2020 Mercedes GLE 350 de 4MATIC Coupe – Efficient Family SUV. 2020 Mercedes GLE 350 de 4MATIC Coupe – Drive, Interior and Exterior. Color: Obsidian Black Metallic. Subscribe.
The significantly greater range of the GLE 350 de 4MATIC Coupé compared with other plug-in hybrids points the way to an even more remarkable electric driving experience. A special rear-end design and a modified rear axle create space for the large battery. Thanks to a battery with a capacity of 31.2 kWh, it is capable of over 100 kilometres (according to NEDC) with a corresponding driving style. It also has a top speed of up to 160 km/h under electric power. Its state-of-the-art four-cylinder diesel engine is also highly efficient. The proportion of electric driving is not only increased by the long range, but also by rapid recharging en route. To this end, the SUV has a combined charging socket for alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging. It is located in the left side wall, symmetrical with the fuel flap on the right side of the vehicle. At corresponding DC charging stations, the battery can be charged in approx. 20 minutes (10-80 percent state of charge (SoC)) or in approx. 30 minutes (10-100 percent SoC).
Key data:
– Electric range of up to 106 km (NEDC)
– Electric output 100 kW
– System output 235 kW/320 hp
– System torque 700 Nm
– Top speed of up to 160 km/h (electric)/210 km/h (overall)
– Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds
As the largest member of the EQ Power family, the GLE 350 de 4MATIC Coupé benefits in particular from cutting-edge technology. This also includes the high potential made possible by energy recovery at all four wheels, with a maximum energy recovery torque of 1800 Nm. In this mode, many driving situations in flowing traffic can be controlled merely by operating the accelerator pedal. Only strong deceleration or decelerating to a stop require the brake pedal. The GLE Coupé has a towing capacity of up to 3500 kg also as a plug-in hybrid.
The current electric engine has been redesigned for the 9G-TRONIC plug-in hybrid drives and is designed according to the principle of a permanently excited synchronous motor as an internal rotor. The likewise new, significantly enhanced power electronics have allowed considerable increases in power and torque density. One of the greatest innovations compared with the previous version is the use of a torque converter with integrated lock-up clutch as a starting device, and an additional clutch between the combustion engine and electric motor for all-electric driving. The stator of the electric motor is permanently integrated into the traction head housing, while the rotor is between the power flow of the separating clutch and transmission input. On-demand stator and rotor cooling allows use of the electric motor’s peak and continuous output without any problems.
The high-voltage on-board electrical system supplies not only the drive components and the vacuum pump of the regenerative brake system, but also the electric refrigerant compressor and the high-voltage heater booster. Both allow pre-entry climate control of the interior not only in summer but also in winter, because they can also operate without the combustion engine.
In all variants of the new GLE Coupé, power is transmitted by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The wide spread of gears one to nine considerably lowers the engine speeds and is a decisive factor behind the high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort. The high overall efficiency is reflected in the fuel economy. Shortened shift and response times ensure optimum spontaneity combined with outstandingly smooth gear changes. Particularly in manual mode and in S mode, the 9G-TRONIC responds immediately and enhances driving fun as a result.
The particularly good gearshifting comfort of the 9-speed automatic transmission is the result of extensive measures. These include the novel direct control system, which shifts gears in a barely perceptible and especially fast manner. The combination of twin-turbine torsional damper and centrifugal pendulum technology in the torque converter ensures outstanding drive comfort. An additional electric transmission oil pump supplies the control elements and actuators with pressure in start/stop operation to ensure immediate moving off after an engine restart.
In ECO drive mode, the gliding function assists the driver’s active fuel economy measures. When the driver’s foot leaves the accelerator, the combustion engine is decoupled from the drive system and runs at idling speed. The vehicle rolls for a measurably longer distance than when on the overrun. When the accelerator pedal is depressed, the link between the engine and drive system is re-established.
