A Mercedes-AMG SUV with 577 horsepower and a 4.1-second sprint to 60 mph sounds like the sort of machine that would burn through premium gasoline without a second thought. But the 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Hybrid has another side: It can run on electricity alone for everyday driving, then unleash its turbocharged six-cylinder engine and electric motor when you want the full AMG experience . After driving both the SUV and Coupe in Colorado, I found a performance crossover that balances serious speed with a surprisingly practical plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The redesigned powertrain pairs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a 181-horsepower electric motor, producing a combined 577 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes-AMG estimates a 0–60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds—eight-tenths quicker than the outgoing GLE 53. Both body styles also offer electric-only driving at speeds up to 87 mph, along with dedicated modes that let drivers save battery power for city streets.…