQ Boost” starter-generator briefly provides an extra 16 kW and 250 N.m, and additionally feeds the 48 V on-board electrical system.

The result? Well, the folks from Affalterbach say the GLE53 will blast from standstill to 100 km/h in 5,3 seconds before topping out at an electronically limited 250 km/h. A new AMG performance exhaust system with adjustable flaps is a R20 900 option and allows the sound of the vehicle to be changed with the prod of a button.

Other options include the AMG Dynamic Plus package (R86 200), a panoramic sliding sunroof (R27 300), climatised front seats (R21 200), a third row of seats (R16 400), MBUX rear-seat entertainment (R47 000), a Burmester 3D surround sound system (R83 500) and an AMG high-performance braking system (R43 500).

The GLE53 boasts an AMG-specific grille (complete with 15 vertical chromed strips), slats in the outer air inlets and a silver chrome-plated finish for the front splitter. A set of 20-inch light alloy wheels (with AMG lettering) ships standard, although various other options are available, sized from 20 to 22 inches.

Round back, you’ll notice the horizontal chromed diffuser strip in the rear apron and the pair of chromed twin tailpipes. The optional AMG Night Package (R16 600), meanwhile, adds tinted windows plus a black finish for elements such as the front splitter, parts of the front apron, the side-mirror caps, window frames, roof railing, diffuser and tailpipe trim.

Inside, the GLE53 features AMG-specific faux-leather seats with red contrasting stitching, along with a black roof liner, an AMG performance steering wheel and various trim elements in aluminium “brushed with light longitudinal grain”.

Original article from Car