The Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé 350 de Plug-In Hybrid: The Complete Guide For The UK

Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé 350 de Plug-In Hybrid
Price: £76,080
Type of electric vehicle: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body type: Coupé
Battery size: 31.2 kWh
Electric range (WLTP): 53 - 54 miles
Tailpipe emissions: 24g (CO2/km)


Overview


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:



Electric Cars: The Basics


For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:


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The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de Coupé PHEV


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. 

You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!



PROS CONS
An efficient vehicle. Claimed fuel economy up to 313.9 mpgOnly available as a diesel/electric PHEV
Good EV battery size and EV range (up to 54 miles)An expensive PHEV. Cheaper alternatives available
Low tailpipe emissions (24g CO2/km)Onboard charger limited to single-phase AC charging (7.4 kW AC)

Gallery


The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de Coupé PHEV (credit: Mercedes)


At A Glance
EV Type:Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:Coupé
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):Not Available
Engine:Diesel-Electric
Available In UK:Yes

Variants (1 Option)
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de AMG Line Premium Plus (from £76,080)

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in one battery size: 31.2 kWh
Charging:60 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). Onboard charger 7.4 kW AC
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:24g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:6 years or 62,000 miles

Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh £1.27
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh£1.67
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh£1.73
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh£1.89
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh£2.03
  • Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
  • Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.

Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
  • Note 1: SoC: state of charge

Dimensions
Height (mm):1730
Width (mm):2157
Length (mm):4939
Wheelbase (mm):2935
Turning Circle (m):11.8
Boot capacity (L):510

GLE 350 de 4MATIC
EV Battery Capacity:31.2 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):53 – 54 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):25.9
Fuel Consumption (MPG):313.9
Charging: 60 kW DC charging (10%-80%: 20 mins). On-board charger 7.4 kW AC
Top Speed:130 mph (electric: 53-62 mph)
0-62 mph:6.9 seconds
Drive: All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):100
Max Power (hp):320 (system output)
Torque (Nm): 700 (system output)
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):2,690
Colours:11
NCAP Safety Rating:Five-Star

While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.


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Author

Ashvin Suri

Ashvin has been involved with the renewables, energy efficiency and infrastructure sectors since 2006. He is passionate about the transition to a low-carbon economy and electric transportation. Ashvin commenced his career in 1994, working with US investment banks in New York. Post his MBA from the London Business School (1996-1998), he continued to work in investment banking at Flemings (London) and JPMorgan (London). His roles included corporate finance advisory, M&A and capital raising. He has been involved across diverse industry sectors, to include engineering, aerospace, oil & gas, airports and automotive across Asia and Europe. In 2010, he co-founded a solar development platform, for large scale ground and roof solar projects to include, the UK, Italy, Germany and France. He has also advised on various renewable energy (wind and solar) utility scale projects working with global institutional investors and independent power producers (IPP’s) in the renewable energy sector. He has also advised in key international markets like India, to include advising large-scale industrial and automotive group in India. Ashvin has also advised Indian Energy, an IPP backed by Guggenheim (a US$ 165 billion fund). He has also advised a US$ 2 billion, Singapore based group. Ashvin has also worked in the real estate and infrastructure sector, to including working with the Matrix Group (a US$ 4 billion property group in the UK) to launch one of the first few institutional real estate funds for the Indian real estate market. The fund was successfully launched with significant institutional support from the UK/ European markets. He has also advised on water infrastructure, to include advising a Swedish clean technology company in the water sector. He has also been involved with a number of early stage ventures.

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