The all new Mercedes-Benz GLE 500 e Plug-in Hybrid

When you think of an SUV, chances are that fuel efficiency is not the first thing that comes to mind – but Mercedes-Benz is hoping to change that with their all new GLE 500 e Plug-in Hybrid.

This article is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz

So how exactly do you make a large vehicle such as an SUV more fuel efficient? The answer lies in the combination of a Bi-Turbo 3.0L V6 combustion engine alongside an electric motor that can drive the vehicle on its own, or alongside the V6 to boost performance.

Power and efficiency

Just how efficient is the Mercedes-Benz GLE 500 e? Its official fuel consumption figures are an astonishingly low 3.3L/100km*. The GLE 500 e also has an all-electric range of up to 30km, which means that short trips around the city don’t use any fuel at all. With the average commute in Australia’s major cities being less than 15km, for the majority of us it’s enough range to get to and from work without using any fuel.

Importantly, all this efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of dynamic performance as the electric motor and combustion engine work together to enhance performance and the driver experience. 

In terms of power, the GLE 500 e has a combined output of 325kW and 650Nm of torque. This means it can propel itself from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds, similar acceleration speeds compared to cars with much larger engines.

Overseas Model Shown Above

Despite its more efficient nature, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t made the Plug-in Hybrid variant of the GLE any less luxuriously appointed than its non-hybrid models. Inside, you’ll find the usual list of Mercedes-Benz safety and comfort features, including the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system that boosts stability when off-road or in the rain or snow, and Intelligent Drive active safety systems like Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.

Charging made easy

Charging the GLE 500 e is simple - the plug-in hybrid system lets you charge the battery from a standard domestic wall socket in around 4 hours, or if you opt for the Mercedes-Benz wall box charging system^ you can reduce this charging time by around half.

Have it both ways

We’re often told that we can’t have it both ways, but the Mercedes-Benz GLE 500 e uses plug-in hybrid technology to deliver drivers the most attractive elements of both electric power and combustion power – sporty performance and dynamism, impressive fuel-efficiency and all the elements that make it a Mercedes-Benz.

This article is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz. For more information on the Mercedes-Benz Plug-in Hybrid range, visit http://www.mercedes-benz.com.au

*The declared fuel consumption figures are determined by testing under standardised laboratory conditions to comply with ADR 81/02.  Real world fuel consumption is influenced by many additional factors such as individual driving style, load, traffic and vehicle condition. The declared fuel consumption figure should only be used for the purpose of comparison amongst vehicles.

^ The Wall box is available at additional cost and does not include installation costs which will vary depending on the end user's circumstances.