The Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC with EQ Hybrid Technology is the plug-in hybrid member of the Malaysian GLE range, combining a large luxury SUV body with meaningful electric-only capability and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Malaysia receives a single locally assembled GLE 400 e 4MATIC AMG Line, produced in Pekan, Pahang and priced at RM498,888 on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.

Its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine works with an electric motor to produce a combined 280 KW (381 HP) and 650 NM. A 31.2 KWH lithium-ion battery provides up to 114 KM WLTP pure-electric range, while 0-100 KM/H takes 6.1 seconds.

The GLE 400 e uses Mercedes-Benz’s widescreen cockpit architecture.

A 12.3-INCH fully digital instrument display sits beside a matching 12.3-INCH MBUX central touchscreen.

The dashboard is trimmed in ARTICO synthetic leather, while anthracite open-pore oak wood provides a more luxurious contrast.

The broad centre console houses storage, cup holders, vehicle controls and the MBUX touch interface.

The transmission selector is mounted on the steering column, leaving additional space around the centre console.

A wireless smartphone charging pad is also standard.

The 12.3-INCH digital instrument cluster displays speed, petrol and battery levels, electric range and hybrid power-flow information.

Navigation and driver-assistance information can also be shown directly ahead of the driver.

Several configurable display styles allow the presentation to be changed according to preference.

The AMG Line interior features ARTICO synthetic leather and MICROCUT microfibre upholstery.

The front seats are electrically adjustable and include heating and memory functionality.

The second-row seats can also be electrically adjusted, allowing passenger and luggage space to be balanced according to requirements.

The Malaysian GLE 400 e accommodates five occupants.

Unlike the GLE 450, there is no third seating row because the PHEV battery occupies space beneath the rear luggage compartment.

The long 2,995 MM wheelbase nevertheless provides generous front and second-row legroom.

A Nappa leather multifunction sports steering wheel is fitted as part of the AMG Line package.

The wheel is flattened at the lower section and perforated around the grip areas.

Controls provide access to audio, instrumentation and assistance functions, while steering-wheel paddles allow manual control of the nine-speed transmission.

Storage includes a glove compartment, centre-console compartment and large door pockets.

Additional storage areas are positioned around the front cabin and second-row seating area.

The EASY-PACK luggage package also provides additional cargo-management functionality.

The GLE 400 e provides two front and two rear cup holders.

The rear pair is incorporated into the folding centre armrest.

Additional bottle storage is provided within the front and rear door pockets.

The USB Package Plus provides multiple USB-C connections throughout the cabin.

Mercedes-Benz specifies five additional USB-C ports, allowing several devices to be charged simultaneously.

A wireless smartphone charger is also fitted at the front.

The cabin combines ARTICO synthetic leather, MICROCUT microfibre, open-pore oak wood and metallic trim.

A 64-colour ambient lighting system highlights the dashboard and door areas after dark.

Fit, finish and material quality remain appropriate for the GLE’s positioning as one of Mercedes-Benz’s larger luxury SUVs.

The GLE 400 e provides 490 L of luggage capacity with the rear seats upright.

This is lower than the non-PHEV GLE because the large hybrid battery is positioned beneath the luggage floor.

Folding the rear seats increases maximum cargo capacity to approximately 1,915 L.

The GLE 400 e measures 4,924 MM long, 1,947 MM wide and approximately 1,795 MM tall, with a 2,995 MM wheelbase.

Width increases to 2,157 MM including the exterior mirrors, while kerb weight stands at approximately 2,685 KG.

Its substantial dimensions position it firmly within the large premium SUV class, although the PHEV is configured exclusively as a five-seater in Malaysia.

The Malaysian GLE 400 e receives the AMG Line exterior package.

A large Mercedes-Benz-pattern grille is complemented by an AMG front apron, chrome detailing and prominent lower air intakes.

The broad bonnet and tall nose give the SUV considerable road presence while retaining the cleaner appearance of the facelifted V167 GLE.

The rear uses a broad tailgate, horizontal LED lighting and an AMG-specific bumper.

A diffuser-look rear insert provides a sportier appearance, while the exhaust outlets are integrated discreetly into the lower bodywork.

An EASY-PACK powered tailgate with HANDS-FREE ACCESS is standard.

The GLE 400 e features MULTIBEAM LED headlamps.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus can selectively manage the high-beam pattern around surrounding traffic.

LED daytime running lights and automatic headlamp operation are also standard.

The rear uses full-LED combination lamps with Mercedes-Benz’s distinctive segmented lighting graphics.

LED direction indicators, rear fog-light functionality and a high-mounted brake lamp are incorporated into the rear lighting system.

Exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable, heated and power-folding.

Integrated LED turn indicators are standard.

Blind Spot Assist warning indicators are also positioned within the mirror area.

The GLE 400 e combines conventional four-wheel disc brakes with regenerative braking from its electric motor.

Electronic systems include ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Programme and traction control.

The regenerative system can recover energy during deceleration and return it to the high-voltage battery.

The Malaysian GLE 400 e rides on 21-INCH AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Front tyres measure 275/45 R21, while the rear uses wider 315/40 R21 tyres.

The staggered arrangement provides additional rear traction while complementing the AMG Line exterior.

