Mercedes-Benz adds GLC 300 e and GLE 350 de to its UK line-up

Mercedes-Benz has announced the launch of GLC 300 e and GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid SUVs in the UK.

Both the models are on sale now with first deliveries expected to begin in summer 2020.

The new GLC 300 e 4MATIC will be available in both SUV and Coupé bodystyles. Prices start from £49,687 ($64,594) for the GLC 300 e AMG Line, and £52,562 ($68,330) for the GLC 300 e Coupé. The GLC 300 e features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 13.5 kWh battery. The combustion engine can produce 155 hp and 350 Nm, while the electric motor adds an additional 122 hp and 700 Nm.

The battery gives an all-electric range of 29 miles (NEDC), while delivering up to 117.7 mpg and emitting just 54 g/km of CO₂. The 13.5 kW battery and 7.4kw on-board charger means the GLC 300 e can be charged via a 7.4 kW wallbox in under two hours.

A 9G-TRONIC PLUS nine-speed automatic transmission comes as standard, and there are four model lines available. AMG Line models come as standard with 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels; MBUX infotainment system; sports steering wheel in black Nappa leather; AMG bodystyling; and AMG sports seats in Artico man-made leather.

For an additional £3,500 ($4,550), AMG Line Premium models include 20-inch multi-spoke alloys; Multibeam LED headlights; 12.3-inch digital cockpit display; ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours; augmented reality for navigation; Mercedes-Benz sound system; AMG sports seats in leather; smartphone integration, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; and wireless charging for compatible smartphones.

AMG Line Premium Plus is available for an extra £3,750 ($4,875) and adds 20-inch five-twin-spoke alloys; panoramic glass sunroof (SUV only); sliding sunroof (coupé only); Keyless-Go Comfort package; Burmester surround sound system; and Memory package, including electrically adjustable front seats and steering column.

For an extra £2,745 ($3,569), the range-topping AMG Line Ultimate adds 20-inch AMG alloy wheels in a five-twin-spoke design and Air Body Control air suspension.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid has now been added to the GLE SUV line-up, with prices starting from £61,360 ($79,768) for the AMG Line equipment line. AMG Line Premium will cost £64,860 ($84,318), and AMG Line Premium Plus is available from £68,360 ($88,868).

The GLE 350 de features a 2.0-litre diesel engine which generates 194 hp and 400 Nm, paired with a 31.2 kWh battery which adds an additional 136 hp and 440 Nm to the car's overall output. The GLE 350 de has an all-electric range of 66 miles (NEDC), meaning it can achieve up to 256.8 mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 29 g/km of CO₂. A 7.4 kW combined on-board charger comes as standard, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 100% in 3.25 hours.

AMG Line models come as standard with 20-inch alloy wheels; Adaptive Highbeam Assist; LED high performance headlights; DAB digital radio; heated front seats; ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours; MBUX multimedia system; 12.3-inch digital cockpit display; Traffic Sign Assist; and wireless charging.

AMG Line Premium, which costs £64,860, adds Multibeam LED headlights; Memory package, including electrically adjustable front seats and steering wheel; Parking package with 360° camera; and MBUX augmented reality for navigation.

For an extra £3,500 ($4,550), range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus models come with Keyless-Go Comfort package, including keyless entry; panoramic glass sunroof; Air-Balance package; Energising package; and Burmester surround sound system.

Both the GLC and GLE come with Mercedes me connect online service, which is completely free of charge for three years. The app, which is available on Apple and Android devices, includes useful functions such as live traffic information; available parking spaces nearby; local searches for restaurants and hotels; Send2Car, which means the customer can set their destination via the app and it will be automatically transferred to the vehicle; a 12-month subscription to music streaming service, TIDAL; internet radio; and Digital Assistant, which can be connected to both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Users can also keep track of their car's status, including mileage, fuel and service information, and remotely lock or unlock via the app.