In addition to the EQ sub-brand for electric
vehicles, Mercedes-Benz remains committed to plug-in hybrid technology. Daimler
announced that production of their next-generation SUVs, including their
plug-in hybrid derivatives, will start later this year at the Tuscaloosa plant
in Alabama.
The information was made public during the annual
meeting with suppliers in the United States. The Tuscaloosa plant is where
Mercedes-Benz builds the GLE, GLE Coupe and GLS for the global markets. Given
that development of the next generation GLE is in its final stages, we wouldn’t
be surprised if Mercedes-Benz was talking about it.
After all, today’s family includes the GLE 500e
4Matic, a plug-in hybrid with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine and electric
motor that makes a combined 436 hp and 650 Nm of
torque. The output is channeled to the all-wheel drive system through a
dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission and drivers can choose between
‘Hybrid’, ‘E-Mode’, ‘E-Save’ and ‘Charge’. Moreover, the GLE 500e 4Matic can
travel on electric power for some 32 km and at speeds of up
to 130 km/h.
Mercedes is also prepping an entirely new GLS. The
‘S-Class of SUVs’, as the brand often referred to the current iteration, is
expected to arrive in dealerships in 2019, and it could very well welcome a
plug-in hybrid powertrain, too.
In other related news, Mercedes will invest US$ 1
billion in the Tuscaloosa plant. The cash injection will prepare the terrain
for the production kick-off of the EQ SUVs, and will also include the creation
of more than 600 new jobs at the facility.
