In-depth reviews

Mercedes GLE hybrid running costs, insurance, warranty & tax

Ultra-low company-car tax is one of the biggest reasons to choose the Mercedes GLE 350 de over a non-hybrid equivalent

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Running costs & insurance rating

4.0 out of 5

Fuel Type:
Hybrid Diesel
Insurance groupWarrantyService intervalAnnual company-car tax cost (20%/40%)
503yrs/unlimited milesTBCFrom £1,159/£2,283

The Mercedes GLE plug-in hybrid holds great appeal for company-car users because of its low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rating. Although private buyers can save money on fuel, the hybrid will only be more economical than a regular petrol or diesel if you charge it up at home every night (or at work every day). The GLE’s long electric range means it sits in the 8% Benefit-in-Kind bracket – all other GLE models are in the 37% band.

Mercedes GLE hybrid insurance group

As of late 2022, all versions of the GLE plug-in hybrid sit in insurance group 50. That's not all that surprising when you consider the GLE is a large and complex luxury car with a lot of expensive powertrain components that could cost a lot to repair.

Warranty

UK buyers get a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty on all Mercedes cars, plus a 30-year anti-corrosion warranty. You also get 30 years’ of European breakdown cover, which is fantastic.

Servicing

You can buy what Mercedes calls a ServiceCare plan, which lets you pay over the course of ownership rather than when the service is due. The prices for labour and service items are guaranteed, so you won’t end up paying more. Prices are in line with other luxury brands such as BMW and Audi, though exact costs are tailored to you and your car.

Road tax

GLE hybrid drivers get £10 off the normal rate of VED (otherwise known as road tax), because it’s an electrified car – an 'alternative-fuel vehicle' in government terminology. This means the basic rate you pay is £155 a year, but because of the GLE's over-£40,000 list price, a surcharge is applied the first five times you tax it, taking the annual rate to £510 a year during that time.

Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

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