21 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling contests, but for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE550e 4matic, it’s a compromise. This isn’t a bare-bones fuel sipper; it’s a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV designed for effortless performance and a touch of lower fuel costs, aimed squarely at affluent buyers who want a smooth ride and ample space but are increasingly conscious of using less gas. These buyers prioritize prestige, comfort, and technology, and while fuel economy is a consideration, it’s not the driving force behind their purchase. They want the ability to drive in electric mode for short commutes while retaining the confidence of a gasoline engine for longer trips.

City and highway performance

The GLE550e manages 20 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. These numbers might appear unimpressive, but this is a relatively large SUV with all-wheel drive. The city figure benefits from the plug-in hybrid system’s ability to run solely on electric power for limited distances, boosting its urban efficiency. The highway MPG, while slightly better, reflects the increased demand on the gasoline engine at higher speeds, as the electric motor contributes less. This split highlights the GLE550e’s strengths; it shines in stop-and-go traffic where its electric motor can truly make a difference, but fuel economy becomes more conventional at sustained highway cruising speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE550e at $2,750. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing the running costs of different vehicles, but individual expenses will vary based on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the amount of electric-only driving. For instance, someone who primarily uses the GLE550e for short city commutes and diligently charges the battery will likely see significantly lower fuel costs than someone who frequently takes long road trips.

Real-world expectations

The official EPA numbers provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy often deviates. Expect variations based on driving style, terrain, and weather conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and driving in hilly areas will all negatively impact fuel efficiency. Conversely, smooth driving, using regenerative braking, and maximizing electric-only range will improve it. Cold weather can also reduce battery performance, leading to lower electric range and increased reliance on the gasoline engine. Drivers who actively manage their driving style and charging habits are more likely to achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates. You can find GLE550E MPG across all years.

How it compares

Compared to other luxury SUVs with hybrid or conventional powertrains, the GLE550e’s fuel economy falls somewhere in the middle. The BMW X5 xDrive40e, another plug-in hybrid competitor, achieves around 24 MPG combined. Non-hybrid competitors like the Acura MDX with SH-AWD manage approximately 22 MPG combined, while the Lexus RX 350h hybrid boasts around 30 MPG combined. For the GLE550e buyer, the slightly lower MPG might be acceptable in exchange for the Mercedes-Benz brand prestige, luxurious interior, and the GLE’s specific blend of performance and technology. All Mercedes Benz fuel economy data shows a recent trend towards more efficient models across their lineup.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Take advantage of the GLE550e’s plug-in hybrid system by charging the battery as often as possible. Even partial charging can significantly reduce gasoline consumption, especially during city driving. Develop a habit of plugging in at home and using public charging stations when available.

Employ smooth and gradual acceleration whenever possible. Rapid acceleration demands more power from the gasoline engine, diminishing fuel economy. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a consistent speed to minimize unnecessary acceleration and braking.

Use the GLE550e’s driving modes to optimize efficiency. Select the “Electric” mode for short commutes and city driving to maximize electric-only range. Choose “Hybrid” mode for a balance of electric and gasoline power, and “E-Save” mode to preserve battery charge for later use. Experiment with these modes to find the best settings for your specific driving conditions.

Monitor the energy consumption display to understand your driving habits and their impact on fuel economy. This real-time feedback can help identify areas for improvement and encourage more efficient driving techniques. Pay attention to the energy flow between the electric motor, gasoline engine, and battery to optimize your driving style.