MERCEDES-BENZ continues its PHEV rollout with the GLC 350 e 4MATIC midsize SUV, which sits above the bottom GLC 200 however beneath the upstream GLC 300, launched with a compelling sub-$100k worth.
The mannequin follows the lately launched GLA 250 e and C 350 e, with Mercedes-Benz now including its EQ hybrid know-how to the favored GLC midsize SUV line-up, itemizing from $99,900 plus on-road prices.
The sharply priced GLC 350 competes with the Q5 TFSI e ($102,615) and BMW X3 30e xDrive ($104,100), whereas the equally specified Japanese Lexus RX450h+ is priced from $123,500 plus on-roads.
For the cash, it’s quite a lot of SUV by PHEV requirements, able to travelling as much as 135km (NEDC) beneath electrical energy solely, and in EV mode it’ll attain 140km/h earlier than the petrol engine fires to life for additional oomph.
The GLC 350 e combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electrical motor, producing complete mixed outputs of 230kW/550Nm, which is sufficient to propel the family-friendly SUV to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
That’s solely marginally slower than the model’s smaller C class equal, which means the GLC PHEV is a stout performer by any measure.
The system provides three driving modes, consisting of Electrical, Battery Degree, and Hybrid, and a haptic accelerator that gives elevated pedal resistance and is claimed to assist “handle transitions between electrical and hybrid energy”.
A full cost utilizing 11kW AC provide will take round two hours, whereas DC charging on the most fee of 55kW will take the GLC 350 e from zero to 80 per cent in round 20 minutes.
It’s nicely appointed too, with the model’s AVANTGARDE styling utilized inside and outside with normal inclusions like a panoramic sunroof, metallic paint, privateness glass, and heated reminiscence entrance seats with lumbar assist.
The infotainment system options the weird smartphone connectivity, wi-fi charging, whereas additionally getting a fingerprint scanner that permits homeowners to use their most popular settings.
Mercedes-Benz has additionally rolled out a collection of non-obligatory improve packs, together with the Sport Bundle ($6000), Evening Bundle ($1300) and Plus Bundle ($7600).
Whereas the Evening Bundle merely provides some blacked-out exterior trim and bigger 20-inch wheels, the Sports activities Bundle provides real efficiency upgrades with bigger brake discs, and the Plus Bundle brings know-how like a Burmester 3D sound system, acoustic glass and MBUX Augmented Actuality Navigation.
The GLC 350e 4Matic is now accessible in Australia, as Mercedes-Benz takes the battle to the opposite massive German producers with a sub-$100k PHEV contender.
