First drive: Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e

Not too long ago, Mercedes-Benz Philippines — under the leadership of Inchcape Philippines — bolstered its new-energy offerings in the form of the GLE 400e. 

The plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) promises similar comfort and luxury as the popular internal combustion engine-powered iteration of the nameplate, but with the benefit of a more sustainable setup and the perks it comes with. 

Zigwheels Philippines joined select members of the motoring media to test it out for a quick drive down south. Here are our thoughts after spending some time behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e. 

Premium looks 

We began the trip in the morning from the company’s dealership in Greenhills, with mid-week weather that was pleasant and promising — just right for a stroll down one of Tagaytay’s famous country clubs. 

Participants headed to their assigned cars, with the author having a go at the newly-released PHEV from the German manufacturer. 

One can tell from a distance that the sport utility vehicle (SUV) is in a class of its own. Not just because it proudly wears the three-pointed star emblem, but also because the overall design of the automobile evokes elegance and opulence. 

At the fore — as briefly mentioned above — is a grille with small Mercedes-Benz logos in chrome. At the center of the meshwork is the company’s emblem. The latticework is flanked by multi-beam LED headlamps as well as air inlets on the cheeks. 

Its side profile is highlighted by a set of 21-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels shod in Continental-branded 315/40 series road tires. No blacked-out claddings can be found here, which keeps the design tasteful. However, would-be owners can expect wide running boards and functional roof rails. 

The rear end — as graceful as the front — packs a decent-sized window, a discreet roof-mounted spoiler, sharp-looking taillamps, and dual exhaust pipes. 

By default, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e is equipped with AMG appointments. The exterior finishes derived from the marque’s performance-oriented division are listed below: 

• AMG front apron with chrome trim strip
• AMG side sill panels (body-colored)
• AMG wheels 
• AMG rear apron with diffuser-look insert in black and trim strip in chrome

The group of Mercedes-Benz SUVs was definitely a looker. Needless to say, it was common for motorists to take glances at the convoy that was leisurely making its way to the highlands. 

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Opulent interior 

The cabin of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e was similarly luxe. The writer was treated to a fully electronic driver’s seat with controls found on the door panels. 

As a watch enthusiast, the author finds this layout very timepiece-friendly since the crystal of one’s wristwatch will not have to brush against the walls of the vehicle’s door when adjusting seat position. 

The seats, by the way, are upholstered in Artico man-made leather (also applied on dashboard and door beltlines) combined with Microcut microfiber black trims. The seats for the driver and front passenger are sports-type with adequate bolstering. 

While many would fixate on the fact that the cushions of the abovementioned seats will keep the driver snugly in place in fast-paced driving situations, the correspondent was more appreciative of how they contributed to keeping a good posture — thereby preventing back fatigue. 

The steering wheel, on the other hand, is swathed with nappa leather. Here, the driver can access many of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e’s functions via the intelligent multi-functional controls. 

In addition, notable is its dual 12.3-inch displays, which comprise its instrument cluster and infotainment system. The latter is powered by the Mercedes-Benz User Experience system and has a very responsive “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant. 

Audio is directed to a premium Burmester Surround Sound System. A wireless charging dock is also present — as well as a Thermotronic automatic climate control system — is present for added convenience. 

Of course, some  AMG treatment is also found inside the cockpit. These are made up of the following: 

• AMG floormats
• AMG sports pedals

Capable powertrain 

Mercedes-Benz Philippines continues to electrify its lineup, and the GLE 400e is the newest installment to the company’s push to sustainable mobility. 

Under the bonnet is a four-pot, inline, 2.0-liter internal combustion powerplant paired with an electric motor. In unison, the setup generates the below numbers: 

Maximum power output (in horsepower)	252
Peak torque (in Newton-meters)	440

It can travel up to 100 kilometers in full electric mode with a combined range of 700 km.

The author found that the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e drove smoothly. Acceleration was linear, but can be instantaneous when driving in Sport mode. Thus, adjusting driving styles for when one is crawling in urban traffic or cruising at expressway speeds is fairly easy. 

Braking, too, feels refined, thanks to disc brakes and various advanced driver assist systems working together to provide a comfortable experience for its occupants. It was comfortable enough that the writer was able to briefly nap as we headed down from the highlands. 

Pricing 

As a newly introduced model, one would expect it to sport a higher sticker price. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e is actually more affordable than its full combustion engine-powered counterpart. 

It is priced at P5.79 million.

First look 

Zigwheels Philippines was there to cover the launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e. Check out our first look of the luxury SUV, in the video below: 

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