From the moment the Mercedes GLE 550e was announced, I knew I wanted one. However, availability proved to be a significant hurdle in my state. Dealers at the time lacked hybrid certification, meaning their service shops weren’t equipped with mechanics qualified to handle hybrid vehicles. Reluctantly, I settled for a 2015 ML 250 diesel, my second ML diesel and what was intended to be my third. While I appreciated the ML 250’s performance, a nagging feeling persisted that its engine was undersized for the vehicle’s bulk. The allure of the 550e never faded, and I continued my search.
This past March, my persistence paid off. I located a GLE 550e in Utah. It was a “Silver Hat,” a Mercedes-Benz executive vehicle used for showcasing the model and its features across dealerships in the region. This particular model was generously equipped, and the sheer thrill of finally acquiring it more than compensated for the ten-hour drive to pick it up. Naturally, the first order of business was a road trip. On the highway, we averaged around 23 MPG while thoroughly enjoying exploring all the available features and options. This fuel efficiency was maintained at interstate speeds, and the overall ride quality was exceptional.
Working from home eliminates a daily commute, but I find myself consistently eager to take the 550e out for drives. Living approximately six miles from the town center, most of our trips are under 20 miles round trip, starting with a two-mile uphill stretch. It’s not unusual to achieve 65+ MPG on these town trips. The display typically indicates a 19-mile electric range on a full charge, but in practice, I’ve observed closer to 13 miles of electric range. I’ve developed a driving strategy to maximize efficiency: reserving the electric range for the initial uphill climb and switching to hybrid mode once on flatter terrain. The regenerative braking further contributes, adding back about 2-3 miles of range. Just last month, I managed to drive for about five weeks before needing to refuel, even with a week-long trip out of town included in that period, suggesting consistent fuel-efficient usage month to month.
Performance-wise, the GLE 550e is truly impressive. The acceleration rivals that of a Tesla. The absence of diesel turbo lag, which I was accustomed to with my previous diesels, is a welcome change. My understanding is that the engine in the 550e shares similarities with the AMG GLE 43 engine, albeit without the full AMG tuning. I particularly appreciate the surround-view camera system and the remarkably quiet cabin. While I haven’t used it for towing yet, as my trusty ’08 ML 320 CDI remains my work vehicle, it’s worth noting the 550e’s towing capacity is 5000 lbs, compared to the ML 320 CDI’s 7500 lbs. Given my occasional need to navigate rocky, steep terrain and snowy conditions in wooded areas—conditions the Benz has always handled without issue—I’m keeping the 550e primarily for luxury driving, aiming to maintain its pristine condition for as long as possible.
My GLE 550e is finished in Iridium Silver and includes the P3 package, running boards, heated and ventilated seats, Airmatic suspension, Magic Vision Control, panoramic roof, parking assist, trailer hitch, and a Saddle Brown interior with anthracite poplar wood trim. I opted for a lease, reflecting some uncertainty about Mercedes-Benz’s future direction with electric vehicles and a desire to remain flexible as EV technology advances. In the meantime, range anxiety is nonexistent. For situations requiring purely electric driving, the hybrid selector button includes a “Charge” function that fully recharges the battery in approximately 25 minutes, although this does impact fuel economy as it places additional load on the gasoline engine. Charging at home is simple using a standard 110V wall outlet; plugging it in upon arrival ensures it’s ready each morning. In conclusion, I am thoroughly delighted with this vehicle.
