The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Plug-In Hybrid Coupé: The Complete Guide For India

---

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram

---

Electric Cars: The Basics

---

For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

---

Sign up to the newsletter

---

Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Plug-In Hybrid Coupé PHEV

---

Mercedes-Benz, simply known as Mercedes, is a leading global luxury automative manufacturer based in Germany. The company is headquartered in Stuttgart and is famed for its high quality passenger vehicles, to include the Mercedes-Maybach. However, the company is also a leader in manufacturing commercial vehicles, to include the plug-in Mercedes eSprinter commercial EV and the plug-in Mercedes eVito electric van.

Mercedes-Benz EQ is the sub-brand used by the company for its portfolio of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and mild hybrids. The pure electric cars are branded as EQ, while the PHEVs are branded as EQ Power. The mild hybrid vehicles are branded as EQ Boost. The PHEV portfolio includes:

• Mercedes A-Class Hatchback PHEV
• Mercedes A-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes B-Class Hatchback PHEV
• Mercedes E-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes E-Class Estate PHEV
• Mercedes S-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes CLA Coupé PHEV
• Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake PHEV
• Mercedes GLA SUV PHEV
• Mercedes GLC SUV PHEV
• Mercedes GLC Coupé PHEV
• Mercedes GLE SUV PHEV
• Mercedes GLE Coupé PHEV

The GLC Coupé includes two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) options, to include a petrol/electric and a diesel/ electric. Coupé body styles are increasing in popularity, given the attractive exterior styling of a sloping roofline. The more aggressive roofline, does impact practicality a little i.e. lower headroom for rear seat passengers and also a smaller boot space. But for those that prefer style over practicality, the coupé is a winner.

The GLC PHEV is a good all-rounder for those keen to migrate to lower tailpipe-emission electric cars. The Mercedes-Benz PHEV has a 13.5 kWh onboard EV battery, with a WLTP certified zero-emission electric range up to 43 km. Depending on driving style, weather condition, onboard services used etc, expect a real-world range closer to 35 km. Though the EV range is limited, it is still sufficient for shorter commutes. Like most electric vehicles (EVs), the GLC PHEV incorporates regenerative braking to increase driving efficiency i.e. EV range.

Using the electric mode, also improves the overall efficiency of the vehicle. Mercedes claims a fuel economy up to 2.2 l/100km for the GLC 300 e PHEV and up to 1.7 l/100km for the GLC 300 de PHEV. Of course, the real-world fuel economy will be less efficient, but far improved compared to the fuel economy of the conventional petrol variant.

The all-wheel drive GLC PHEV is available with either a diesel (2.0-litre, 4-cylinder) or petrol engine (2.0-litre, 4-cylinder), coupled with a 90 kW electric motor. Both the petrol and diesel PHEVs have a top speed of 230 km/h (140 km/h on electric mode). 0-100 km/h performance is decent, with the petrol PHEV at 5.7 seconds and the diesel PHEV at 6.2 seconds.

The onboard charger is limited to 7.4 kW AC, with the EV capable of charging 10% to 100% in 90 mins via a dedicated domestic EV charger. Using a 3-PIN domestic socket will take up to 5 hours to charge the EV battery. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of using a domestic socket to charge an EV. It is always safer and more efficient to use an electric car charging point. The electric vehicle is not capable of fast DC charging.

We at e-zoomed recommend a ‘topping up’ approach to EV charging. It will help improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle and also improve the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Mercedes offers a 3 years or 100,000 km warranty for the EV battery. 

There are certainly other cheaper alternatives for mid-sized plug-in hybrid SUVs, but of course the quality will not be a Mercedes. The GLC PHEV has both an attractive exterior appeal and a high quality, technology-filled interior, to include: the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) in car infotainment system. MBUX can be voice activated, personalised and uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to learn and adapt over time. It is able to predict personal habits, such as navigation for frequently-driven routes, or the radio stations etc.

In regards to practicality, the GLC PHEV does have to compromise boot space for the placement of the EV battery and coupé roofline. The EV has a 350 L cargo volume.

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 54g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional petrol variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Mercedes-Benz electric car is not available in India.

