Highline Test Drives
The latest Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e challenges the “hierarchy” of the Mercedes-Benz model tiers. Traditionally, a lack of cabin noise, ride comfort, and interior quality only increased as the price/tier of the model increased. What happens when the GL”C” has the quality cabin, quiet drivetrain, and the smooth ride of the top-of-the-line S-Class? I know, two different vehicles for the needs of two very different drivers, but behind the wheel on the GLC 350e, you really do think to yourself, “What more do I need?”.
To make things even more confusing, while the driving experience overwhelmingly exceeds expectations, the behavior of the hybrid powertrain doesn’t quite behave like others on the market. Looking for the ultimate hybrid battery/ICE (internal combustion engine) combination for efficiency? The GLC 350e is not the answer. Throughout the many drive modes, from eco to sport, even the battery hold function, there is a clear bias to use the battery power as much as possible. The traditional ICE is only the primary source of power once the hybrid’s battery has been depleted. Instead of combining both methods of the hybrid powertrain together in a modern, clever way, the GLC 350e feels like it wants to be fully electric, but is stuck carrying around a 4-cylinder turbo motor.
However, this split personality may not be by accident because the GLC 350e is the perfect transitional vehicle for someone who is a fan of Mercedes-Benz, but not ready to make the commitment to a fully electric vehicle. Once owners see their driving habits can be sustained with just the 23.3-kWh battery pack, range anxiety and the fears of being stranded will disappear all together. I believe many owners will make the transition from the electrically biased hybrid system in this GLC, to a completely electric vehicle, and probably never look back to an ICE vehicle again.
Performance figures on a vehicle like this seem less relevant than how the power is used and programmed in the vehicle’s brain. With the turbocharged inline four-cylinder and hybrid battery, the GLC 350e makes at most 313 hp and 406 lbs-ft of torque. The programming of the power however feels like 134 hp and 325 lbs-ft of torque of EV power, or 201 hp and 236 lbs-ft of torque from the ICE. The GLC 350e makes plenty of power for a small crossover/SUV, buyers looking for more performance are going to need something with an AMG badge.
Ending on a high note, the GLC 350e provides incredible value for the quality of car you’re getting at its price point. $70,150 on the road and behind the wheel, but you feel like you’re driving something worth north of $100,000. All new Mercedes-Benz models have the big screen MBUX, meaning the lower models feel like they’re punching above their weight when it comes to technology, gadgets, and refinement. Tie air-suspension, a full leather interior, Burmester audio, and the silence of the hybrid battery in with the rest of the driving package, and you find it hard to justify spending more for anything else. As an all-around daily commuter, we were thoroughly impressed with how pleasant a place it is to be behind the wheel of a GLC 350e.
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