Latest news with #GLC350e
Hamilton Spectator
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- Hamilton Spectator
Bestselling GLC goes plug-in hybrid. It's ultra quiet … until the virtual assistant chimes in
As I cruise along in the Mercedes GLC 350e, I decide to do a little silent running. This model, new for 2025, is a plug-in hybrid with a pure electric range of 87 kilometres. Let's see how it works! As I switch into Electric-only mode via the car's gigantic 11.9-inch touchscreen, my tester does, indeed, go silent. Cool! The transition from the default hybrid mode, which draws on the GLC 350's turbo four-cylinder engine, to pure electricity is seamless. And I move along in silence, with only faint road and wind noise penetrating a hushed cabin. Wow! If I don't want to use up all the electric range in one go, I can switch over to Battery Hold mode, which saves it for later. Doing so reverts the GLC 350e to gasoline power, and I can hear the turbo engine spool up when I accelerate. It doesn't make much racket, except when I stand on the accelerator. I do so a few times to test it, and this non-AMG Mercedes responds eagerly. Powering the GLC 350e is Mercedes stalwart 2.0-litre, turbo, four-cylinder engine, which produces 201 horsepower and 236 pounds-feet of torque, or motive force. Working with the engine is an electric motor that pumps out 134 hp and 325 lbs.-ft. Total system output is rated at 313 hp and 406 lbs.-ft. A 24.8-kWh battery is also on board, and the GLC 350e supports DC fast charging ($600 option) which is rare among plug-in hybrid cars. Plug-ins usually support slower Level 2 charging, which takes several hours to charge the battery completely. On the other hand, fast charging my tester from 20 per cent to 80 per cent took less than 30 minutes. The engine makes uses of a nine-speed automatic transmission and power is sent to all four wheels via Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The GLC, one of Mercedes' global bestsellers, was all-new in 2023, and hasn't changed much over the past two years. The 350e is new, but it carries much of the GLC family look and feel. Features, such as a Chrome star grille, body colour wheel arches and 20-inch wheels are available on other GLC models. The latter two are AMG touches that have been attached as an option to my Spectral Blue Metallic test vehicle. Inside, the synthetic leather seating material (which Mercedes calls ARTICO) is comfortable, and I like that the driver's seat can be articulated in lots of different ways. The feel of the thick-rimmed sport steering wheel is also pleasing, but it's not standard. Mercedes stuffed it into a $3,900 AMG Line package which comes with a bunch of other stuff. Some may like these giant packages, but I don't. I wish popular items, such as sport steering wheels, could be ordered individually. Oh well. Overall, the cabin is quite pretty. However you may feel about big screens in new cars these days, it would be wrong to say Mercedes hasn't done a good job with theirs. The giant 11.9-inch portrait-style infotainment touchscreen is easy to use and has excellent resolution and colour range. And it's quick to respond, which is important given how much functionality it contains. The 12.3-inch instrument cluster display is equally impressive. Its graphical display is sharp and highly customizable. Turbine-style air vents, rich ambient lighting, and no-nonsense wireless Apple CarPlay are big hits for me in the GLC 350e's cabin. Things that thrilled me less include a very sensitive MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) virtual assistant that would randomly intrude on a consistent basis. A few times it gave me a real jolt, which I didn't appreciate. I'm sure it can be adjusted somehow, but the default is very sensitive. Too sensitive. And too chatty. This car needs a friend, I think to myself. I'll also ding Mercedes for the lack of a volume knob in favour of a haptic slider that may look nice in a marketing presentation but is needlessly fussy to use. Knobs are just better. I wish automakers would just concede this point and leave them be. But these things annoy me less as my week with the GLC 350e rolls on. This Mercedes SUV is handsome, well-equipped and offers electrification that is a good alternative to gas-only propulsion. Sure, 87 km isn't 400 km, but if you charge at home you won't need to use much gas during your daily routines. And being able to tap into fast charging is a huge plus for a plug-in hybrid. If you're not ready to go full EV, the GLC 350e is worth considering. But that virtual assistant sure takes some getting used to. Type: Mid-size premium SUV, front-engine, all-wheel drive Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, electric motor and 24.8 kWh battery; 313 horsepower; 406 pounds-feet of torque (motive force), combined Transmission: Nine-speed automatic Fuel (Premium 91+): 10.2 litres/100 km in the city; 8.5l/100 km on the highway; 9.4l/100 km combined Range: 87 km Cargo: 470 litres, or 16.6 cubic feet; 1,530l, or 54 cu. ft. in total Price: $64,900; $81,250, as tested, plus $3,995 freight
