[Taboleo] Mercedes-Benz GLC Hybrid, SUV Space Utilization Up, Sedan-Level Ride Comfort

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e Plug-in Hybrid
Eco-friendly powertrain with spacious utility
Smooth ride like an electric sedan
Combined output 320 hp... Dynamic highway driving

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC is a model that satisfies the recent automotive market trends of ‘eco-friendliness’ and ‘sport utility vehicle (SUV).’ Equipped with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, it is environmentally conscious and offers enhanced space utilization as an SUV, making it suitable as a family car and for leisure use.

Leveraging these advantages, the Mercedes-Benz ‘The New GLC 300 e 4MATIC’ (hereafter GLC 300 e) has created a new wave in the imported mid-size SUV market since its domestic launch last November, recording sales of over 2,000 units (including coupe models). We test drove the GLC 300 e, which improves fuel efficiency with its PHEV powertrain and offers sedan-level ride comfort, on the 21st.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC

▲I heard this is a facelift model released after 4 years. How is the exterior design?

-The design impresses with the ruggedness typical of SUVs. Chrome accents are placed throughout from front to rear to emphasize sportiness. The front radiator grille features two chrome lines, giving a masculine feel. The standard LED high-performance headlamps offer improved energy efficiency, providing a wider field of view and adjusting brightness according to the surrounding environment. The side profile emphasizes straight lines, giving a slight wagon-like impression at a glance. The rear has a flat and straight rear lamp line, giving a neat and organized look. Additionally, aluminum running boards are installed under the vehicle, allowing comfortable entry and exit in this relatively high-clearance SUV.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e 4MATIC

▲How about the interior design?

-Sitting in the driver’s seat, the distinctive Mercedes-Benz interior design catches the eye. Three round air conditioning vents are positioned on the center fascia. Above them is a spacious 10.25-inch touchscreen display. Below the center console, there is a computer mouse-shaped touchpad that allows free control of the infotainment system. Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation infotainment system, MBUX, is applied, enabling easy vehicle operation simply by voice commands such as “Hello Mercedes.”

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e Interior / Photo by Woo Su-yeon

▲As a PHEV model, I’m most curious about the powertrain.

-The combined output of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e’s PHEV system is an impressive 320 horsepower. It combines a 4-cylinder inline gasoline engine producing a maximum output of 211 horsepower and maximum torque of 35.7 kg·m with an electric motor delivering a maximum output of 122 horsepower and maximum torque of 44.9 kg·m. The transmission is a hybrid-specific 9-speed automatic.

The GLC 300 e also offers customized driving modes tailored to the PHEV powertrain. It has four existing driving modes: ▲Eco ▲Comfort ▲Sport ▲Individual, plus plug-in hybrid-specific modes such as Battery Level and Electric Mode. In Battery Level mode, electric usage is minimized, and the vehicle runs solely on the gasoline engine. When Electric Mode is activated, the vehicle runs purely on the battery, and a virtual engine sound is transmitted externally.

▲How is the ride comfort?

-At low speeds, the vehicle operates in electric mode, making it feel like riding a very quiet electric car. However, on the highway, the electric motor and gasoline engine combine to deliver powerful performance, enabling dynamic driving. Although it is an SUV, the ride comfort was comparable to that of a sedan. The transition from electric mode to gasoline engine mode was so smooth that the driver could hardly notice it. The vehicle comes standard with a Driving Assistance Package that automatically adjusts the distance from the car ahead and maintains a constant speed, allowing for comfortable driving.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e Charging Plug

▲Do you need to charge the battery separately?

-There is a plug for charging the electric battery located at the lower right rear of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e. The vehicle is equipped with a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Charging at a nearby charging station takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes for a full charge. The pure electric mode allows driving up to 25 km (domestic standard) using only the battery. Mercedes-Benz offers an 8-year or 160,000 km (whichever comes first) warranty on the battery.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e Trunk

▲How about fuel efficiency?

-The official fuel efficiency is 9.4 km/l when running solely on the gasoline engine and about 25 km/kWh when running only on the electric motor. In my own experience, the average fuel efficiency based on the gasoline engine was about 13 km/l. Adding the distance traveled using the electric motor would significantly increase overall efficiency. Utilizing the various hybrid-specific modes (Battery Level, Electric Mode) mentioned earlier allows for efficient driving.

▲What kind of person would you recommend this vehicle to?

-The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e is recommended for those who prioritize space utilization, such as for family cars or leisure vehicles. Although the price is 76.8 million KRW, which is relatively high among premium SUVs, considering the spaciousness typical of mid-size SUVs and the high fuel efficiency, overall vehicle operating costs can be reduced. Combined with sedan-like smooth ride comfort, it seems well-suited as a family car.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.