How Mercedes-Benz reinvented the luxury SUV for a new electrified era
As Inquirer hits forty, we revisit one of our favorite luxury SUVs that has roots four decades ago. When Mercedes-Benz built its first sport-utility vehicle more than four decades ago, it started as a very spartan and robust vehicle, but with an uncompromising commitment to engineering. In 1979, the company introduced the Gelandewagen, later named the G-Class. It is a boxy, military-grade machine crafted to conquer terrain where roads didn’t exist. By the early 1980s, this rugged icon quietly transitioned into civilian life, earning admiration from adventurers, diplomats, and anyone who valued machinery built to last generations. These days, the G-Class has become a status symbol for celebrities and enthusiasts alike.
That foundational philosophy of engineering excellence with a purpose would go on to define Mercedes-Benz’s entire SUV lineage. And today, it continues to shape its newest chapter with the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC Plug-in Hybrid in the Philippines.
Before the GLE became the modern symbol of refined capability, Mercedes-Benz took a major leap in 1997 with the launch of the M-Class (aka ML). Unlike the G-Class, which thrived off-road, the ML was designed for a new kind of driver: families who needed comfort, celebrities who wanted presence, and a fast-growing audience who wanted luxury blended with versatility. Its pop-culture breakthrough came when a specially modified ML appeared in The Lost World: Jurassic Park, immediately cementing its status as a 1990s icon. The sight of dinosaurs chasing the futuristic-looking SUV made it one of the most recognizable vehicles of its decade and propelled global demand. This writer used to have one of these and had very fond memories of ownership way into the early 2000s.
It is this celebrated lineage, a heritage ruggedness from the G-Wagen and modern aspiration from the ML that ultimately evolved into the GLE. And now, the newest generation enters a rapidly changing world where sustainability, performance, and technology are expected to coexist.
The new GLE 400 e Plug-in Hybrid reflects this shift. With Mercedes-Benz’s EQ Hybrid Technology, the SUV combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a powerful electric motor to deliver 252 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It offers an all-electric driving range of more than 100 kilometers, enough for most urban commutes, while retaining long-distance capability through hybrid power. Charging is convenient with AC rates of up to 11 kW, giving owners the flexibility to plug in at home or at public charging points.
Yet electrification in the GLE is not merely about efficiency, it also enhances the driving experience. The brand’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system ensures confident traction whether on rain-soaked highways or provincial backroads, while the DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes let drivers tailor their journeys, from quiet electric cruising to spirited performance when the open road calls.
On the outside, the GLE 400 e carries a commanding presence. Its AMG Line exterior features the diamond grille with a Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome, 21-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, and MULTIBEAM LED headlamps that adapt to changing traffic and lighting conditions. The result is an SUV that looks powerful without being imposing, athletic without sacrificing elegance.
Inside, the GLE continues Mercedes-Benz’s tradition of elevating everyday travel into something far more meaningful. The cabin blends Artico man-made leather with Microcut microfiber, creating a premium and eco-conscious environment. The MBUX multimedia system with its widescreen cockpit anchors the interior, while its augmented reality navigation feature overlays real-world imagery with digital guidance for seamless wayfinding. A hi-fi Burmester surround sound system turns the cabin into a moving concert hall, and electrically adjustable front and rear seats with memory functions ensure every trip feels personally tailored.
Technology extends beyond comfort. Adventurers will appreciate the transparent bonnet feature, which digitally displays the terrain beneath the vehicle, particularly useful in off-road or uneven surfaces. Meanwhile, the Active Parking Assist and a 360-degree camera make tight city maneuvers effortless. True to the brand’s safety legacy, features like PRE-SAFE and Active Brake Assist provide proactive protection, sensing threats and preparing occupants before a collision occurs.
All of this arrives at an introductory price of PHP 5,790,000, positioning the GLE 400 e as one of the most advanced and accessible plug-in hybrid luxury SUVs in the market.
From its roots as a military workhorse to its starring role in Hollywood and now its embrace of electrified luxury, the Mercedes-Benz SUV story has always been about evolution without compromise. The new GLE 400 e Plug-in Hybrid is not just the next step, it is a bold leap into the future, where sustainability and sophistication share the same road.
