Auto Motor und Sport has tested the latest Plug-In model from Mercedes: the new Mercedes GLC 350 e. An electric engine with 115 HP supports the four-cylinder engine.
The haptic accelerator pedal is a green innovation. In the E-Mode, the heat engine does not start unless the throttle is pressed over a clearly defined pressure point. This feature allows a fully electrical drive for as much as possible.
With a full battery, the Mercedes GLC 350 e reaches an electrical range of 21 km, less than the 33 km promised by the press kit. In the Hybrid mode, the consumption figures show 4.8 l/100 km and 15 kWh. But when the battery energy is gone, the fuel consumption increases to a minimum of 7.7 l/100 km. It is not a bad value, but the GLC 250d is clearly more economical with 5.7 l/100 km.
On the other side, the hybrid propulsion offers very good dynamic behavior with very good accelerations. Pushing the kickdown, the 2.1-ton GLC 350 e sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 6 seconds.
Just like in the Mercedes S 500 e, the battery is placed behind the rear seats under the boot and this position shrinks the boot volume by 200 liters.
This is one of the few disadvantages, because the Mercedes GLC 350e offers a very good ride comfort, a top quality assembly and a very good noise insulation. The four cylinder heat engine never gives a hint of its presence even under full throttle.
The sales will start in the spring of 2016. The Mercedes GLC 350 e is the fourth Plug-In Hybrid model from Mercedes after the Mercedes S 500 e, the Mercedes GLE 500 e and the Mercedes C350 e.
Other six Plug-In models will follow in the upcoming two years, with the next one being a version based on the new E-Class.
Who understands the German language can read the full article right here.
