The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e is finally making its way to the U.S. We’ve had the gas-powered version to enjoy, but as Mercedes continues to make its way toward an EV future, we need more options. The GLE 450e gives us just that. A luxurious, efficient, and powerful plug-in hybrid. Here’s how it all comes together.
What Type of Power Does it Have?
Power for the GLE 450e comes from both gas and electricity. The gas-powered side is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 248 horsepower and gets 295 pound-feet of torque. The electric side of the equation is a 134-horsepower motor that not only adds extra power but an extra 325 pound-feet of torque.
The battery is the final piece of the powertrain puzzle. The lithium-ion pack, along with the motor, allows the GLE 450e to drive up to 53 miles on pure electric power before the gas engine needs to kick in.
Charge and Go
The GLE 450e is the only GLE with plug-in charging. The onboard charger is an 11.0-kW AC, perfect for when you want to plug in at home. If you need a quick charger, it will work with 60-kW DC fast charging. Plug it into one of these, and you can charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent in just about 20 minutes. This is just enough time to grab a coffee and take a quick break.
A Cabin You Just Want to Spend Time In
Just like the gas-powered GLE models, the 4503’s cabin is spacious, upscale, and feature-filled. The seats come covered in a high-quality synthetic leather that you can just sink into, and the front seats are heated and have a power-adjustment feature that makes it easy to find just the right position.
All the Tech Things
Technology is a high point in the GLE 450e. Everything you need is right at your fingertips accessible by your voice, from your contact if you want to make a call or send a text, to your music, and directions to your next destination.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen sits in the dashboard, housing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while a digital gauge cluster sits in front of the driver, providing them with all kinds of helpful information. Leave the charging cords at home. You don’t need to clutter up the space in your Mercedes; just place your phone on the wireless charging pad. It serves as a place to keep your phone, and it will charge it at the same time.
Safety Is a Priority Every Time You Take the Wheel
It’s no surprise that a Mercedes equips their latest PHEV with a whole host of advanced driver aids. You’ll always feel like you have someone looking out for you with systems such as forward collision warning, automatic braking, and blind-spot warning.
No matter where you’re headed, you can feel confident that if you miss something, your Mercedes cameras and sensors will catch it and let you know. If you don’t take the corrective action needed, it can help you brake to slow down.
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