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

Variable front intermittent wipers

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Electric windows with one touch opening/closing and obstruction sensors

Heat and noise insulating acoustic glass

Heat insulating dark tinted glass

Brakes

Electronic parking brake

Hill start assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

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

Red painted brake callipers

Carpets/Rugs

AMG floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

AMG Ride Control suspension

AMG Active Ride Control roll stabilisation

Communication

Bluetooth interface for hands free telephone

eCall emergency call system

Wireless charging system for mobile devices in the front

Driver Aids

Attention assist

Collision prevention assist plus

Rear axle steering

Active lane keeping assist

Acoustic presence indicator

Remote and charging services plus

Road sign recognition system

AMG DYNAMIC SELECT with a choice of eight driving modes(Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual)

Dashcam - front camera for video recording

Sports direct steer system with speed sensitive steering

Driver Convenience

Remote boot release

Tailgate

Fluorescent jacket for driver

Driver Information

Multi function trip computer

Outside temperature display

Service indicator (Active Service System)

Acoustic ambient protection

Mercedes connect me with remote online services

Smartphone integration

AMG track pace

Status display for rear seat belts in instrument cluster

Traffic sign assist

MBUX augmented reality for navigation

MBUX voice control activated by keywords "Hey Mercedes"

MBUX navigation premium

Fingerprint scanner

11.9" high resolution multimedia colour display

Pre-installation for digital key transfer

Instrument display in miles with English lettering

12.3" Digital individually configurable instrument display

Driving Mirrors

Body colour door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

AMG Carbon fibre with centre console in high gloss black

Engine

65 litre fuel tank

Petrol Particulate Filter (PPF)

Alternating current charging system (AC charging)

Entertainment

DAB digital radio tuner

Mercedes benz sound system

MBUX extended functions

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Aluminium roof rails

Electric panoramic glass sunroof

Aluminium look running boards with rubber studs

AMG spoiler lip

Rear side wing doors

AMG Real Performance Sound

AMG bodystyling front apron, rear apron and side skirts

Transparent Bonnet

Mercedes AMG exterior

AMG radiator grille with vertical struts in high gloss chrome and AMG logo

AMG fuel cap

AMG exhaust system with sporty engine sound

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 plus

LED indicator lights

Welcome and follow-me home light functionality

LED tail lamp

Auto headlights

Integrated LED daytime running lights

LED rear fog lights

Digital light LED headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

THERMATIC 2 zone automatic climate control

Interior Features

Load compartment cover

Gearshift paddles on steering wheel

Sports pedals with stainless steel surfaces and rubber studs

Front centre armrest with stowage compartment

Double cup holder in centre console

Electrically height/reach adjustable steering column

Audio and onboard settings control on multifunction steering wheel

Illuminated glove compartment

Partition net

Mercedes AMG interior

Artico leather dashboard with contrast stitching

Illuminated door sill panels with AMG lettering and with exchangable cover

AMG Artico man-made leather/ Microcut microfibre upholstery

AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/ MICROCUT microfibre with AMG steering wheel button

Interior Lights

Ambient lighting premium

Packs

Memory pack - GLC

Boot comfort package - GLC

Parking package with 360 degree camera - GLC

Interior lighting pack - GLC AMG

Mirror pack - GLC AMG

Keyless-Go comfort package - GLC

AMG Driver's package - GLC AMG

Stowage pack - GLC AMG

USB Plus 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

Active bonnet

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

Electronic key chrome surround

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear head restraints

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

Single front passenger seat

Front seats with electric backrest, height adjust with 4 way electric lumbar support

Security

Immobiliser

Central locking with interior switch, automatic locking and crash sensor with emergency opening function

Increased anti-theft protection

Anti theft alarm system with preinstallation for collision detection

Guard 360 degree vehicle protection plus

Transmission

4MATIC permanent four wheel drive

9G TRONIC plus automatic transmission

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

5m charging cable for wall box/public charging stations(mode 3)

5m charging cable for household socket (mode 2)

Wheels - Alloy

21" AMG cross spoke forged alloy wheels painted in tantalum grey with high sheen rim finish

Wheels - Spare

TIREFIT with tyre inflation compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 10-100

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 6

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 62000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 6.1

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 14

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEL: 14

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEH: 14

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 12

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 12

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 12

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 39.1

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 39.1

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 39.1

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 1.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 1.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 1.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEH: 9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEL: 9

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 7

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 6.1

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 3.7

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Noise Level dB(A): 71

CO: 0.537

HC: 0.013

NOx: 0.003

HC+NOx: N

Particles: 0.0001

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 170

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 170

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 170

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92

CC: 1991

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: 9.0:1

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: 19.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEL: 19.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Low - TEH: 19.8

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium: 28

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Medium - TEL: 28

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

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

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

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - High - TEH: 28.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High: 25.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEL: 25.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Extra High - TEH: 25.5

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 25.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 25.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 25.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low: 14.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 14.3

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 14.3

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

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 10.1

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

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

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

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

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High: 11.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 11.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 11.1

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 11

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 11

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 11

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 7.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.5

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 37.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 37.7

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 37.7

General

Coin Series: AMG Premium

Coin Description: S 4Matic+ ePerformance

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: 50E

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: 680

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.5

Top Speed: 171

Engine Power - BHP: 680

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 500

Engine Power - RPM: 6750

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 752

Engine Torque - NM: 1020

Engine Torque - RPM: 5250

Engine Torque - MKG: 104

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 265/40 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 295/35 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Wheel Style: AMG CROSS SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4749

Width: 1920

Wheelbase: 2888

Width (including mirrors): 2076

Height: N

Height (including roof rails): 1635

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2310

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2885

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 65

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1800

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 575

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 470

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1530

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.3

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Manufaktur solid paint

Manufaktur metallic paint

Manufaktur magno paint

Packs

Touring package - GLC

Driving assistance package plus - GLC

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Graphite grey

Metallic - Verde silver

Metallic - Spectral blue

Metallic - High tech silver

Metallic - Obsidian black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Polar white

Paint - Special

Manufaktur metallic - Opalite white bright

Manufaktur magno - Graphite grey

Manufaktur solid - Alpine grey

Manufaktur magno - High tech silver

Manufaktur metallic - Patagonia red bright

Trim - Part Leather

AMG Artico man-made leather/Microcut microfibre - Black