Prices confirmed for 2020 Mercedes GLC 300 e plug-in
The new Mercedes GLC 300 e has an electric range of 29 miles and will start from £49,687, with deliveries starting in the summer
Prices for the new Mercedes GLC 300 e have been announced, with the plug-in SUV starting from £49,687 and UK deliveries due in summer this year.
The GLC 300 e shares its plug-in system with the E 300 e. It combines a 208bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine driven through a nine-speed automatic gearbox, and a 120bhp electric motor, to all four wheels. That’s enough for a total output of 316bhp and a hefty 700Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds - half a second quicker than the regular petrol-powered GLC 300.
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The 300 e’s electrical energy is stored in a 13.5kWh battery. Mercedes quotes a 29-mile pure electric range based on the NEDC testing procedure, so WLTP and real-world figures will be closer to the 20-mile mark. Likewise, NEDC CO2 emissions are quoted at 57g/km, while it achieves a WLTP-certified 117.7mpg. An on-board 7.4kw charger means that wallbox charging takes under two hours or five hours with a three-pin plug.
The new plug-in model is available in AMG Line trim, where standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, sports seats with artificial leather, and the brand’s MBUX infotainment system. However, for standard-fit Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, buyers need to step up to the AMG Line Premium, which also gets 20-inch alloys, LED headlights, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and ambient lighting.
Above those models are AMG Line Premium Plus and AMG Line Ultimate models, the latter featuring air suspension.
The design of the 300 e falls in line with the rest of the recently refreshed GLC family. The cabin is much the same, too, but practicality is compromised: at 395 litres, boot capacity has dropped by almost a third relative to the standard combustion-powered cars. It’s rated to tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2,000kg.
The GLC has been launched alongside the larger GLE 350 de; together forming two of a 20-strong electrified Mercedes range available to buyers this year.
Is a sub 30-mile electric range enough for a plug-in hybrid? Let us know your thoughts below...
