A punchy twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system … fast AMG SUVs needn’t have to be V8 any more.

 “AMG personality, performance and poise without compromising on everyday usability.” 

That’s how AMG’s spokesman related the positioning of the GLE 53 during the model’s international introduction in Austria in November.

Okay, so it was the GLE Coupe rather than the GLE wagon that is the focus of this story, but even so. Different look, common drivetrain: So, the comment’s still valid.

Those with understanding of Affalterbach’s numerical designations will understand that the 53 is a step below the 63 editions that express the full might of this tuner’s abilities. It all comes down to cylinder count and capacity.

While it’s true that the 53’s straight-six, 3.0-litre petrol hasn’t quite the fireworks or soundtrack of its hardcore V8 brethren that’ll arrive later in the year, driving the Coupe with this engine in the mountains of Austria was far from disappointing.

Not only is it still an aurally interesting engine, especially when you dial up the driving modes and set the AMG Performance exhaust to 'Powerful', but it also has lots of shove – smashing up some incredibly steep, and occasionally icy, mountain roads to our ultimate destination, a resort containing Europe’s highest motorcycle museum atop the Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road, was an easy and enthralling ask. (for more see: https://www.motoringnz.com/firstdrive/2020/4/4/fire-in-the-ice-with-gle-coupe).

 The depth and spread of the torque roll out is almost akin to that from the alternate diesel, even though the latter has 180Nm in its pocket you’d think the engines were closer in muscularity.

Unpack the data and you’ll see why. The power in isolation is plentiful – 320kW at a relatively high 6100rpm – but that 520Nm impact isn’t just what outlays, between 1800-5,800rpm, from the engine alone.

The reason why it feels all the more muscular is the help it receives from the use of an auxiliary electrically driven compressor, as part of the on-board 48-volt system. That's before you take into consideration the 'EQ Boost', which is a 16kW electric motor that acts as a starter/generator. It adds up to 250Nm to proceedings, depending on a variety of factors, though Mercedes doesn't quote the system maximums. All this means it feels particularly torque-rich in the midrange, and it's very quick to get off the line - 100kmh from rest in just 5.3 seconds in respect to either model.

It’s most engaging in Powerful mode, if just because that setting really liberates its voice. Nip it in into the Sport Plus driving setting as well and you get the full vocal repertoire, including gratuitous pops and bangs on the overrun. Plus the excellent nine-speed automatic engages a throttle blip feature into its operation.

It’s not just about punishing performance. Another benefit that’ll make V8 drivers green comes with economy – you needn’t tread too lightly to find the EQ Boost set-up eking really decent fuel consumption, ultimately 9.4 litres per 100km according to the maker.

There’s no argument that the GLE feels like a large vehicle – to the point where some village drive-throughs had me wondering it was a touch too wide – but, assuredly, it feels really handy on the road; AMG doesn’t scrimp on its tyres, suspension tune and brake packages. The AMG-tweaked 4Matic Plus all-wheel-drive system, which always drives the rear wheels, and can fully vary the split front-to-rear as needs be, is also a great assistant. 

As much as a GLE really isn't a car for throwing around a twisty back road with abandon, the AWD set-up certainly is good for your confidence. It enabled the Coupe to feel moderately agile and rear-lead – sure, that model has shorter wheelbase than the wagon, yet it’s surely a good portent all the same.

 A shout out, too, to the steering itself, which is a speed-sensitive and variable ratio electromechanical system, and also the suspension tune. Yes, it’s firm – perhaps enough to become a touch too ‘pattery’ and jittish on some coarse chip (a surface that drives all suspension experts nuts) – but my experience is that the model doesn’t really feel its weight and, more importantly, has good control if its weight transfer.

What else is important? Well, that the cars in NZ-trim seem to be pretty much as loaded as the examples Benz laid on during the international launch, with AMG Ride Control Plus air suspension factoring in as standard – though an all-out active ride enhancement remains an option - along with all the usual plush stuff. They stand out from non-AMG GLEs by adopting an active exhaust, performance brakes, Panamericana front grille and sports seats.

Standard equipment includes a Burmester sound system, 21-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, illuminated door sills, wireless smartphone charger, heated front seats, 64-colour ambient lighting and head-up display.

MBUX technology handles multimedia duties, displayed across a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which sports satellite navigation, digital radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support and voice recognition controls.

Instrumentation is also displayed on a 12.3-inch screen with added AMG-specific graphics and readouts.

Safety kit is comprehensive. The provision includes a surround-view monitor, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic sign recognition and autonomous emergency braking.

You’ll pay $180,100, not including on-road costs, for the wagon and undoubtedly the Coupe will continue to carry a premium. The more rakish model will be landing imminently, Benz NZ assured yesterday, but a price has yet to be set.

It’s also too soon, of course, for a dollar figure in respect to the GLE 63, but Benz has already indicated that this smasher will exclusively import in the higher-grade 63 S spec.

Despite AMG progressively moving to smaller engines, the flagship GLE is still adhering to eight-cylinder values, with the crowd favourite 4.0-twin turbo V8, albeit also with an electric twist.

The plant delivers outputs of 450kW and 850Nm, and is also matched with an electric motor which can temporarily boost power by 16kW/250Nm.

And saving the best for last …. zero to 100kmh is in just 3.8 seconds.