Potent Juice

Mercedes-Benz's update spree has now reached the GLE Coupe, more specifically the GLE 53. We tore through some corners and cruised around to see how much the update adds to the package

- Anagh Bhaskar

The Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is the latest Merc to receive a minor facelift in the German automaker’s stable. Unlike earlier, when the GLE Coupe was also available with the big V8-powered ‘63’ guise alongside the 53, the only one currently on sale in India is the less spirited 53, which has a six-cylinder under the hood.

Just like all the other Mercedes-Benz cars which have been updated in the last year or so, the GLE 53 now sports new LED DRLs with four pods and a long brow on the top, which is more or less exactly the same as the new GLE SUV. There is a new AMG emblem on the bonnet, while the grille and the front bumper have been slightly altered to go in with the refreshed look.

The SUV Coupe is exactly same in its silhouette, with the tapering roofline, muscled panels and the 21-inch alloys with the 315mm rear tyres giving the it size and butch appeal, that not even proper SUVs can match. While it may not be a look which a lot of people prefer, there is no denying that it has certified road presence, that does make heads turn, either in applause or in distaste.

The cabin is typical Mercedes-Benz, but to add the AMG flavour, you do get some sporty trim elements, like the carbon fibre trim on some areas but the biggest change compared to before is the new AMG steering. This is present on a number of other AMGs and comes with a full touch interface, which requires some getting used to and the ‘accidental’ touch while driving is quite commonplace. There are two dedicated control dials for the AMG modes – the right one manages the driving modes while the left one offers several custom settings.