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 and 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 and 440 Nm of torque.
This setup gives the model a combined maximum output
of 315 hp and 700 Nm of torque. This enables the
crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, before
hitting a top speed of up to 230 km/h. More importantly, the GLC can
travel 46-49 km on electricity alone in the New European Driving
Cycle and 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 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.
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 and 700 Nm of torque.
That’s where the similarities end as the dash to 100 km/h takes 6.8 seconds and top speed is 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 106 km on electricity alone in the New
European Driving Cycle and 90-99 km according to the
Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure.
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 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.
