Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de 4MATIC and GLC 300 e 4MATIC: two new PHEVs for the brand's SUV range

Mercedes-Benz takes advantage of the Frankfurt Motor Show –from 12 to 22 September– to present its new Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de 4MATIC and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC, as well as the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé.

Both models have something in common besides belonging to the brand’s SUV family: they debut the manufacturer’s new-generation plug-in hybrid technology. The Stuttgart giant’s main selling point is an electric range greater than that of its rivals, without losing interior space thanks to the position of its batteries.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de 4MATIC

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE350 de 4MATIC is the spearhead of the brand’s electric offensive, positioned as the largest member of the EQ Power family. This SUV is meant to be a benchmark for ride comfort, offering quiet and smooth performance.

One of the key points of the new model presented at the 2019 Frankfurt Show is its generous wheelbase –2,995 mm–. This means passengers can enjoy plenty of space and travel comfortably in the fully adjustable second row of seats.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de 4MATIC is fully capable on demanding surfaces thanks to its variable all-wheel drive. In addition, the plug-in variant of the brand’s SUV debuts new driver assistance systems such as “Active Stop & Go Assist”.

Furthermore, the brand’s engineers worked hard in the wind tunnel to achieve an aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd, a very good value for a car of this size that considerably improves efficiency. As a result, the manufacturer promises that its new Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de 4MATIC has an electric range of 100 kilometres, with a diesel engine consumption of 2.5 l/100 km once it starts running.

The combined output of the plug-in hybrid powertrain is 320 CV and 700 Nm of torque. As a result, the new Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h –160 km/h in electric mode–.

The Mercedes-Benz can also recharge its battery from 10 to 80% at a charging point in 20 minutes, and needs 10 more minutes to charge fully.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC

The smaller sibling of the model we have just presented seeks luxury and ride comfort combined with greater practicality. Its design is characterised by dynamic lines already familiar from the conventional Mercedes-Benz GLC presented earlier this year –the same one that became the fastest SUV in the world at the Nürburgring–.

There are, however, some changes, such as the light signature of its LED headlights, and the new design of its rear LED lights. In addition, Mercedes-Benz offers LED Multibeam headlights as an option.

Fitting the battery needed to power the electric motor of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC has not cost any interior or boot space. The reason is that from the very start of development, engineers addressed this drawback inherent to any plug-in hybrid. As a result, passenger space is generous and the boot offers a capacity of 395 litres –1,445 with the rear seats folded–.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC shares its powertrain with the E 300 e. That means it consists of a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol combustion engine producing 208 CV and 350 Nm of torque, complemented by an electric motor producing 121 CV and 440 Nm of torque. When both work together, output is 316 CV and 700 Nm, with an electric range of 43 kilometres.

This power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Thanks to this set-up, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 230 km/h. In addition, the electric motor can propel the car on its own at speeds up to 130 km/h.

The two SUVs are a further step towards the brand’s goal

Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de 4MATIC and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 300 e 4MATIC feature a new on-board charger that doubles charging capacity from 3.6 kW to 7.4 kW. Thanks to this, a fully depleted battery can reach its maximum charge in 1.5 hours. If the car is connected to a domestic charging point, it takes approximately 5 hours.

In addition, the advanced MBUX infotainment system has been optimised to show the charging points available along the route. The driver can activate this function simply by asking the voice assistant.

Although both SUVs debut the brand’s latest technology, Mercedes-Benz is already an experienced manufacturer of hybrid technologies. The first model to be electrified was the Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid, launched in 2009. Therefore, ten years after the brand launched its first electrified model, the strategy has grown by leaps and bounds, since the goal is to have 20 electrified models by 2020.