2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e Plug-in Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz has been steadily refining its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology for over a decade. From early efforts like the 2015 S550e Plug-In Hybrid to the more recent EQ Power branding on C- and E-Class models, the German automaker has positioned itself at the forefront of combining electrification with traditional luxury. The GLC350e represents one of the latest iterations of this journey, merging the brand’s compact luxury SUV versatility with a stronger electric-only range and significantly improved battery performance.

The GLC-Class, in general, is Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling SUV globally, offering a midsize footprint with everyday usability, luxury appointments, and solid performance. Refreshed for the 2024 model year, the 2025 GLC350e is the plug-in hybrid variant of the newly redesigned second-generation GLC. It competes directly with the BMW X3 xDrive30e, Lexus NX 450h+, and the Volvo XC60 Recharge, while offering a significantly more premium take than the mid-sized SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Hyundai Tuscon PHEV, or Ford Escape PHEV.

If you’re looking for a way to dip your toes into the electrified future without giving up gasoline range, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e might be the elegant answer.

What’s New for 2025?

While the new GLC-class received its major redesign for 2023 for the 2024 model year, the GLC350e 4MATIC arrives for 2025 as a first-time plug-in hybrid variant for Canada in this body style.

Here’s what’s new:

Bigger Battery: A 24.8 kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery, offering an official electric-only range of 87 kms—a massive leap from the previous GLC PHEV, which barely crossed 35 km.
DC Fast Charging Capability: Up to 60 kW, which is rare in the PHEV space. That’s enough to recharge the battery from 10–80% in under 30 minutes.
More Power: A combined output of 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque from the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder and electric motor pairing, good for a 0-100 km/hr time of 6.7 seconds.
MBUX Update: The latest-gen MBUX infotainment system now with more voice control, cleaner UX, and better app integration.
No touchpad anymore; all controls are now via touchscreen, steering wheel touch buttons, or voice assistant.

Exterior Styling

At a glance, the GLC350e doesn’t scream “hybrid” the way older PHEVs did. There’s no blue trim or flashy badging—just a small “e” and a discreet charge port on the right rear fender.

My test vehicle, finished in High-Tech Silver Metallic with AMG Line Package, looked sharp without being flashy. The updated design language includes slimmer LED matrix-beam headlamps, a sleeker grille with Mercedes-Benz star chrome emblems (if optioned like my test vehicle), and a stretched profile with tighter overhangs that visually lower the SUV’s stance. The 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels add athleticism while retaining practicality for city potholes and winter tires.

In a Vancouver underground garage, the GLC350e blends in with urban affluence—never ostentatious, always sophisticated.

Cabin Technology and Interior

Step inside and the GLC350e reminds you that this is a true Mercedes. The cabin blends floating, turbine-style vents, a freestanding 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment touchscreen that flows into the centre console.

The materials are top-notch. MB-Tex leatherette or leather, a carbon-fibre-like trim, and ambient lighting with 64 colours make the space feel upscale. Available multi-contour front seats add to the sense of wellness on long drives. Heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel are standard in Canada.

The tech suite includes:

MBUX Voice Assistant (“Hey Mercedes”), now more natural in phrasing
Augmented Reality Navigation
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Biometric fingerprint scanner
Optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound

Storage is slightly compromised in the rear due to the battery, with a slightly raised rear cargo floor. Happily though, there’s still a usable 470 litres of cargo space, expandable with the 40/20/40-split rear seats.

An integrated dashcam functionality via the Mercedes-Benz MBUX Dashcam Recording app is available—though the need to constantly push the “Loop recording” button upon start-up is inconvenient and at least for now, not as seamless as an aftermarket solution.

Under the Hood

This plug-in hybrid features a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 134 hp electric motor and a 31.2 kWh (net) battery, delivering 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to move this compact SUV with confidence. Due to the extra 700 lbs of ballast from the PHEV hardware, 0-100 km/hr times are 0.5 seconds slower compared to the gas-only GLC300’s 6.2 seconds, but the torque from the electric motor makes it feel much faster.

The standout here isn’t just the numbers, but the pure EV range. With over 90 km in my real-world mixed use testing over a week, it’s very possible to use this GLC as a fully electric vehicle on weekdays and rely on the gas engine only for road trips or ski getaways.

The GLC350e also allows for driver-selectable modes: “Electric,” “Hybrid,” “Battery Hold,” and “Sport.” In Hybrid mode, the transitions between EV and ICE are nearly imperceptible. In Sport, the vehicle feels punchier than you’d expect for a 4-cylinder SUV.

Mercedes-Benz Canada has yet to officially release towing numbers, but expect it to likely be rated at 4,409 lbs (2,000 kg), making it suitable for a light trailer or pair of jet skis.

How Does It Drive?

Mercedes-Benz aimed to make the GLC feel more refined and composed, and it largely succeeds. Around city streets in Vancouver’s rain-soaked April, the GLC350e delivered a quiet, confident ride, with well-weighted steering and strong regenerative braking.

Electric-only driving is serene. There’s enough torque to zip through city traffic and climb hills without ever hearing the engine. On a brief trip to North Van, the regen braking in “D–” mode helped manage stop-and-go traffic down Lonsdale without touching the brake pedal.

Once the engine kicks in, you notice it—slightly—but it’s never coarse. The 9-speed automatic transmission is buttery smooth, with seamless transitions between electric and fossil fuel power. Mercedes has really gotten things sorted out.

The suspension is tuned for comfort over dynamism. Although it has rear air suspension for load levelling, the GLC350e handles as you would expect it to, a GLC300 with extra weight. Body roll is present in tight corners, but nothing excessive. The GLC is not a performance SUV, and that’s fine—it excels as a quiet commuter and luxurious family runabout. Its standout battery-size and EV-only range makes it a truly versatile, efficient and pleasant commuter vehicle.

Additional TechDriven-Approved Features That Elevate the Experience

Pre-entry climate control: Set a departure time and the vehicle will preheat or precool using grid power.
DC Fast Charging: Up to 60 kW—unusual for a PHEV and extremely useful.
Route-based energy management: Uses GPS and traffic data to optimize battery usage along your trip.
Active Safety Suite: Includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and blind spot monitoring with exit warning.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e 4MATIC isn’t just an evolutionary step for Mercedes plug-in hybrids, it’s a redefinition of what a PHEV should be. With over 90 km of true EV range, strong performance, high-end cabin features, and excellent daily usability, this GLC finally lives up to the promise of “the best of both worlds.”

While it doesn’t handle like a sports car and the some interior trim pieces could use a bit more polish, these are minor quibbles in what’s otherwise an exceptionally well-rounded electrified luxury SUV.

If your lifestyle includes commuting in the city with occasional long drives to Whistler or the Okanagan, this could very well be the perfect bridge between gas and electric.

5 Key Takeaways

Over 90 km of real-world EV range makes the GLC350e a viable electric daily driver.
DC fast charging up to 60 kW is rare in the PHEV segment and hugely convenient.
Interior luxury and tech are top-class/
Handling leans toward comfort over sport, but remains composed and smooth.
One of the most complete plug-in hybrids in Canada today—ideal for tech-forward families or commuters looking for a luxury brand name.