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The improved version of the W167-era Mercedes GLE switches from four to six cylinders for its Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain, now petrol-powered only. Creating the GLE 450 e model we look at here. Other changes made as part of this GLE update include smarter looks and a rejuvenated cabin. Sounds promising.
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Background
Launched in 2019, the W167-era version of Mercedes' GLE took a big step forward and was further improved four years later, prior to the further Spring 2026 facelift we look at here. Could a large SUV like this really ever make sense for someone with one eye on the environment? Someone wanting a combination of performance and low running costs? Surprisingly, the answer is yes, or at least it is in the case of the variant we're looking at here, the clever GLE 450 e PHEV plug-in petrol-/electric model.
It specifically takes on plug-in versions of BMW's X5, Porsche's Cayenne and Volvo's XC90 - and looks better set to do that in this updated form. Let's take a closer look.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 80000 | 95000 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 72 | 72 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 130 | 130 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Min | Max |
| Length (mm) | 4926 | 4926 |
| Width (mm) | 2015 | 2015 |
| Height (mm) | 1797 | 1797 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 490 | 490 |
Driving experience
A couple of things worth pointing out at the beginning here. First, this is a petrol-powered PHEV; previous to the Spring 2026 update, this W167-era GLE was also available (rather uniquely) in diesel PHEV form. Secondly, as part of this further GLE update, the core engine in use in the single 450 e PHEV model available has six rather than the previous four cylinders. Specifically, the main drive engine as part of this package is now the brand's updated M256 Evo' 3.0-litre turbo petrol straight six unit, which has gained a new cylinder head, larger intakes and new exhaust ports.
A little surprisingly though, the PHEV system's 31.2kWh battery is basically the same, so the EV range figure isn't much different, rated at up to 65 miles. Total 450 e engine output is 443hp, which combines with a rear-mounted 178hp electric motor (47hp more powerful than the one in the previous model) for a total potent 569hp output, with 0-62mph achievable in just 4.5s. That's a big jump in output from the previous four cylinder GLE 400 e PHEV. The transmission here continues to be the same nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox used previously, which in this GLE works as seamlessly as it does in the many other Mercedes models in which we've tried it.
As with the previous version of this car, Mercedes offers a clever optional 48V E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system which combines with the optional AIRMATIC air suspension. With this, the spring and damping forces can be individually controlled at each wheel. This means that the system not only counteracts body roll, but also pitching and squat. Improvements made as part of this update see this set-up (via an online connection) able to store the location of big bumps and potholes - either ones you've encountered or surfaces encountered by other Mercedes models equipped with the system. The result it that if you then come across the bit of road in question, the E-ACTIVE system will prepare the suspension for that bump: clever.
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Design and build
This isn't an all-new GLE but you might think it was from a casual glance. With both the SUV and the alternative SUV Coupe, the fundamental look hasn't changed but the front and rear lighting elements are now very different. The nose features larger LED headlights with twin three-star illuminating motifs and enhanced Digital Light functionality. Plus the grille has been enlarged, sits within a black frame and (to suit the current trend) is now illuminated. At the rear, the tail lamps now sit in a black band that incorporates the brand logo and stretches across the tailgate.
The big changes though, lie inside. There's not quite as much screen tech as you'll find in the latest GLC Electric, but displays still stretch right across the stitched fascia, which now features three combined 'Supercreen' displays mounted inside a single panel on the dash top. These comprise of a 14.4-inch central infotainment monitor flanked by a 12.3-inch instrument display (now running the brand's latest MB.OS software) and a further passenger-side screen that's also 12.3-inches in size. New illuminated air vents sit at either end of the dash and the redesigned steering wheel (borrowed from the GLC Electric) swaps the earlier version's fiddly haptic switches for roller buttons. The 3D 'Comfort' seats have been redesigned and there's a selection of higher quality finishes used, particularly if you pay extra for options available via the brand's 'Manufaktur' personalisation programme.
