2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe: Anything But Conventional

• The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is set to arrive in mid-2020.
• The powertrain includes a special EQ Boost electric auxiliary compressor. 
• It has a shorter wheelbase than a conventional GLE SUV with sportier handling.

Have you seen Mercedes-Benz’s SUV offerings lately? If you’re familiar with the German automaker’s growing lineup, the GLE coupe has always been offered in AMG trim. Not that we’re complaining, but I personally think it has something to do with America’s desire for large, fast, and ultimately stylish gas-guzzlers. And for the average American who’s looking for a large, fast, and stylish gas-guzzling SUV, allow me to introduce the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe.

This SUV is meant for folks who think the regular GLE is too boxy and conventional for the modern world.

Before you say the AMG GLE 53 Coupe is simply a restyled GLE SUV with a sexier sloping roofline, Mercedes-AMG is on a mission to put all doubts to rest. The new offering here from Affalterbach is more than a pretty face and it’s anything but ordinary.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe: Same Face, Different Body

It’s hard to discern the changes at first glance. The task is more difficult if you’re not totally familiar with the outgoing AMG GLE. While the new model is wearing the same hood, lower bumper, headlights, and taillights as the regular GLE, it’s the changes underneath that matter most.

For starters, Mercedes-AMG reduced the wheelbase of the GLE 53 Coupe by 2.4 inches. This gives the vehicle a sportier feel while also slightly improving the rather bulbous rear design. The styling is still a love-it or hate-it affair, but Mercedes finally succeeded in making the GLE Coupe look cleaner and saner than the previous model. Think of it this way: if you’re relatively young and have two kids, the GLE Coupe is more appealing as long as you can afford it.

Now that I mention it, it’s important to point out the GLE Coupe (albeit in AMG trim) is approximately $15,000 dearer than a base model GLE. You’ll have to be relatively young (or young at heart), affluent, and have two kids to even consider the GLE Coupe.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe. Photo: MBUSA.

Distinctive AMG Styling

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe is clearly a member of the AMG family with that wide and gaping, AMG-specific Panamericana grille design. The twin power domes on the hood are hinting at the potent engine underneath while the slim headlights and A-wing in the front bumper enhance the sporting intent of the vehicle.

Speaking of the front bumper, it receives AMG-specific features like those sporty outer air inlets, twin side louvers, and that front splitter in a silver chrome finish. The vehicle also receives AMG side skirts and a subtle trunk lid spoiler. The new rear bumper houses a diffuser and an AMG exhaust system with twin chrome tailpipes.

Related: Small enough for families of seven. Meet the Mercedes-Benz GLB 250.

Turbocharged Motor With EQ Boost Technology

Did I fail to mention the AMG GLE 53 is an electrified SUV? It has a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and an EQ Boost electric auxiliary compressor. If all this sounds familiar, it’s the same motor and EQ Boost compressor in the 2019 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Sedan. Both vehicles produce 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft. of torque. The EQ Boost starter generator powers the 48-volt on-board electrical system while providing an additional 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft. of torque when it matters most.

With this setup, the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe rushes from zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. It outruns the outgoing AMG GLE 43 but falls short when accosted by the AMG GLE 63 S with its 577 horsepower, twin-turbo V8 motor. But still, the AMG GLE 53 is pretty quick for a family SUV.

Shifting duties are courtesy of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT nine-speed automatic; driving all four wheels via a fully-variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. The latter continuously monitors and calculates the torque distribution between the front and rear axle to enhance traction and lateral dynamics. Suffice it to say, this SUV is meant to be driven hard.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe under the hood. Photo: MBUSA.

AMG Dynamic Select Drive Programs

The GLE Coupe is still an SUV with all-wheel drive. It’s only natural to expect some mild to moderate off-road capabilities despite the sporting apprehensions. In order to address this fact, the AMG Dynamic Select system offers seven drive programs. Besides the usual Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual modes, it also has Trail and Sand modes if you happen to find yourself off-road. Trail mode is for driving over soft, muddy, or slippery terrain. Sand mode offers the best possible grip and steering control over loose surfaces like sand dunes and slopes.

The standard AMG Ride Control (air suspension) with continuously-adjustable damping also reacts, depending on the chosen drive mode. Damping changes from soft to firm as you shuttle between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ along with Trail and Sand. It also raises or lowers the GLE 53 Coupe accordingly. In fact, the air suspension can raise the vehicle by up to 2.2 inches even when moving at 43 mph. Meanwhile, it can also lower everything by 0.6 inches at speeds up to 75 mph.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe interior layout. Photo: MBUSA.

