Mercedes-Benz PH debuts the GLE 400e PHEV for Php-5.790M

With Mercedes-Benz Philippines having released its two plug-in hybrid vehicles recently, the E 350e and GLC 350e, it’s now the turn of the mid-size GLE to get its electrified slice of the cake for Php 5.790-million.

Arriving as the GLE 400e 4MATIC AMG Line, which nicely slots in between the GLE 300d 4Matic and the GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line, the biggest change that this brings is the introduction of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

This mates a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and an electric motor. The total combined output is a healthy 252 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.

The 31.2kWh lithium-ion battery will allow it to travel more than 100km on a single charge, plus it can all be done in comfort with the Airmatic air suspension system.

This model, being the AMG Line variant, has a more aggressive front and rear bumper, a chrome diamond-pattern grille, the Multibeam LED headlamps, 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels, and illuminated aluminum running boards with rubber studs for easier ingress and egress.

The interior features Artico leather with microfiber upholstery, a sport steering wheel upholstered in Nappa leather, and aluminum-finish interior trims with ambient lighting to spice up the cabin, with heated, adjustable front seats with memory functions, and AMG floormats and sports pedals.

Two 12.3-inch displays running the MBUX operating system allow for wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), with a wireless charger, a Burmester surround sound system, a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, plus a 360-degree camera with transparent bonnet functionality and active park assist.

Like the other Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrids, it comes with an on-board AC charger capable of going up to 11kW, and can charge at any Type 2-supported chargers nationwide. Plus, a charger is included for household outlets.

You can see this and the GLC 350e at the Plug-in Hybrid Display at the South Court of Power Plant Mall from September 26 to 28.

^{Photos by Sam Surla}