Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC: the diesel plug-in hybrid SUV now has a price

In its push towards electrification, Mercedes-Benz seems to have found what, at least for now, others have chosen to leave behind: making a plug-in hybrid propulsion system work with a diesel combustion engine, with the fuel economy advantage that this brings.

The key appears to be the special diesel particulate filter that Mercedes has developed, along with all the management software. This exhaust gas aftertreatment system needs high temperatures to regenerate and burn off accumulated ash, and it does not get along well with the constant engine starts and stops that occur in a hybrid car.

Whatever the case, it seems Mercedes has solved it. And the result is impressive. Just look at the figures for the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 4MATIC: a system output of 320 CV (235 kW) and a maximum torque of 700 Nm. This allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/h.

Electric range for daily use without burning fuel

But now comes the really good part. With a 31.2 kWh battery, the GLE 350 homologates one of the longest electric-only ranges among plug-in hybrids: up to 100 km, according to the WLTP cycle. Running purely on its 100 kW (136 CV) electric motor, it can reach a top speed of up to 160 km/h.

The homologated combined consumption is, quite literally, “laughably low”: from 1.1 litres of fuel and 26 kWh of electricity per 100 km. As you know, don’t just focus on the fuel figure. As we always say, the homologated consumption of a plug-in hybrid is one of those that differs most from what you will get in real-world use, because the homologation cycle favours it by covering part of the route in electric mode. But there the figure is, which is comparatively the best in its category.

With the GLE 350 4MATIC you will therefore have a luxury Coupé SUV that you can use practically like an electric car during the week, thanks to the large battery capacity and the possibility of charging from 10 to 80% in just 20 minutes using fast charging. And with all the advantages of the DGT “CERO” zero-emissions label!

Ready for long-distance travel

And for everything else, it offers an SUV with sporty performance, capable of long journeys with the fuel economy advantages of a state-of-the-art turbodiesel engine, with all-wheel drive and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg.

As for the price of the Mercedes GLE 350 4MATIC Coupé for the Spanish market, it starts from 87,675 euros. That said, it comes with more equipment than the equivalent combustion-engine versions, adding options such as air suspension, 20-inch AMG wheels, the AMG Line exterior package and a large number of comfort and safety features.

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