The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 e and GLE
300 e Coupe have been launched in Thailand, priced at 3.79 million baht and 4.09 million baht respectively. Both plug-in hybrid SUVs
are in AMG Dynamic trim, and they are the fifth Mercedes PHEV model to debut after
the C-, E-, S- and GLE-Class.
To quickly recap, the GLC 300 e is
primarily powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, producing
211 PS at 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm from 1,200 to 4,000 rpm. An electric motor which
makes 122 PS and 440 Nm is married to the engine, offering a combined
system output of 320 PS and 700 Nm.
A nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
transmission with 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard, with the former torque
converter featuring an integrated lockup clutch as a starting device, as well
as an additional clutch between the combustion engine and electric motor for
all-electric driving. It takes just 5.7 seconds for the GLC 300 e to sprint
from zero to 100 km/h, while the top speed is 230 km/h. However, the max top
speed in pure electric mode is 130 km/h.
A 13.5 kWh battery pack is fitted,
providing between 39 and 43 km of pure electric range. In regular hybrid mode,
the fuel consumption rating is said to be between 2.5 to 2.2 litres per 100 km
(based on the WLTP cycle), and CO2 emissions are between 57 and 51 grammes per
km. Charging requires five hours when plugged into a conventional domestic
power socket, but the automaker says the battery can be fully charged in 1.5
hours with a 7.4 kW wallbox.
In Thailand, the GLC 300 e goes against
the Volvo XC60 T8, which is its only PHEV rival in the segment. The Swedish SUV
boasts a Twin Engine setup, featuring a 2.0 litre Drive-E petrol engine and a
rear-mounted electric motor to deliver 407 hp and 640 Nm of torque, enough for
a 0-100 km/h sprint of 5.3 seconds. The XC60 T8 is more attractively priced,
from 3.59 million baht to 3.79 million baht.