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
These Are The Plug-In Hybrids The EPA Says Can Go The Distance On Battery Power
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e beats all plug-in hybrids with a battery-only range of 54 miles, ... More after which it's only limited by the amount of gas in the tank. While the majority of U.S. motorists are still hesitant to make the switch to a full electric car for a variety of reasons, those who still want to minimize both their fuel consumption and carbon footprint would find a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to be an amenable compromise. Like standard hybrids, PHEVs augment a gasoline engine with one or more electric motors to produce energetic acceleration on a fuel-frugal basis, but go a step further by packing a larger battery that allows them to operate for extended periods solely (and silently) on electricity. Once the battery charge is depleted to a certain point, the vehicle continues to operate as a conventional hybrid under a combination of gas and electric power. In both modes energy that would otherwise be lost from deceleration and stopping are recovered and sent back to the battery via a process called regenerative braking. PHEVs eliminate many of the negatives associated with full-electric cars, especially what's come to be known as range anxiety. That's because regardless of the battery's state of charge, a PHEV's ultimate operating range is limited only by the amount of fuel remaining in the tank. That makes them more viable than EVs for taking extended road trips, with gas stations being far more plentiful (and in good working order) across the nation than public EV charging stations. Plus, a PHEV owner needn't have a 240-volt (Level 2, in EV lingo) electrical service installed in the garage, as most are able to charge-up overnight using a standard 110-volt (Level 1) outlet. The best PHEV cars and SUVs afford enough charge to cover an average driver's daily commute just on battery power, which according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, is 31.8 miles round trip. That means those with modest daily needs may only rarely have to visit a gas station for a fill-up. The range-topper for 2025 is the Mercedes-Benz GLC350e all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid SUV with a 54-mile electric-only range. According to the EPA that translates into the electric equivalent of 64 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving. In hybrid mode it gets a still-decent 25 mpg, though it requires premium-grade fuel. The PHEV faring the best in terms of kilowatt and gas consumption is the Toyota Prius Plug-In that's EPA-rated at a whopping 127 MPGe on battery power for its 45-mile electric-only range, and 52 MPG while driving in hybrid mode. We've compiled a list below of the 25 PHEVs that are EPA-rated to be driven for an average of the first 32 miles on a charge, which as noted above, is sufficient for an average motorist's daily commute. We're also noting the estimated 'MPGe' fuel economy equivalent for each model while running on battery power, and the combined city/highway mileage when running in gas/electric hybrid mode. Of course, the only way for a PHEV to reach its full potential is to be tethered to the grid when not in use. Studies have shown that somewhere between 30% and 50% of PHEV owners neglect to charge their vehicles regularly. This can be attributed to a number of factors that include having to rely on street parking, limited access to public charging, a lack of understanding regarding the technology or just plain laziness. To paraphrase the 1960's counter-culturalist Timothy Leary, 'Plug in, turn on, drive off.' Plug-In Hybrids With The Longest Battery-Only Range These are the 25 PHEVs from the 2025 model year that are EPA-rated to tackle the average daily commute – and much more with the class leaders – solely on battery power and with zero tailpipe emissions. We're noting both their equivalent miles per gallon while running on electricity (MPGe) and their conventional fuel economy ratings while running on hybrid power; those with an asterisk (*) require premium-grade fuel. Source: EPA.
