Mercedes GLE hybrid range, MPG, CO2 & charging

Traditionally, large SUVs have used diesel engines because they offer stronger torque and more palatable fuel economy than a petrol engine of the same size. This is partly why Mercedes has gone with diesel for the plug-in hybrid GLE – it allows for good fuel economy when the electric motor isn’t driving the car, especially on the motorway. Rivals for the GLE, such as the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 hybrids, pair their electric motors with petrol engines. Yet that’s not all – the GLE also has a highly impressive all-electric range.

Mercedes GLE hybrid range, MPG & CO2 emissions

Thanks to its 30.8kWh battery, the GLE 350 de has an electric range of 55 to 58 miles. That’s considerably more than what a lot of plug-in hybrid cars are able to achieve, including the plug-in GLE’s closest rivals. For example, the similarly sized Audi Q7 PHEV can only travel for around 30 miles on a full charge before the engine comes on.

The range figure is very important, as when combined with the car's official CO2 emissions of 19-22g/km, it means the GLE 350 de is in the 8% company-car Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax band. Other versions of the GLE are in the 37% band, which shows how much of a difference choosing a plug-in can make to running costs.

That official fuel-economy figure of over 350mpg is only going to be possible if you stick to electric power for the vast majority of your driving, but you can expect to get around 40mpg even when the battery is empty.

Charge time

Mercedes says that the GLE 350 de's on-board charger allows for a top up from a standard home wallbox in three hours and a half (10-100%). Charging from a three-pin plug will be considerably slower. It’ll still be quick enough for overnight charging, but clearly a wallbox will be a worthwhile investment.