The X-factor that makes AMG cars quite a bit special than the rest, we reckon, is their willingness to send the pendulum right to the edge of the swing.

These are the guys who started things off with a modified C-Class, went on to drop a 7.3-litre V12 into a convertible, and then churn supercar figures out of something commonly used as a hearse.

Of course, plenty of other things in between now and then, but you get the gist.

So, where does today's subject stand? It's the newly-launched-in-Malaysia, RM 873,888 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe.

We don't get the tamer 43- or burlier 63 AMG here, so is the 'middle child' the best option after all?

Power in spades

As a sports SUV, GLE 53 speaks the right language: 3.0-litre straight six, two turbos, 435 PS, 560 Nm, 9-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT). By and large the Porsche Macan GTS is its equal (440 PS and 550 Nm in there), though Stuttgart's entry is slightly pricier at RM 895,000.

Where the P-car is takes a more svelte tact, the GLE 53 comes with all the brutish charms of a typical AMG. Nothing unsubtle about its girth, the swallow-all maw up front, and 22-inch wheels fronting bright silver calipers – all as standard.

Also read: 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe facelift launched in Malaysia, RM 873k, 435 PS/560 Nm

It does look a little awkward in certain angles though; something to do with its roly-poly shape and rather big size.

We postulate the interior might be a point to ponder about. It's among the older models in Mercedes-Benz's portfolio in Malaysia, so the cabin is a bit last-gen. Some of the flair of the newer models, like the jet engine-style air-cond vents within the curvier dashboard, aren't here.

For what it's worth though, it gets the latest steering wheel (with the two mini screens by the bottom to adjust settings), all-important Burmester audio, and AMG seats as well as Artico man-made leather and chrome trimmings.

Get past that and the GLE 53 AMG intoxicates with its power. Something this heavy (it's around 2.4 tonnes) isn't usually ought to build up speed this well, but the AMG GLE 53 properly hauls butt. 0-100 km/h is done in an entirely-believable 5.2 seconds, before reaching a top speed of about 250 km/h.

Also read: Review: What's it like driving the most powerful non-AMG tri-pointed star EV, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV?

It's also a mild-hybrid, so while you're never going to potter about on electric power alone, the 48-volt electric motor adds a tangible power and torque boost upon acceleration. Theoratically it should help fuel economy too, though if you're overly concerned about that...EQ models are that way.

Big numbers for a big car then. Personally I loved how it appeals to the kid in me particularly with its sound: there's a light thrum in Normal, and putting it into Sport pumps a bassier tone into the cabin, to go with playful pops and crackles on the overrun. About as subtle as a broken bottle, this one...

This will likely not be the only car in the buyer's stable, so the variability in adjustments will find fans. For daily drives leaving it Moderate engine output and Comfort suspension should do the trick; and for the times I had a go of it in Maximum output, the thoughts of making an awkward call to the office to explain why I'm in a lock-up was deterrent enough.

Handling and road-comfort is reasonably good, and the steering's sharp enough to hide some of that heft and height, though physics being what it is, there's still some lean and slack as the car tackles corners at higher speeds.

Verdict

When all's said and done, the GLE 53 AMG Coupe serves a positive first impression at being a rather good performance SUV. It has the power, the cachet of being a 'full-AMG' car, and on a more subjective level, there's the aesthetics which some buyers will adore or even actively seek out in an SUV.