Luxurious & Tech-Filled Interior

We’re still talking about a proper Mercedes here. Hence, it’s only fitting for the new AMG GLE 53 to have a luxurious and high-tech interior. You’ll find a lot of red elements in the cabin to distinguish the vehicle from a conventional Mercedes. The AMG sports seats are wrapped in black DINAMICA microfiber while genuine cowhide remains an option.

The newest Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 also comes with the MBUX infotainment system. Mercedes’ trademark widescreen cockpit combines a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen display with voice control. The multi-function AMG performance steering wheel comes with aluminum shift paddles and intuitive touch controls to operate the MBUX system. The tiller feels wonderful to touch courtesy of premium black leather and red contrast stitching. There’s also a red 12 o’clock marking front and center.

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe: Pricing & Availability

Mercedes-AMG will debut the 2021 GLE 53 Coupe at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which begins on Thursday, September 12th. Expect it at dealerships by the middle of next year. Complete pricing and other specs are forthcoming.

Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine. 

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe Gallery

Photos, Video & Source: MBUSA.

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Our CARCHEX Review: Best Coverage Options

• Find out if a CARCHEX warranty is worth it for your car.
• Learn about different CARCHEX extended warranty plans.
• See why CARCHEX is a top-rated warranty company for customer service.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Whether you’ve just bought a new car, or are hoping to keep your older car running for years to come, the idea of saving on repair bills is appealing. One of the best ways to protect yourself against the cost of repairing a vehicle with mechanical damage is through an extended car warranty. Extended warranties, usually known as vehicle service contracts or vehicle protection plans, provide coverage in the event your car breaks down.

CARCHEX is a top-rated extended auto warranty provider. In this review, we’ll explain the coverage options available from CARCHEX, as well as what the company does best compared to competitors.

To get a free, customized extended warranty quote from a CARCHEX representative, call 866-254-0205 or answer a few questions online.

CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plans 

As more people choose to keep their cars for longer, it makes sense to add protections that reduces the cost of an expensive car repair. The many protection plans from CARCHEX vary by coverage level and come with added benefits for drivers, including endorsements from leaders in the auto industry.

When choosing an extended warranty for your vehicle, having the right amount of coverage is key. CARCHEX offers five levels for car owners: Titanium, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

In addition, CARCHEX gives you multiple plan options within each coverage tier. CARCHEX is a broker for protection plans, which means they partner with warranty providers to give you many different coverage options. This wide range of options makes it easy to customize your CARCHEX plan to fit the specific needs of your vehicle.

It’s important to note that not every car will be eligible for each coverage level or plan. Vehicle eligibility is based on many factors, including the age, mileage, and your resident state.

Titanium Coverage Level

Longest terms available: 10 years

Recommended for: Those who want complete, bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Details: Get the highest level of coverage for your car with a Titanium level plan. These comprehensive, bumper-to-bumper plans cover almost every part of your car, with only a few exceptions.

Providers: American Auto Shield, CARCHEX Care by AAS, and Royal Administration Services.

Number of plans: 5

Platinum Coverage Level

Longest terms available: 10 years

Recommended for: Long-term coverage of stated parts and components.

Details: Similar to Titanium coverage, Platinum offers a high level of coverage. Unlike Titanium plans, however, Platinum plans are stated component coverage, meaning they cover the hundreds of parts and components listed in the contract.

Providers: American Auto Shield, Royal Administration Services, and CARCHEX Care by Royal.

Number of plans: 3

Gold Coverage Level

Longest terms available: 10 years

Recommended for: Vehicles over 60,000 miles.

Details: The Gold level provides comprehensive plans with flexible lengths and affordable pricing. The contracts cover all major systems in your vehicle and are a good fit for cars that are a few years old and over 60,000 miles. The Gold level is a great combination of value and coverage.

Providers: American Auto Shield, Royal Administration Services, and CARCHEX Care by Royal.

Number of plans: 3

Silver Level Coverage

Longest terms available: 7 years

Recommended for: High-mileage vehicles

Details: Although not as comprehensive as the higher levels, Silver contracts offer more than just basic powertrain protection. The contracts at the Silver level provide coverage for most of the major systems in your car.

Providers: American Auto Shield, Royal Administration Services, and CARCHEX Care by Royal.

