When HE Magazine conducts a test drive, our mission is simple: deliver an honest, immersive experience that reflects what our readers value; performance, refinement, and the emotional connection between driver and machine. This time, we went behind the wheel of one of the most anticipated performance SUVs to land in Egypt: the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53.

This marks the first time the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 is officially offered by Mercedes-Benz Egypt and locally assembled on an Egyptian production line, a significant milestone for the brand and the market alike.

A Heart Built for Performance

Under the hood sits a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Together, they deliver 435 hp and 560 Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels through 9-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT transmission and the advanced 4MATIC+ system, an intelligent AWD setup that constantly shifts power between the front and rear axles for sharper cornering, stronger launches, and noticeably higher stability at speed.

The result?
0–100 km/h in around 5 seconds, delivered with the unmistakable AMG surge — immediate throttle response, tight power delivery, and a level of control that feels far more athletic than a mid-size SUV should.

Exterior: Where Luxury Meets Sport

From the first glance, the Panamericana AMG grille sets the tone; aggressive, confident, unmistakably AMG. The new MULTIBEAM LED headlights enhance visibility with its intelligent light system that adjusts based on road and traffic conditions.

The wheels, however, steal the show:
22-inch AMG rims, with 285/40 front and 325/35 rear tires. Behind them, massive 6-piston red AMG calipers clamp onto ventilated discs, both a performance necessity and a visual statement.

At the rear, full LED taillights, a sporty diffuser, and the quad-exhaust system complete a design that perfectly balances elegance with athleticism.

Luxury You Feel Immediately

Step inside and the GLE 53 instantly reminds you why Mercedes remains a benchmark in cabin refinement.

The interior offers generous rear-seat space, 4-zone climate control, ISOFIX mounts, and a welcoming sense of comfort that families will appreciate, but from the driver’s seat the experience becomes much more focused.

The new AMG multi-spoke steering wheel, wrapped in Alcantara and carbon fiber, is one of the car’s highlights. Two customizable AMG rotary dials allow instant control of driving modes, suspension settings, traction, exhaust valves and more.

Digital integration is equally impressive:

• 12.3-inch digital cluster
• 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system
• Head-Up Display with multiple views
• Touchscreen + touchpad + steering-wheel controls
• Mercedes continues to offer physical climate-control buttons, an appreciated ergonomic choice in an age of touch-only interiors.

The cabin materials elevate the experience even further:
Leather with Alcantara seats, heated and cooled massage seats, carbon-fiber dashboard, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and the excellent Burmester 13-speaker surround system.

With the Night Package, the interior takes on an even sportier, darker aesthetic.

Practicality remains strong, with a 630-liter trunk expandable to over 2,000 liters with rear seats folded. The air suspension, adjustable from both the console and trunk, adds convenience and comfort.

On the Road: Two Personalities in One

Driving the GLE 53 is a tale of dual character.

In Comfort mode, the SUV delivers the calm, insulated experience expected from Mercedes—smooth acceleration, quiet cabin, soft suspension, and refined cruising.

Switch to Sport+, and everything changes:
Throttle response sharpens, the exhaust note deepens with addictive crackles, gear shifts become quicker, and the suspension firms up. The car suddenly feels smaller, more alive—almost like a sports car.

Mercedes' improved mild-hybrid system reduces turbo lag noticeably, giving the car punchier acceleration from a standstill and improved responsiveness across the rev range.

Stability is exceptional thanks to the wide tires, 4MATIC+, and air suspension, allowing confident handling even at higher speeds or through tight corners. Braking performance is impressive as expected from the large AMG braking system.

Final Thoughts

Mercedes has succeeded in blending two worlds:
the comfort and luxury that define the brand, and the strong, engaging performance expected from AMG.

For the Egyptian market, the GLE 53 is offered in a single, fully equipped trim at 8,100,000 EGP, making it one of the most compelling premium performance SUVs available today.

We truly enjoyed this exclusive test drive, and we look forward to bringing you more first-hand experiences in upcoming issues of HE Magazine.

For the full test drive experience visit our Youtube Channel: Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Test Drive

Test Drive by: Ziyad Selim

DOP: Amir Dakrory

Assistant DOP: Fahd EL Moghany

Venue: Katameya Dunes Golf club