As with the C 300 from Station that we tested a while ago, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 from 4MATIC represents a very own interpretation of the plug-in hybrid concept.
After all, Mercedes-Benz is the only one that continues to bet on a plug-in hybrid with a Diesel engine, which leads us to question: does it make sense to electrify Diesel? Or is it better to follow the example of other brands and abandon this solution?
Before reaching any conclusion, it should be noted that, as we have seen in other identical proposals by the German brand, there are very few details that “denounce” this hybrid version — loading door, some small emblems and nothing else. That said, the GLC, in my view, retains a fresh look despite having been released in 2015.
the best of both worlds
As I said when I tested the Mercedes-Benz C 300 from Station, the bet on plug-in hybrids with a diesel engine allows us, at least in theory, to combine the best of both worlds.
After all, with this solution, not only are we able to obtain the traditionally low consumptions of a Diesel when we have to face long journeys, we also have the possibility to circulate in 100% electric mode in urban centers.
Compared to its “sister”, the GLC 300 appears to have a more efficient battery charge management, thus allowing to extend the autonomy in 100% electric mode to very close to the 42 km advertised, in real conditions and without major concerns.
The (many) driving modes contribute a lot to this good management — from “Sport+” to “Electric” or “Eco” modes, there are a total of seven modes — which make this Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 from 4MATIC stand out. adapt to various circumstances and driving styles like a chameleon.
In this way, as quickly as we managed to “squeeze” the SUV's 306 hp of maximum combined power that makes its 2125 kg seem much less, as we achieved averages as low as 5.5 l/100 km on the highway (much thanks to the automatic transmission of nine gears that allow you to circulate at 120 km/h at 1500 rpm).
There is no lack of driving modes and the truth is that they all give a different character to the GLC 300 de.
Speaking of these types of roads, it is there that this Mercedes-Benz shines most, with levels of comfort, isolation and stability being benchmarks. It is a pity that equipment such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist or traffic sign reader are not present.
In the field of dynamics, it's easy to see that the focus of this familiar SUV has been placed on comfort. Characterized by stability and safety, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 from 4MATIC reveals some difficulty in disguising its mass in weight transfers and the steering, despite being precise and direct, lacks the sharpness, for example that we find in a BMW X3.
Typically Mercedes-Benz
As I said, if there is something that surprises on board the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 from 4MATIC it is the sound insulation. In reality, it seems that we are following inside a cozy cocoon whose tranquility is only disturbed when we decide to explore (a lot) the Diesel engine.
As you'd expect, the robustness is in a good plan (the absence of parasitic noises attests to it), the ergonomics too (the shortcut keys help a lot to navigate the complete infotainment system) and the pleasantness of the materials used makes this SUV as one of the segment references in this chapter.
The trunk has only 395 liters of capacity, a considerable reduction compared to other GLC with only combustion engines.
As for the living space, there is more than enough space for two adults in the back and only in the trunk does this plug-in hybrid version “pass the bill”. In order to store the 13.5 kWh batteries, the luggage compartment capacity was reduced from the 550 liters of the other GLC to just 395 liters.
Is it the right car for you?
The bet on plug-in hybrids with a Diesel engine seems to have been made to measure for those who “devour” kilometers daily on the highway and in the city. If that's the case for you then this GLC may well be the right choice.
Comfortable, safe and even economical, the German SUV is an asset in all-wheel drive when facing bad roads or more adverse weather conditions and makes overall quality one of its main “weapons”.
On the other side of the scale, we have a luggage compartment with less capacity (the batteries require that) and a list of equipment that lacks driving assistance systems, which you would expect to be present in a model whose base price starts at 67,500 euros and that in the case of the tested unit, it amounted to 84 310 euros.