2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e First Drive Review
With more than 50 miles of electric range, this plug-in hybrid version of the 2025 GLC is impressive.
Perry Stern
When Mercedes-Benz redesigned its compact GLC SUV for 2023 year, it arrived equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine using hybrid technology. Now, Mercedes has taken the 2025 model to the next level of electrification with the 2025 GLC 350e 4Matic, which features a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
As a PHEV, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic offers a welcome blend of efficiency and performance. On a full charge, it boasts an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 54 miles, more than most plug-in hybrids, and also packs a combined system output of 313 horsepower.
For those curious about electric vehicles (EVs), a PHEV can be ideal, as range anxiety isn't a factor. Because when the battery reaches its minimum state of charge, it seamlessly switches to gasoline. Given the generous electric range of the GLC 350e, many U.S. drivers should be able to tackle their daily tasks on the battery alone.
The innovative powertrain comes at a cost, however. Including the destination charge, the starting price of the GLC 350e is more than $60,000, which makes it more expensive than any flavor of GLC not wearing an AMG badge. Mercedes-Benz provided the vehicle for this 2025 GLC review.
Perry Stern
What's New for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC
Adding the GLC 350e to the lineup is the big news for the 2025 GLC, but Mercedes-Benz made several other updates. For example, all variants get the third-generation Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, a 5G communications module, and an available digital vehicle key.
In addition, anyone looking for performance over fuel efficiency should wait for a second PHEV coming to the lineup later in 2025: the 671-horsepower AMG GLC 63 S E Performance. However, while the extreme performance of the AMG model will likely impress driving enthusiasts, the GLC 350e provides a more balanced approach thanks to its electric range and strong power delivery.
Perry Stern
The GLC 350e Is a Well-Rounded Ride
For this review, Mercedes provided a GLC 350e in a unique paint color called Verde Silver Metallic, which is new for the 2025 model year. Additional options included a Driver Assistance package, an Exclusive Trim Package, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and 19-inch wheels. Those upgrades brought the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $68,650, including the $1,150 destination charge to ship the GLC from its assembly plant in Bremen, Germany, to your local dealership.
The GLC 350e teams a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 313 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes says it will accelerate to 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds, which feels accurate to me.
I picked up this plug-in hybrid at the airport, and its battery was empty, showing zero electric-only range. That meant the GLC 350e operated like a typical hybrid for my 35-mile drive home, mainly on the freeway. On this commute, the trip computer indicated 24 mpg, similar to the EPA's estimate of 25 mpg in combined driving in hybrid mode.
Perry Stern
I plugged the GLC into my Level 2 charger at home and had a fully charged battery in less than three hours. Unlike many PHEVs, the GLC is also compatible with DC fast chargers. It can accept up to 60 kilowatts and recharge in about 30 minutes. When fully charged, the GLC 350e showed an electric range of 63 miles, considerably more than the EPA rating of 54 and quite impressive for a plug-in hybrid.
The GLC 350e defaults to EV mode when battery power is available, so I began my evaluation drive on pure electric power. Ultimately, my test vehicle covered 57 miles on electricity before switching to hybrid mode, beating the estimated range. While driving in EV mode, the trip computer indicated 2.1 miles/kWh, which equates to 70.8 MPGe as compared to the EPA rating of 64 MPGe.
On its own, the electric motor provides only 134 horsepower, but it also supplies plenty of instantly available torque, which gives the SUV adequate power for getting around town or onto the freeway. Push the accelerator to the floor, and the gas engine will turn itself on to deliver full power.
Whether operating as a hybrid or an EV, I found the GLC 350e quite nice to drive. Its small size makes it easy to maneuver, and with responsive steering and all-wheel drive, it handles winding roads well. The ride is quiet and comfortable, whether cruising on the highway at 70 mph or traversing a pitted dirt road, making the GLC 350e a well-founded everyday vehicle.
Perry Stern
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC Is Packed With Tech
In addition to its PHEV powertrain, the GLC 350e also gets a third-generation MBUX infotainment system with an 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen that nicely integrates with the interior design, flowing upwards out of the center console.
Using the navigation system is intuitive, and I like that the home screen features a navigation map overlaid with the most recent and often-used features on top. With almost all functions accessible via the touchscreen or voice commands, the GLC's cabin lacks physical controls, making for a clean and elegant look.
My test vehicle came with the optional Driver Assistance package, adding an extensive list of advanced driver-assistance systems. Traveling home on Interstate 94 from the Detroit airport, I activated the adaptive cruise control with lane centering. This hands-on semi-autonomous driving aid provides steering input to keep the GLC centered in the lane while maintaining a set speed and a safe distance from the car ahead.
The system also features automatic lane-change assist. When coming up on a slower vehicle, the system activated the turn signal and steered me into the left lane to go around the slower car. That's a pretty cool trick.
Perry Stern
The GLC 350e Versus the Competition
As the automotive industry transitions to EVs, PHEVs offer the best of both worlds, providing limited electric operation without range anxiety. Models such as the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Lexus NX, and Volvo XC60 are available with plug-in hybrid powertrains, but none can match the driving range of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e.
That makes the new GLC 350e ideal for a compact luxury SUV shopper considering an EV but not quite ready to take the plunge. At the same time, the GLC features advanced technology, excellent driving dynamics, and the luxury experience one would expect of a Mercedes-Benz.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Perry SternI have loved cars and trucks since childhood, and that fascination with anything that drives is just as strong today. As a teenager, I knew I wanted to become an automotive journalist, and during the past three decades, I have driven, written about, and photographed all manner of automobiles ranging from affordable econocars to exotic supercars. With the idea that there is a perfect car, truck, or SUV for everyone, my goal is to help consumers determine the right one for their wants and needs.
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