Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLC Get ‘Electric Therapy’ for 2020
Stuttgart’s latest plug-in hybrid SUVS offer unparalleled electric range and state-of-the-art technology.
The electrified future is here. Mercedes recently announced the third generation of plug-in hybrids for the GLE and GLC model range. The new powertrains boast significantly longer mileage, shorter charging times, and quality-of-life upgrades that propel them to the top of their class. They arrive at a time when Mercedes, along with other automakers, are moving to rapidly electrify their lineups.
The GLE and GLC utilities are crucial for Mercedes, as they compete in a segment that is very much in demand right now. The company’s utility vehicles will benefit from more fuel efficient powertrains, especially in Europe, as diesel continues to fall out of favor after VW’s emissions scandal. The third generation hybrid systems offer significant all-electric range without any real compromises.
New Tech, New Strategy
Stuttgart’s alternative energy strategy currently relies on plug-in hybrids as one pillar along the path to emissions free products. Mercedes intends to structure plug-in hybrids and fully electrified models under the EQ Power banner, a nomenclature that the company also promises will produce vehicles focused on “exceptional dynamism.” Performance vehicles are also under development. The EQ Power+ label will focus on dedicated hybrid performance vehicles from Mercedes-AMG. Those products will utilize technology from Formula 1 vehicles.
Mercedes also plans to adapt their infotainment technology to better accommodate electric charging. At home, Mercedes owners can download the Mercedes Me Charge app. The app is an all-in-one system designed to facilitate charging at home or on a public network. Combined with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, owners will be able to search for a charging system by saying “Hey Mercedes, find charging stations nearby.” Mercedes me Charge will also come with an integrated payment service to make charging as easy as possible.
A Serious Focus on Locomotion
As for the powertrains themselves, Mercedes improved upon the previous generation hybrid system by incorporating a host of new innovations into the lineup. A torque converter paired to an integrated lockup clutch works to start the vehicle. Another clutch is situated between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to help facilitate all-electric driving. The stator and rotor also employ on-demand cooling, which ensures peak torque from the electric motor in all applications. Mercedes also outfitted their plug-in hybrids with a high voltage electrical system designed to govern drive components, braking systems, and more. Most importantly, the refrigerant compressor and high-voltage heater booster also use this system, which means owners can pre-condition their vehicles during the summer and winter seasons.
In the GLE 350 de, a 31.2 kWh battery is paired to a turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder diesel engine for a total system output of 315 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-electric range is estimated at 66 miles on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle). A .29 drag coefficient is one of the reasons why the Mercedes is able to achieve such a long range. Acceleration is rated at 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. The GLE 350 de electric-only top speed is 100 mph while the combined unit is rated at a still impressive 130 mph.
Plenty of Cargo Space
Mercedes also wanted to ensure that the SUV didn’t sacrifice too much cargo capacity, which is why it has a specially designed rear axle and rear end. The modifications allow the GLE 350 de to accommodate 67.6 cubic feet of cargo. Convenience is also extended to the charging experience. At a DC charging station, the battery can be charged to 80 percent in 20 minutes and to 100 percent in half an hour. The GLE 350 de can tow up to 7,716 pounds.
The GLE 350 de also comes with some excellent quality-of-life upgrades. Mercedes insists the noise, vibration, and harshness reduction is best in class. The second row seats are fully adjustable. And the SUV is available with fully-variable all-wheel drive, a system that distributes as much torque as possible to all four wheels after the driving conditions are taken into consideration.
Like the GLE 350 de, the GLC 300 e boasts a segment defining powertrain that allows customers to save a considerable amount of fuel while enjoying the refinement and performance of a Mercedes SUV. The GLC 300 e pairs a turbo 2.0-liter four cylinder gasoline engine with a 13.5 kWh battery. Despite the smaller battery, combined power output is the same as the GLE 350 de, which means the GLC 300 e is rated at 315 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. That enables the GLC to beat its larger sibling in straight line performance for a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds.
Hybrid Battery Tech Still Improving
The smaller battery does limit all-electric range, although the GLC still boasts respectable figures of 28-30 miles per charge on the NEDC testing regime, depending on the configuration. As for towing, the GLC 300 e can tow 4400 pounds. The new GLC also gains other upgrades, such as standard LED High Performance headlamps and optional Multibeam LED units. Storage is minimally compromised and the GLC offers 13.9 to 51 cubic feet of storage space, down only slightly compared to its conventionally powered counterpart.
Mercedes is no stranger to hybrid vehicles. AMG has been employing electrically assisted engines for quite some time now. And the CLS 450 utilizes a 48 volt mild hybrid system to enhance its torque output and fuel economy. But Stuttgart’s latest plug-in hybrids are truly impressive machines that will no doubt shake up their respective segments. We can’t wait until the company releases official fuel economy figures for the American models.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz