The Mercedes SUV range gets a hybrid boost
If you're wondering whether to take the plunge and venture into the world of hybrids for your new lease car then we might just have something to get the pulse racing.
It comes in the shape of a Mercedes SUV……well, two Mercedes SUVs if we're being strictly accurate.
Both the Mercedes GLC 300e and Mercedes GLE 350de plug-in hybrids are available to order right now so there's not much point hanging around.
The new GLC 300e is the smaller of the two, being the C-Class version of the GL range as opposed to the E-Class equivalent GLE models.
The Kia range as a whole is getting better looking with every new model and the Sorento is no different. It's a big – and we mean really big - seven seat SUV that still manages to remain elegant and stylish. If this is the result of a Bavarian/Korean collaboration then long may it continue. 
The hybrid GLC features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 13.5 kWh battery. Added together they produce around 275bhp, offering decent performance without the hefty fuel bills. The battery gives an all-electric range of 29 miles (NEDC), while delivering up to 117.7 mpg and emitting just 54 g/km of CO2. The 13.5 kW battery and 7.4kw on-board charger also means the GLC 300e can be charged via a 7.4 kW wallbox in under two hours.
A 9G-TRONIC PLUS nine-speed automatic transmission comes as standard, and there are four model lines to choose from, as well as both SUV and Coupe body style options. AMG Line models come as standard with 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels; MBUX infotainment system; sports steering wheel in black Nappa leather; AMG bodystyling; and AMG sports seats in Artico man-made leather.
The AMG Line Premium is probably the best balance between trim level and list price and includes 20-inch alloys, multibeam LED headlights, 12.3-inch digital cockpit display, Mercedes-Benz sound system, AMG leather sports seats, and smartphone integration and wireless charging. The AMG Line Premium Plus and AMG Line Ultimate complete the range and add different wheels, panoramic glass sunroof (SUV) or sliding sunroof (Coupé), Keyless-Go Comfort package, upgraded sound system and air suspension options. They also add a lot to the price with the GLC range starting from just under £50k.
Mercedes GLE plug-in hybrid diesel
The other option, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid ,is obviously going to be a bit more roomy, well equipped and luxurious just because it's a step up the Mercedes range. Prices for these start at a little over £61k so we're talking about some seriously premium vehicles.
The GLE 350 de features a 2.0-litre diesel engine which generates 194bhp and 400 Nm, paired with a 31.2 kWh battery which adds an additional 136bhp overall output. Despite the 330bhp under your right foot the Mercedes GLE 350 de has an all-electric range of 66 miles (NEDC), can achieve up to 256.8 mpg on the combined cycle and emits just 29 g/km of CO2. That's quite a lot of power for not much fuel or emissions, especially in such a sizeable car. 
The larger GLE only comes in three trim levels but as it already has a higher specification than the GLC that makes sense.
AMG Line models come as standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, LED high performance headlights, DAB digital radio, heated front seats, MBUX multimedia system, 12.3-inch digital cockpit display, and wireless charging. More than enough to keep anyone happy on the daily commute.
If you do move up the range you can opt for the AMG Line Premium and add Multibeam LED headlights, a memory package which includes electrically adjustable front seats and steering wheel, and a parking package with 360° camera. The range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus models come with Keyless-Go Comfort package with keyless entry, panoramic glass sunroof, and Burmester surround sound system.
As an added bonus both the GLC and GLE come with Mercedes me connect online service, which is completely free of charge for three years.
The app includes useful functions such as live traffic information, available parking spaces nearby, local searches for restaurants and hotels, a Send2Car service that allows you to set a satnav destination and it will be automatically transferred to the vehicle.
You can also use the app to keep track of your car's status – including mileage, fuel and service information – and remotely lock or unlock via the app.
See, we told you it was a good time to move into a hybrid. OK, maybe the big Mercs aren't for everyone. They are large SUVs and that's not to everyone's taste. They are also premium vehicles with rather exuberant price tags. But having said that, isn't the ability to open a whole new choice of cars supposed to be one of the benefits of leasing in the first place?
Yes, we thought so. You can check out our Mercedes leasing deals right here.
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