---

PROS	CONS
Attractive coupe styling	Blind spots (rear). Sloping roofline impacts rear seat practicality
Good level of standard equipment and technology	Limited real-world electric range and some alternatives have better fuel efficiency
All-wheel drive as standard	Cheaper alternatives available

---

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupé PHEV (credit: Mercedes)

---

At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Vehicle Type:	Coupé
Engine:	Petrol-Electric/ Diesel-Electric
Available In India:	No

---

Variants (1 Option)
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupé (Rs N/A)

---

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 13.5 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available.On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 90 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	54 – 51g (CO2/km)
Warranty:	6 years or 100,000 km

---

Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

---

Dimensions
Height (mm):	1622
Width (mm):	2096
Length (mm):	4731
Wheelbase (mm):	2939
Turning Circle (m):	11.8
Boot capacity (L):	350

---

GLC 300 e 4MATIC
EV Battery Capacity:	13.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	43 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	17.6
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	2.2
Charging:	DC charging not available.On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 90 mins)
Top Speed:	230 km/h (electric: 140 km/h)
0-100 km/h:	5.7 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	90 kW
Max Power (hp):	122 (electric motor)
Torque (Nm):	440 (electric motor)
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	2,040
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

---

GLC 300 de 4MATIC
EV Battery Capacity:	13.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	41 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	18.0
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.7
Charging:	DC charging not available.On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 90 mins)
Top Speed:	230 km/h (electric: 140 km/h)
0-100 km/h:	6.2 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	90 kW
Max Power (hp):	122 (electric motor)
Torque (Nm):	440 (electric motor)
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Kerb Weight (kg):	2,135
Colours:	8
NCAP Safety Rating:	N/A

---

Top Reasons To Buy An Electric Vehicle (EV)

---

The past few years, in particular, 2020 and 2021, have witnessed a phenomenal increase in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Major global economies, to include, the United States and the European Union, have documented a surge in the sales of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). In many of these countries, lower emission to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) now account for up to 15% of annual new vehicle registrations, and in some countries like Norway, even greater than 50%.

This is not a short-term trend. Instead, it is the emergence of a long-term shift towards cleaner forms of travel. Though there are many reasons to own an electric vehicle (EV), we list below some of the key reasons fuelling consumer demand for EVs.

1). Vast choice of electric vehicles

It is true, that in India, the choice of electric vehicles is still restricted, compared to international markets. In India, we have access to only up to 15 electric vehicle models to include the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona, Jaguar I-PACE and the Tata Nexon EV. However, in many of the matured international markets, the choice of pure electric cars and plug-in hybrid electric cars are up to 200 models. We expect this to only increase! However, we do hope India will see an increase in the variety and supply of EVs on sale, giving consumers a greater choice.

2). Increased zero-emission range

The emission-free driving range of electric cars have improved significantly in recent years, and the latest models of EVs can achieve well over 200 miles (WLTP), if not over 300 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. In general, EV battery size and efficiency have improved. As an example, the all-electric Kia e-Niro compact SUV has a range of 282 miles. The best-selling pure electric Nissan Leaf has an electric range of 239 miles on a single charge. Of course, the likes of Tesla electric cars have a range well over 300 miles on a single charge!

3). Increased public charging infrastructure

Yes, it is true that the public charging infrastructure in India is at a nascent stage, but in a number of international markets, AC fast charging and DC rapid charging stations are now widespread. As an example, in the UK, there are as many public charging stations as there are petrol pumps! This increase in charging accessibility has driven confidence in consumers who were hesitant to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric cars i.e. no more range anxiety! Of course, many homes in the UK also have a dedicated EV charger. For EVs to succeed in India, the deployment of public and home EV charging infrastructure is mandatory.

4). Lower running and maintenance costs

Electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts compared to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The lower number of moving parts has reduced the maintenance burden of EVs, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Electric cars are also cheap to drive. At an average one can expect a cost per km of Rs 1 for a zero-emission EV, while for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle, the cost per km could be up to Rs 7 per km. The annual cost savings achieved by switching to electric driving is significant!

5). Lower air pollution

However, in our view the greatest benefit of driving electric vehicles, in particular, pure electric vehicles, is the absence of tailpipe emissions. Electric cars do not even have a tailpipe! Zero-emission electric driving has a real and immediate impact on local air quality i.e. reducing air pollution. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have reduced tailpipe pollution compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

---

While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

---

Related articles

---