Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC350e a Good PHEV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons

With the ability to travel at least short distances on electric power before switching to gas, a plug-in hybrid can be an appealing choice for drivers thinking of going electric but not quite yet ready to quit their gasoline habit completely. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e is one of the better plug-in luxury compact SUVs you can buy, delivering the upscale ambiance expected from the automaker along with a longer electric driving range than the competing Lexus NX 450h+ and Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid.

Related: 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e Review: Use It or Lose It

A new addition to the lineup for 2025, the GLC350e rolls with a 23.3-kilowatt-hour battery paired with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for improved efficiency over the gas-only GLC300. Fast-charging capability adds to the appeal, combined with enough juice to handle most daily commutes or day-to-day errands. Beyond that, it’s all Mercedes-Benz, with the requisite luxuriously appointed cabin and comfortable driving experience. The GLC350e continues for 2026 with minor trim changes.

Cars.com West Coast Bureau Chief Conner Golden spent a week with a GLC350e to see what it’s like to live with in the real world. Tap the link above to read his expert review. Read on for a quick look at five things we like about the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e and two things we don’t.

Things We Like

1. Usable Electric Range

With an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 54 miles on electric power, some GLC350e drivers may be able to avoid burning any gasoline at all. That’s more than double the range of an Audi Q5 e and almost 20 miles more than the NX 450h+. To maximize efficiency, its default is to stay in EV mode as long as the battery is sufficiently charged, all the way up to a maximum electric speed of 87 mph.

2. Fast Charger

A manufacturer-claimed DC fast-charging rate of 60 kilowatts enables the GLC350e to go from a 10% charge to 80% in 30 minutes. Keeping the battery charged is key for drivers interested in maximum efficiency, as both fuel economy and cruising range take a big hit without the added electric boost.

3. Potent Package

Combining a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 23.3-kWh battery, the GLC300e is good for a total system output of 313 horsepower and an impressive 406 pounds-feet of torque. That’s more than enough grunt for effortless highway merging and passing and a claimed 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds.

4. Smooth Mover

Once the battery is depleted, transition to gasoline power is seamless and without the added noise, vibration and drama of some plug-in powertrains. The engine is well isolated and no more noticeable going about its business than the gasoline-only GLC300. The nine-speed automatic transmission is well suited to the powertrain, delivering smooth, seamless shifts, while two levels of regenerative braking help maximize range without being overly aggressive.

5. Mercedes-Benz Goodness

The cabin is stylish and modern while also serving up traditional Mercedes-Benz design cues and a quality, upscale look with rich-looking wood and high-end leather upholstery. Virtually identical to the cabin in the gas-powered GLC300, tech features include a configurable high-res 12.3-inch instrument display and an 11.9-inch center infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Things We Don’t Like

1. Reduced Cruising Range

The plug-in GLC300e gives up nothing to its gasoline-only counterpart in terms of power or refinement, but loses quite a bit in cruising range. A smaller 13-gallon fuel tank means no more than 370 miles of highway cruising, considerably less than the 539 miles of range Mercedes-Benz claims for the GLC300 and its 17.4-gallon fuel tank.

2. Make Sure to Plug In

With a usable electric-only driving range and fast-charging capability, the GLC300e will undoubtedly make sense for some buyers. But a word of caution: That only applies if those buyers are committed to making the most of the hybrid battery and keeping it charged. With the gasoline engine operating, fuel economy drops to just 25 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. Combined with its reduced cruising range on gasoline power, that can be hard to justify the GLC300e’s price premium over the gas model.

More From Cars.com:

• 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e Review: Use It or Lose It
• 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB250 Review: It’s All About Expectations
• 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e Review: The Shallow End of the EV Pool
• Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks to Open EV Charging Network Along West Coast
• Shop for a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e
• Add Cars.com as a Preferred Source on Google

Related Video:

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.