2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e Plug-in Hybrid

Offered as a single trim, the 2020 GLC 350e Plug-in hybrid starts at $50,650 and driven by a 4MATIC drivetrain. It is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 motor assisted by an 85kW motor and mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The whole system churns out 315 horsepower and 413-pound feet of peak torque.

Models	GLC 350e SUV
MSRP	$50,650
Key Features	4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive
	40/20/40-split rear seats with power folding
	Power liftgate
	Dynamic Select
	Central Controller and 7 color display
	Dual-Zone Automatic Control

The SUV comes kitted with plenty of opulent features and a lush quality interior that seats 5 passengers. There are several optional packages like Off-Road Engineering Package, Intelligent Navigation, and Multimedia Package.

We recommend

If you want power, take a look into the AMG variants that further up the powertrain and provide sporty ride quality. Otherwise, with the GLC 350e Plug-in Hybrid, we recommend purchasing the Multimedia Package which comes with a better infotainment system.

The Mercedes 350e SUV still comes with undisclosed MPG but when taking the electric combined MPG, the Silver Arrow produces 56 eMPG which when compared to the likes of Mitsubishi Outlander which produces a jaw-dropping 74 eMPG.

Model	GLC 350e SUV	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	Volvo XC60 T8 Momentum
MPG (city)	N/A	N/A	26
MPG (highway)	N/A	N/A	28
MPG (combined)	25	25	26
Electric combined MPG	56	74	59

Here is one of the finest cabins in its class. The interior of the GLC-Class is welcoming yet simultaneously modern. -kbb

Seating and Comfort

The Plug-in Hybrid SUV by Mercedes is clearly commodious and comes with plenty of luxury equipment. Rich and high-quality materials run across the cabin. Its noise insulation is incredibly installed and the 5-seater feels plush alongside functional. Its seating is comfortable and provides a good amount of support to the passenger. With roomy headroom and leg space alongside heated front seats, the rear seats can seat 3 passengers with ease and are accommodating to taller passengers as well.

Model	GLC 350e SUV	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	Volvo XC60 T8 Momentum
Passenger capacity	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	41.9/57.3/40.8	39.9/56.4/40.9	38/58.2/41.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.5/ - /37.3	38.1/56/37.9	38/56.3/38

Infotainment System

The central 7-inch display gives the driver convenient controls for Audio, Navigation as well as hands-free calling. The controls are integrated into the steering wheel along with an awkwardly-positioned touchpad controller, which could trigger a carpal tunnel. For a futuristic feel, Mercedes also offers an optional Heads-up display which projects an 8-inch image of high-resolution information onto the windscreen.

Interior Features

• Heads-up display
• 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel
• Privacy Glass
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Voice Controls
• In-car WiFi hotspot

Trunk Volume

Even though the battery pack takes up quite a bit of the cargo space, the GLC 350e's boot maintains its practicality with its easy-folding rear seat and electronic tailgate. Having said that, its competitor, the Mitsubishi Outlander, packs a whole lot more cargo volume and is more commodious as compared to the Silver Arrow.

Model	GLC 350e SUV	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	Volvo XC60 T8 Momentum
Cargo Volume (ft.3) with seats up	19.4	33	17.8
Cargo Volume (ft.3) with seats down	56.5	61	N/A

The 2020 GLC-Class fits a gorgeous cabin in a crisp crossover shape. -thecarconnection

Design and Dimensions

With an amalgamation of sleek and muscular, the aesthetic styling of the Plug-in GLC 350e is no slouch. It looks very much the Mercedes Benz it is with absolutely no sign of going radical. Based on the designs of its previous iterations, the SUV is large and looks commodious. Conventionally designed, to say the least, the front meets with the traditional insignia sat atop twin-slitted chrome-accented grille and front air dams.

Rolling upon 18 inchers, each wheel designed with 5-spokes, the front hood is long and starts the streamlined rooftop gliding all the way to the back. Character lines run over the sides with seamless, polished fenders slowly arch themselves, curving top to bottom. The SUV measures 183 long and stands at a height of 65. Sat 5.9 inches from the ground, the GLC can be taken for mild off-roading.

Model	GLC 350e SUV	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	Volvo XC60 T8 Momentum
Curb weight (lbs.)	4564	4178	4638
Length(in)	183.3	184.8	184.6
Width(in)	74.4	70.9	74.9
Height(in)	65.3	67.3	65.3
Ground clearance (in)	5.9	7.3	8.5
Wheelbase (in)	113.1	105.1	112.8
Track width (in) F/R	63.5/63.1	60.6/60.6	65.1/65.2

Exterior Features

• Anodized Aluminum roof rails
• 18-inch 5spoke wheels
• Panoramic roof
• Chrome Grille

The Mercedes GLC 350e Plug-in Hybrid comes with aplenty safety equipment and features. It also comes kitted with loads of safety tech which are installed to make sure to prevent crashes and accidents and keep you safe from any mishaps. Some safety features included are -

• 7 airbags
• Active Brake Assist
• Rearview Camera
• Attention Assist
• Brake Assist (BAS)
• Trailer Stability Assist
• Electric Parking Brake

Still to be rated by the NHTSA, the GLC 350e Plug-in Hybrid is tested by the IIHS for safety and as a result, the SUV is rated positively in almost all the crash tests it underwent.

Mercedes Benz vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Comparing the Mitsubishi and the Mercedes, the Japanese manufacturer offers plenty of features and commendable drive quality. Despite the fact it fails to match the finesse and sportiness found in the Mercedes, or its cheaper detailing and quality interiors, the SUV has an outstanding mileage and the shortcomings can be overlooked for it also costs cheaper and affordable.

Mercedes Benz GLC Hybrid vs Volvo XC60 T8

These two rivals have a serious face-off in terms of power and also the quality. With the Volvo XC60, you get excellent performance and driving dynamics, quality interior materials, and equipment. It also has a great aesthetic styling but all these privileges come at a steeper price tag as compared to the Silver Arrow.

Drawing our final verdict, we believe the 2020 Mercedes Benz GLC 350e Plug-in Hybrid is a great SUV. Take it on a cruise on a pure electric motor, or drive on its gas engine, you'd be happy.

There are premium features, looks and performance all around the SUV, however, its contenders have commendable alternatives which are worth looking into for they surely give the German manufacturer a run for its money.