Mercedes GLC and GLE Plug-In Hybrids Unveiled, Offer Electric-Only Range Of Up To 66 Miles

The Frankfurt Motor Show is just days away and Mercedes is getting ahead of the hubbub by unveiling the new GLC 350e 4MATIC EQ Power.

Putting aside the ridiculous name, the GLC 350e is a plug-in hybrid that features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 208 hp (155 kW / 211 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. The model is also equipped with a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers an electric motor that develops 121 hp (90 kW / 123 PS) and 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque.

This setup gives the model a combined maximum output of 315 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of up to 143 mph (230 km/h). More importantly, the GLC can travel 28-30 miles (46-49 km) on electricity alone in the New European Driving Cycle and 24-27 miles (39-43 km) according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure.

Styling wise, there isn’t much to report.  However, the model comes equipped with LED headlights, EQ badging and a rear charging port. Mercedes also said the crossover has a cargo capacity of 13.9-51 cubic feet (395-1445 liters) which is “just below that of other GLCs.”

Following its debut in Frankfurt, the GLC 350e 4MATIC EQ Power will be launched in the United States during the first half of next year.

GLE 350 de 4MATIC Offers Impressive Electric-Only Range

Besides the GLC, Mercedes introduced the GLE 350 de 4MATIC which features a more impressive plug-in powertrain. It consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, a 31.2 kWh battery pack and an electric motor. Despite these differences, the model also has a combined output of 315 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque.

That’s where the similarities end as the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes 6.8 seconds and top speed is 130 mph (210 km/h). Those numbers aren’t as impressive as the figures generated by the GLC, but the GLE has an ace up its sleeve – range. Thanks to the large battery pack, the GLE 350 de 4MATIC can travel 65.9 miles (106 km) on electricity alone in the New European Driving Cycle and 55.9-61.5 miles (90-99 km) according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure.

Also Read: 2019 Mercedes GLE Detailed – More Tech, More Space, More Everything

The crossover also has a special “rear end design and a modified rear axle” that help to create room for the battery pack. This helps the model to have a cargo capacity of up to 67.6 cubic feet (1915 liters).

The GLE 350 de 4MATIC won’t be coming to America, but Mercedes plans to have “well over” 20 plug-in hybrid models in 2020.