2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4MATIC PHEV: Six-Cylinder Plug-In Hybrid Detailed from $156,900

Mercedes-Benz Australia has officially expanded its large luxury SUV lineup with the release of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4MATIC, introducing the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option to the GLE family.

Arriving in local showrooms from October 15, 2026, the five-seat GLE450e is available in both traditional wagon (SUV) and sloped-roof Coupé body styles, priced from $156,900 and $160,900 before on-road costs, respectively. This places the electrified pair at a noticeable step-up from the existing six-cylinder turbo-diesel GLE350d wagon ($142,300 plus ORCs).

In the broader segment, the GLE450e SUV lands slightly above the outgoing BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport PHEV ($153,600 plus ORCs), ahead of the new-generation X5 PHEV's local arrival in November. However, it comfortably undercuts the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, which opens at $164,800 plus ORCs in SUV form and $171,400 plus ORCs as a Coupé.

Powertrain, Real-World Range Logic, and Charging Options

Unlike four-cylinder plug-in hybrids commonly found in lower segments, the GLE450e pairs a 240kW 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder petrol engine with a 135kW permanently excited synchronous electric motor (PSM).

Channeling drive through a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the system generates muscular combined outputs of 320kW of power and 680Nm of torque. Both the SUV and Coupé complete the 0–100km/h sprint in 5.6 seconds, shaving 0.6 seconds off the time of the GLE350d diesel.

Electric energy is stored in a 25.7kWh usable lithium-ion battery pack, permitting pure-electric operation at speeds of up to 140km/h:

• GLE450e SUV: 87km claimed WLTP electric range on standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
• GLE450e Coupé: 91km claimed WLTP electric range on standard 21-inch alloy wheels, aided by slightly sleeker aerodynamics.

While Mercedes-Benz Australia has not published localized ADR consumption ratings, overseas UK and US testing yields a combined economy claim of 3.2L/100km (88.3mpg) and 21.6kWh/100km when operating with battery assistance. By comparison, the diesel GLE350d is rated locally at 8.2L/100km. Once the battery depletes on long-distance interstate drives, the petrol inline-six shoulders the load, meaning real-world highway consumption will rise closer to standard six-cylinder petrol figures.

High-intent buyers should note the charging strategy: standard equipment includes an 11kW onboard AC charger, which recharges the 25.7kWh battery from flat in 2 hours and 45 minutes. However, DC fast-charging capability (up to 60kW, which enables a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 29 minutes) is unusually relegated to an optional extra costing $1,100. In addition, the battery packaging reduces cargo bay space compared to the diesel, dropping volume from 630 litres to 485 litres in overseas specifications.

Powertrain and Technical Specifications

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4MATIC SUV (Standard Features):  

• 20-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels
• AMG Line Exterior Package with diamond-pattern grille, body-coloured wheel-arch flares, side skirts, and diffuser-style rear bumper
• Night Package featuring high-gloss black side mirror scalps, dark chrome front apron underguard, matte black roof rails, and rear privacy glass
• LED High-Performance headlamps, LED tail-lights, and illuminated central star grille
• MBUX Superscreen housing three 12.3-inch displays under a continuous glass pane, powered by MB.OS architecture with AI connectivity and over-the-air updates
• Head-up display (HUD) and Burmester 3D surround sound system
• Heated front seats trimmed in black ARTICO man-made leather
• KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package with Hands-Free Access, Memory Package for front seats, and physical steering wheel rocker switches
• Comprehensive driver-assist suite: MB.DRIVE ASSIST (Lane Change Assist, Steering Assist), and MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST with 360-degree surround-view cameras

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4MATIC Coupé (Adds over SUV):

• 21-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
• AMG Line Sport Seats Package trimmed in ARTICO man-made leather with MICROCUT black microfibre inserts
• Swooping Coupé roofline delivering extended 91km WLTP electric driving range

Key Factory Option Packages:

• Interior Comfort Package ($5,600 MRLP): Multicontour front seats with massage, ventilated front seats, luxury head restraints, Seat Heating Plus, AIR BALANCE fragrance, heated steering wheel, temperature-controlled cup holders, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, and MAGIC VISION CONTROL wipers.
• Exterior Comfort Package ($2,300 MRLP): Power-closing soft-close doors, surround lighting with animated logo projection, and GUARD 360° vehicle protection.

• Towing & Dynamics: Towbar Package ($3,000 MRLP; includes trailer coupling, 750kg unbraked, and 280kg towball download) paired obligatorily with the AIRMATIC air suspension package ($3,800 MRLP) to enable the full 3,500kg braked towing capacity.
• Standalone Extras: 60kW on-board DC charger ($1,100), DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps ($2,800), and illuminated aluminium running boards ($1,300).

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e Australian Pricing

Both models are available to order now across Australian authorized retailers. All figures reflect Manufacturer's Recommended List Price (MRLP) including GST and applicable LCT, but exclude statutory on-road costs, registration fees, and dealer delivery charges.