Number of plans: 3

Bronze Level Coverage

Longest terms available: 6 years

Recommended for: Basic protection for older or higher-mileage vehicles.

Details: If you have an older car or one with higher mileage, a Bronze level plan may be the best option for you. Bronze contracts give you peace of mind that the most expensive repairs to your engine or transmission are covered.

Providers: American Auto Shield and CARCHEX Care by Royal.

Number of plans: 2

Included Benefits

The best car warranty companies will offer additional perks and benefits like roadside assistance to their customers. CARCHEX is no exception. In addition to coverage levels and contracts for almost any car and driver, they also provide a long list of additional perks.

Some of the best benefits from CARCHEX extended warranties include:

• Gas delivery.
• Towing coverage.
• 24/7 roadside assistance.
• Rental car reimbursement.
• Trip interruption coverage.
• Free SiriusXM for eligible vehicles.

CARCHEX extended protection includes 24/7 roadside assistance.

Partnerships With Industry Leaders

Where CARCHEX really sets itself apart from other warranty companies is its partnerships and endorsements by leaders in the auto industry. Some car warranties boast one or two endorsements, but CARCHEX offers partnerships with many different industry leaders.

Some of the most notable partnerships with CARCHEX include:

• CARFAX
• Bankrate
• Edmunds
• SiriusXM
• DMV.org
• RepairPal
• Kelley Blue Book
• MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

CARCHEX Reviews & Customer Service

When your car breaks down, there’s nothing worse than an unhelpful customer service line. Whether dealing with your insurance company, roadside assistance provider, or extended warranty provider, you want to be connected to a customer service representative quickly. Luckily, the car warranty experts from CARCHEX are known for providing unmatched customer service.

In fact, CARCHEX boasts high ratings from customers across many different review outlets, including Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Read some of the reviews from real CARCHEX customers.

Customer Testimonials

“[The] outstanding customer service representative answered all questions. Also spoke with her supervisor who also was very knowledgeable and friendly! I was very impressed with the professional service and would highly recommend to anyone needing their product.” – Gerald on Trustpilot

“The representative I worked with was very knowledgeable, helpful, and not pushy. Talked where I could understand him and explained everything very well.” – Cynthia Greene on Trustpilot

“My experience with [the representative] was excellent! She thoroughly explained extended warranty products, immediately gave me an email quote, which I had access to for over a week to use in comparison with other quotes. Her customer service skills are excellent; she listened, addressed, and provided a solution to my concerns. Gave me the time I needed to make a decision without pressure which I felt from the competitors. She followed up as promised both on my home and cell phone and made herself very accessible. CARCHEX had more to offer than a reputable product – it was the excellent customer service experience that made my decision and gave me peace of mind that I am covered and won’t have any surprises if and when my car needs servicing. Thank you, [representative], satisfied customer!” – Charlene and Nassiya on Trustpilot

Trusted by the BBB

An easy way to tell if a company takes care of their customers is to check their BBB accreditation and rating. CARCHEX has an A+ rating from the BBB, while also being accredited. To receive accreditation, a company must show ethical business practices by building trust, being honest, and resolving conflicts in a timely manner.

Are CARCHEX Warranties Worth it?

If you’re still unsure if an extended car warranty from CARCHEX is right for your vehicle, you can consider your other options. You might choose a different warranty provider, or you could choose not to protect your car at all.

Dealerships and other third-warranty providers often have similar services to CARCHEX, but they normally don’t have as many coverage options. You may also have to pay a deductible or interest on your extended warranty if wrapped in with your financing.

What’s more, many providers with the cheapest extended warranty rates are known for having lackluster customer service. Some fake warranty companies even use deceptive scams to get you to sign up for a warranty service that doesn’t actually offer protection.

On the other hand, you could choose to not protect your car at all. But consider: are you ready to cover the cost of a major breakdown, or would you need to buy a new car? If not, an extended auto warranty could help.

The combination of affordable coverage and the best customer service available make CARCHEX a top choice for a vehicle protection plan. When you get a quote, you’ll have the chance to ask their experts all of your questions and confirm you’re getting the extended protection you need.

Other CARCHEX advantages include:

• Use Your Repair Shop: CARCHEX allows you to choose from any ASE-certified repair shop.
• Flexible Payments: CARCHEX offers a monthly installment plan to help make your extended warranty more affordable.
• No-Haggle, Low-Price Everyday Guarantee™: The warranty experts at CARCHEX are upfront and honest about prices, promising you won’t have to haggle over the phone to get the best deal.
• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: CARCHEX backs their products and services with a satisfaction guarantee, so you can cancel your plan within 30 days and be refunded, no questions asked.

