Mercedes-Benz shocks mild-hybrid assistance into GLE 300d

With mild-hybrid assistance already standard on the flagship 450 and on the AMG 53, Mercedes-Benz has now added its 48-volt EQ Boost system to the entry-level GLE 300d in Germany.

Going on sale from next month, the most accessible oil-burning GLE keeps its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, but pairs it to a belt-starter/generator that adds an additional 15kW/200Nm for short spells.

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While still mated to the 9G Tronic transmission with drive going to all four wheels via the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, the inclusion of the electrical hardware has upped power and torque figures by 20kW/50Nm respectively from 180kW/500Nm to 200kW/550Nm.

In the case of the “regular” GLE 300d, top speed increases from 225 km/h to 230 km/h with the benchmark 0-100 km/h sprint time falling from 7.2 seconds to 6.8 seconds. The V-max for the coupe is rated at 226 km/h with 0-100 km/h also dispatch with in 6.8 seconds

Priced from €75 053 (R1 274 552) or €79 182 (R1 344 671) for the coupe in its home market, the electrified GLE 300d is still to be confirmed for South Africa but if approved, expect only the former to arrive as the current coupe range only includes the GLE 400d.