Mercedes GLC plug-in hybrid to make Frankfurt show debut

Mercedes has unveiled the petrol plug-in hybrid version of its GLC mid-size SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The GLC 300 e 4MATIC uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 121hp electric motor and Mercedes’ latest 9G-TRONIC transmission for a combined output of 320hp.

This gives it impressive performance. 0-62mph takes 5.7 seconds and top speed is 143mph (or 81mph in electric mode). On battery power alone, the GLC can travel between 24 and 27 miles (depending on spec) from its 13.5kWh battery. Mercedes hasn’t released information on fast-charging times but it has increased the on-board charger's capacity from 3.6 to 7.4kW.

When plugged into a home wallbox, the GLC hybrid will fully charge in 1.5 hours, and from a conventional domestic socket, five hours. The car’s infotainment system is programmed with charging-point locations and there’s even a natural speech function allowing you to simply ask the car to find you a nearby point.

Through the Mercedes me Charge servers, drivers of the brand’s plug-in hybrid models have access to vast charging network and can pay for it through the app – albeit only in continental European markets for now.

The GLC 300 e 4MATIC debuts some small design changes, too. There are now LED High Performance headlights as standard, which are smaller and flatter for a more pronounced front-end look, plus all-new LED lights at the back. There’s also a piece of chrome trim that runs from the front of the car to the rear, and a heavily contoured radiator grille.

Boot space has decreased slightly compared to a regular GLC; the integration of the battery pack means capacity drops from 550 to 395 litres with the rear seats in place, or 1,600 to 1445 litres with the seats down.

Official fuel economy is between 118 and 128mpg, and C02 emissions range from 51 to 57g/km, depending on the exact spec and wheel size of the car.

The GLC 300 e 4MATIC joins the GLE 350 de 4MATIC, also revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, and heralds the start of a hybrid revolution at Mercedes, with 20 planned to be on sale by 2020.