Mercedes' GLC 300 e 4MATIC plug-in Hybrid SUV offers a surprising set of stats. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The second generation Mercedes GLC 300 e sets new standards for what an upper mid-sized premium SUV Plug-in Hybrid can be. Thinking of choosing a full-EV of this kind in this class? Stop and consider this Mercedes before you do.

Background

Choosing your next business or family conveyance, particularly if it's a mid-sized premium SUV, can be a bit of a numbers game. If so, here are some numbers of interest, produced by this Mercedes GLC 300 e 4MATIC Plug-in Hybrid in second generation form; up to 80 miles of EV range, 565mpg on the combined cycle, 12g/km of CO2 and just 5% of Benefit-in-Kind taxation. There's a more off-putting sticker price number to go with all of these stats, but we'll get to that. For the time being, these figures vastly improve on what you'd get from this model's four main class rivals, Plug-in Hybrid versions of the BMW X3, the Audi Q5, the Volvo XC60 and the Jaguar F-PACE. And, unlike with those cars, with the GLC you can have a diesel plug-in powertrain as well as the petrol one we focus on here.

Driving Experience

As with the first generation GLC 300 e, a four cylinder petrol engine here is mated to an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery. It's that battery that's the biggest change with this second generation GLC Plug-in, more than doubled in size from 13.5kWh to 31.2kWh, which is pretty large for a PHEV. As is the resultant driving range figure - up to 80 miles. To give you some perspective, the previous generation GLC 300 e only went 27 miles on battery power alone. The equivalent C 300 e saloon has a smaller 25.4kWh battery, so only goes 68 EV miles between charges, so beyond mere practicality and fashion, there's plenty of justification for choosing the Crossover body style. If you want a Mercedes Plug-in of this size and are choosing between C-Class and GLC, there are other differences too. The rear-driven format of the C 300 e is replaced by a 4MATIC AWD system in the GLC. And, unlike the C-Class, the GLC Plug-in can also be had in diesel '300 de' form, if you don't mind a strike against the current zeitgeist and want even greater economy. It's the petrol GLC 300 e variant that's our focus here though which, like its diesel counterpart, gets a 134hp electric motor to assist the 2.0-litre combustion engine up-front. In the case of the GLC 300 e, that means a combined total output up at 308hp. Enough, even with this car's prodigious 2,355kg kerb weight, to dispatch 62mph in 6.7s en route to 135mph. Talking of weight, there's so much of it here that Mercedes has had to fit self-levelling air suspension at the rear to better control the extra bulk of the bigger battery pack. This damping set-up is more softly tuned than the sportier springing set-up used on more conventional GLC models, so the car feels less comfortable being thrown about - though few potential customers will want to do that anyway. What's of more interest here is to make the most of the efficient attributes of this clever powertrain. The car always defaults to full-electric EV mode if there's enough charge in the battery - and there usually will be because Mercedes has integrated a very effective brake regeneration system to replenish the system cells when slowing, braking or cruising. Only when you (or the car) switch to the Hybrid drive setting does the engine come into play, with smooth, seamless acceleration via the brand's usual 9-speed auto gearbox.

Design and Build

There are no real styling changes to differentiate this GLC 300 e plug-in model from its conventional range stablemates, though the eagle-eyed will spot the different badgework and the addition of an extra charging flap. As with conventional variants, there's a choice of the standard SUV body shape or a sleeker GLC Coupe body style. Looking at the MK2 version of this model is a bit like encountering a friend who's been at a health farm for a couple of months and has emerged leaner and fitter. Rounded edges and clean surfacing bring some of the look of the C-Class to this Crossover. And it's sleeker than before, the drag coefficient improved by two tenths to 0.29Cd. Plus it's 60mm longer, measuring in at 4,718mm. It's inside where existing GLC drivers will notice the biggest changes though. The dash adopts a large central portrait screen slightly canted towards the driver. The digital instrument display is borrowed from the C-Class too, but the GLC gets its own uniquely styled vents. And the seats are hugely improved, with more supportive cushioning materials. An augmented reality head-up display can be added as well. And in the back? Well if you've been persuaded to buy one of these in preference to a C-Class Estate, it's here that that decision will pay off. This MK2 model's 15mm wheelbase increase has been put to good use in the slightly more spacious rear section of the cabin - mainly to improve legroom, not one of the previous model's strong points. The bench slides back and forth too, which aids cargo flexibility. As before though, the PHEV powertrain exacts a few space compromises in the boot, the SUV body shape's usual 600-litre luggage capacity figure falling to just 400-litres. With the GLC Coupe PHEV, capacity is 390-litres. Fold the rear bench in a Plug-in GLC and the figures are 1,497-litres for the SUV and 1,335-litres for the Coupe.

