Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the plug-in Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the plug-in Mercedes eVito electric van.
Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The PHEV portfolio includes:
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
The Mercedes-Benz GLE (formerly M-Class) premium mid-sized SUV was introduced in 1997. It is currently in its fourth generation, which was unveiled at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. The GLE PHEV Coupé is only available as a diesel/electric variant. The Coupé is distinctive in its exterior sportier styling compared to the standard GLE SUV. The sloping roofline adds to the appeal of the PHEV.
For a start, the GLE Coupé PHEV does stand out from the average plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, given the 31.2 kWh onboard EV battery. In general, most PHEVs tend to have an EV battery smaller than 15 kWh. With the larger EV battery, the GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid SUV also commands a higher EV range, in comparison to other PHEVs.
Mercedes-Benz claims the PHEV has a zero-emission electric range up to 54 miles (WLTP certified). Real-world EV range will be lower, impacted by a number of factors, to include: driving profile, braking profile, road conditions, weather conditions, passenger load, etc. Either way, the EV should be able to deliver close to 45 miles with zero-tailpipe emissions. This should be sufficient for most urban needs and also for shorter motorway driving.
The all-wheel drive Mercedes PHEV can be charged using both AC and DC charging. The EV can be charged up to 60 kW DC (10% – 80%: 20 mins). For AC charging, the electric car has a 7.4 kW onboard charger, allowing the EV to be charged up to 100% via a domestic single-phase EV charger in 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The 100 kW electric motor is coupled with a 2.0-litre (4-cylinder) diesel engine (a petrol variant is not available). Overall performance of the GLE PHEV is respectable: 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds and a 130 mph top speed (320 bhp/ 700 Nm). Given the hybrid engine configuration, the plug-in SUV is more economical to drive compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant.
Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 313.9 mpg. Of course, the more the vehicle is driven on the pure electric mode, the greater the potential for fuel economy and savings. If the vehicle is driven primarily using the combustion engine, expect a fuel economy closer to 35 mpg.
The EV is a good blend of luxury and practicality. The SUV can seat up to 5 adults, with ample headroom and legroom for adults seated on the rear seats, despite the sloping roofline (7 seater option not available). However, the rear-view is slightly restricted compared to the standard GLE SUV. Making use of the reversing camera will be helpful.
Despite the large onboard EV battery, the EV has up to 510 L cargo volume. The PHEV is technology-packed, to include the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system that used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to predict the drivers behaviour and needs.
The GLE plug-in hybrid is also well suited for company car drivers, given the low tailpipe emissions (24g CO2/km) and lower BiK tax liability (8%). The EV does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet.
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The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de SUV-Coupé PHEV (credit: Mercedes)
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