2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC Review

Do you find yourself constantly worrying about range anxiety with your luxury compact SUV? I understand how stressful that can feel. To ease these worries, I tested the new 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid, which offers an estimated electric driving range of 87 kilometers.

I’ll share exactly how it performs during real-world highway trips and daily errands to help you decide if this hybrid SUV suits your needs. Keep reading to learn what it’s truly like behind the wheel.

Pricing and Options for the GLC 350e

In Canada, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e starts at $64,900 for the base model, which seems like a reasonable price for a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and also for a Mercedes-Benz crossover, however, by the time you’re done with all the optional packages (which you don’t have to get), we’re looking at an additional $20,000.

Breakdown of Available Trims

Although there are no specific trims available on the GLC 350e, instead there are optional packages, some of which can only be added if you add specific other packages. Below are some of the larger/more prominent packages that can be added to the GLC 350e.

• AMG Line ($3,900)
  • AMG Body Styling
  • Chrome Star-pattern Grill
  • 19″ AMG 5-Spoke Wheels
  • AMG Line Interior with Sport Front Seats
  • Brushed Stainless Steel Pedals
  • Topstitched ARTICO Upper Dash & Door Trim
  • Sport Brake System
• Exclusive Trim ($3,800)
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • MB Navigation
  • Map updates for 1 year
  • Live traffic service for 1 year
  • Car-to-X Communication
  • Enhanced Ambient Lighting
  • Illuminated Front Door Sills
  • OFFROAD Menu & “Transparent Hood”
  • 360 Camera
  • GUARD 360-degree Alarm System
• Pinnacle Trim ($3,700)
  • LED DIGITAL LIGHT Headlights
  • Burmester 3D Surround Sound System
  • Sound Personalization
  • Head-Up Display
  • Heat & Noise-insulating Glass
• Driver Assistance Package ($2,500)
  • Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
  • Active Blind Spot Assist
  • Active Brake Assist with Turning and Cross-Traffic Function
  • Active Emergency Stop Assist
  • Active Lane Change Assist
  • Active Lane Keeping Assist
  • Active Speed Limit Assist
  • Active Steering Assist
  • Traffic Sign Assist
  • Evasive Steering Assist
  • Enhanced Stop-and-Go
  • PRE-SAFE PLUS
  • Route-based Speed Adaptation

There are some other stand-alone options like paint, seating materials etc.

My test vehicle came in at $84,987 with several option packages added to the base configuration, including the AMG Line package, Exclusive Trim, Pinnacle Trim, and a few other stand-alone options.

Mercedes-Benz also offers the non-plug-in GLC, which has a starting price of $59,500, a difference of $5,400 for base trims. In my opinion, the premium for the plug-in hybrid is quite reasonable, and you should be able to recoup the price difference with savings at the pump.

Overview of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC Powertrain

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC delivers impressive power through its hybrid engine, blending performance with eco-friendly tech. This luxury compact SUV amazed me—it pairs a turbocharged engine with electric strength, perfect for lively city rides and easy highway travel. It’s quick, smooth, and efficient, giving drivers a responsive feel while keeping emissions low. On city streets, the electric motor provides quiet movement and instant acceleration, ideal for stop-and-go traffic. Out on the freeway, the electric motor keeps things going until you run of electrons or really stomp on the accelerator pedal.

Highlights of the Turbocharged 2.0-liter Engine

I’m genuinely impressed by what’s under the hood of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC. Its inline-four turbo engine delivers a solid kick, offering 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque on gas power alone.

Despite the modest 2.0-liter size, Mercedes has carefully tuned this engine to balance powerful performance with fuel economy.

The true magic happens when you combine this turbocharged engine with the electric components – creating a hybrid powertrain that delivers an impressive 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of total system output.

During test drives, I noticed how smoothly and strongly the vehicle accelerates, especially in lower RPM ranges. The turbocharger responds quickly, giving plenty of punch without delay.

Even with all that muscle, fuel mileage stays surprisingly decent. Mercedes designed the engine and electric motor to sync effortlessly, offering the excitement of quick acceleration along with savings at the gas station.

Features of the Electric Motor and Battery Pack

I love how punchy the GLC 350e feels, thanks to its electric motor. Its battery is impressive—a 23.3-kWh lithium-ion unit powering a 134-hp electric motor. What really amazes me is the powerful 325 lb-ft of torque, available instantly.

This motor setup lets me reach speeds as high as 140 km/h running purely on electricity. With a full charge, electric driving alone covers up to 87 kilometers, ideal for my daily commute without burning any gas.

The electric motor blends with the main engine to deliver effortless, smooth driving. Switching from electric to gas mode happens smoothly—it’s my favorite part of the drive. Charging the lithium-ion battery doesn’t take long either, which makes things even easier.

Mercedes did a great job getting power and range balanced just right in this vehicle. During test drives, the electric system felt solid and quick to respond, giving it that extra fun factor on the road.

