Mercedes Benz GLE 500 Hybrid 2016 Review

Mercedes GLE 500 Hybrid Front

The Mercedes Benz GLE, a vehicle that adorned the ML insignia prior to the brand’s renaming spree in 2015, is a mid-size luxury SUV that has been a part of the German manufacturer’s line-up since 1997. Rivaling the likes of the BMW X5, Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne, the GLE is an important vehicle for the brand and this, its first plug-in hybrid, even more so.

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Exterior

From an aesthetic viewpoint, there isn’t much to differentiate the GLE 500 Hybrid from other models in the line-up. The sizeable chrome grille, aggressive styling and gaping air inlets all lend the German SUV an intimidating stance, one that is complemented by the aslope hood and crisp contours that adorn the bodywork.

Mercedes Benz GLE 500 Hybrid Side

Interior

In typical Germanic flair, the cabin of the Mercedes Benz GLE 500 Hybrid is the perfect amalgamation of style and functionality. Finished in supple designo leather and Alcantara, the attention to detail paid by the designers is evident all around the interior. Brushed silver and piano black trims embellish the door panels and center console, and help break the monotony created by the charcoal hued plastics.

Mercedes GLE 500 Hybrid Interior

With a wheelbase measuring in at 2,915mm, the capacious cabin of the GLE 500 offers ample amounts of head-and-legroom even after the addition of a child seat in the second row. Although the hybrid powertrain eats away at boot space, the GLE 500e offers 480 liters of storage behind the second row and a whopping 1,800 liters when stowed away.

Safety & Features

Building on the phenomenal safety rating that its predecessor had become synonymous with, the GLE receives a full five-star safety score from Euro NCAP. Interesting bits of technology that aid in achieving the rating are, an adaptive hood that elevates to lessen the impact of a collision with a pedestrian, and a Forward Collision Warning Alert system.

Mercedes benz GLE 500 Hybrid interior 2

On the other hand, the spec sheet of the GLE500 Hybrid sees a number of comfort, convenience and entertainment features such as Bluetooth telephony, parking assistance, a navigation system, panoramic sunroof, USB charging, cruise control, and a speed limiter as well. Not to mention, an invigorating choice of massages for the driver and front seat passenger.

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Drive

Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine coupled to a 116 horsepower electric motor, the GLE 500 Hybrid is good for a combined total output of 449 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque. The latter, which provides an instantons burst of acceleration in Sports mode, is made available form as low as 1,600 RPM.

Mercedes benz gle 500 hybrid drive

Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, the German SUV dispatches a 0 - 100 km/h run in 5.3 seconds and bears a top speed of 245 km/h. However, ignoring its hybrid element and focusing on sheer performance would defeat its purpose.

Mercedes gle 500 hybrid - 2

Sipping a claimed 3.7 liters of gasoline for every 100 kilometers covered on the ground, the GLE 500e is an engineering marvel. To put into perspective, it sips exactly one-third as much fuel as its non-hybrid GLE400 sibling at 9.2 liters / 100 km.

Mercedes benz gle 500 hybrid plug in

Weighing 2,465 kg, the Mercedes Benz GLE 500 Hybrid is the heaviest in the line-up and 40 kilograms heftier than its closest rival, the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Yet still, the steering is extremely light and the suspension carries the car with extreme poise around bends.

Verdict

Although the Mercedes Benz GLE 500 Hybrid finds itself up against the likes of the BMW X5, Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne, its closest rival is the Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Although heavier, the Merc is faster to the 100 km/h mark and bears a higher top speed, and for that, its AED 9,000 premium over the Porsche is a justifiable one.

2017 mercedes benz gle 500 rear