Standard active-safety equipment includes ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Programme and Traction Control.

Active Brake Assist can detect potential frontal collisions and apply emergency braking when required.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring and Hill Start Assist are also provided.

The Malaysian GLE 400 e is equipped with seven airbags.

These include dual front airbags, front-side airbags, full-length curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag.

Five three-point seat belts, all-seat reminders and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points for the outer rear seats are also fitted.

Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE can prepare selected occupant-protection systems when an imminent collision is detected.

Mercedes-Benz DYNAMIC SELECT provides selectable driving programmes for different road and drivetrain conditions.

Modes alter accelerator response, transmission behaviour, steering and suspension settings.

Dedicated hybrid management allows the GLE to prioritise electric operation when appropriate, while an Off-Road programme can also use electric propulsion on suitable terrain.

A 12.3-INCH MBUX touchscreen provides the primary infotainment interface.

The system includes MBUX Navigation Premium, Augmented Reality Navigation, Bluetooth and voice control through the “Hey Mercedes” assistant.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.

The GLE 400 e features the Driving Assistance Package Plus.

Functions include Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Evasive Steering Assist.

Blind Spot Assist with exit warning functionality further monitors surrounding traffic.

Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC and a 360-degree camera simplifies low-speed manoeuvring, while Transparent Bonnet view provides a virtual image of the area immediately beneath the front of the vehicle.

The GLE 400 e features a 13-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System producing 590 W.

The system supports personalised audio settings and Dolby Atmos functionality.

Its speaker arrangement provides balanced coverage across both seating rows.

The GLE 400 e uses a 1,999 CC turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

The combustion engine develops 185 KW (252 HP) and 400 NM.

A permanently excited synchronous electric motor integrated into the hybrid drivetrain produces 115 KW (156 HP) and 440 NM.

Combined system output stands at 280 KW (381 HP) and 650 NM.

Power is transmitted through a nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission.

The electric motor is integrated into the hybrid transmission system, allowing the vehicle to operate in petrol, electric or combined hybrid modes.

The multi-speed gearbox also enables the combustion engine to operate efficiently over a wide range of speeds.

The GLE 400 e features 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Power can be distributed between the front and rear axles according to traction and driving requirements.

The system remains operational during hybrid and electric driving, allowing the PHEV to retain all-wheel-drive capability without relying solely on its petrol engine.

The GLE 400 e accelerates from 0-100 KM/H in 6.1 seconds.

Maximum speed stands at 210 KM/H.

In pure-electric operation, the GLE can travel at speeds of up to approximately 140 KM/H.

The plug-in hybrid system uses a 31.2 KWH lithium-ion battery.

Pure-electric driving range reaches up to 114 KM WLTP, making it possible to complete many daily journeys without starting the petrol engine.

Weighted fuel consumption can fall to approximately 2.9 L/100 KM when the battery is regularly charged and electric operation is maximised.

Maximum AC charging input is 11 KW, allowing approximately 10-100% charging in 2.5 hours using a suitable three-phase wallbox or public charger.

The Malaysian specification is equipped with AC charging rather than DC fast charging.

Standard convenience equipment includes KEYLESS-GO, hands-free powered tailgate operation, automatic wipers and electrically adjustable front seats with memory.

A panoramic sliding sunroof increases cabin brightness.

Electrically operated rear-door sunblinds, wireless smartphone charging and the electrically adjustable second-row seats further improve everyday usability.

The GLE 400 e features THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control with dedicated rear air-conditioning vents.

Second-row occupants receive direct airflow rather than relying solely on the dashboard vents.

Electrically operated rear-door sunblinds provide additional comfort in strong sunlight.

The Malaysian GLE 400 e receives AIRMATIC air suspension with Adaptive Damping System Plus.

The system continuously alters damping according to road conditions and driving behaviour.

Air springs also compensate for changes in load and allow ride height to be managed according to operating conditions.

Despite its approximately 2.7-tonne kerb weight and 21-inch wheels, the GLE remains strongly focused on long-distance ride comfort.

The GLE 400 e benefits from the ability to operate quietly on electric power during urban driving.

Acoustic insulation and refined suspension isolation help suppress tyre and road noise.

Acoustic glass further improves cabin refinement, while the electric motor allows particularly smooth low-speed operation.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC introduces genuine daily electric capability to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s large luxury SUV range while remaining considerably more practical for long-distance driving than a full EV.

Its 381 HP and 650 NM plug-in hybrid drivetrain provides respectable 6.1-second acceleration, while the substantial 31.2 KWH battery offers up to 114 KM WLTP electric range.

The specification is also strong, including AIRMATIC suspension, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, panoramic roof, electrically adjustable seats, dual 12.3-inch displays, Burmester 3D audio and the Driving Assistance Package Plus.

The main compromises come from the hybrid packaging. The battery increases kerb weight to approximately 2,685 KG, removes the third-row seating offered by other GLE variants and reduces boot capacity to 490 L.

At RM498,888 OTR without insurance, however, the GLE 400 e is positioned below the six-cylinder GLE 450 while offering substantially lower daily fuel consumption and enough electric range for many commutes. For buyers able to charge regularly, it is arguably the most rational GLE in the current Malaysian range.