Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e: Plug-In Performance Perfected

Every so often a vehicle comes along that surprises us by outperforming the usual automaker hyperbolic claims of “best ever” or “all new” or “class leading.” When it comes to real-world performance, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic plug-in hybrid CUV is one of those vehicles.

The GLC 350e is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. making 201 hp and 236 lb.-ft. (320 Nm) of torque, paired with a 134-hp, 325-lb.-ft. (441-Nm) electric motor, for a combined output of 313 hp and 406 lb.-ft. (550 Nm).

That’s good for a 6.2-second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h), but more important to this discussion, the electric motor and the system’s 23.3-kWh battery are capable of powering the small luxury CUV on electric propulsion alone for up to 54 miles (87 km) and to 87 mph (140 km/h).

Those numbers are impressive enough, and it can be hard to measure a hybrid’s combined performance, but we were impressed with the GLC’s numbers on a recent 102-mile (164-km) test drive on a mixed rural and suburban route.

Starting with a full charge, we recorded 73.1 mpg-e – besting the EPA’s estimate of 70 mpg-e highway – while posting 4.1 miles/kWh, an impressive figure for a 5,024-lb. (2,279-kg) machine.

While we did our best to keep the battery stoked with electrons during our weeklong test, when we had to drive on an empty battery we posted 29.8 mpg (7.9 L/100/km), beating the vehicle’s estimated highway fuel efficiency by nearly 2 mpg.

But perhaps most impressive was that, when starting with a full charge and driving on electric-mode only, we easily topped the EPA electric-range estimate of 54 miles, recording as high as 66 miles (106 km). Mercedes says the extra range is not unusual.

“We are not the EPA, unfortunately,” says Ashley Baird, GLC product manager, when asked about the difference in electric range.

When operating in hybrid mode, the GLC’s combination of gas engine and electric power is invisible. When driving with minimal or zero battery charge, it’s evident in efficiency numbers and tachometer readings that the powertrain is still merging the two systems and drawing on electric propulsion as much as possible. But we were at a loss to “feel” the powertrain performing those transitions.

And for those who appreciate internal-combustion propulsion, the GLC’s 2.0L loves to rev to its 6,000-rpm shift point with mechanical precision as the powertrain rips through the gears. Then, just as quickly, it settles back into its quiet hybrid operation.

Electric capability is only part of the new GLC’s technology advancements, however. The CUV gets Mercedes-Benz’s third-generation MBUX infotainment system, featuring improvements in voice control via natural language or the easy-to-get-used-to “Hey, Mercedes” activation.

Driver aids now include Active Distance Assistance with route-based speed control, allowing the vehicle to control speed on curves and via traffic speed limit recognition. We got comfortable with letting the GLC manage speed as we motored into towns along our routes, and then resuming highway speed as we cleared the municipal limits. The system also now allows up to 30 seconds in which the vehicle will automatically resume motion after being stopped in traffic.

Comfort, whether in the driver’s seat or second row, is a significant strong point, with one passenger declaring the GLC superior to vehicles costing more than twice as much.

Our test vehicle checked at $71,950, including options and a $1,150 destination charge that boosted the sticker up from the base price of $59,900.

The GLC’s engine is built in Poland, while the vehicle is assembled in Bremen, Germany.