Mercedes-Benz Expands Plug-in Hybrid Line-up with 2025 GLC 350e 4Matic

With millions of American motorists still skeptical about going all-electric, many industry planners are betting plug-in hybrids can serve as a “bridge” technology for those worried about range and a lack of a widespread public charging network. Mercedes-Benz is expanding its own line-up of PHEVs with the addition of the new GLC 350e 4Matic based on its compact crossover line.

Mercedes-Benz is betting heavily on electrification. The German marque already offers a variety of battery-electric vehicles, including sedan and SUV versions of both the EQS and EQE models. But the automaker is all too well aware that many potential buyers aren’t quite ready to make that leap, even if they’d like to switch to more environmentally friendly powertrain technology.

That’s where the plug-in hybrid comes in. Two existing models, versions of the GLE crossover and S-Class sedan, provide the ability to do most daily commutes purely in electric mode, though drivers can keep running on gas once their batteries run down.

Now, a new and more affordable plug-in is ready to charge into showrooms, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic expected to reach the U.S. during the second half of 2024.

Plug power

The new PHEV picks up on the design and features currently found in the gas-powered Mercedes GLC. The key difference is the drivetrain.

With the GLC 350e, Mercedes engineers have paired a 134-horsepower synchronous electric motor with a 2.0-liter turbo-four. Together, the package produces 313-hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. But when needed, the electric motor can punch out as much as 325 lb-ft of instant torque for quick launches and fast freeway passes.

The system uses a modified, blended braking system that can recapture up to 100 kW of power during braking and coasting to help extend range.

Range and charging

The electric side of the drivetrain draws power from a 24.8 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. That yields up to about 81 miles per charge using the global WLTP1 standard. In the U.S., we can expect that to drop by around 20% based on the stricter EPA test cycle.

Motorists can choose to hold the batteries charge, saving it for situations where they might prefer to run in all-electric mode. Even when drained, meanwhile, the GLC 350e will operate as a conventional hybrid, boosting fuel economy. The final EPA numbers have not been released yet, however.

Top speed in all-electric mode is 87 mph.

Mercedes has not confirmed charging times using a home-style 240-volt Level 2 charger. But, based on what similarly sized PHEVs achieve, that would likely take no more than three to four hours. And, unlike some plug-ins, the GLC 350e will be able to access public high-speed DC quick chargers. Using one rated at 60 kW would yield a full charge, the automaker said “in around 30 minutes.”

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Expanded charging access

The majority of owners are expected to plug in at home using 120-volt or Level 2 240-volt power.

But Mercedes has taken several steps to expand access to public chargers:

• The automaker has launched its own network of charging stations, backed by a $1 billion investment, the first of which opened last November. The eventual goal is to set up 400 stations operating 2,500 chargers;
• It has partnered with six other automakers in the newly launched Ionna joint venture which is expected to eventually operate 30,000 chargers across North America;
• Mercedes will gain access to the Tesla Supercharger network this year and will begin switching from the old CCS charger port to Tesla’s NACS standard next year.

Design and Features

The 2025 Mercedes GLC 350e carries over the design of the gas-powered GLC 300 with almost no design changes, inside or out.

It does offer a broad selection of 11 paint colors and 13 different upholstery options. And the cabin is highlighted by twin displays, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch floating touchscreen for the infotainment system. As with most other Mercedes products, the GLC line-up uses the MBUX operating system with its Amazon-Alexa style voice assistant.

A lengthy list of standard features includes heated front-seats, onboard navigation, a keyless ignition system, and a variety of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind spot assist and active parking assist.

Mercedes won’t announce pricing for the 2025 GLC 350e 4Matic plug-in until closer to the on-sale date during the second half of 2024.