Driving Impressions

The 2025 GLC 350e delivers impressive performance, offering a combined 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. During my test drives, its power made the SUV feel lively and agile, even at a solid 5,146-pound curb weight.

With the electric motor, torque is instant—perfect for merging onto busy highways or quickly passing other cars. Mercedes smoothly balances power between the gas engine and electric motor, creating a dynamic feel behind the wheel.

Acceleration truly shines at mid-range speeds, as both engines team up for peak performance. Surprisingly, the SUV’s weight contributes to its stability; the battery pack sits low in the chassis, anchoring the vehicle through corners.

This balance gives the GLC 350e confident handling with comfortable control during daily drives, blending performance with practical fuel efficiency. Next up—let’s check out how the battery holds up in real-world driving, including range and charging options for everyday convenience.

Electric Range and Charging of the GLC 350e

The GLC 350e packs a surprising electric range that lets me cruise through my daily commute without burning a drop of gas. I can fully charge the battery at home overnight or top it up quickly at DC fast-charging stations during longer trips.

Explore the All-electric Range

For the average daily commute, the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid will never need to be gassed up, as long as you can charge it at home (or even at a public charger). It offers an impressive electric-only range of 87 kilometers—better than any other SUV currently available in Canada (as far I know).

My typical daily drive covers about 30 – 40 kilometers, which is well within the claimed range. My review took place in warm Spring weather, I didn’t use the heater or AC, and on many occasions the computer showed an estimated range of 100 kilometers. This range will be lower depending on your driving style, and of course the dreaded winter range loss, however, the gasoline engine is always there when you’re out of electrons.

Mercedes has created something special with the GLC 350e – a luxury SUV that can handle most daily drives on pure electric power while still delivering when you need more.

Fast-charging Capabilities of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e

The charging speed on the 2025 Mercedes GLC 350e really stood out during testing. Mercedes offers three convenient charging choices for this plug-in hybrid, catering to different lifestyles and schedules.

Using a standard household 120-volt outlet, it takes about 24 hours to charge the batteries from 0 – 100%, which is what I used and I never went below 50% state of charge with my daily commute.

Using a standard Level 2 charger at home, the battery fills up fully in roughly 5-6 hours—ideal for overnight use.

Yet, the real standout is the Level 3 fast charging ability. At public fast chargers pumping out 60 kW, the GLC 350e goes from empty to full in only 30 minutes. This impressive speed makes long-distance travel far easier, since you can stop for a quick meal while your battery quickly refills.

This rapid charging puts the Mercedes GLC 350e ahead of many luxury plug-in hybrids currently available. Even with changing outdoor temperatures, I noticed charging times stayed steady during each session.

You always know exactly how much longer charging will take, since clear indicators appear both on the car’s dashboard and on your smartphone app. Fast and reliable charging options like these make electric driving anxiety fade away.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

I found the GLC 350e delivers impressive fuel savings while reducing emissions compared to traditional SUVs—check out how this hybrid tech might save you money at the pump.

Combined Fuel Economy

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC fuel economy really impresses me. This hybrid SUV achieves a remarkable 3.7 Le/100 km combined—placing it well ahead of many competitors. Even in gas-only mode, it’s rated at 10.2/8.5/9.4 liters/100 kilometers, easing the strain on my wallet at the gas station.

My week spent driving this hybrid averaged roughly 25 kWh/100 kilometers, combining city streets and highways. Which is not the most efficient EV of this size, but it’s still not too bad and I beat the claimed consumption of 32.93 kWh/100 km (3.7 Le x 8.9 kWh). Driving with the batteries fully depleted, the onboard computer showed consumption of 7.0 L/100 km, which is an excellent number.

With a full tank and battery charge, the GLC offers over 600 kilometers of driving range, ideal for everyday commutes or extended road adventures. Over time, that kind of efficiency turns into real money saved, compared to pure gasoline vehicles.

Plus, the lower environmental impact feels great, especially since I don’t have to compromise on luxury or performance.

Cost Savings with Hybrid Technology

With the $5,000 premium you’re paying for the plug-in version of the GLC over the gasonline only version, you’re bound to recoup that money within a few years, depending on how much you drive. The other kicker is, you have to put premium fuel in Mercedes vehicle, which is quite a bit more expensvie than regular gasoline in Canada. So the more you can drive on electricity alone, the faster you’ll recoup the premium.

Charging the Mercedes is easy, practical, and affordable too. At home, using the 120-volt outlet filled the battery overnight without hassle. If you need quicker battery charging, a 240-volt charger is a better option, and of course, there’s always public charging at 60 kW DC fast-charger stations.

Having those options allows you to pick cheaper electric rates and skip pricey peak-hour charges. Hybrids like this Mercedes make daily driving easier on the budget—and kinder to the environment.

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350E Styling

The exterior styling gets a bit of a makeover for the 2025 model year. The GLC’s styling is non-offensive, it’s not going to win any beauty contests but it’s also not going to offend anyone. I find this to be the case in most compact SUV/CUVs, these are vehicle aimed at mass-market appeal. The interior, on the other hand, does see a lot of changes.