Get Vehicle Protection with CARCHEX

Find the best protection for your car when you request a free quote from CARCHEX. Call 866-254-0205 or fill out the form online.

Frequently Asked Questions About CARCHEX

We rounded up the most commonly asked questions about CARCHEX warranties.

How Much Does A CARCHEX Warranty Cost?

The cost of a CARCHEX plan varies based on factors like:

• Budget.
• Contract.
• Deductible.
• Coverage level.
• Vehicle mileage and age.
• Vehicle make and model.

In general, a newer car with less mileage will cost less to cover than an older vehicle with high mileage.

CARCHEX payments can be made monthly or annually. The best way to get an idea of what you’ll pay for a CARCHEX warranty is to get a free quote. Call 866-254-0205.

What Types of Cars Does CARCHEX Cover?

As an extended warranty broker, CARCHEX is able to offer plans from several different warranty providers. This gives them the best chance of finding a protection plan that works for your vehicle. Many different makes, models, and ages of cars can be protected by a CARCHEX plan, including:

• Kia
• Audi
• BMW
• Ford
• Lexus
• Nissan
• Tesla
• Volvo
• Dodge
• Honda
• Toyota
• Hyundai
• Chrysler
• Chevrolet
• Volkswagen

Who Owns CARCHEX?

CARCHEX is owned by Jason Goldsmith and based in Hunt Valley, Maryland.

Are CARCHEX protection plans insured?

Yes, CARCHEX Extended Vehicle Protection Plans are insured, so you can feel confident in your extended warranty.

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2020 Porsche Macan Turbo: New Features & Updates All Around

• The 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo is heading to dealerships with a number of updates.
• Zero to 60 times improve with the 2.9-liter turbo engine and seven-speed transmission.
• Connectivity options are nearly endless for the new Macan Turbo, due out later this year.

The 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo is here with a revised powertrain and chassis, plus improvements in acceleration and braking over last year. Judging by the number of these things I see around, I’d bet we’ll notice even more of them now. Just a few days ago, I walked by a Porsche Macan parked next to a new Subaru Forester. I was surprised to find they were, more or less, the same size. I always perceived Macans as being a lot bigger than they are.

Honestly, I can see why Porsche is selling these guys by the boatload. Upper-end city dwellers must be eating these things up. What’s not to like from their perspective? It’s a nicely-styled SUV/crossover. It has lots of practicality and room for a normal-sized family. And it’s a Porsche.

2020 Porsche Macan Turbo: Power & Performance

The 2020 Macan is powered by a 2.9-liter, twin-turbo V6 that puts out 434 horsepower and 405 lb-ft. of torque. That will give you a zero to 60 mph sprint of 4.3 seconds, or 4.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package. The acceleration time is a 0.3-second improvement versus the 2019 model, with or without the Sport Chrono package. Top speed is now up to 167, a bump of three mph. Just like other Macans, power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and Porsche’s Traction Management system.

2020 Porsche Macan Turbo. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Braking & Suspension Components

Porsche’s Surface Coated Brakes now stop you quicker and the white calipers look nice too. These are the same stoppers from the third-generation Cayenne models by the way. The rotors are coated in an ultra-hard layer of tungsten carbide to reduce brake dust and provide sharper response. Once they’re broken in, the rotors take on a mirror-like finish, according to Porsche. A Sport Exhaust system is now on the list of standard performance equipment; as are the 20-inch Macan Turbo wheels.

The standard dampers (Porsche Active Suspension Management) include an optional, height-adjustable air suspension. The system consists of new shock absorber hydraulics and enhanced rolling pistons. Other available options include Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system.

Related: This book showcases the complete history of the Porsche 911.

Styling & Design

The exterior gets a freshening up with a Macan-specific front fascia and three large air intakes. Sportier side skirts and exterior mirrors (body color) help differentiate the Macan Turbo. There are also dual-strip LED fog lights above the front air intakes, complimenting the LED headlights and Porsche’s Dynamic Light System.

