Launched: 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e 4Matic PHEV – RM498,888

Also launched by MBM earlier today was the new Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e 4Matic with EQ Hybrid Technology (GLE 400e 4Matic PHEV).

Besides the new GLC 200 4Matic, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) also unveiled a new variant of the face-lifted fourth-gen (W167) GLE premium SUV earlier today in the form of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e 4Matic with EQ Hybrid Technology (GLE 400e 4Matic PHEV).

As its name suggests, this is an electrified, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) twist to the GLE full-sized SUV offering, and it’s also locally assembled (CKD) by MBM in Pekan, Pahang. For now, this variant slots below the existing GLE 450 4Matic variant introduced in April 2024.

Aptly, this variant brings an electrified PHEV twist to the face-lifted fourth-gen (W167) GLE full-sized SUV offering, which is also locally assembled (CKD).

Visually, this iteration of the face-lifted fourth-gen GLE is denoted through details like the PHEV-specific badging and 11 kW AC charging flap in the left rear quarter-panel. Apart from which, this variant is visually identical to its non-PHEV twin mentioned.

Whilst here, we’ll point out that the GLE 400e 4Matic PHEV also rocks the sporty AMG Line aesthetics package inside and out. Much of the on board luxuries and amenities are identical to what’s brimmed in the GLE 450 4Matic guise as well.

However, there is a stark difference on board as the GLE 400e 4Matic PHEV offers just two-rows of seats for five. In contrast, the GLE 450 4Matic offered three-rows of seats for up to seven, though we’ll argue this variant's extra third-row’s usability was limited.

In this PHEV guise, the GLE trades away its third-row seats, offering just two-rows to accommodate five occupants aboard.

Visually, this variant is denoted by its PHEV-specific badges. Otherwise, all else are identical to what's seen in the non-PHEV variant.

Said difference gets even starker under the hood as this variant trades away the 3.0-litre straight 6-cyl turbo petrol mild-hybrid (MHEV) heart for a more ‘modest’ 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol unit, which is augmented by an e-motor and 31.2 kWh battery pack.

Combined, this petrol-electric PHEV setup outputs similar levels as the 6-cyl MHEV unit it replaces – 381 hp and a meaty 650 Nm of twist. Paired with it too are a slick 9-speed automatic box plus the marque’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup.

In turn, 0-100 km/h dashes are achieved in 6.1 secs. However, we reckon it’s the claimed WLTP-rated electric-only max range of 114 KM plus average fuel economy as low as 2.9 litres/100 KM that ought to woo prospecting buyers better.

The PHEV twist brings a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol lump augmented by an e-motor and 31.2 kWh battery pack instead that's altogether more efficient but equally as peppy as the 6-cyl mill it replaced.

Notable too is the fact that this GLE variant rides on the marque's Airmatic air suspension complete with adaptive dampers, altogether promising refined ride comforts.

Elsewhere, it’s also worth noting that the GLE 400e 4Matic PHEV comes brimmed with the marque’s Airmatic air suspension plus adaptive dampers setup, which promises a refined drive and ride dynamics.

The only difference left to note of course lies in price, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e 4Matic PHEV detailed is tagged at RM498,888. For reference, this PHEV guise costs RM30,000 less than the GLE 450 4Matic guise slotted above.

Besides a standard 4-year, unlimited mileage base vehicle warranty, said price also includes a separate 6-year or 100,000 KM PHEV battery warranty scheme.