PHEV Review: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e (Discontinued)

Intro

Built in Finland and Germany, the Mercedes GLC brand is one of the finest compact luxury SUVs. It replaced the GLK late in 2015 and immediately won approval as a well-rounded SUV. Today, the gas-powered GLC 300 is the top-selling Mercedes in the U.S.

Despite the Mercedes name, a small battery and very modest electric range was one primary reason the GLC 350e was rather anonymous among plug-in hybrid models.

As a rule, plug-in hybrids (PHEV) don’t deliver great range in comparison to standard electric vehicles. But the range of the GLC 350 was a mere 10 miles, a fact that didn’t lead to major sales of the compact luxury sport utility vehicle.

However, Mercedes chose to address the problem and the result is a much improved 2020 Mercedes GLC 350e. This year’s version arrived with a larger battery – a 13.5-kWh unit replaced the old 8.7-kWh battery pack. That helped increase the electric range to 24-26 miles before switching to hybrid mode. The new range is an acceptable one for many people’s daily commute to work and back.

Exterior Style

Besides the battery and range, two other major improvements were adding the innovative MBUX infotainment system as a standard feature, and a new exterior look – reshaped grille with twin bars, front and rear bumpers, and a cool LED headlights and taillights. The additions make the GLC 350e far more appealing than in the past.

Interior Space

There lots to admire when it comes to the GLC 350’s interior. Its handsome cabin is highlighted by top-notch materials. It offers comfort for all five passengers and will be alluring to folks who love a techy vehicle that also has the added benefit of being intuitive.

The new MBUX infotainment system comes standard, anchored by a 10.25-inch touchscreen that can do many things. That includes an automatic feature that switches the full-screen map to a split screen that’s used as a forward camera when a turn is initiated. Helpful and convenient voice recognition is standard and so is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Synthetic leather upholstery is utilized throughout an interior that provides ample leg and head room for all. The cargo space is average at 19.4 cubic feet and expands to 56.5 cubes with the rear seats folded.

Charging and Performance

Using a Level 1 charger (a 110-volt household-style outlet), the GLC 350e takes roughly seven hours and 45 minutes to charge from empty to full. It can also recharge the battery to around 80 percent in just over two hours when using a Level 2 240-volt source.

Performance is another major plus, which is why we loved taking the GLC 350e out for an extended drive. The Mercedes GLC 350e performance and ride quality makes for a fun afternoon.

Vehicle Power and Speed

The GLC 350e has ample power, combining a 90-kW electric motor with a turbo 2.0-liter, four-cylinder that combines for 315 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor adds 121 horsepower and the standard all-wheel drive GLC 350 is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It reportedly goes 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

Conclusion

Cost may be a factor when considering the 2020 GLC 350e but this engaging luxury compact PHEV delivers quite a bit of value.

–  J.W.