First Mercedes-Benz GLE plug-in hybrid lands with up to 91km electric range
The GLE 450 e 4MATIC pairs a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with a 135kW electric motor for 320kW, and is priced from $156,900 before on-roads for the SUV and $160,900 for the Coupé.
Rob Leigh
Key takeaways
- SUV from $156,900 and Coupé from $160,900, both before on-road costs
- Up to 91km electric range and claimed fuel use from 3.7L/100km
- On sale at Australian dealers from 15 October in both body styles
Mercedes-Benz has launched the GLE 450 e 4MATIC in Australia, the first plug-in hybrid version of its large SUV sold here. It comes in both SUV and Coupé body styles, starting at $156,900 before on-road costs, and reaches dealers on 15 October.
The SUV has a WLTP-tested electric range of 87km, while the Coupé manages 91km. That covers a typical daily commute without using any petrol.
GLE 450 e plug-in hybrid powertrain
A 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine works with a 135kW electric motor to produce a combined 320kW and 680Nm. Drive goes to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic, and Mercedes-Benz claims 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds for both body styles.
The usable battery capacity is 25.7kWh. The GLE can run on electric power alone at up to 140km/h, so freeway driving doesn’t automatically start the engine.
Mercedes-Benz Australia confirmed to The Beep the GLE 450 e SUV uses a claimed 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle, with the Coupé rated at 3.7L/100km.
AC charging is rated at 11kW. DC fast charging at up to 60kW is a $1,100 option rather than standard, which matters less for owners who charge at home overnight.
The GLE 450 e gives Mercedes-Benz a direct rival to plug-in hybrid large SUVs such as the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 e pricing
| Variant | Electric range (WLTP) | Fuel use (claimed) | Price excluding on-roads |
| GLE 450 e 4MATIC SUV | 87km | 3.9L/100km | $156,900 |
| GLE 450 e 4MATIC Coupé | 91km | 3.7L/100km | $160,900 |
View Mercedes-Benz GLE driveaway pricing and specifications →
The Coupé’s $4,000 premium brings 21-inch wheels in place of the SUV’s 20s, plus AMG Line Sport Seats trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather with MICROCUT microfibre inserts.
Standard equipment
- AMG Line exterior styling and Night Package with black and dark chrome exterior details
- Redesigned bumpers, revised LED headlights and tail-lights, illuminated grille
- Heated front seats and ARTICO man-made leather trim
- MBUX Superscreen with three 12.3-inch displays and a head-up display
- Burmester 3D surround sound and an in-car app store
- Over-the-air updates through the MB.OS operating system
- Memory Package and keyless entry with hands-free access
- Lane Change Assist, Steering Assist and a 360-degree camera
Options and packages
- Interior Comfort Package: $5,600, adds multicontour, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel
- Exterior Comfort Package: $2,300, adds power-closing doors and GUARD 360° vehicle protection
- AIRMATIC Package: $3,800
- Towbar Package: $3,000
- DIGITAL LIGHT: $2,800
- Illuminated running boards: $1,300
- On-board DC charger (up to 60kW): $1,100
The Towbar Package is only available with AIRMATIC, so buyers who need to tow will pay $6,800 for the pair. That combination unlocks a 3,500kg braked towing capacity.
The GLE 450 e 4MATIC SUV and Coupé go on sale at Mercedes-Benz dealers across Australia on 15 October. Prices exclude on-road costs, which vary by state.
Rob Leigh
Co-founder & Director
Rob Leigh is Co-founder and Director of The Beep based in Melbourne, Australia. He has 15+ years inside a major automotive OEM, specialising in product planning, pricing and vehicle strategy.
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