MERCEDES dealers are now taking orders for new plug-in hybrid versions of the new GLC 300 e and GLE 350 de SUVs although first customer deliveries are not expected until the summer.

The GLC is available in both SUV and Coupé body styles with prices starting from £49,687 for the GLC 300 e AMG Line, and £52,562 for the GLC 300 e Coupé.

The hybrid powertrain features a 155hp, two-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 122hp electric motor. The 13.5kW battery gives an all-electric range of 29 miles on the official NEDC test cycle, while delivering up to 117.7 mpg and emitting just 54 g/km of CO. A 7.4kW on-board charger means the GLC 300 e can be charged via a wallbox in under two hours.

Priced from £64,860, the GLE 350 de plug-in hybrid mates a194hp, two-litre diesel engine with a 136hp electric motor and a huge 31.2 kWh battery which provides an impressive all-electric range of 66 miles and up to 256.8 mpg in mixed driving with just 29 g/km of CO2emissions. It also has a 7.4 kW combined on-board charger fitted as standard, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 100 per cent in 3.25 hours.