Forbes
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
5 Reasons To Consider The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e is a compact luxury SUV with a hybrid powertrain. It's in its third year of the second GLC generation, and the German automaker continues to upgrade it. For 2025, the key update is the return of the plug-in powertrain, last seen in the 2020 model. This sleek SUV is a great fit for someone looking for an easy-to-drive, easy-to-love machine with high-class materials, quiet cabin, and excellent fuel efficiency. A few highlights: Rivals such as the Genesis GV70, Audi Q5, Lincoln Corsair hybrid, and Lexus NX offer a similarly luxurious experience as the GLC 350e, and all of them include up-to-date technology. Which will suit you best? Here's what you need to know about the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e to help you decide. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e interior Standard features inside the GLC 350e include a power sunroof, a power rear liftgate, power seats, and ambient lighting. Six USB-C ports are sprinkled throughout the cabin to keep all of its occupants happy, and the standard 11.9-inch touchscreen displays all the infotainment and controls you need. Integrated into the steering wheel are touch-sensitive control buttons that are placed a bit high on the wheel for my taste, because I prefer my audio controls either behind the steering wheel or at thumb level near the bottom. That doesn't mean that will be an issue for everyone, however. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e charging port The hybrid powertrain of the GLC 350e gets an estimated 54 miles of range on battery power alone. Mercedes-Benz says the system prioritizes the electric motor for 'the most appropriate driving situations' like city driving. You'll get a 2.0-liter inline-four engine plus a single motor combining for a total of 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque; plenty for comfortable acceleration on the highway or when passing. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e dashboard A 11.9-inch touchscreen holds court inside the GLC 350e, showing off crisp full-color navigation graphics and the contents of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In-car wifi, along with 'Hey, Mercedes' keyword activation, Bluetooth, and wireless charging are all standard. Its MBUX infotainment setup is in the third generation, and includes a broad array of information. Online navigation map updates are complimentary for the first year, and from there you can choose to continue or simply use the wireless phone interface. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e To drive a Mercedes-Benz is to enjoy a hassle-free ride across the board. The brand takes pride in its engineering, and that's evident as a driver or passenger in a GLC 350e. Enhancing the aesthetics of the driving experience, this Mercedes-Benz has six different wheel designs. Customize the SUV with everything from a standard, simple five-spoke 18-inch wheel to a 20-inch multispoke AMG wheel that will set you back an extra $1150. 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e On average, the average American drives about 40 miles per day, reports Kelley Blue Book. On a full charge, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e can go 54 miles to depletion, which means this hybrid can cover the distance for most people and they can replenish the battery at home on a Level 2 charger. The GLC 350e also includes the benefit of plugging in at a fast charger while on the go; you could stop for groceries, for instance, and charge up then carry on.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Plug-In Hybrid With the Longest All-Electric Range You Can Buy
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a unique and enticing middle ground between gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles. They offer tons of efficiency and the ability to run on electric power alone for short distances. Some models on the market offer a range that surpasses expectations, though. With advancements in battery technology, some automakers are pushing the boundaries of what a PHEV is capable of. Longer electric-only ranges mean more savings for you and fewer stops at the gas station. Whether you're on your daily commute or you are road-tripping with the family, a high-range PHEV is super convenient. Exploring the best and most impressive plug-in hybrids on the market, we've found the model that delivers the longest electric range on a single charge. We break down its range, performance, charging speeds, and cost to see why it stands out in a sea of really impressive rivals. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed. Mercedes-Benz has been a leading force in the world of electric power in the automotive world. They offer EVs with exceptional ranges, which is why it makes sense that their plug-in hybrid models would follow suit. In their plug-in hybrid lineup, it's the new 2025 GLC 350e SUV that offers the most range on a single charge, allowing you to do most of your close-range commuting on electric-only power. Every 2025 GLC 350e comes fitted with a 24.8-kWh battery pack, which offers up to 54 miles on a single charge, according to the EPA. This means that it can travel farther than any other plug-in hybrid on electric-only power. The battery can be charged at 60 kW max using a DC fast charger, with Mercedes claiming that you can charge it fully in as little as 30 minutes. The system is decently efficient, with the EPA claiming that the hybrid GLC gets 60 MPGe in the city and 70 MPGe on the highway, achieving 64 MPGe combined. The german brand has a number of plug-in hybrids, all with ranges that put them among the best on the market. If you're looking for a slightly