Road Test Review: Mercedes-Benz GLC Plug-In Hybrid E 4MATIC AMG Line
Independent review by Steve Grant
5-minute read
Highlights
- Efficient powertrain
- Good handling
- Comfortable interior
- Latest technology
Introduction
If you are after a premium, 7-seater SUV, the mightily impressive and increasingly popular Mercedes-Benz GLC has to be the benchmark – and it is a petrol electric hybrid too, albeit a plug-in hybrid.
It boasts class-leading range and efficiency and some of the best in-car technology you can find.
The GLC is offered as an AMG Line trim, with the option to upgrade to either Premium or Premium Plus packs. The model we drove was the entry level AMG Line specification, but rest assured there is nothing entry-level about it in terms of the driving experience.
Powertrain and Performance
The Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with various different driving modes to improve the driving experience. These consist of: Eco, Sport, and Hybrid, which combines both power units for best efficiency. There is also an Electric mode, which uses the electric motor wherever possible; and Save, which holds the battery charge for later in the journey.
Officially, the 300e is capable of a massive 565mpg, but you will only get anywhere near that if you run solely on the electric power. After that ran out, I drove it as a ‘normal’ car and achieved exactly 37mpg. Bearing in mind, I had a couple of fun spurts in Sport mode.
It promises up to 80 miles of pure electric running from its 31kWh battery, and I managed well over 60 miles, which I thought was impressive.
Steve Grant
Certainly ideal for those who have the luxury of installing a home charger.
When running on electric around town, the GLC is as quiet as a ghost, however, even on the dual carriageway, it is impressively refined. Standard air suspension keeps the ride comfortable though, if you press it too hard into a sharp corner, there is a little body roll.
Apart from that, it tackles all road conditions with grip and gusto. And, should that gusto need stopping, ventilated discs all round provide immense stopping power for the GLC, which weighs in at around 2.5 tonnes.
Design and Practicality
Naturally, the interior is plush and a genuinely pleasant place to be over long distances.
And in terms of practicality, the boot in the GLC PHEV is 395 litres with the rear seats up or 1,445 litres with them folded, and it will tow up to two tonnes.
Equipment and Technology
The GLC now comes with Mercedes-Benz's latest MBUX infotainment system, with an easy-to-use 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
There is also a row of shortcut buttons below the touchscreen which offers quick and easy access to key functions, including driving modes.
Without upgrading to the optional extras, you get 19-inch wheels – 20-inch wheels were fitted to the car I was driving – LED high performance headlamps and redesigned LED tail lights, privacy glass, extremely comfortable sports seats, and the excellent infotainment system with wireless phone charging.
To help with manoeuvring, there is also a 360-degree camera system. And an impressive 15-speaker Burmester stereo for those who like their tunes.
Summary
All in all, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is an impressive SUV, perfect to squeeze in the whole family thanks to the 7-seat setup.
The AMG Line trim with the few added extras that we benefitted from like the 20-inch wheels offered the perfect blend of standard features and a top-level driving experience.
