The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Plug-In Hybrid (SUV-Coupé): The Complete Electric Car Buying Guide For The UK

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Overview

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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 C-Class Saloon PHEV
• Mercedes C-Class Estate 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

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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

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The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 PHEV SUV-Coupé

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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. For company-car drivers the obvious advantage is the reduced Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-15%) tax rate, compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant, due to the lower tailpipe emissions of the PHEV (54-51g CO2/km).

However the other real benefit is the lower driving costs, when driven on electric mode. Depending on when and where the electric vehicle (EV) is charged, the cost of electric driving can be as low as 5 pence to 10 pence per mile i.e. significantly cheaper than using the combustion engine.

The Mercedes-Benz PHEV has a 13.5 kWh onboard EV battery, with a WLTP certified zero-emission electric range up to 27 miles. Depending on driving style, weather condition, onboard services used etc, expect a real world-range closer to 22 miles. 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 117.8 mpg for the GLC 300 e PHEV and up to 148.7 mpg for the GLC 300 de PHEV. Of course, the real-world fuel economy will be lower, 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 143 mph (87 mph on electric mode). 0-62 mph 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 62,000 miles 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 PHEV does not qualify for the UK plug-in car grant (PiCG).

Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!

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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

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

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV-Coupé
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):	Not Available
Engine:	Petrol-Electric/ Diesel-Electric
Available In UK:	Yes

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Variants (6 Options)
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e AMG Line (from £53,780)
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 de AMG Line (from £55,420)
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e AMG Line Premium (from £56,580)
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 de AMG Line Premium (from £58,220)
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e AMG Line Premium Plus (from £60,330)
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 de AMG Line Premium Plus (from £61,970)

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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)
EV Battery Warranty:	6 years or 62,000 miles

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Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 12.4 kWh	£3.27
Battery net capacity : 16.7 kWh	£4.40
Battery net capacity : 26.6 kWh	£7.01
Battery net capacity : 30.0 kWh	£7.91
Battery net capacity : 39.2 kWh	£10.33
Battery net capacity : 45.0 kWh	£11.86
Battery net capacity : 50.0 kWh	£13.18
Battery net capacity : 64.0 kWh	£16.86
Battery net capacity : 71.0 kWh	£18.71
Battery net capacity : 77.0 kWh	£20.29
Battery net capacity : 90.0 kWh	£23.72
Battery net capacity : 100.0 kWh	£26.35
Battery net capacity : 112.0 kWh	£29.51
Battery net capacity : 120.0 kWh	£31.62
Battery net capacity : 130.0 kWh	£34.26

• Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 26.35 p/kWh.
• Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity. Best to charge an EV overnight when the rates are the lowest.

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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 – 350 kW):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 350 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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

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GLC 300 e 4MATIC
EV Battery Capacity:	13.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	26 – 27 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	17.6
Fuel Consumption (MPG):	117.8
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 90 mins)
Top Speed:	143 mph (electric mode: 87 mph)
0-62 mph:	5.7 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	90
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

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GLC 300 de 4MATIC
EV Battery Capacity:	13.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	25-26 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	18.0
Fuel Consumption (MPG):	148.7
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.4 kW AC (10% to 100%: 90 mins)
Top Speed:	143 mph (electric mode: 87 mph)
0-62 mph:	6.2 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	90
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

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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.

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