bigger, more luxurious SUV, then the brand offers the GLE 450e. This model can handle traveling on electric power alone for up to 50 miles. Not everyone is all in on the SUV trend, and if you'd prefer a more traditional sedan, then Mercedes offers the S 580e. It offers all the same interior comfort and luxury of the regular gas-powered S-Class, with a more efficient plug-in hybrid setup allowing it to drive on its battery for up to 47 miles. The benefits of driving a plug-in hybrid over a gas-powered car are obvious. You save yourself tons of money by being able to drive off of electric-only power and get some added efficiency. However, because you're adding a fairly large and heavy battery to the mix, this sometimes comes at the cost of performance. Such is the case with the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The plug-in hybrid GLC 350e makes use of a pretty strong turbocharged four banger, which pairs with a single electric motor to provide some decent pep. It isn't slow by any means, but it takes around 0.3 seconds longer to go from zero to 60 miles per hour than its gas-only sibling. This is in no small part thanks to the added weight of the 24.8 kWh battery pack. The only other difference between the plug-in hybrid GLC and the gas-only versions is that the 350e gets a regenerative braking system to help squeeze out some additional range. If you're swapping over from a gas-only car, the spongy feel of the brake pedal may take some getting used to. The GLC 350e can also sometimes take a moment to decide how to distribute the power from the gas engine and the electric motor, making it feel a little less responsive than you may be hoping for. The ride is a little more comfortable, though, as the hybrid model comes standard with rear air springs as standard. When the battery is depleted, and you're running on gas power alone, the GLC sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to efficiency. It manages 25 miles per gallon combined, which puts it on par with a lot of its rivals in its segment. This is slightly less efficient than the non-hybrid models, which manage 26 miles per gallon combined. The turbocharged engine performs much better on the highway than it does in the city, which suits its nature as a plug-in hybrid. When traveling shorter distances at low speeds, you can make use of the electric motor and battery pack, transitioning to gas power when you find yourself on the highway where the engine is most efficient. In total, the GLC 350e has a combined total range of around 380 miles. There is a lot of value to be found in the 2025 GLC 350e. However, it isn't a car that budget-minded individuals are going to rush out to buy. The three-pointed star on the hood may have given it away, but this german SUV comes with a premium price tag. It does come fitted with plenty of equipment to justify its steep price tag, though, and may be a great option for premium buyers. If you include processing and delivery fees, a GLC 350e starts just north of the $60,000 mark, which is not chump change. Luckily, it comes in a pretty comprehensive package, loaded with plenty of desirable luxuries. As is the case with most Mercedes vehicles, the trims are seen more as packages than individual models, and in this case they don't cost all that much more over the base model. If you're considering a compact luxury hybrid SUV, then the GLC 350e is technically the most expensive. However, it is also the most luxurious. It goes up against the Volvo XC60 hybrid, the Lexus RX Hybrid, and the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid. While all of these alternatives come from plush brands, they don't quite carry the same level of prestige that Mercedes does. We consider the Exclusive trim to offer the best bang-for-your-buck. It costs an additional $2,200 over the base model, but you get plenty of additional features that help the SUV live up to its potential. You get built-in navigation, a 360-degree surround camera, and upgraded interior ambient lighting. You also get access to the upgraded 3D Burmester sound system and other high-end features like car-to-X communication. While the plug-in hybrid from Merc' claims the top spot for all-electric range, there are two options from Land Rover that come awfully close. While the Mercedes SUV is great, having options is even better. Land Rover continues to deliver plush SUVs that can easily contest its german rivals and their plug-in hybrid range has made them more versatile than ever. There are two options in Land Rover's lineup that offer 53 miles of all-electric range, falling short of the GLC 350e's estimate by a single mile. Both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport can be had with a plug-in hybrid setup. The Range Rover is the model that is more focused on luxury, interior space, and pampering passengers. The Range Rover Sport leans more in the direction of performance and capability. Both models come equipped with a 31.8-kWh battery pack, which the EPA estimates can take you up to 53 miles on a single charge. Land Rover claims the maximum rate of charge is 50 kW, meaning that you can charge it to 80 percent from empty in under an hour. When on gas-only power, however, both models burn a little more fuel than the Mercedes, with both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport achieving 21 miles per gallon combined.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I drove a $72,000 Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid. These 12 features make it a perfect first EV — without the range anxiety.