The new Mercedes GLE 450 4Matic debuts EQ Boost 48V technology, making it the 20th ECO model from the brand

It is true that we live in an automotive world where great emphasis is being placed on any mechanical solution that can replace combustion engines, which are now in the crosshairs of governments. However, we must give special mention to Mercedes-Benz, a brand that has shown with the EQC its clear intentions to electrify, but which, at the same time, wants to keep its range of petrol and diesel powertrains alive. To fight against strict anti-pollution regulations, Mercedes has applied what is known as micro-hybridisation, or in other words, a small 48V electric motor that supports the combustion engine and which has been applied to the new GLE.

This mechanical pairing has made its appearance in the entry-level versions bearing the AMG badge and the number 53, but the brand with the star has wanted to extend it to more modest engines. With this premise, we find not only a range of less polluting powertrains, but also ones capable of delivering a greater level of power thanks to the presence of the second heart.

The new Mercedes GLE can now enjoy the ECO classification, which also applies to 19 other models from the German brand. This is how engineers have managed to resolve the conflict between combustion engines and emissions figures, with the figure now considerably lower thanks to the presence of the 48V electric motor.

To be more specific, it is the 450 4Matic version that has also received this micro-hybrid status, which is sufficient to display the DGT’s ECO label. In this way, it will not only be possible to enter the heart of cities such as Madrid or Barcelona, but also to enjoy more pronounced performance.

With this designation, the German SUV is powered by a six-cylinder inline engine capable of producing 367 CV of power and 500 Nm of torque. However, thanks to the 48V electric motor and its Boost function, the GLE will be able to enjoy an additional 22 CV and 250 Nm of torque for a brief period of time, figures that can provide an extra boost in tricky situations.

However, the presence of this secondary powertrain is beneficial not only for the performance of the combustion engine, but also for fuel consumption and for dispensing with certain mechanical components such as the belt drive for the auxiliary units on the front side of the engine. At the same time, this 48V motor also serves as a power source for the water pump or the air conditioning compressor, with the aim of relieving the main heart of some functions and thus achieving a more efficient vehicle.