Mercedes-Benz GLE400e PHEV launched in Malaysia – 2.0T hybrid four, RM499k; RM45k less than GLE450

Joining the GLC200 4Matic as one of two models launched by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today is the Mercedes-Benz GLE400e 4Matic, arriving as the first of the GLE offerings in Malaysia with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The GLE400e is priced at RM498,888 on-the-road without insurance.

This joins the GLE line-up in Malaysia that is also comprised of the also-locally assembled GLE450 4Matic, and the fully imported Mercedes-AMG GLE63S 4Matic+, the former priced at RM544,888 on-the-road without insurance at its launch in April 2024.

The GLE400e complements, rather than replaces the non-PHEV GLE450 that was initially launched at a lower price before an increase to RM544k in January this year. By contrast, elsewhere in the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia range the GLC350e replaced the GLC300, and the W206 C350e arrived in February 2024 to replace the C300 that was launched in February 2022.

Mercedes-Benz takes a different pricing and positioning strategy for the plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid variants of the GLE, as compared with BMW’s positioning of the X5 variants in Malaysia. This just-launched GLE400e 4Matic is priced lower than the GLE450, whereas the PHEV BMW X5 xDrive50e is RM25k more expensive than the mild-hybrid X5 xDrive40i, priced at RM470k at launch in July 2025.

The product positioning of the GLE variants is reflected in the engine specification on sale in Malaysia, as the GLE400e plug-in hybrid employs a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine, a downgrade from the GLE450 that gets a 3.0 litre inline-six cylinder engine. By contrast, both MHEV and PHEV variants of the G05 BMW X5 get 3.0L six-cylinder engines, with outputs of 381 PS and 540 Nm, and 489 PS and 700 Nm respectively.

Powering the GLE400e 4Matic is a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 252 PS at 5,800 rpm and 400 Nm from 2,000 rpm to 3,200 rpm, Being a PHEV powertrain, this is paired with an electric drive motor rated at 156 PS and 440 Nm, for a combined 381 PS and 650 Nm sent to all four wheels through a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

Thus equipped, the GLE400e 4Matic does the 0-100 km/h acceleration run in 6.1 seconds, and a top speed of 210 km/h. The GLE400e matches the GLE450 for peak power but beats its peak torque figure (650 Nm vs 500 Nm). The weight of the hybrid battery pack takes a toll on performance, however; the GLE400e has a kerb weight of 2,685 kg, and so the GLE450 (2,310 kg kerb) does a quicker 0-100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds, and a higher top speed, at 250 km/h.

Electric drive is powered by a 31 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides up to 114 km of electric range on the WLTP cycle. Charging the battery can be done at up to 11 kW AC, which brings a 10-100% charge in 2.5 hours. The GLE400e misses out on a DC fast charging option, even though it has been added to the brand’s other PHEVs in Malaysia like the S580e that was updated in September with up to 60 kW DC charging.

Exterior equipment for the GLE400e 4Matic features the AMG Line kit that brings and AMG front apron with chrome trim, body-coloured side sill panels and wheel arch cladding, and a rear apron with a faux-diffuser insert. Also on included are Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, a panoramic sunroof, and aluminium-look illuiminated running boards with rubber studs.

Rolling stock is comprised of 21-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels, shod in tyres measuring 275/45R21 in front and 315/40R21 at the rear. Chassis equipment on the GLE400e features Airmatic suspension with the ADS+ adaptive damping system as standard.

Of note for the GLE400e is its cabin configuration that now seats five, rather than seven in the GLE450, as the third row of the latter has had to make way for the battery pack in the GLE400e, which resides under the boot floor. The imposition takes up luggage space, and so the GLE400e has a luggage capacity of 490 litres, as opposed to 630 litres in the GLE450.

Like the GLE450, the interior of the GLE400e 4Matic gets AMG Line cabin specification, which brings Artico synthetic leather and Microcut microfibre upholstery. The front seats are equipped with heating and memory package, while the multifunction steering wheel is trimmed in Nappa leather and interior trim gets anthracite open-pore wood elements.

Further conveniences include Thermotronic climate control, Keyless Go, Easy-Pack luggage compartment package including a load compartment cover, ambient lighting, electrically-deployed sunblinds in the rear doors, and the mirror package.

Infotainment in the GLE400e 4Matic brings the MBUX multimedia setup with a 12.3-inch driver instrument display and a 12.3-inch central screen, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Also included here are MBUX Navigation Premium and MBUX Augmented Reality, a 360-degree camera package with Transparent Bonnet view.

For safety and assistance features, the GLE400e gets the Driving Assistance Package with Active Distance Assist with extended automatic restart function on motorways, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, an exit warning function and Active Parking Assist.

Also on are the Guard 360 package with anti-theft alarm, interior monitoring, tow-away protection with visual and audible warnings, tyre pressure monitoring, acoustic presence indicator, and rear occupant seat belt status indication in the driver’s instrument display.

Locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang in Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz GLE400e is covered by a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty, and an eight-year, 160,000 km battery warranty.

Mercedes-Benz GLE400e in Malaysia, official images

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