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Only 1,1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers? That actually sounds too good to be true. But practically, the 2,7-ton giant can be moved with such a mini-consumption.
Test: Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de 4Matic
“The high-tech high seat”
Anyone who last drove a Mercedes M-Class many years ago could be amazed several times during a test drive with the latest edition: First there is the model name, which was changed to GLE a good five years ago. In addition, the SUV classic has recently made it possible to drive purely electrically or, thanks to automated driving skills, to have a short drive. The infotainment system masters augmented reality presentations and can also listen very well. In short: Almost everything that the auto industry has recently developed into series-ready products has been condensed into a driving experience of the highest technical standard in the GLE 350 de.
Even more technology in the Mercedes GLE 350 de 4Matic plug-in hybrid
In addition to more technology, the generation launched in 2018 with the internal abbreviation V 167 even offers more space. The SUV has grown to over 4,90 meters in length and almost two meters in width. Whether or not it is smart to drive such a run-of-the-mill remains to be seen. The XL format offers tangible advantages: You can get in and out of the GLE really comfortably. Even in the cheap seats, i.e. in the back seat, the legroom is princely. And despite the large battery in the rear, the trunk is beyond any doubt.
The same applies to the ambience. Although this does not radiate quite a high-class level, it also looks noble, cozy and also very modern. Even if the workplace is tidy, it takes a while to get to know the many functions. Some things are also redundant, such as the display of the most important information, which is not only output on two huge screens, but also in parallel on the head-up display. Current radio stations and directions are projected into the windshield. The latter are also enriched with augmented reality information in the giant display. Images of a front camera with graphically displayed directional arrows provide additional orientation. The operating options are also redundant. For many functions, there is no need for a touchpad, steering wheel buttons or touchscreen, because like Amazon's Alexa, “Hallo Mercedes” can be used to arouse the attention of a patient and friendly lady who can be informed about the desired temperature, navigation target or a change of radio station. If you can't find the average consumption indicator, you can simply ask for it.
Even more power in the Mercedes GLE 350 de 4Matic plug-in hybrid
Incidentally, this can vary greatly, since the plug-in hybrid variant “350 de” that we tested can drive both with a 143 kW / 194 hp diesel and a 100 kW / 136 hp electric motor. Depending on the driving situation and performance query, the GLE runs purely electrically, with diesel power or in a concert of both units. Despite its 2,7 tons, the all-wheel drive appears light-footed and extremely cultivated despite diesel. Acoustically, the four-cylinder only becomes noticeable beyond the 2.000 engine revolutions. In many traffic situations it remains below and therefore the motor duo is inaudible. This goes well with the overall comfort-oriented and extremely smooth driving experience in the GLE. Often you don't need the diesel anyway, because the electric power plant with 440 Newton meters and a top speed of 160 km / h offers more than enough power for most traffic situations. If that's not enough, the diesel hammer can be activated with a gas pedal, which accelerates up to a maximum of 210 km / h.
On the other hand, if you want to burn as little fossil fuel as possible, you can alternatively force the hybrid GLE to electricity. This is even possible over longer distances, because thanks to the XL battery, it should be possible to have a 100 km electric range. In practical terms, we made it up to 85 kilometers on journeys with a high proportion of freeway at a moderate pace. A proud number for a plug-in hybrid. However, the electricity storage is also abundant at 31,2 kWh. Of these, 27 kWh can be used in practice. This exact amount of electricity was also shown on an invoice for a full charge.
Even less emissions in the Mercedes GLE 350 de 4Matic plug-in hybrid
The official standard consumption of the 350 de Mercedes is given as an extremely modest 1,1 liters per 100 kilometers. It is an optional value that can also be achieved in practice, but which excludes power consumption. The development of the consumption value on a 300-kilometer long non-stop journey with a high proportion of freeway, which we started with a full battery and full tank, was revealing. After 100 kilometers, the electricity was used up; on request, the nice female voice called an average consumption of 1,3 liters. After 200 kilometers this increased to 4,5 and after 300 kilometers to 5,5 liters of diesel. On the entire route, we used 16,5 liters of diesel and 27 kWh of electricity. In the last 200 kilometers without e-support, however, the average consumption was not 1,1 but 7,6 liters of diesel. Alternatively, values at double-digit levels or close to zero would be conceivable without any problems.
With the appropriate route profile and reloading discipline, the GLE 350 de also enables long-term purely electric and therefore emission-free driving. However, charging the battery takes time. With household electricity it is a good 12 hours, the GLE can charge 7,4 kW on the now widely used AC charging stations and shorten the process to three and a half hours. With the fast charging station, this should be possible in less than 30 minutes. In the meantime, the range of charging options in Germany is pleasingly good in many places, finding a free charging station was practically no problem. In some places they even offer the only free parking spaces.
But - save less in the Mercedes GLE 350 de 4Matic plug-in hybrid
However, money can hardly be saved with the electric drive. This depends, among other things, on the price of the electricity consumed. In our case, we paid around 10 euros for a full battery. This cost us 100 electrically driven kilometers a good 12 euros. By contrast, with a diesel drive alone, it was around 8 euros. Despite the environmental bonus, the 75.600 de, which costs around 350 euros, is definitely not a financial savings alternative compared to the GLE 10.000 d, which is around 300 euros cheaper. Ultimately, the additional electric drive is just another and also a particularly expensive option, of which Mercedes now has a lot to offer for its GLE.
Mercedes GLE 350 de 4Matic Plug-in-Hybrid - Technical data:
Four-door, five-seat luxury SUV, length: 4,92 meters, width: 2,02 meters (width with exterior mirrors: 2,16 meters), height: 1,77 meters. Wheelbase: 3,00 meters, trunk volume: 490 to 1.915 liters.
Drive: 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel with 143 kW / 194 hp, maximum torque: 400 Nm. Electric motor: 100 kW / 136 hp, torque 440 Newton meters. System performance: 235 PS / 320 PS, 700 Nm torque. Battery capacity; 31,2 kWh, of which usable: 27 kWh. Electrical range: 106 kilometers (NEDC). Four-wheel drive, 9-speed automatic. 0-100 km / h: 6,8 s, Vmax: 210 km / h, average consumption: 1,1 - 1,3 liters, CO2 emissions: 29 - 34 g / km, emission standard: Euro 6d-ISC-FCM, Efficiency class: A +, price: from 75.565 euros.
- Mercedes GLE 350 de 4Matic plug-in hybrid - short description.
- Why: because you enjoy the advantages of e-mobility, but you don't want to do without a strong diesel
- Why not: because two drives in a car are expensive and hardly benefit the environment
- What else: Mercedes GLE 300 d or Mercedes EQC 400 4Matic