Market and Model

Prices for this GLC 300 e 4MATIC in SUV form start from around £63,000, which is around £10,000 more than a conventional GLC 220 d mild hybrid 48V model. Allow a premium of around £2,500 if you want the sleeker GLC Coupe body shape. To give you some Mercedes range perspective, a C 300 e saloon with a similar version of the same powertrain (albeit with a smaller 25.4kWh battery) costs around £47,000. The Mercedes full-electric alternative in this class, the EQC, costs from around £75,000. Which is almost what you'd pay for this GLC 300 e if you were to order it in its ritziest 'AMG Line Premium Plus' form (as tested). It's more likely though, that you'll be choosing between the two more affordable spec options, 'AMG Line' or 'AMG Line Premium'. The alternative GLC 300 de 4MATIC diesel Plug-in Hybrid model commands a £2,250 premium over this petrol version. At least the standard equipment is generous, with things like smartphone integration, wireless charging and heated front seats standard across the range. Many GLC customers will want to look at the optional 'DIGITAL LIGHT' headlamps. These project in front of the car onto the road surface when driving at night, with things like guidance lines, symbols and animation, plus the system's intelligent technology highlights pedestrians that you might come across with a spotlight function. If you've extra to spend, you might also want to look at the 'Parking Package' with its 360-degree camera. If you specify that, the cabin screen offers a 'transparent bonnet' view when you're driving off road, which shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle, including the front wheels and the steering position. This allows the driver to recognise obstacles like sharp stones were deep potholes at an early stage. Quite a few owners will want to add on a tow bar - and will like the clever 'Towing Route Planner' that's been added into the navigation system. Using this, routes can be planned in the central display that are suitable for driving with a trailer, taking into account things like passage width and passage heights. And there's an enhanced 'Trailer Manoeuvring Assistant' system that makes manoeuvring with a trailer easier, more comfortable and safer.

Cost of Ownership

We've covered some of the key efficiency facts already in our driving section. The way that an electric motor powered by a 31.2kWh battery is capable of running this car on electricity alone for up to 80 WLTP-rated miles before a 2.0-litre combustion engine chimes in. We've found the figure to be closer to 60 miles during our test - but that's still impressive by class standards. You can keep relatively close to that figure by proactive use of the brake regeneration gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel, which can be used to increase or decrease the amount of energy harvesting back to the battery. This GLC 300 e Plug-in variant can be had in some other markets in 55kW rapid charging form but not (as yet) here. The UK Type 2 format charges at 11kW AC and needs two and a half hours for a 10-100% charge. The quoted combined cycle fuel figure (565.0mpg) only goes to show how urgently we need a more real-world way of measuring PHEV fuel consumption. Exceptional frugality is certainly possible though - expect up to 950 miles of driving range when the battery's charged and the tank's full. The CO2 figure is a class-leading 12g/km, which equates to a super-low Benefit-in-Kind tax rating of just 5%. It'd be 33% with a conventional GLC 220 d diesel. That latter 5% BiK figure is shared by the alternative GLC 300 de 4MATIC diesel Plug-in version of this model, which records 706.3mpg on the combined cycle (yes, you heard that right) and 10g/km of CO2. Insurance for the 300 e is group 47 or 48E; with the GLC 300 de, it's group 49E or 50E. What else? Well, you get a comprehensive three year warranty that has no mileage restriction (rival BMW and Audi warranties restrict you to 60,000 miles). And this package is built upon by Mercedes' Mobilo scheme which delivers breakdown cover for up to thirty years, as long as you continue to have your car serviced at a Mercedes main dealer. And it's worth knowing that your maintenance outlay can be kept a little in check by going for the optional Service Care package that takes care of routine maintenance, spreading the cost of regular servicing.

Summary

The industry's full of folk at present ready to write off Plug-in Hybrids. You shouldn't listen to them. Not only because the UK public charging infrastructure is creaking under the weight of the EV revolution. But also because the new generation of PHEVs, typified by this GLC 300 e, make so much sense. If only they were more affordable. Will the forthcoming full-electric version of this GLC make more sense than this? We rather doubt it. True, the quoted fuel economy stats are ridiculously misleading, but their reality is still immense frugality, particularly the case of the alternative GLC 300 de diesel variant of this car that we might be more tempted to choose. Either way - and particularly if someone else was paying - we'd find it hard to look beyond a Plug-in GLC of this kind if we were seeking an electrified choice in this segment.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Heated rear window

Front and rear electric windows

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Heat insulating dark tinted glass

Brakes

Anti-slip regulation traction control

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Brake calipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering + perforated brake discs

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Active braking assist

Electronic stability programme (ESP) with curve dynamic assist and cross wind assist

Carpets/Rugs

AMG floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Self levelling suspension

Comfort suspension

Communication

Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone

eCall emergency call system

Wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front

Driver Aids

Cruise control with speedtronic variable speed limiter

Blind spot assist

Attention assist

Collision prevention assist plus

Direct steer speed sensitive steering

Active lane keeping assist

DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of driving modes (ECO, Comfort, Sport and Individual)

Acoustic presence indicator

Remote and charging services plus

Driver Convenience

Remote boot release

Tailgate

ECO start/stop function

Fluorescent jacket for driver

Driver Information

Multi function trip computer

Outside temperature display

Service indicator (Active Service System)

Speed limit assist

Smartphone integration

Status display for rear seat belts in instrument cluster

Mercedes me connect

MBUX voice control activated by keywords "Hey Mercedes"

