The Mercedes-Benz lineup is somewhat complicated; figuring out where each model fits can be confusing. In this case, the Mercedes GLC is a compact luxury SUV with multiple engines available. A decade ago, this model was known as the boxy, rugged GLK-Class before adopting the GLC name in 2015. We drove the GLC 350e, powered by an interesting plug-in hybrid powertrain and the promise of extended EV driving capabilities. Let's discuss what makes it stand out without further ado. Our test model had an MSRP of $81,787.50 and was built at the Bremen, Germany, plant.

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class debuted in 2022, ensuring it stayed competitive against rivals like the BMW X3, Genesis GV70, and Lexus NX. With the segment heating up, Mercedes needed to keep its compact SUV fresh, starting with its exterior styling. Its design has softened today, trading sharp edges for a more refined and approachable look, especially in Verde Silver Metallic. Rather than shouting for attention, it opts for subtlety, with the oversized three-pointed star grille as the focal point. The side profile stays true to the first-gen GLC, retaining its rounded silhouette for improved passenger space. The 19-inch wheels add a touch of sportiness, while the rear keeps things understated with slim LED taillights, black and chrome accents, and (faux) dual exhaust tips. Overall, the redesign feels more like an evolution than a revolution—refined but not radically transformed.

The Mercedes GLC 350e's cabin feels modern, highlighted by an 11.9-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. However, the steering wheel has swapped physical buttons for haptic controls—a questionable change, especially in winter when they're less intuitive. Mercedes largely retained the previous GLC's interior layout, so familiar elements remain in place: the seat controls (including heating/ventilation) are still on the door panels, the light controls sit below the driver's side air vent, and the column-mounted gear shifter stays on the right side of the steering wheel. This consistency ensures drivers upgrading from a 2019 model won't feel disoriented.

Tech-wise, everything works well. The digital gauge cluster is comprehensive and highly customizable; the same goes for the infotainment screen. Integrating climate controls into the touchscreen means losing the physical buttons, which some may miss. And if you're hunting for the heated steering wheel button, good luck! It's oddly tied to the heated seat controls rather than a standalone feature. There is also no skip track button, which is unfortunate, as there is no dedicated button on the steering wheel. On the plus side, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the optional Burmester sound system (part of the $3,700 PINNACLE trim) delivers excellent audio quality.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e upholds the brand's reputation for exceptional seat comfort, which I verified during a 2,200 km road trip with the GLC 300. Comfort remains equally impressive in this plug-in hybrid variant. The optional Macchiato Beige interior enhances the cabin's premium ambiance, while the spacious layout comfortably accommodates four adults (with the center rear seat being best suited for occasional use). Rear passengers benefit from generous headroom and legroom, practical amenities like USB-C ports, versatile cup holders in both doors and the fold-down center armrest. Families will appreciate the easily accessible ISOFIX ports, rear anchors, generous cargo area, sufficient space for four passengers' luggage, and the convenient ability to recline all or part of the rear seats directly from the trunk for added versatility.

The compact Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers four powertrain options. The entry-level GLC 300 features a mild-hybrid turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine, while our tested GLC 350e pairs the same engine with an electric motor and a 24.8 kWh battery, delivering a combined 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque through a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission (9G-Tronic). For drivers seeking higher performance, the AMG variants, the GLC 43 and GLC 63, deliver substantially more power, with outputs reaching up to 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque, catering to those prioritizing strong acceleration and dynamic driving for the hectic mornings.

During our week-long test, the GLC 350e's sizable battery provided an almost entirely electric driving experience. Mercedes claims an 87 km (54 mi) all-electric range, but we were pleasantly surprised to exceed that even in near-freezing conditions. When we had the vehicle in, we barely used the gas engine. Energy efficiency could improve; we averaged around 36 kWh/100km. A 15% reduction in consumption (without changing the battery) would significantly extend the range. The GLC 350e truly shines in its charging speed. Mercedes' engineers optimized fast-charging performance to 100%. On a 180 kw charger, we hit a peak of 61 kw and still received 31 kw at 99%, which is remarkable as most EVS slowly crawl by that point. This puts it ahead of many dedicated electric vehicles on the market. In just 25 minutes (from 23% to full), we added 80 km (49.7 mi) of range, impressive flexibility for a plug-in hybrid. The GLC 300 I drove last year was quite fuel efficient, averaging 7.5l/100km (31.4mpg), but the 350e is a step further; kudos to Mercedes-Benz for pushing the boundaries! 

The Mercedes GLC 350e prioritizes comfort over sportiness, making it a competent daily driver rather than an exciting one. The steering is light and responsive, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvers. Handling is predictable for a compact luxury SUV, with moderate body roll in corners, typical for the segment. The suspension is tuned for a plush ride, emphasizing refinement over dynamic sharpness. Acceleration is adequate, aligning with its luxury-oriented character rather than performance-focused rivals. One notable drawback is the gas engine's lack of refinement when the battery is depleted while driving in the city. The transition between electric and combustion power is less seamless than expected, especially compared to the smoother GLE 350e we tested previously. That said, EV-only mode delivers smooth, sufficient power for commuting. A standout feature is the adaptive regenerative braking, which automatically adjusts recuperation strength based on traffic ahead, thus reducing the need for frequent brake use.

Ultimately, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV excels as a comfortable, tech-savvy urban cruiser rather than a spirited driver's car. It has plenty of luxury features, a good powertrain and an excellent EV range for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. If you are looking for a comfortable and luxurious vehicle for your commute, the GLC 350e is an excellent choice, especially if you're unsure about switching to a fully electric vehicle.

Disclaimer: Mercedes-Benz has lent us this vehicle for a one-week press loan. We have no affiliation with Mercedes-Benz Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.