2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic: We Drove 103 Kilometres on Electricity Alone!

• The 2025 GLC 350e 4Matic is a luxury compact SUV with plug-in hybrid power.

• Official electric range is 87 kilometres, but we exceeded that during our test.

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This spring, we test-drove the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic. Five key figures stood out after our drive.

103 Kilometres on Electric Power Alone

As mentioned above, the GLC 350e holds the top spot for electric range among PHEVs, according to Natural Resources Canada. It surpasses the Range Rover PHEV (85 km), the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4Matic (80 km), and the Toyota Prius Prime (72 km).

In our real-world test, under what we’d call ideal spring conditions, we managed to drive 103 kilometres in all-electric mode. It’s fair to expect less range in winter, but when the weather cooperates, breaking the 100 km barrier is entirely achievable. To put that into perspective, 100 km was the total range of the old Mitsubishi i-MiEV — a fully electric car. The key difference? The GLC 350e continues to run thanks to its gasoline engine, whereas the i-MiEV required a charge after every stint.

Fuel Consumption: Only 4.9 L/100 km

After a few days behind the wheel, we covered a total of 380 kilometres. The GLC 350e’s onboard computer showed an average consumption of just 4.9 L/100 km — the same as a Honda Civic Hybrid in mixed driving. For a luxury compact SUV, that’s very impressive. With more efficient EV usage, that figure could potentially drop even lower. For comparison, Natural Resources Canada rates the GLC 350e’s combined fuel consumption at 9.4 L/100 km.

313 Horsepower and Loads of Torque

Powering the 2025 GLC 350e 4Matic is a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. Combined output is 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. While the horsepower is more than adequate, it’s the abundant torque that sets this plug-in hybrid apart. It’s not a performance SUV, but it offers a confident, lively drive that makes it enjoyable on the road.

Eligible for a $2,000 Quebec Provincial Rebate

Several luxury EVs and PHEVs qualify for Quebec’s, including the 2025 Audi Q4 45 e-tron, BMW i4, and Cadillac Optiq. The 2025 GLC 350e 4Matic is eligible for a $2,000 incentive, which slightly eases the financial burden. That said, it raises the broader question of whether public funds should support luxury vehicle purchases — a topic worth debating. The GLC is not part of the Federal Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program.

As-Tested Price: $86,625

The GLC 350e we drove had a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $64,900 but came equipped with several options, including the Exclusive package ($3,800) and the Pinnacle package ($3,700). We were particularly fond of the Silver Green Metallic paint ($950), a subtle, refreshing alternative to the usual black, white, and grey. It also came equipped with 19-inch wheels ($800), although we’d recommend downsizing to 18-inch wheels for a more comfortable ride on rougher roads.

In Summary

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic is a plug-in hybrid luxury compact SUV worth a close look. It stands out with its impressive electric range and strong torque. While the $2,000 rebate is appealing, it doesn’t take much to push the price well into the high $80K range.