Interior Design and Comfort in the GLC 350e

The GLC 350e’s cabin wraps you in luxury with soft leather seats and real wood trim. I spent hours playing with the sleek MBUX touchscreen that responds to both taps and voice commands.

Cabin Design and Materials

Mercedes did a fantastic job crafting the GLC 350e cabin, placing premium materials everywhere you touch. I especially appreciate the high-quality, leather-like dashboard; it feels luxurious without costing what full leather would.

The ventilated front seats make hot summer drives comfortable—no sticking, sweating, or discomfort on long rides.

And storage? It’s surprisingly generous, offering 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Fold those seats down, though, and you get an impressive 56 cubic feet of space to fit luggage, gear, or even furniture.

This smart balance between upscale comfort and everyday practicality means driving feels smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. Weekends away become easy and worry-free, with plenty of room for whatever you want to bring along.

MBUX Infotainment System

The GLC 350e’s huge, 11.9-inch center display is amazing—it’s like having a mini tablet right in your car. Paired with the updated, third-generation MBUX system and a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, the cabin feels sleek and ultra-modern.

Tapping the touchscreen is smooth and quick, and the haptic buttons click softly beneath my fingers, giving clear, gentle feedback.

Everything on the screen feels intuitive, clear, and easy to use from the start. Best of all, the dashboard offers tons of customization, letting me easily switch between navigation maps, car performance details, and other useful info.

Finding directions, answering calls, or choosing the perfect playlist feels effortless and keeps my attention focused safely on driving. With these interactive features, each ride feels lively, enjoyable, and connected.

Seating Comfort and Space

Aside from all the tech, I really appreciate how relaxing and roomy the GLC 350e cabin feels. Up front, I have 56 cubic feet of personal space—plenty of room to stretch my legs, especially on long road trips.

Passengers sitting in the back get around 49 cubic feet, giving adults enough room to sit comfortably without feeling crowded.

What surprised me most, though, was the flexible cargo area. I get 24 cubic feet for luggage, golfing gear, grocery bags—you name it—with the rear seats in place. If I fold those seats down, storage space expands to an impressive 56 cubic feet, ideal for weekend road trips or hauling furniture home.

Comfortable seats and the open layout make riding inside feel relaxed and premium, more like lounging in a cozy living room than sitting in a vehicle.

Innovative Technology and Safety Features

The 2025 GLC 350e packs some serious tech with its advanced driver aids and safety systems that kept me safe during my test drives – I’ll show you how these features work in real-world situations next…

Overview of Driver-Assistance Systems

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC can be equipped with quite a lot of tech gadgetry. The vehicle comes loaded with smart driver-assist tech that makes driving safer, calmer, and more enjoyable.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main features I tried:

1. Blind Spot Assist continuously checks the car’s surroundings and alerts me whenever a vehicle enters areas I can’t easily see.
2. Active Brake Assist constantly scans ahead and automatically hits the brakes if it senses a likely collision with cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.
3. PRE-SAFE kicks in before a potential accident—tightening seatbelts, adjusting headrests, and closing windows—to keep everyone secure.
4. PRE-SAFE Sound emits a brief noise right before an accident, triggering a reflex in your ears to protect your hearing.
5. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC smoothly manages my cruising speed, gently speeding up or slowing down to keep a safe gap from the car ahead.
6. Active Lane Change Assist lets me smoothly switch lanes with just a quick touch of the turn signal, making lane changes safer.
7. Evasive Steering Assist provides extra steering help in emergency moves, helping me dodge obstacles easily and stay in control.
8. Vehicle proximity sensors create an invisible safety zone around the car, warning me whenever I get too close to objects during parking.
9. Emergency braking systems react quicker than human reaction times—this means they can stop accidents before they happen.
10. Collision avoidance tech uses radar and camera systems to detect threats ahead, spotting dangers long before they become real emergencies.

Integration of Smartphone Connectivity

The 2025 GLC 350e makes using your phone easy and safe while driving—something I really appreciate. With wireless smartphone integration, there’s no need to mess around with cords anymore.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so whichever type of phone you have, your apps appear directly on the dash screen. One of my favorite safety features is the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant.

It lets you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, while giving you voice control over navigation, calls, and music. The system picks up normal speech patterns smoothly and responds fast, way better than previous versions I’ve tried.

Is The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e The Right Plug-In For You?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC hits the mark for luxury SUV fans who care about power and eco-friendly driving. Its 87-km electric range means most daily trips happen without touching gas—a real plus in daily life.

Sure, its $64,900 starting price costs more than the standard GLC 300, but lower fuel costs and a quiet, comfy ride balance out that difference nicely. The battery’s extra weight can make acceleration feel slightly slower, though the vehicle still feels smooth and handles well.

Inside, the cabin feels upscale, with plush seating and tech features that make driving enjoyable—and easy. For anyone interested in stepping up to premium hybrid driving, the GLC 350e 4MATIC deserves serious consideration.

People Also Ask