Mercedes GLE 350de charging cable

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 350de 4MATIC is a large plug-in hybrid SUV pairing a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine with a 100 kW electric motor for a combined system output of 320 PS and 700 Nm. Drive goes to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox, with 0–100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The 31.2 kWh gross battery delivers a WLTP electric range of up to 100 km, making it one of the longest-range PHEVs in its class. DC rapid charging at up to 60 kW via CCS is supported, an unusually capable combination for a plug-in hybrid. The Type 2 charging port is located on the left rear quarter. The GLE 350de has been updated across its production run: pre-facelift models carry a two-phase 7.4 kW onboard AC charger, while models from the 2023/2024 facelift onwards upgraded to a full 11 kW three-phase onboard charger. The charging architecture and cable choice differ meaningfully between generations.

Battery and electric range

The high-voltage battery sits beneath the luggage compartment floor and is thermally managed for consistent performance across temperatures. Usable capacity is approximately 27 kWh on pre-facelift models and approximately 25.3 kWh on facelifted models. The WLTP combined range of up to 100 km is among the highest of any PHEV on sale, with real-world electric driving typically falling in the 75–90 km range under moderate conditions. The electric motor alone can sustain all speeds up to the electronically limited maximum, and recuperative braking is adjustable via the steering wheel paddles.

Charging at home and at public wallboxes

On pre-facelift models, the two-phase 7.4 kW onboard charger draws 16A across two phases. At a two- or three-phase wallbox, both phases are available and the car charges at 7.4 kW, completing a full charge from empty in approximately four hours. On a single-phase home wallbox, the car can only access one of its two phases, capping the charge at 16A × 230V = 3.7 kW. At that rate a full charge takes around seven and a half hours. To reach the full 7.4 kW at home, a three-phase wallbox installation is required.

On facelifted models (2023/2024 onwards), the upgraded 11 kW three-phase charger brings a full charge down to approximately two and three-quarter hours at a compatible three-phase wallbox. For the DC connection, the 60 kW CCS charger covers 10–80% in approximately 20 to 25 minutes. A full 0–100% DC charge takes around 40 to 45 minutes once the battery management system's end-of-charge taper is accounted for.

Choosing the right cable

For pre-facelift models, the two-phase 7.4 kW charger draws 16A per phase. An 11 kW Voldt® Type 2 cable is rated at 16A per phase and is the correct match: it delivers the full 7.4 kW at any two- or three-phase supply. A 22 kW cable is the forward-looking option for those planning ahead for a future vehicle with a higher charge rate.

For facelifted models with the 11 kW three-phase charger, an 11 kW cable is the correct match at any three-phase wallbox or public AC post. On a single-phase home wallbox (7.4 kW), an 11 kW three-phase cable bottlenecks the session to 3.7 kW, as its conductors are rated at 16A per phase rather than the 32A a single-phase wallbox delivers on one line. A 22 kW cable, with 32A-per-phase conductors, carries the full single-phase load and delivers 7.4 kW, completing a full charge in approximately three and a half hours. For facelifted GLE owners with a single-phase home installation, a 22 kW cable is the practical choice.

Getting the reach right

The charging port is on the left rear quarter, so reversing to the wallbox suits most home setups. A 6-metre cable covers the majority of driveway and garage configurations comfortably. For public charging, an 8-metre cable provides reliable reach across varied bay layouts and post positions. Where greater reach is needed, 10 and 15-metre cables are available, and Voldt® supplies cables up to 40 metres for dedicated or commercial installations.

Portable charging with a CEE charger

The Voldt® portable CEE charging cable is a practical addition for GLE 350de drivers charging away from a fixed installation.

On pre-facelift models (two-phase 7.4 kW charger): on a 16A single-phase CEE socket (3.7 kW), one phase is available and the car charges at 3.7 kW, completing a full charge in approximately seven and a half hours. On a 16A three-phase CEE socket, the car draws from two of the available phases at 16A each, delivering 7.4 kW and a full charge in approximately four hours. A 32A three-phase CEE socket provides the same two-phase draw at 7.4 kW, giving an identical four-hour charge time.

On facelifted models (11 kW three-phase charger): on a 16A three-phase CEE socket (11 kW), a full charge takes approximately two and three-quarter hours. On a 32A three-phase CEE socket (22 kW available), the car's 11 kW ceiling applies and the result is the same. On a 16A single-phase CEE socket (3.7 kW), a full charge takes around seven and a half hours.

Red three-phase CEE sockets are found at industrial sites, workshops, and some commercial marinas. Standard European campsite hookup points use blue single-phase 16A CEE sockets, which cap output at 3.7 kW: around seven and a half hours for both generations. On a standard domestic socket at 2.3 kW, a full charge takes around eleven to twelve hours, making an overnight plug-in a practical option for this battery size.

Certified for every condition

Voldt® charging cables are CE, UKCA and TÜV certified and manufactured according to IATF 16949 automotive quality standards. Single-piece moulded connectors, no glue or screws. IP67-rated for operation between −30°C and +50°C. 100% copper conductors with silver-plated contacts. Tested beyond 10,000 connection cycles. Three-year warranty, 100-day returns, free shipping across Europe.