Mercedes GLE 350 De 4Matic, GLC 300 E 4Matic Gets Longer Electric Range

Mercedes has pulled the wraps off the plug-in hybrid version of some of its SUVs. The rides are the GLE 350 de 4Matic and the GLC 300 e 4Matic. Mercedes says that the GLE has an all-electric range of up to 100 km thanks to the 31.2 kWh battery pack. The plug-in hybrid can also go up to 160 km/h on electricity alone.

The GLE's battery can be charged at a DC charging station in about 20 minutes from 10% charge to 80% charge. A charge of 30 minutes will take the battery from 10-100%. The SUV is the largest of the EQ Power family and can recuperate power from all four wheels with a maximum recuperation torque of 1500 Nm.

The plug-in hybrid can tow 3500 kg, and its electric operating range is 106 km with an output of 100 kW. Total system output, including the four-cylinder diesel engine, is 320 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The GLE can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.

The other plug-in hybrid is the GLC 300 e 4Matic. It has a gas inline-four paired with an electric motor. The electric motor is rated at 90 kW with torque of 440 kW. Total system output is 320 hp and 700 pound-foot of torque. This car can reach 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

Its top speed in EV mode is over 130 km/h, and the ride has a smaller 13.5 kWh battery pack. Its electric driving range is 46-49 km. Standard LED headlights are included with optional multibeam LEDs. The GLC does lose a bit of storage space in the hatch area thanks to the battery pack. Mercedes says that by the end of 2019, it will have more than ten plug-in hybrids in its range.