Skip to main content

Mercedes-Benz GLC plug-in hybrid SUV drives up to 54 miles on battery power

The Mercedes GLC 350e nearly doubles the battery only range of many PHEVs.

White 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV plugged in to home charger left front three-quarter view.
Mercedes-Benz / Mercedes-Benz

The new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV stands out with an impressive EPA-estimated all-electric range of up to 54 miles. It is now available at dealerships in the U.S. starting at $61,050, including destination and delivery fees.

Why the GLC 350e range matters

White 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV parked on a stone parking lot with ocean in the background.
People have different opinions about plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Some, like Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson, believe that PHEVs might slow the adoption of fully electric vehicles (BEVs). On the other hand, Ford CEO Peter Farley thinks we need a mix of BEVs, hybrids, and gas-powered vehicles until battery costs decrease, making all-electric vehicles more affordable.

PHEVs are unique because, although they have a gasoline engine, they recharge their batteries by plugging into an external charger rather than using the gas engine for charging. Regarding range, PHEVs have two: an electric-only range and a combined range with the gas engine. Many PHEVs can go 20 to 30 miles on electric power alone, which is enough for some people. Still, the Mercedes GLC 350e’s 54-mile electric range represents a big step toward making electricity the primary fuel for daily driving.

Additional major features of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV

White 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV interior showing front seats and dashboard with snow-covered mountains veisible through the windows.
The GLC 350e has a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gas engine that creates 201 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor alone produces 134 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. When combined for 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, the 350e accelerates from 0 to 62.2 mph in about 6.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph.

Mercedes-Benz states that the GKC 350e’s 24.8 kWh battery can be fully charged in as few as 30 minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger. The EPA-estimated combined fuel economy for gas and electric power is 64 MPGe, while the gas engine power estimate is 25 MPG for combined city and highway driving.

White 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV driving with trees on the roadside left rear three-quarter view.
Mercedes-Benz / Mercedes-Benz
Bruce Brown
A Digital Trends Contributing Editor and Contributor for TheManual.com, Bruce Brown writes e-mobility reviews and covers…
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: Drop-top dream car reaches U.S. shores
New Mercedes aspirational four passenger convertibles arrive soon
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet in white direct frontal view parked on red ground with clouds and sky in the background.

Hot on the heels of Mercedes-Benz EQS update announcement, we now know the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships this spring with new safety technology, optimized aerodynamics, and the next-generation MBUX infotainment system. Powered by mild hybrid engines, the CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet and CLE 450 4MATIC Cabriolet are also larger than the previous models.
Why the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet matters

Not many large automakers could get away with introducing a new-generation vehicle today that's not a pickup truck, SUV, battery-electric vehicle, or plug-in hybrid. However, it is arguable that Mercedes sets the standard for four-seat medium-luxury European convertibles. BMW convertible four-seaters are a bit sportier, and Audis are less costly, but the Mercedes CLE Cabriolet fits the drop-top dream car profile nicely.
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: lets' talk about power

Read more
Mercedes-Benz updates 2025 EQS Sedan with more range and comfort
New rear seat comfort features may discourage 2025 EQS passengers from leaving.
2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS in Obsidian Black view from center of back set forward showing the entire front seats and dashboard.

The 2025 Mercedez-Benze EQS Sedan will arrive at U.S. dealerships later in 2024 with significant upgrades. In addition to new exterior design features, the EQS Sedan will have a greater range due to its larger battery and new regenerative braking software. New rear seat comfort features may discourage passengers from wanting to leave the car.
Why the 2025 Mercedes-EQS updates matter

Besides Mercedes-Benz's traditional role as a standard-setter for the automotive world, there are two additional reasons to follow EQS developments. EVs present a new frontier for all existing automakers, which carries risks but also provides an open opportunity for outstanding game-changing advances and innovations. Mercedes-Benz definitely wants to continue in that role with EVs.

Read more
2025 Mercedes Benz EQG: Everything we know about the electric G Wagon
Get ready for a G-Class EV
Rendering of side profile of Mercedes-Benz EQG in front of blue skies.

Over the past few years, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled electric vehicle models such as the EQS, EQB, and EQE models. As is tradition, you also have the option to choose Mercedes-Maybach and AMG electric models to suit your taste. The AMG EQE SUV starts at $109,300, while the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV will cost you around $200,000.

However, the all-electric G Wagon, dubbed the EQG, is missing from the action. The last time we caught a glimpse of it was back in 2021 as a concept car. Well, it’s expected to be produced later this year, and Mercedes-Benz teased it at the 2024 CES technology show in Las Vegas. Here is what you can expect.

Read more