Mercedes continues aggressive plug-in hybrid strategy with refreshed GLC

(September 16, 2019) Mercedes-Benz continues its aggresive hybrid strategy with the introduction of the refreshed 2020 GLC crossover — the 350e 4MATIC EQ Power plug-in hybrid. In addition to small tweaks to its interior and exterior looks, the major change comes in energy storage and electric driving range.

The 350e has Mercedes-Benz's third-generation plug-in hybrid technology combining a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 208 peak horsepower and 258 lb-ft of peak torque with an electric motor that makes 121 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. In total, the 350e EQ Power is rated at 315 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Benz estimates it could do 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds, improved from 6.2 seconds.

Power is put to the ground through Benz's 9G-TRONIC transmission (previously seven-speed) and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The new hybrid design includes the use of a torque converter with an integrated lockup clutch as a starting device, and a second clutch between the gas engine and the electric motor that allows for full electric driving.

The most significant change for the 2020 model year is a battery pack upgrade from 8.7 kWh to 13.5 kWh. Mercedes-Benz says the bigger pack allows for an extended electric-only range, but it does not give a specific number based on U.S. ratings. It's expected to be 28-to-30 miles.

The recent redesign sees the GLC boasting an even more striking design, the intuitive MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system and state-of-the-art driver assistance systems. With the redesigned GLC 350e 4MATIC EQ Power, customers benefit from these enhancements in addition to the versatility and efficiency of a plug-in hybrid.

The exterior design is characterized by sporty features. A distinctive off-road look is accentuated by muscular surface contours and striking details such as the chrome trim that now continues from the front end to the rear, and by the heavily contoured radiator grille. The standard LED High Performance headlamps and taillamps have been redesigned. Their contours have been significantly changed, and they are now smaller and flatter, making the torch-like outline of the daytime driving lights even more prominent, and the typical Mercedes-Benz light signature even more recognizable.

By the end of 2019, Mercedes-Benz will have more than 10 plug-in hybrids available globally — an attractive portfolio from the compact car to the flagship Mercedes- Benz S-Class. The aim is to be able to offer customers well over 20 model variants in 2020.

Plug-in hybrids offer customers the best of both worlds — in town they can run in all- electric mode, while on long journeys they benefit from the range of the combustion engine. The vehicle is more efficient overall, because it can recover energy during braking and allow the combustion engine to run in favorable operating ranges.

When equipped with the Multimedia Package, the intelligent, route-based operating strategy activates the electric driving mode where this is most appropriate for the route. For example, it takes into account navigation data, topography, speed limits and the traffic conditions for the entire planned route.