Overview The Mercedes-Benz GLC350e is the plug-in-hybrid version of the GLC300. Along with a higher badge number, it gets more power (313 ponies when fully charged versus 255), but in terms of content and cabin quality, the two GLC SUVs are largely the same: well built, comfortable, and upscale.The GLC350e’s battery can power this five-seater for 54 miles on electricity alone. No rivals are close to that. On the downside, the hybrid system isn’t always certain about which power source to use, leading to a delayed response when you hit the go pedal hard. When the battery is depleted and the push from the electric motor disappears, the GLC350e is weighed down by its heavy electric equipment and becomes a lot less zippy. The GLC350e still needs some tweaking of its hybrid system for smoother gas-electric transitions—and a quicker 60-mph time— if it’s to challenge our class favorite, the Volvo XC60 Hybrid.
Expert Tip: The gas-only GLC is better sorted than the hybrid, and you can also get a high-performance version that’s gone through AMG’s hands. What’s New for 2026?Having made its debut in 2025, the Mercedes-Benz GLC350e sees no meaningful changes for 2026.Pricing and Which One to BuyWe recommend sticking with the base model and adding the features you want à la carte. For us, that includes ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control.Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Hybrid Powertrain: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and one electric motor, 313 hp combined
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
The GLC350e’s powertrain combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor and a 23.3-kWh battery pack. Other than that, and the regenerative braking system, this SUV is much like the nonhybrid. When we drove the GLC350e, we found it to be a bit less responsive than the gas-only model, as its powertrain can sometimes take a beat to figure out how to dole out power from the gas engine and electric motor. Its inconsistent brake-pedal feel also takes some getting used to. The ride is similar to that of the gas GLC300—meaning, generally smooth with the occasional sharp impact making its way into the cabin. 0–60-MPH Times
- C/D 60-mph Test: 5.9 seconds
In Comparison: At our test track, a fully charged-up GLC350e got to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, which is reasonably peppy for a vehicle of this power and price but not great. The all-wheel-drive nonhybrid GLC300 hit that mark in 5.6 seconds, and the Volvo XC60 Hybrid kicks both Benzes’ butts with a swift 4.4-second result.Additional ResearchTowing and Payload Capacity
- Max Towing: 3500 pounds
With the optional Class II trailer hitch, the GLC350e can tow 3500 pounds.Range, Charging, and Battery Life
- EPA EV Range: 54 miles
All GLC350e models come with a 23.3-kWh battery pack that’s good for 54 miles of electric-only driving, according to the EPA—the longest distance of the class. On a DC fast-charger running at 60 kilowatts, the SUV’s battery can restore itself to rights in as little as 30 minutes, says Mercedes.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- EPA City Ratings: 23 mpg-60 MPGe
- EPA Highway Ratings: 28 mpg-70 MPGe
The EPA hasn’t released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class Hybrid yet, but the ratings shouldn’t change. The 2025 model earns combined estimates of 64 MPGe with a fully charged battery and 25 mpg when relying on gas alone. (MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV fuel efficiency.) When we get a chance, we’ll take the GLC350e on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route and update this page with real-world results. For more information about the GLC-class Hybrid’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.Interior, Comfort, and CargoFirst Row: The GLC350e features upscale materials, all put together nicely. The heated front seats are accommodating, with adjustable lumbar support and memory settings. Some trim-and-upholstery combinations look a little busy, but overall, the design is clean and modern, with few dash buttons and large screens. The touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel are finicky, though.Second Row: The second row is acceptably roomy for the average adult, with plenty of headroom and decent legroom.Cargo Capacity: The GLC350e offers 24 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and 56 with them down. The nonhybrid GLC is a little less generous in seats-up space but roomier overall, with 22 and 59 cubic feet, respectively.Infotainment and Connectivity
- Infotainment: 11.9-inch touchscreen
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Audio Systems: 8-speaker stereo (standard), 15-speaker Burmester stereo (optional)
The hybrid GLC-class comes with the same tech setup as the nonhybrid: A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster sits in front of the driver, and an 11.9-inch infotainment display occupies the center stack. It runs Benz’s latest MBUX software, which supports wireless smartphone-mirroring tech and a voice assistant. There are no hard buttons for the HVAC system, nor is there a knob for the volume control, which, in our view, is a step backward in user-friendliness.Built-in navigation is available, and it comes with an augmented-reality feature that superimposes arrows and other helpful graphics atop the display’s live view. Other notable options include a head-up display and a 15-speaker Burmester audio system. Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesThe GLC350e offers a host of optional driver-assistance features but comes standard with few.
- Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring
- Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, 360-degree camera system
For information about the GLC-class Hybrid’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.Warranty and Maintenance CoverageMercedes-Benz provides competitive warranty coverage compared with premium rivals. However, the German automaker doesn’t offer complimentary maintenance, whereas BMW and Jaguar do.
- Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
- Battery-Component Warranty: eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary Maintenance: none
C/D Test Results and Specs We test hundreds of vehicles each year. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that’s because the current model hasn’t changed from when we last tested it.SpecificationsSpecifications
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e 4Matic
Vehicle Type: front-engine, mid-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $61,050/$70,270
Options: Pinnacle trim (MB navigation, Burmester 3D surround sound, surround view system, head-up display, heat- and noise-insulating glass, enhanced ambient lighting), $4150; Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control with stop/go and steering assist, automatic lane-change assist, cross-traffic assist, pedestrian detection, pre-safe impulse side), $1950; Panorama sunroof, $1500; Graphite Grey metallic paint, $750; ventilated front seats, $450; advanced USB package, $220; natural grain black wood w/aluminum lines, $200
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter inline-4, 201 hp, 236 lb-ft + AC motor, 134 hp, 325 lb-ft (combined output: 313 hp, 406 lb-ft; 23.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 11.0-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.5-in vented disc/12.6-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Touring
F: 235/60R-18 103H M+S MOE
R: 255/55R-18 109H M+S MOE
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 113.1 in
Length: 185.7 in
Width: 74.4 in
Height: 64.6 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/49 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 56/24 ft3
Curb Weight: 5146 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.9 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.5 sec @ 97 mph
100 mph: 15.5 sec
120 mph: 23.7 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.7 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 172 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.86 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 30 MPGe
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 25/23/28 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 64 MPGe
EV Range: 54 mi
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
