Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV Announced w/ DC Fast Charging

Mercedes-Benz is strengthening its hybrid portfolio amidst a slowdown in EV demand in the USA and China.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV has been announced ahead of the H2 2024 launch. It will bear more tech and convenience features over the standard GLC 300 4MATIC model. Note that the GLC is the second-most successful SUV in Mercedes’ camp after the GLE. Hence, to offer it with multiple powertrain options seems prudent to capitalize on its popularity. The strong hybrid mill ensures a usable pure-electric drive and DC fast charging.

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Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV – Specs

The plug-in hybrid premium SUV comes with a 2.0-liter turbo petrol mill with a Permanently Excited Electric Synchronous Motor which has a combined output of a healthy 313 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm). Out of this, the electric powertrain contributes 134 hp and 325 lb-ft (442 Nm).

There is a rather large 24.8 kWh battery pack which offers an electric range of up to 130 km (81 mi) as per WLTP. It can be charged using either an 11 kW AC home charger or a 60 kW DC fast charger. The latter can charge the battery fully in around 30 minutes. Even during pure electric drive, the top speed is 87 mph (140 km/h). The PHEV can achieve a maximum recuperation power of up to 100 kW.

In the regular driving model, the top speed is electronically limited to 135 mph (217 km/h). In the sportiest settings, the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) takes just 6.6 seconds. That is more than adequate performance for a bulky plug-in hybrid SUV.

Specs	Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV
Engine	2.0L Plug-in Hybrid w/ Electric Motor
Battery	24.8 kWh
Total Power	313 hp
Total Torque	406 lb-ft (550 Nm)
Charging	60 kW DC – 30 minutes
Pure Electric Range	130 km (81 mi) – WLTP
Acc. (0-60 mph / 97 km/h)	6.6 seconds (est.)
Top Speed (Max)	135 mph (217 km/h)
Top Speed (Electric Drive)	87 mph (140 km/h)

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Interior and Features

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e PHEV offers an opulent cabin, just as we expect of a Merc. It is offered in three variants – Standard, Exclusive and Pinnacle. The top features include:

• A new floating 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Panel
• An 11.9-inch Infotainment Display
• Third-Generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience)
• 13 Upholstery and 8 Wheel Options
• Heated Front Seats
• Mercedes-Benz Navigation
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• 64-Color Ambient Lighting
• KEYLESS-START & GO
• Burmester® 3D Surround System with Sound
• Blind Spot Assist
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Inductive Wireless Mobile Device Charging
• Head-Up Display
• DIGITAL LIGHT with Projections
• Heat and Noise Insulating Glass

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Learn Electric Cars Says

Mercedes-Benz is ensuring that it doesn’t go all-out with EVs but keeps its ICE and hybrid powertrains intact and updated as well. That is becoming a necessity since the EV demand in some major economies across the globe is slowing down. It can be argued that hybrids might just be the need of the hour. The leap to complete electrification might have to pass through hybridization. Hence, carmakers are re-strategizing their plans to achieve carbon neutrality in the coming years. Mercedes-Benz launching a strong hybrid of its popular SUV is a clear indication in that direction.