Mercedes-AMG GLE53

Plush SUV can’t hide its size, but makes up for it with talent

- Chris Thompson

ENGINE 2999cc I6, DOHC, 32v, turbo

POWER 320kW @ 6100rpm

TORQUE 520Nm @ 1800-5800rpm

0-100KM/H 5.3sec (claimed)

WEIGHT 2250kg PRICE $166,700 3.5 Rating

LIKE: Fabulous engine; comfortable; malleable for varied lifestyles; thrifty

DISLIKE: Very big; interior feels sparse; buying $500 of groceries just to fill the boot

IT’S BIG, IT’S COMFY and it’s relatively frugal… for a large SUV, anyway. Does that mean the Mercedes-AMG GLE53 can’t also be muscular? We grabbed the keys to Affalterbach’s inline-six powered behemoth and hit the roads in and around Melbourne to find out. But first we should point out that there’s a little more to the six than just the engine. This is Mercedes’ new 3.0-litre turbo six with a mild hybrid system, including an electric compressor designed to improve responsiveness and efficiency where the engine’s turbocharger can’t.