First report: We’ve known as it the on a regular basis AMG in our overview, however can you employ it as a day by day driver?
Traversing Mumbai’s congested streets is already harrowing sufficient, particularly throughout rush hour. And within the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupé, this expertise is amplified manifold. Image being caught in bumper-to-bumper site visitors, with different automobiles precariously near your outsized luxurious SUV that prices greater than some flats.On a number of events, my coronary heart raced because the SUV’s 360-degree digital camera system lit up, triggered by reckless bikers trying to squeeze by way of non-existent gaps.
I used to be on my solution to meet my brother-in-law, however I had an ulterior motive. When he moved to Dubai in 2022, I prompt he buy a GLE Coupé – not the AMG variant however the usual turbo-petrol model. It match his price range and would have complemented Dubai’s opulent life-style. He didn’t heed my recommendation. Now, driving the 2025 AMG GLE by way of Mumbai’s Western suburbs, I used to be decided to show some extent.
Feels enormous when navigating by way of congested streets.
The GLE’s substantial measurement, particularly its 2.1-metre width, is especially noticeable in metropolis driving. Regardless of setting the GLE in Consolation mode (because it lacks an ‘Eco’ setting), the onboard laptop by no means confirmed gasoline effectivity exceeding 5kpl in site visitors – unsurprising for an AMG-fettled 3.0-litre, six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in a full-size SUV. The journey high quality can be lower than very best.
Even in Consolation mode, the suspension crashes by way of potholes, adopted by a floaty, vertical motion that tosses passengers round. The entrance seats are comfy, however their air flow is ineffective, and at this worth level, the absence of a therapeutic massage perform is disappointing. Furthermore, the touch-sensitive steering controls are overly delicate, typically registering unintended inputs. Additionally, like in most Mercedes fashions, one should swap off the overly delicate autonomous braking function firstly of each journey.
Moreover sounding candy, this 6-cyl unit is a powerful performer.
On the upside, the GLE’s touchscreen interface is among the finest within the enterprise, and the sound high quality from the Burmester audio system is equally spectacular. Moreover, Mercedes’ built-in starter-generator delivers a seamless and non-intrusive auto cease/begin perform, making it simpler to depart this function enabled for fuel-saving whereas idling.
After two hours and 20 kilometres, I lastly arrived at my vacation spot, relieved to have prevented any scratches on the car. Nonetheless, it’s price noting a major flaw – many fashionable Mercedes fashions, together with this one, have a noticeable orange peel impact on their paint, giving the physique panels an unfinished look that’s unacceptable at this worth.
When my brother-in-law noticed the GLE, he was visibly impressed. The daring LEDs, imposing Panamericana grille and modern, sloping roofline left him awestruck. The luxurious beige cabin, complemented by wooden inlays, silver trims and dramatic ambient lighting, additional elevated the expertise. Whereas I admired the impeccable match and end, I might have most well-liked a sportier inside with crimson seatbelts to reinforce its AMG character. Additionally, although the rear seats are spacious, their cushioning is agency, and the upright backrest detracts from consolation.
Nonetheless, the AMG GLE’s spotlight is its six-cylinder engine and exhaust be aware. With the exhaust flaps open, a couple of stable revs produced a thunderous roar and crackles that disrupted the serene neighbourhood. “I ought to have listened to you,” my brother-in-law admitted, promptly whipping out his telephone to browse web sites scouting for used examples in Dubai. Mission completed.
Agency cushioning, upright backrest angle removed from cozy.
The next day, we drove the GLE to a preferred eatery in Karjat. Visitors on the Western Specific Freeway was predictably gradual, so I opted for the longer however much less congested route by way of the Bandra-Worli Sea Hyperlink, Coastal Highway and AtalSetu earlier than becoming a member of the previous Mumbai-Pune freeway. I’m actually glad Mercedes didn’t downsize this six-cylinder turbo-petrol unit. The engine’s efficiency reserves make freeway cruising easy. It will get to three-digit speeds virtually too rapidly, and earlier than it, you’re effectively previous the pace restrict. With the drive mode set to Sport, even the gearbox feels sharper and a contact faster. The nine-speed automated carried out brilliantly, too, and I by no means discovered the necessity to use the paddle shifters to take handbook management.
Switching the suspension to Sport mode revealed a firmer but extra composed journey, with the automotive feeling flat and secure at larger speeds. The steering is sharp, and when pushed with verve, the GLE feels surprisingly agile and manoeuvrable for its measurement. Nonetheless, its bulk turns into evident throughout arduous braking, with a noticeable nose-dive and a major weight switch. Floor clearance in its commonplace setting is lots, however the GLE takes it a step forward with a suspension-lift perform to extend journey top additional. Actually, I don’t suppose this function is required for the everyday on-road software the GLE AMG will likely be subjected to.
Its brilliant interiors with wooden and aluminium inserts really feel luxurious.
In conclusion, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupé instructions consideration with its street presence, gives sturdy efficiency paired with an exhilarating exhaust be aware and is a pleasure to drive on open roads. Nonetheless, its journey high quality and rear-seat consolation might have been higher, and sure options ought to have been added to justify its Rs 1.88 crore price ticket.
Additionally see:
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe overview: The on a regular basis AMG
2025 Mercedes E 450 overview: the sensible man’s AMG
2026 Mercedes AMG C 63 to modify again to V8 engine