Hard disc navigation

MBUX navigation premium

Fingerprint scanner

11.9" high resolution multimedia colour display

Instrument display in miles with English lettering

12.3" Digital individually configurable instrument display

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Silver grey diamond pattern trim with centre console in criss cross look

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter (PPF)

Alternating current charging system (AC charging)

49 litre fuel tank

DC Charging system

Entertainment

DAB digital radio tuner

Pre installation for Mercedes Benz Link

Mercedes benz sound system

MBUX extended functions

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Body colour bumpers

Two chrome plated tailpipe trim elements

Rear side wing doors

AMG Line exterior

AMG bodystyling front apron, rear apron and side skirts

Radiator grille with Mercedes Benz pattern and integreated Mercedes star and louvre in dark grey matt with chrome inlay and black frame

Wheel arch liners in the vehicle colour

EQ Hybrid badging on front wings

Exterior Lights

High level LED brake light

Headlight washers

Adaptive brake lights

Range adjustable headlights

Adaptive high beam assist

LED indicator lights

Welcome and follow-me home light functionality

LED high performance headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights

LED tail lamp

Auto headlights

LED rear fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

THERMATIC automatic climate control

Interior Features

Height/reach adjustable steering column

Sports pedals with stainless steel surfaces and rubber studs

Front centre armrest with stowage compartment

Multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather

Double cup holder in centre console

Easy-pack removable load compartment cover

Audio and onboard settings control on multifunction steering wheel

Illuminated glove compartment

Black fabric roof lining

AMG line interior

Galvanised steering wheel gearshift paddles

Partition net

Instrument panel and beltlines in ARTICO manmade leather in nappa look

Artico man-made leather/Microcut microfibre upholstery

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting premium with projection of brand logo

Packs

Interior lighting pack - GLC

Mirror pack - GLC

Anti theft protection package - GLC

Boot comfort package - GLC

Stowage space package - GLC 300e/300de

Seat comfort package - GLC

USB Package - GLC

Interior chrome package - GLC

Exterior chrome package - GLC

Parking package with reversing camera - GLC

Night package - GLC Urban Edition

Easy tailgate pack - GLC

Safety

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Front passenger seat occupancy sensor

Child proof door locks

Black seat belts

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3 rear 3 point seatbelts

Front and rear seatbelt reminder

Automatic front passenger airbag deactivation

Dual-stage airbags - driver and front passenger, driver knee bag and window bags for driver, front passenger and rear passengers

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear head restraints

Sports seats

Front head restraints

Rear top tether child seat ISOFIX attachment

40:20:40 split folding rear seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Automatic child seat recognition sensor

Rear centre headrest

Single front passenger seat

Security

Remote central locking

Automatic door locking

Keyless Go starting function

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection plus

Interior protection/immobiliser

Transmission

4MATIC permanent four wheel drive

9G TRONIC plus automatic transmission

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors

Vehicle Charging

7.4 kW monophase on board charger

1 x type 2 and 3 phase 4m straight wallbox cable

Wheels

Summer tyres

Wheels - Alloy

20" AMG multi spoke light alloy wheels in painted black rim flange with high sheen finish

Wheels - Spare

TIREFIT with tyre inflation compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 225

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 165

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 62000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 25.3

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 131

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEL: 131

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEH: 129

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 125

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 125

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 124

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 23.8

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 23.8

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 24

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 2.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 81

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEH: 80

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEL: 81

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 78

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 77

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 78

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 31

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 11

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 66

CO: 0.135

HC: 0.014

NOx: 0.01

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0001

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 13

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 13

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 13

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.4

CC: 1999

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 9 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low: 28.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEL: 28.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEH: 28

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 37.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - TEL: 37.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - TEH: 37.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High: 41.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - TEL: 41.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - TEH: 40.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 35.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEL: 35.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEH: 35.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 36.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 36.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 36.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 10

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 10

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 10.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium: 7.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 7.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 7.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High: 6.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - TEL: 6.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - High - TEH: 6.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 7.9

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 7.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 0.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 0.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 0.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 470.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 470.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 470.8

General

Coin Series: Urban Edition

Coin Description: e 4Matic

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 30

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 46E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 92

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 90

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 74

NCAP Safety Assist %: 84

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 313

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.7

Top Speed: 135

Engine Power - BHP: 313

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 230

Engine Power - RPM: 6100

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 406

Engine Torque - NM: 550

Engine Torque - RPM: 2000

Engine Torque - MKG: 56.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/45 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 285/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG MULTI SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4716

Width: 1920

Wheelbase: 2888

Width (including mirrors): 2075

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1647

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2429

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2840

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 49

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 411

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 470

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1530

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Manufaktur metallic paint

Manufaktur solid paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Obsidian black

Metallic - High tech silver

Metallic - Spectral blue

Metallic - Verde silver

Paint - Solid

Solid - Polar white

Paint - Special

Manufaktur metallic - Opalite white bright

Manufaktur solid - Alpine grey

Manufaktur metallic - Patagonia red bright

Towing

Trailer coupling with ESP trailer stabilisation

Trim - Part Leather

Artico man-made leather/Microcut microfibre - Black