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC350e is a new plug-in hybrid variant of the brand's GLC compact luxury SUV. I recently drove a 2025 GLC350e and was impressed by its powertrain, fancy cabin, and great tech. The GLC is the second best-selling model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The Mercedes-Benz GLC is one of the most popular compact luxury SUVs and the brand's second-best-selling model in the US. I recently had the chance to spend a week driving a 2025 GLC350e 4-Matic around the streets of Atlanta. I was impressed by the Merc's PHEV drivetrain, luxurious cabin, and comprehensive suite of comfort, convenience, and safety tech. The base rear-wheel-drive version of the GLC starts at $49,250, while the range-topping, high-performance version starts at $86,050. The PHEV variant starts at $59,900. Here are 12 features that show why it's a great luxury SUV with the benefit of an extended EV range. Handsome looks The GLC's front and rear facia incorporate the latest look of Mercedes' C-Class sedans, evolving the overall shape that made the first-generation variant so popular with consumers. The highlight of the new looks is the large mesh front grille comprised of small three-pointed starts surrounding the large Mercedes-Benz emblem in the center. My test car came with the AMG package, which includes attractive black, 20-inch multispoke wheels and perforated brake discs. Overall, the second-gen GLC is longer, lower, and boasts a slightly wider track than the vehicle it replaced. It's also more aerodynamic, with a 0.29 drag coefficient. Plug-in hybrid power The 350e is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 134-horsepower electric drive motor to produce 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in total system output. Power gets to the pavement through a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The GLC PHEV is good for 25 MPG of fuel economy in combined driving when using just the internal combustion engine. Factor in the hybrid system, fuel economy increases to 64 MPGe, according to the EPA. Good electric range The GLC has 54 miles of all-electric range thanks to its 23.3 kWh battery pack. According to Mercedes, the 350e can charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes using a DC fast charger at a rate of 60 kW. With a standard household level-2 plug, the GLC can charge from 10% to full in under three hours. Refined driving experience The overall driving experience was pleasant and civilized. The steering was precise and well-weighted, and the front coil suspension and rear air suspension combined to deliver a soft and smooth ride. With the ICE and electric drive systems operating in harmony, the 350e felt smooth and effortlessly powerful. While I did detect some hesitation when switching between various EV, hybrid, and ICE driving modes, the hybrid system was fairly seamless in operation. Despite its 313 horsepower and 406 lb ft. of torque, the PHEV GLC wasn't any quicker than the standard GLC 300, which has 255 horsepower under its hood. That's because the GLC hybrid carries an additional 1,000 lbs of heft. Stylish cabin The GLC shares much of its cabin design with the current C-Class sedan and the new CLE Coupe and Cabriolet. That's a good thing because it looks terrific. The interior blends modern tech and design like the metal weave center console, massive LED displays, and LED ambient lighting with callbacks to classic Mercedes-Benz design with the vintage turbine design air vents and fine wood trim. The only real complaint I have, and one that I have with most modern Mercedes cabins, is the touch controls, which look great but can be fussy and imprecise to use while driving. Comfortable seats The GLC's 16-way power front seats, which are heated and ventilated, were very comfortable. The sienna brown and black seats were upholstered in a material called MB-Tex, which does a fair approximation of real leather. Stylish Digital Cockpit In front of the driver is a stylish, leather-wrapped, heated AMG flat-bottom steering wheel. The 12.3-inch configurable instrument display can be tailored to the needs of the driver with different designs focused on assistance features, the navigation system, and even off-road driving. Excellent infotainment tech The focal point of the GLC's center stack is a large 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The screen is equipped with the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system, which is pretty well sorted at this point. It's responsive and easy to navigate, and the graphics look terrific. The system's overeager voice assistance is also far less intrusive than in past iterations. The system's built-in navigation maps look spectacular, and the image quality of the GLC's surround-view cameras is equally impressive. My test car came with the Guard 360 system, which uses the GLC's surround-view camera system to actively monitor the SUV and take time-stamped images of events such as collision damage when parked. Burmester stereo The optional 710-watt, 15-speaker Burmester 3D audio system sounds crisp and powerful. The system's metallic speaker covers also look fantastic. Off-road mode Among the 350e's various drive modes is an off-road mode that allows the PHEV to tackle rough terrain using only its electric drivetrain. The GLC can also be had with a "transparent hood" feature that allows the driver to see through the hood at what's under and immediately in front of the vehicle when driving off-road. Panoramic glass roof The Mercedes Panorama roof, a $1,500 option, floods the cabin with natural light with minimal effect on headroom. Safety tech The GLC comes standard with a host of safety tech, including adaptive high beam assist, blind spot assist, and active parking assist. However, you'll need to pay for the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package to get Mercedes' outstanding Distronic adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and other high-tech features. Read the original article on Business Insider
