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2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for 2021 is the debut of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE range. The GLE 53 and GLE 63 S arrive in both upright SUV and sloped-roof Coupe forms.
About the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE
Second-generation GLE (W167 SUV/C167 Coupe), first U.S. model year for the AMG GLE 53 and AMG GLE 63 S variants; the Coupe body is all-new and the AMG SUV models join the GLE generation introduced for 2020.
Mercedes-AMG positions the GLE as a high-performance midsize luxury SUV that combines sports-car acceleration and responsive handling with an upscale, technology-heavy cabin and useful passenger space. The conventional-roof SUV emphasizes everyday practicality, while the Coupe trades some rear space for a lower, more dramatic profile. Across both shapes, the model’s defining strengths are powerful mild-hybrid engines, variable AWD, adaptive air suspension and a broad spread between comfortable cruising and aggressive driving modes.
The GLE 53 is the more balanced model, with a 429-hp turbo inline-six, adjustable air suspension and dual 12.3-inch displays. The GLE 63 S is the more intense version, pairing a handcrafted 603-hp twin-turbo V8 with active body-roll control; SUV versions emphasize passenger and cargo room, while the Coupes trade some practicality for a sleeker profile.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new range uses 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance throughout. GLE 53 models have a 429-hp turbocharged inline-six, while GLE 63 S models use a handcrafted 603-hp twin-turbo V8. Every version has a 9-speed automatic and variable all-wheel drive.
Styling
The AMG GLE adopts the second-generation GLE design with an AMG-specific vertical-bar grille and wider performance-focused bodywork. A fully redesigned sloped-roof Coupe joins the upright SUV.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and automated parking are standard across the new range. The broader adaptive driver-assistance suite is not standard on every version.
Tech
Dual 12.3-inch displays are standard, along with touchscreen infotainment, voice control, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Structural
The AMG range moves to the second-generation GLE platform, and every model receives self-leveling, height-adjustable adaptive air suspension. GLE 63 S models add active body-roll control and dynamic engine mounts.
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter w/EQ Boost | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter w/EQ Boost | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter w/EQ Boost | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter w/EQ Boost |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd w/9G-Tronic & AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT | Automatic, 9-Spd w/9G-Tronic & AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | 22 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Horsepower | 429 hp | 603 hp | 429 hp | 603 hp |
| Torque | 384 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft | 384 lb-ft | 627 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7200 lb | 7198 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.2 cu-ft | 74.9 cu-ft | 74.9 cu-ft | |
| Rear Legroom | 40.9 in | 40.9 in | ||
| Seats | 5 | 5 | ||
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Stability Control | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Traction Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Head-Up Display | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||
| Memory Front Seats | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Steering | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE a new generation?
Yes. The 2021 AMG GLE range debuts on the second-generation GLE platform, with GLE 53 and GLE 63 S models in upright SUV and sloped-roof Coupe forms.
What engines are in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE?
The 2021 AMG GLE 53 uses a 429-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, while the AMG GLE 63 S has a handcrafted 603-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. Both use 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, a 9-speed automatic and variable all-wheel drive.
What is the difference between the 2021 AMG GLE 53 and GLE 63 S?
The main difference is performance hardware. The GLE 53 has a 429-hp inline-six and is the more balanced everyday model, while the GLE 63 S has a 603-hp V8, active body-roll control, dynamic engine mounts and an electronic rear limited-slip differential.
Did the 2021 AMG GLE come as both an SUV and a Coupe?
Yes. Both the GLE 53 and GLE 63 S came in an upright SUV form and a sloped-roof Coupe form for 2021. The SUV emphasizes passenger and cargo usefulness, while the Coupe has a sleeker profile.
What cabin technology is standard in the 2021 AMG GLE?
Every 2021 AMG GLE has dual 12.3-inch displays, touchscreen infotainment, voice control, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE.
4.3
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE
(334 reviews)
“Excellent vehicle, very comfortable, and handles corners like a car. It's a race car pretending to be an SUV!”
“It's a powerful and good looking suv, great buy for the price. Way more value than its competitors”