I’m familiar with the rollout qualifier. Since all my times were read off C/D (including the GLE63), it was apples to apples comparison.

 

C/D hasn't tested the GLE 500e. You're using the C/D time for the BMW and mfg time for the MB.

 

0-60 mph (all numbers from C/D):

X5 xDrive50e - 3.9 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/x5-hybrid

GLE450e - 5.3 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/mercede...e-class-hybrid

GLE53 - 4.4 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/mercede...c-gle63-4matic

GLE63 - 3.4 sec
https://www.caranddriver.com/mercede...c-gle63-4matic

The X5 PHEV 0-60 currently slots b/w the 2 AMG GLE cars. If you're telling me the upcoming GLE500e will be anywhere close to this (shaving over a second of time from the 450e), then there's a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you...

 

Yes, I'm sure people will flock to a hybrid for its 0.5 sec quicker acceleration. That is why people buy hybrids, after all.

 

Yes, it will most likely be 0.5 sec quicker than the current 450e. You may not have noticed in this thread or other related threads but the changeover from a 4-cylinder PHEV to a 6-cylinder PHEV generated a little bit of excitement.
MB would not be making this move if they didn't think they could steal some incremental market share from BMW's X5 PHEV! If I wanted a non-sporty hybrid, I'd get a Lexus!

Edit: based on an anticipated C/D 0-60 mph of 4.8 sec for the GLE500e, I now understand why they "detuned" the engine (you still want the GLE53 to have its market).

 

Now if you want a performance hybrid from MB, "The Mercedes-AMG GLE53, the high-performance sibling of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-class SUV lineup, returns for 2027 packing a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV), fresh styling touches, and a dash-spanning screen. Now boasting a stomping 557 combined horsepower from its 3.0-liter turbo-six and single electric motor, it sends output through a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive."

 

I can tell you as a potential buyer the 0-60 time doesn't influence me at all

 

Once you get into the low 5 second range, it doesn't really matter anymore (unless you run on a track). The GLE 450 already has a faster 0 - 60 time than many "Muscle Cars" of the 60's and 70's including TransAms, and Corvettes, and Mustangs. Plus some Ferraris and others.

 

It's too ugly to buy no matter how fast or efficient it is. Maybe the facelift of the FL of the FL will be better.

 

I don't immediately remember the count of cars I owned in my life, but at least since 2010 as a recent starting point that I can easily memorize, I know I had more than 20 cars since then. I am pretty sure I never ever looked at the 0-60s rating or even though about it, and one of them was in the >1000hp range. Majority of them had V8 with 400-700 hp. I do, however, made sure to test drive each one of them to get a feel of quickly they react, and how quickly they respond to the accelerator from a stop. Some had >450hp but they felt really lazy or overly de-tuned, like the drivetrain in my last W222. Some felt almost like an EV instant torque, but those were mostly BMW M or Alpina drivetrains. Never had full AMGs cause of the firm suspension setup.

Anything that is in the sub 5 seconds nowadays is fine, but really what I look for is quick acceleration without having to fully floor the accelerator pedal. Some cars are too lazy under normal driving conditions, and in that case I don't care much even if they have 3 sec 0-60 timing.

The inline-6 in my GLS 450 is phenomenal... I can hear the turbos and somehow they build really nice acceleration under light/medium acceleration without smashing the RPM really high. It's effortless, and that effortless drive is what I like the most. PHEV are all effortless too because of the electric motors.