With roots starting as far back as the last century (1997 that is) the Mercedes-Benz GLE, started out as the M-Class. Since 2015 in order to slot in with the new range of SUVs added to their lineup, it was re-named the GLE. Mercedes have continued to revise and develop the E-Class based SUV into what is now an extremely luxurious premium vehicle. This Autobahn demolishing GLE 350 de is one of 20 plug-in hybrid ‘EQ Power’ models that the brand has launched since 2020. Alongside the line-up of EQ branded all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid technology has been adopted across the entire conventional line-up. There’s a large option of vehicles available offering plug-in hybrid but do buyers really need this limited (90km) range in their life when the long range of EV’s is increasingly improving. Well, the range may be increasing in EV’s but so is the price and you really can’t deny the mix of diesel range plus hybrid range adding up to over 900kms on one fill and one charge which is currently only €140 to tax.
Special mention : Cosseting largess that’s easy to maneuver. It doesn’t sound or drive like a diesel. Fantastic 800 km+ range. Hybrid range is also good at 90km. Low tax (for now). Smooths over the roughest terrain to make every journey extremely relaxed.
Needs work : There’s no dedicated cubby for the PHEV cables (not that they won’t spend most of their time taking up boot space anyway). Sometimes it’s a little too wallowy in the name of comfort.
| BHP 320 HP | Diesel / Electric / Auto |
| 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds | Road Tax €140 |
| Price: €86,930 As specc’d : €95,410 | Boot space 490 / 1,915 litres Range 90 km |
This GLE 300 de uses a 7.4Kw on-board charger, but the larger battery means that a full top-up takes three-and-a-quarter hours, similar to the GLC 300 e. Top speed in all-electric mode is 160 km/h. The GLE starts at €84,920 for the 300 D 4Matic, the petrol range starts at €104,160 for the GLE 450 4MATIC and the hybrid GLE 350 de 4MATIC starts at €86,930. The range-topping GLE 63 S AMG 4MATIC+costs a piggy bank cracking €197,220.
The benefit of this diesel GLE means that even when the battery runs flat, fuel economy comes in at 40mpg – more than the petrol competition, namely BMW’s X5 xDrive45e, Audi’s Q7 TFSI e or Volvo’s XC90 Recharge. As with any plug-in hybrid, it pays to have a light right foot. This GLE uses the smaller (194bhp) version of the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that wears the 300d badge, but with added electric motor which gives the 350de a strong pull when accelerating. Even better, it’s officially quicker than the 300d. The electric-only range is up to 90 km and that battery power is more than enough to keep up with urban traffic which is perfect as it also has low CO2 emissions. The 350 de will charge to 80 per cent power in about 20 minutes from a 50kWh rapid charging point.
Despite its generous dimensions, the GLE feels light on its feet and easy to maneuver but watch out for those awkwardly designed car parks as it’s still a big vehicle. What the GLE does best is prioritise comfort. Around town it handles the potholes and speed bumps with ease, while also handling motorways with ease. The hybrid GLE comes with air suspension as standard which makes a difference to the luxury feel. It also allows you to choose from several settings regarding the softness of the suspension, and gives the GLE a sense of gliding over rough surfaces. Compared to the BMW X5 however it rolls more in corners and pushes into understeer if you drive it too hard. It’s slightly wallowy nature means you’ll notice your head sometimes bobbing about on uneven roads. The standard 20in alloys tend to be more comfortable than the bigger optional 22in set. On motorways there’s some wind noise but generally it’s a really peaceful interior, you won’t find yourself raising your voice unless it’s to say “don’t make me come back there”.
4Matic means four-wheel drive is standard, so the GLE has some off-road ability, although the standard tyres will limit just how far you can go. With a torque figure of 700Nm it’s good at getting up to motorway speeds from the slip road. It’s got a 0- 100 km/h time of just 6.8s. All GLEs have a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard, and it’s more responsive and smoother than the Audi Q7’s. The regenerative braking however on its firm setting can take a little getting used to.
The GLE is Mercedes most popular model, it won’t be cheap to run but thanks to a perfectly executed cabin and impressive tech, the GLE sits at the very top of the class. With high-quality materials, a very modern look and lots of space, the GLE’s interior is the number-one reason to place it on your top three buying list. It features a widescreen 12.3-inch display that dominates the dashboard which blends into the digital dials on the second screen behind the wheel.
The rear axle has been modified to accommodate the batteries so their integration doesn’t affect the boot floor. This means a very useable 1,915-litres of boot space with the rear seats folded flat. Mercedes however only offers the GLE 350 de with five seats, instead of the seven available elsewhere in the range. The seats are well proportioned and provide plenty of comfort for adults, so it’s no problem for the hybrid to do the job for many family buyers. The AMG Line pack includes the seat position memory feature and an electrically adjustable steering wheel. Both come as standard on the AMG 53, which also has extra side bolstering, making the seats more supportive in corners.
The boot has a slightly lower total capacity than the standard GLE’s (490 versus 630 litres with all seats in place) and unfortunately they haven’t provided anywhere to store the charging cables.
The material quality inside the cabin is excellent. It’s well put together and feels luxurious, just as a Mercedes should. It has slab sides and yet is softer looking than the BMW X5, and Volvo’s XC90 has a paired back and traditional look that some might prefer. The 12” display has clear and easy to read graphics which will display a vast array of driving information. However it’s a little trickier to customise than Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system. While the haptic pads on the steering wheel are a bit fiddly, the relatively few buttons on the dashboard are simple to use and within easy reach of the driving seat, as is the central control touchpad. This central touchpad does sometimes come in contact with the usb cable for Apple Carplay and is sensitive enough to start scrolling through menus all on its own.
There are plenty of features included in the infotainment such as Bluetooth and sat-nav as well as the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command function which recognises speech more effectively than the systems of many rivals.
There’s plenty of space in the GLE, the front the seats are comfortable and heated seats are standard. In the back there’s loads of leg and headroom, with tall adults easily having plenty of space. And that comfortable ride is perfect for those long road trips. There’s a large central bin in the GLE, plus some extra storage behind the gear selector. The door bins are large and have space for a big water bottle.
The Mercedes GLE is expensive but no more so than it’s luxury SUV rivals such as the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Discovery. It also comes with an impressive list of standard safety equipment, including blind-spot monitoring and the rather heavy handed lane-keeping assist. There’s also automatic emergency braking and a pop-up bonnet to protect pedestrians in a collision.
Where Mercedes beat their rivals is in cosseting and well thought out interiors, and on air suspension, it’s a mile munching comfortable cruiser.