The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic EQ Power enters the competitive compact luxury SUV segment with a plug-in hybrid twist. While it carries the prestigious Mercedes-Benz badge and boasts a refined powertrain, a closer examination reveals whether this electrified GLC truly stands out in a crowded market.
Powertrain and Performance: EQ Power Under the Hood
The heart of the GLC 350e is its EQ Power plug-in hybrid system. This setup combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with an 85-kilowatt electric motor. The combined output is an impressive 315 horsepower and a substantial 413 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the standard GLC 300, the hybrid variant offers a noticeable boost, particularly in torque, making for more confident acceleration and effortless cruising.
Energy for the electric motor is stored in an 8.7-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, positioned beneath the rear cargo floor. This placement does slightly reduce cargo space, a trade-off common in plug-in hybrids. Mercedes-Benz estimates an all-electric range of approximately 10 miles on a full charge. Charging the battery takes around 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charging station, while a standard 110-volt household outlet will require more than double that time. The positioning of the charging port on the passenger side of the rear bumper is somewhat unusual and potentially vulnerable to damage in low-speed rear collisions, which could lead to increased repair costs.
Mated to this powertrain is a seven-speed automatic transmission and the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. The transmission, with two fewer gears than the non-hybrid GLC’s nine-speed, is engineered to handle the hybrid’s increased torque. While the transmission generally provides smooth shifts, there can be a slight hesitation, particularly when shifting into gear during parking maneuvers or quick starts from a standstill. However, the abundant torque from the electric motor largely compensates for any gearbox shortcomings, resulting in a generally refined and responsive driving experience. The GLC 350e also exhibits enhanced quietness compared to its non-hybrid counterpart, adding to the overall sense of luxury within the cabin.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency: Evaluating the Plug-In Advantage
While the “plug-in hybrid” designation suggests significant fuel savings, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e’s real-world efficiency gains are more modest. The SUV achieves an impressive 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in all-electric mode. However, once the electric range is depleted and the vehicle operates in hybrid mode, the combined fuel economy drops to around 25 mpg, only marginally better than the non-hybrid GLC 300’s 24 mpg.
The effectiveness of the GLC 350e’s fuel efficiency is heavily dependent on frequent charging. With a limited electric range of just 10 miles, drivers need to plug in regularly to realize any substantial fuel savings. For those with short commutes and consistent access to charging, the GLC 350e can offer some fuel cost reductions. However, for drivers with longer commutes or less frequent charging opportunities, the hybrid advantage diminishes considerably.
Mercedes-Benz has incorporated features aimed at optimizing efficiency. The Eco Pedal provides haptic feedback to encourage smoother and more fuel-efficient acceleration. Drivers will feel gentle pulses through the pedal if they accelerate too aggressively, exceed speed limits, or get too close to the vehicle ahead. This system, while subtle, can help drivers adjust their driving habits for improved economy. Furthermore, the adaptive cruise control system, when equipped, utilizes radar to anticipate slower traffic and engage regenerative braking to maximize energy recapture. The navigation system also plays a role by adjusting regenerative braking and transmission shift patterns based on upcoming road conditions like hills and curves.
Despite these technologies, real-world fuel economy may not always reflect the theoretical potential. In testing scenarios that included a mix of driving styles and conditions, the GLC 350e averaged around 25 mpg. Achieving significantly higher figures, such as 40-50 mpg, would likely require consistent charging at both ends of a typical commute.
Beyond its initial electric range, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e doesn’t offer a dramatic fuel economy improvement over the standard GLC300. The image highlights the vehicle’s exterior in an urban setting.
COMAND Infotainment System: An Area for Improvement
One of the more prominent drawbacks of the 2019 GLC models, including the 350e, is its infotainment system. The standard setup features a 7-inch screen with Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND system. An optional upgrade to an 8.4-inch screen with navigation is available, but regardless of the screen size, COMAND feels dated compared to newer systems, even within the Mercedes-Benz lineup itself. (It is important to note that the 2020 GLC models received an updated infotainment system.)
COMAND’s user interface feels like a patchwork of updates applied over time, resulting in inconsistencies and a less intuitive experience. Navigating through menus and features can be cumbersome, and the visual presentation varies significantly across different functions. For instance, selecting radio bands presents a dropdown menu, while accessing digital media sources takes users to a separate screen with distinct icons. This lack of uniformity can lead to a learning curve and a less seamless user experience.
