2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e Plug-In Hybrid Revealed: 2.6L/100km SUV

In conjunction with the launch of the all-new 2016 GLC-Class, Mercedes-Benz also saw to it to introduce their fourth plug-in hybrid model from their new offensive of super-efficient vehicles.

Meet the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e: following in the footsteps of the S 500 e, C 350 e and GLE 500 e, the GLC 350 is also primed to be the next-most affordable plug-in hybrid model in the range, following the C-Class.

*FULL REPORT: Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Global Debut

Powered by a similar powertrain that drives the C 350 e we drove recently in San Francisco, the SUV PHEV model uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 211hp and 350Nm of torque, and a 116hp electric motor that’s integrated into the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed auto transmission.

Total system output for the GLC 350 e is rated at 320hp @ 5,000rpm and 340Nm of torque for 0rpm (zero!). An additional 10Nm of torque is achieved once the engine reaches 1,200rpm.

Claimed consumption figures for the GLC 350 e is rated at 2.6-litres/100km (combined), all the while emitting 60g/km of CO2.

Full electric driving range for the GLC plug-in is a total of 34km (top EV speed: 140km/h), courtesy of the high-voltage lithium-ion traction battery positioned just above the rear axle, in the boot. That also means that the standard 550 litres of cargo room in the boot is cut down to 395 litres in the GLC 350 e.

And just like its PHEV siblings before it, the GLC-Class plug-in gets the same comfort and efficiency systems we’ve seen Benz plug-in hybrids show off: route-based hybrid operating strategy, specific hybrid driving programs, haptic accelerator pedal, and pre-entry climate control.

For a clearer understanding of the GLC 350 e’s abilities, do check out our C 350 e and S 500 e reviews in San Francisco and Sweden, respectively.

• 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 350 e Plug-In Hybrid Review In San Francisco
• 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 500 Plug-In Hybrid Review In Sweden