In addition to introducing the brand-new 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has also just unveiled the GLC350e, a new version of the aging GLC.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV model, which is locally assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang, is currently available for purchase from RM398,888 on road. It comes with two warranties: an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty and a four-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
The GLC350e, which will now be the only model in the vehicle’s variant lineup in Malaysia, will cost RM20,000 more than the GLC300. The main difference between the two models is obviously the powerunit.
Sourced from the C350e and the E350e, the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine and electric motor setup in the new GLC350e‘s plug-in hybrid combines to produce 313 horsepower and 550 Nm of total system output. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 6.7 seconds, and maxes out with a top speed of 218 km/h.
With its 31.2 kWh battery pack, the GLC350e can travel 131 km on pure electricity, according to the carmaker. There is no DC fast charging capability unlike the E350e, and AC charging at 11 kW takes around two hours to top up fully.
Aside from the new powertrain, the rest of the model’s equipment has largely been carried over from the outgoing GLC300. Key standard exterior features include 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG line exterior, Digital Light LED high-performance headlamps, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, electrically folding exterior mirrors, underbody protection, and polished aluminium roof rails.
Inside, the SUV features the same AMG Line kit as the GLC300 which includes an AMG Line steering wheel, AMG Line interior, Artico man-made leather upholstery, power driver seat with memory function, power front passenger seat with memory function, sun protection package, ambient lighting with projection of brand logo, 11.9-inch central display, 12.3-inch driver display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MBUX Augmented reality for navigation, and a powered tailgate.
Unfortunately, the new GLC350e’s trunk size has been drastically reduced to just 490 litres due to the bulging boot floor, which was necessary to make room for the hybrid powertrain.
The enhanced driver assistance functions represent the largest equipment upgrade with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features including autonomous emergency braking, Distronic adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane centering assist, blind spot monitor with collision prevention, and front and rear cross-traffic alert with auto brake.
In addition, it has seven airbags as standard, including a driver’s knee airbag, and the Parking Package with 360° cameras and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
With its sharp new look, revised tech, more efficient powertrain and a competitive price, the new GLC350e certainly ups the ante in the luxury SUV segment. And the fact that it’s locally assembled helps to keep the price down.