The system utilizes a redundant control scheme, incorporating both a touchpad and a rotary knob on the center console. While intended to offer flexibility, this dual-input method can feel unnecessary and still manages to omit or complicate simple actions. Even basic tasks like skipping tracks in a playlist require multiple steps using the touchpad, lacking the straightforward physical buttons found in many other vehicles for common audio controls.
Despite its usability shortcomings, COMAND does offer a reasonably comprehensive feature set. It includes navigation with real-time traffic updates, voice control with natural language recognition, a range of digital media inputs, and smartphone app integration, along with connected services. Notably, the system does not disable address input while the vehicle is in motion, allowing passengers to assist with navigation tasks. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are available as a separate $350 option, which was not included in the test vehicle.
The COMAND infotainment system in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e, while feature-rich, suffers from an outdated and somewhat disjointed user interface, as depicted in this interior shot.
Driver Assistance and Safety Features: A Modern Safety Suite
The 2019 GLC 350e can be equipped with a Driver Assistance package, adding a suite of modern safety technologies to enhance driver confidence and safety. This package includes adaptive cruise control, which functions in both highway and stop-and-go traffic, maintaining a set distance from the vehicle ahead. The radar system supporting adaptive cruise control also contributes to pre-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking. Furthermore, the Driver Assistance package incorporates active blind-spot monitoring with steering assist to prevent lane-change collisions and lane-keeping assist technologies.
The lane-keeping system primarily operates in a lane departure prevention mode. If the vehicle drifts out of its lane without signaling, the system applies braking force to the wheels on the opposite side to guide the GLC back into its lane. While effective, this brake intervention can feel somewhat abrupt or jarring. In specific conditions, such as clear lane markings, higher speeds, and relatively straight roads, the system may engage active lane-keeping assist, which uses steering input to keep the vehicle centered in its lane. However, the system’s communication regarding which lane-keeping mode is active at any given time is not always clear, potentially causing confusion for the driver.
The test vehicle was also equipped with the Parktronic Assist package, which upgrades the standard rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors and a surround-view camera system. These features significantly aid in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The package also includes active parking assist, a semi-automated system that can steer the vehicle into parallel parking spaces while the driver controls the accelerator and gear selection.
The 2019 GLC 350e offers lane departure prevention and lane keeping assist features, though the distinction between the two modes may not always be clearly communicated to the driver, as illustrated in this detail shot of the dashboard display.
Spec Recommendations and Alternatives
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic EQ Power starts at an MSRP of $51,645, including destination charges. The test vehicle, loaded with options including aesthetic enhancements, upgraded infotainment and audio, driver-assistance technology, and comfort features, reached a considerable as-tested price of $68,145.
When considering the 2019 GLC 350e, it’s crucial to weigh its benefits against its drawbacks and price point. Unless substantial incentives or discounts are available, the plug-in hybrid variant carries a significant price premium over the non-hybrid GLC 300, without offering a proportionally large increase in real-world fuel efficiency, especially if charging is not consistently practiced.
For buyers interested in a plug-in hybrid SUV in this segment, the Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge presents a compelling alternative. The Volvo often offers superior driver-assistance and safety technology, a more substantial electric range, and a more modern and user-friendly interior experience. While the XC60 T8 might have a slightly higher starting price, its enhanced features and efficiency could justify the investment for many buyers.
For Mercedes-Benz loyalists specifically considering the GLC, it is generally advisable to opt for the non-hybrid GLC 300 or to consider waiting for the newer 2020 GLC models. The 2020 models addressed the outdated COMAND infotainment system by introducing the significantly improved MBUX system, offering a more contemporary and intuitive user experience.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Electrification, But Not a Class Leader
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic EQ Power represents Mercedes-Benz’s entry into the plug-in hybrid compact SUV market. It offers a smooth and potent powertrain, enhanced torque, and a quieter cabin, aligning with the luxury expectations of the brand. However, its limited electric range, modest real-world fuel economy gains, and outdated infotainment system detract from its overall appeal, especially when considering its price premium. While it may appeal to early adopters of plug-in technology within the Mercedes-Benz brand, competitors and even the non-hybrid GLC variants present stronger value propositions in this competitive segment.