In the second row, things are as spacious as before but it now feels airier because of the bigger standard panoramic glass roof. As before, the seat base can slide over a range of 100mm for extra knee space and the backrest can be adjusted for rake (by up to 18-degrees); now though, you can specify your GLE with second row seats that do this electrically. What you still can't have in this GLE PHEV though, is a third seating row (which is disappointing given that the rival Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid finds a way to package that in).
Boot space is compromised by the Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain (as with most PHEVs), meaning that the GLE's normal 630-litre capacity falls by 140-litres to 490-litres with the GLE 450 e SUV. It's 1,915-litres in the 450 e SUV with the rear bench folded. Choose the GLE 450 e Coupe and boot capacity is 510-litres (145-litres down on the conventional model), with 1,645-litres available in this Plug-in Hybrid SUV Coupe with the rear seat folded. On all GLE models with AIRMATIC air suspension, the vehicle's rear can be lowered by around 40 millimetres using a switch, for easier loading and unloading.
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Market and model
Prices haven't changed much, so you can expect a GLE 450 e SUV to start from around £80,000. You'll need from around £85,000 for the GLE 450 e Coupe. Expect the core of the line-up to be based around the usual 'AMG Line' trim levels. And of course all the usual executive equipment niceties will feature. A key option is the new 15-speaker 710-watt Burmester 3D surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos.
At least you get more standard kit as part of this update. The MBUX central screen's Virtual Assistant now functions as a 'living avatar'. And all models now come with a larger standard panoramic glass roof. Plus the advanced 'DIGITAL LIGHT' headlamps now use micro-LED pixelated technology; the 'MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360' surround view camera system's been improved; and 'MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST' detects parking spaces on either side of the vehicle at an earlier stage and can now assist with leaving a parking space. In addition, there's a 'Digital Extra' 'reversing function' that enables the car to automatically reverse along part of the route it has just driven to get into the space in question.
The safety systems as part of this update have been substantially upgraded thanks to the addition of a new, water-cooled supercomputer processor, which has extensive power reserves for future driving assistance functions. Each GLE model is equipped with a variety of sensors: ten exterior cameras and up to five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors. These sensors work together with a powerful control unit running the brand's MB.OS system. Artificial intelligence processes the sensor data to assess the traffic situation in the surrounding area. The company's 'MB.DRIVE Standard' set-up is standard equipment with functions such as DISTRONIC distance control.
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Cost of ownership
Let's get to the figures. For the petrol 450 e Plug-in Hybrid, the combined cycle fuel figure is up to 73.5mpg and up to 72g/km of CO2. With this 450 e, AC charging is supported by an 11kW onboard charger as standard. In addition, a 60kW DC fast charger for direct current is optionally available. This allows the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in around 20 minutes.
What else? Well, we'll tell you that the three year warranty is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. And it's worth knowing that your maintenance outlay can be kept a little in check by going for the optional Service Care package that takes care of routine maintenance, spreading the cost of regular servicing, guaranteeing the price of parts and labour for up to four services and covering the cost of all recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash.
There's also an ASSYST dashboard service indicator that monitors engine use and tells you exactly when a garage visit is due. It's also worth mentioning that the 'Mercedes me' remote online services package that comes as part of the infotainment system includes remote self-diagnostic capability, enabling your GLE to monitor wear and tear items and alert your local dealer to let you know if something needs seeing to.
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Summary
Ultimately, the Stuttgart brand builds more SUVs than anyone else and there's a reason why globally, the GLE is the most popular model of that kind that the company makes. It's true that there are sportier, more dynamic models of this kind you could buy. But we're struggling to think of many that offer a better all-round package. Especially in the case of this GLE 450 e Plug-in Hybrid variant.
We're disappointed that unlike some rival models, you can't have a third seating row. But otherwise, this GLE's capable and luxurious. And in this improved six cylinder form, it's our favourite version of the best mainstream large SUV we've yet seen from the Three-Pointed Star. Mercedes remains fully credible in this segment.
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