In a nutshell:
- New GLC 300 e 4MATIC AMG Line - prices starting at 49,687 on-the-road (OTR).
- New GLE 350 de AMG Line - Prices start from £61,360 OTR.
- Both models were first unveiled in January but are now being delivered to customers.
- Both come with Mercedes connectivity service, which is free for three years.
Two new Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrids are about to start hitting UK roads - and both boast an irresistible blend of style and efficiency.
The GLC 300 e 4MATIC AMG Line and the more expensive GLE 350 de AMG Line were first unveiled back in January, adding more electrified vehicles to the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up.
And with customers starting to take deliveries of their vehicles this summer, its worth taking a closer look at what these important cars can offer.
Lets start with the more affordable of the two options.
The GLC 300 is available in two different body styles - SUV and the sleeker Coupe - with the SUV starting from £49,687 and the Coupe attracting a premium £52,562.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 13.5 kWh battery, producing a combined 277 hp and an impressive 1050 Nm of torque.
Relying on the battery alone, the electric GLC can cover 29 miles while delivering 117.7 mpg and emitting just 54 g/km of CO2.
Plug it into a 7.4 kW wallbox, and it can be recharged in under two hours.
The AMG Line version is the base model, with various levels of trim going all the way up to the range topping AMG Line Ultimate, which adds 20-inch AMG alloy wheels and Air Body Control air suspension for an extra £2,745.
If diesel is more your flavour, then theres the GLE 350 de 4MATIC.
Prices here start at £61,360 for the AMG Line, while the range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus is available from £68,360.
Here a 2.0 litre diesel engine is married to a 31.2 kWh battery to create a combined 330 hp and 840 Nm of torque.
And when it comes to efficiency, the GLE has the GLC licked. In all-electric mode the GLE can travel 66 miles and achieve up to 256.8 mpg on the combined cycle, all the while emitting just 29 g/km of CO2.
It does, however, take slightly longer to charge - 3.25 hours with the 7.4 kW charger that comes as standard.
In basic trim youll get LED high performance headlights, ambient lighting with a choice of 64 colours, a 12.3-inch digital cockpit display as well as Traffic Sign Assist and wireless charging.
In range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus incarnation theres much more bling - including keyless entry, panoramic glass sunroof and a Burmester surround sound system.
Worried about connectivity charges? You neednt be.
Both the GLC and GLE come with the Mercedes me connect online service, which is completely free of charge for three years.
The app will tell you everything from live traffic information and available parking spaces nearby, while also letting you set your destination via your phone, which then automatically transfers to the cars sat-nav system.