Porsche fans with eagle eyes may notice how the rear light design now matches the rest of the Macan line. Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

Interior Treatments: Lots of Connectivity

There’s an Alcantara roof liner; 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats with Memory Package; and a 665-watt, 14-speaker Bose Surround Sound system. The 10.9-inch HD touchscreen offers the latest connectivity in the form of Porsche Communication Management with Porsche Connect Plus; an LTE telephone module; integrated SIM card and a slot for an external SIM card; a Wi-Fi hotspot; and a one-year subscription to numerous Porsche Connect services, including navigation. The list of connectivity features is about endless for the 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo.

Lastly, the Multifunction GT Sport steering wheel is an option along with Qi inductive charging.

2020 Porsche Macan Turbo: Pricing & Availability

The starting price is a rather Porsche-like $83,600, plus $1,350 for destination. The 2020 Porsche Macan should be at your local dealer near the end of this year.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz. 

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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KNTT: A sporty Knucklehead from Max Hazan

We’d love a glimpse inside Max Hazan’s head. His machines are elegant and visceral, and we’re left wondering how he actually builds these functional sculptures. But what’s really mind blowing, is that he usually makes them up as he goes along.

The latest Hazan Motorworks creation has the lines of an Italian sportbike, classic race hoops, and a very special Knucklehead motor. It’s an astounding motorcycle, and extremely cohesive. But rather than emulate a particular style, Max started with a simple idea…and let his imagination run wild.

“The idea came about after speaking to someone that loved Knucklehead and Vincent engines,” he tells us, “and me suggesting that I just make a Knuckle that ran two front cylinder heads.”

“I always had a sweet spot for the Harley-Davidson KRTT and XRTT race bikes, so I figured why not build one around a KN motor?” And so the ‘KNTT’ was conceived.

Max took a 74ci Knucklehead from S&S Cycle, and then reworked it to run two front heads and two carbs. “It was not exactly a bolt-on modification,” he says wryly. The work put into the motor alone could fill volumes.

Some of the mods included cutting off and rebuilding the rear quarter of each head, and changing the angle of the intake runners.

Adjusting the angle of the pushrods was a challenge too, and Max had to make his own lifter blocks, shorten and re-angle the rockers, and modify the actual knuckle part of the rocker assembly. He also ditched the generator in favor of a Morris magneto.

The carbs shown here are a twin Keihin CR setup, split and fitted with custom made flanges. They reportedly ran great—but with no accelerator pump, priming the motor was tricky. So Max eventually swapped them for a pair of Dell’Orto PHF36s.

“The bike is kick only,” he says, “and it took a bit of learning to figure out what she likes. But the Knuckle runs like a (slow) top now. It’s a beautiful motor, but it only puts out around 50 hp.”

If you’re trying to figure out what frame Max wedged that alluring motor into, don’t bother. It’s a completely one-off chromoly affair, built from scratch.

Up front are Royal Enfield forks that have been re-sprung and upgraded with Teflon bushings. The rear arrangement involves a custom aluminum swingarm, hooked up to a short Fox pitbike shock.

The Knucklehead has a killer stance, made even better by a pair of 18” Morris mags that were originally made for the Kawasaki Z1000. Max machined the original drum brake mounts off the Enfield forks, and fitted two Wilwood calipers on each side, with Z1000 rotors.

The rear wheel only uses one Wilwood caliper, and a hand-made heel shifter on the left side operates it. It’s on the left because Max matched the motor to an old Indian Scout transmission with a right side shift. And it’s at the heel, because his homemade clutch actuator is right where a toe lever would be.

Most of Max’s high-level engineering is fully on display, but some of it’s hiding under the exquisite aluminum bodywork. The oil tank sits just below the main fuel tank, and runs with a remote filter and cooler.

Max shaped everything himself—from the fairing through to the three-gallon tank, and the waspish tail section.

There’s a high level of flow and harmony between the pieces. The contours in the tank and tail mimic each other, and the fairing has cutouts that run tight around various bits of the motor. All in all, the total package weighs around 375 lbs (170 kilos).

A pair of stainless steel exhaust headers make their way up to the tail, reminiscent of classic MotoGP systems. (Max built them with cut up Termignoni baffles in the ends, to dampen noise and provide a little low-end pressure.)

Like all Hazan Motorworks builds, the KNTT is the product of an over-active imagination, backed up by a skilled pair of hands. And it’s loaded with enough quirky details to keep us busy until his next project drops.

Max might have had the XRTT and KRTT in mind when he started, but the end result is so much more than just a homage to two iconic American track bikes.

Hazan Motorworks | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Shaik Ridzwan

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