What defines a vehicle? That’s the question we ask here every month. This month’s challenge is a compact SUV from Mercedes-Benz.
That nameplate defines it as a luxury automobile, which the GLC 350e 4Matic lives up to in every way imaginable, from its comfy MB-Tex faux leather seats inside to the sporty Patagonia red metallic paint on the outside to powerful, but smooth driving on the road.
The 4Matic is Mercedes-speak for four-wheel drive, signaling a sophisticated system that adapts traction to any wheel that needs it. The wild card is the lower-case “e” in the 350e designation. That indicates that this new for 2025 model is a plug-in hybrid, capable of delivering 54 miles of all-electric driving when fully charged. That enables daily driving on electricity, but the 350e is also the first plug-in hybrid I’ve experienced that is also capable of accepting DC fast-charging, meaning shorter charging layovers.
Where does this GLC fit?
Locating the GLC 350e in the pantheon of Mercedes vehicles is a little daunting, but there is some logic. The “GL” indicates it is an SUV and the “C” means it’s a compact model (C for C-Class, a fairly broad size designation, not compact; B-Class is also a compact).
Among GLCs, the 350e is in the middle. Two GLC 300s are less expensive, starting at about $50,000. They feature a less-powerful version of the same 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Above the 350e are two AMG models, which have a big boost in price that comes with a significantly more powerful engine and tuned suspension.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e starts at $61,050 with destination and delivery charges. Our test version had more than $10,000 of options, including that beautiful red paintjob ($1,750), some AMG appearance pieces, including 20-inch tires and special wheels.
The Driver Assistance package ($1,950) has 15 different technology upgrades, including the advanced cruise control, blind spot assist and active brake assist. I’d recommend adding that package if you have the opportunity as the technology boosts the safety quotient of the car in a very positive way.
This version of the GLC has its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine tuned to 313 horsepower (counting a boost from the electric motor) and a substantial 406 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed transmission, which includes three overdrives, directs the power to the wheels. All-wheel drive is standard.
It seems highly unlikely this $73,450 machine would see any serious off-road activity, but it does have the chops to do it if you’re so inclined. The power is delivered evenly and on demand as you might expect in a luxury car. Be aware, though, if you’re not charging it up, the heavy GLC will only deliver about 25 mpg around town.
Before the prices scare you away, check out the deals at the local dealers. The lease offers can bring the luxurious 350e and other GLC models into the realm of affordability.
The Mercedes touch
Mercedes knows luxury. They’ve been doing it for well over a century. The compact GLC 350e SUV is only the latest iteration. In some ways it is edging toward that true luxury that is a bespoke vehicle where all of the details are customized to the owner’s taste. The 350e offers 11 color choices and six different wheel options. The interior cabin lighting offers 64 colors to choose from to fit your mood. You can design a custom drive mode that creates throttle response and suspension settings to your taste.
Of course, you can move up to the $87,000 AMG GLC 63 S E if you want a little more exclusivity along with your customization. Mercedes wants you to know, if you’ve chosen to enter the fold of the brand, they can get you what you want.
