The GLC is the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model in the world. That is quite amazing, considering the model debuted just ten years ago. Other models like the S-Class and E-Class have existed since before many of our blog readers were born, but the GLC is now the leader. It is less surprising when you consider that aside from its luxury brand, it is a compact crossover, the best-selling automotive category in the U.S., and the home to many brands' best sellers. Its success has encouraged Mercedes-Benz to add a variant to the model line, so Mercedes-Benz of Plano introduces the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC®. It is hard to argue against this being the best GLC yet and, by extension, the best plug-in hybrid anywhere.
The concept behind plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) is simple enough: Two drivetrains in one vehicle, each doing what it does best. The electric drivetrain has an estimated range of 54 miles, at least 10 miles further than most plug-in hybrids. This is likely enough to cover your commute or daily driving tasks. Thus, when charged overnight, the GLC 350 PHEV can operate as a smooth, silent, completely non-emission-producing electric vehicle all week long, or possibly weeks on end, until you take an over-54-mile trip.
That is when the 2.0-liter gas-powered drivetrain performs best, using the high energy concentration of gasoline to drive long distances with the usual brief stop for refueling. Any vehicle has a finite operating range, but the metric has become so important to EVs because people want to delay the possible 30- to 45-minute stop to recharge, assuming no one is charging in front of them. So, you can drive your luxury SUV all week long on electrons and then take it across the state and beyond like a standard vehicle, free of recharging concerns, getting 25 combined mpg in the process. 
What makes this all the better is that this is a Mercedes-Benz we are talking about. At one time, the C-Class sedan and GLC platform were entry-level models for the brand. But Mercedes now has smaller models, so the C-Class and GLC get the full-on Mercedes luxury treatment to give those entry-level buyers something to move up to. The interior displays the brand’s trademark combination of advanced technology and traditional luxury. The 12.3-inch driver’s display can be configured to taste and even display the navigation map for easy reference. Seemingly lounging against the dash center is the 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that is easy to reach, bright, sharp, and backed by the Mercedes MBUX® system. The dash itself is a scene of calm simplicity with large expanses of wood grain or other accent material highlighted with intricately detailed climate control vents. Dual spokes of steering wheel controls let the driver handle a variety of functions with their thumbs, and there is also a notably accurate “Hey Mercedes” voice command system. 
Covering your daily commute is a 136-hp, 100 kW electric motor with the instant torque of electric motors. The 2.0-liter engine is good for 204 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, with the combined system producing 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The power is managed by a 9-speed transmission that sends power to all four wheels. It all rides on a Mercedes AIRMATIC® suspension that practically erases most road imperfections and even sizable potholes for a truly luxurious ride.
The GLC 350e PHEV best serves you when you charge at home. It can be charged by a standard household socket, but if you come home with a zero state of charge, a full recharge takes about 22 hours. Depending on your commute, an overnight charge may still get you to work and back, but the better way to go is to have a Level 2 charger at home, which will fully charge your GLC in five to six hours. You have the option to use a public DC charger if you want, which will get you from a 10 to 80 percent charge in 30 minutes, but again, being a PHEV, this is purely voluntary on your part.
A luxury SUV that runs as an EV during the week and as a hybrid on long trips is hard to beat. You are unlikely to find a vehicle better at doing everything well than the GLC 350e 4MATIC®.
The models have already entered Mercedes-Benz of Plano's vast inventory, so visit us soon to test drive the impressive GLC 350e 4MATIC® PHEV.
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