With the introduction of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE plug-in hybrid, Daimler could be the first automaker to offer a PHEV with a 62-mile electric range under the WLTP test cycle.
In regards to the impressive electric range of the GLE plug-in hybrid, Ola Kallenius, head of Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, said:
“We are now in the generation where we switching over from our 30 km hybrids to 50 km. The GLE will be the first car with a 100-km (62 mile) range on a plug-in hybrid in the WLTP cycle.”
The 62-mile range of the GLE plug-in hybrid is striking, especially given the fact that most current plug-in hybrids are only able to reach 50-km (31 miles) of all-electric range at most, the minimum requirement necessary to qualify as a New Energy Vehicle under Chinese regulations.
The Mercedes GLE 550e plug-in hybrid is currently equipped with a 8.8 kWh battery and comes with an EPA rating of approximately 8 miles in all-electric mode.
With the introduction of the Mercedes S560e earlier this week, we learned that Daimler was able to fit 13.5 kWh battery packs into their smaller plug-in hybrid models. Naturally, the question on everyone’s mind is how big of a battery the GLE will receive. If Mercedes intends to install a double-sized battery pack in the GLE plug-in hybrid, upgrading from a 13.5 kWh pack to a 27 kWh pack, there is certainly potential for 62 miles of all-electric range.
It is currently unknown what engine will be used in combination with the battery pack for the GLE. When asked whether Mercedes would have to equip an electric battery to a diesel engine in order to achieve the estimated 62 miles of range on the GLE plug-in, Kallenius replied:
“We did not say that but you shall see soon.”
Given the discrepancies between the WLTP and EPA’s test scales, it’s difficult to confirm how accurate the GLE’s 62-mile all-electric range truly is. We would all hate to have a repeat of the Mercedes EQC fiasco, that’s for sure. Having said that, we’ll remain reservedly optimistic in regards to Mercedes’ new plug-in hybrid.
Source: Automotive News
