Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Plug-in Hybrid GLC300e 4Matic AMG Line (A) Review

The GLC300e's handsome looks are a result of its sleek and restrained styling

Perhaps this conundrum is what Mercedes' GLC300e aims to solve. The all new mid-size SUV is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and this powertrain could be what pleases fence-sitters.

For the uninitiated (and undecided), a plug-in hybrid has an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, which is fed by a battery.

Compared to a regular hybrid, a PHEV has a larger battery and more powerful electric motor. This enables it to travel faster and further on electric power alone.

The turbocharged in-line four is quieter than expected, and revs smoother than other Mercedes four-cylinder engines

And as its name states, you can recharge the battery by plugging the car into an AC or DC charging station. Ah, but this is optional. If you don't feel like charging the car, the internal combustion engine lets you continue driving even with the battery depleted.

Said engine is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 201bhp and 320Nm of torque. Working alongside it is an electric motor with 134bhp and 440Nm of torque, which is fed by a 31.2kWh lithium-ion battery.

Now, we can't just add all the numbers to derive the total output, as the electric motor and engine produce these figures at different points. But with a combined system output of 308bhp and 550Nm of torque, there's ample muscle to move the 2,355kg SUV.

Modes to match moods

B mode tells the car to hold the battery's current charge level, but it would have been better if you could pre-set the percentage

Indeed, the GLC300e's mass isn't as obvious as expected because of the electric motor, which by the way, handles most of the propulsion. Get behind the wheel and press the 'Start' button and nothing seems to happen because the engine remains sound asleep.

With the battery at around 90%, the trip computer predicted an electric range of 100km. Mercedes claims a 138km range with a full charge.

The GLC300e's default drive mode is E or Electric, but slam the accelerator pedal halfway down and the engine wakes up. Even in Hybrid mode, the engine only joins the party when you really demand extra muscle.

The MBUX system includes an off-road specific display, even if most GLC300e owners only drive on-road

And when it does wake up, it's quieter than expected, and better still, doesn't sound as agricultural as other Mercedes four-cylinder units. Its power comes on smoothly, too, so you don't end up feeling a sudden shove.

In Hybrid mode, I managed up to 35.7km/L over two days of driving in mixed conditions. My 'worst' figure was 30.3km/L. However, since the electric motor does most of the heavy lifting, the batteries had less than 20km left by then.

Pliant damping and quiet ride are nice, so the relatively quick steering was a surprise

I could have continued driving without charging by activating B or Battery mode, which tells the car to hold the current charge level. Unfortunately, this means that the engine will keep running and thus burn more fuel, which goes against the purpose of the GLC300e.

My guilty pleasure was driving the GLC300e in S or Sport, which configures the powertrain for maximum response. With the SUV at its perkiest, it's hard to resist stabbing the accelerator pedal and getting pulled forward at a rapid pace.

Zero to 100km/h happens in 6.7 seconds, which is respectable. However, that's half a second slower than the less powerful GLC300. Weight is to blame here, for the GLC300e weighs a hefty 430kg more than its sibling. That's the equivalent of five 80kg adults plus their shopping.

Easy-going companion

The GLC's cockpit feels better built and more upmarket compared to the preceding model's

That said, the GLC300e fulfils its purpose as a luxury runabout with eco-friendly credentials. If comfort is at the top of your list, you'll find it in this Merc's gentle ride, smooth manners and quiet performance.

You need to avoid sudden braking manoeuvres, though, for this is when the car's need for longer stopping distances becomes obvious.

Dynamics aside, the latest GLC's interior should please Mercedes fans. Compared to the previous model, there's more room for the driver's left foot, and the cabin's materials (except for the visors) are all softer and of a higher quality.

Illuminated air vents, which first debuted on the CLS model, now make an appearance here, too

Mercedes-Benz really has a flair for ambient lighting, and the brand has showcased it again here. The carmaker's MBUX 2.0 (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is also more user-friendly than BMW's latest OS 8, so even first-timers will find the system to be intuitive.
 
With the GLC's wheelbase 15mm longer than before, there's a bit more space for rear occupants as well. The tall backrests enhance comfort, especially for passengers taller than 1.75m, although the middle occupant must still contend with a floor protrusion.

The larger body has also improved the GLC's practicality, with boot capacity growing from 550 litres to 620 litres. However, in the GLC300e, the plug-in hybrid components reduce the cargo volume to 470 litres.

Taking it all

If you can't make up your mind about what powertrain suits you best, perhaps you need a car that has all three

A regular turbocharged powertrain seems boring, but when you think about hybrids, you conclude that they don't go far enough. Yet you also remain sceptical about owning an EV.

The GLC300e might be what you're looking for in this case. It offers the seamlessness of an EV, greater efficiency than a hybrid, and more power than a normal turbocharged engine. All this, without the absolute need to charge the battery.

The best analogy is this: You're going on a five-day tropical holiday but can't decide if you should also bring jackets in case it rains. You're also wondering if you should have formal evening wear along with your resort outfits, because you know, just in case.

So, you decide to pack everything and end up travelling with three large suitcases. That's what the GLC300e is about. And if you get it, you won't be a fence-sitter for much longer.

Looking for electrified cars? These reviews may interest you

Range Rover Plug-in Hybrid is effortless

McLaren Artura is a next-generation supercar

Nissan X-Trail e-POWER: A greener step upmarket

Tesla Model Y: A bag of hits and misses

Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid is highly refined and luxurious