Mercedes GLC 300 e plug-in hybrid SUV price announced

• Plug-in hybrid GLC 300 e range starts from £49,687
• 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 143mph
• Petrol electric powertrain capable of up to 117.7mpg

The Mercedes GLC 300 e, a plug-in hybrid version of its mid-size SUV, is on sale now in both SUV and coupe forms. Prices for the GLC 300 e start at £49,687, while the GLC 300 e Coupe costs £52,562. First deliveries are expected in the summer.

The car is Mercedes’ 20th electrified model in a range that includes hybrids and the fully electric EQC SUV. The GLC 300 e’s petrol and electric powertrain is borrowed from the E-class hybrid. This uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 153bhp and an electric motor producing 120bhp.

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The electric range of 29 miles is thanks to a 13.5KWh battery, which can be charged at home on a 7.4kW wallbox in under two hours. The car claims an official economy figure of 117.7mpg and emits 54g/km of CO2, but bear in mind that all these figures are from the old NEDC test, so will be difficult to achieve in real life.

The GLC 300 e can travel at speeds of up to 81mph on electric power alone. Power is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The car can do 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 143mph.

There are four trim levels offered to GLC 300 e buyers: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and AMG Line Ultimate. The entry-level AMG Line model is fitted with 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, a leather sports steering wheel, AMG exterior styling and AMG sports seats upholstered in artificial leather.

AMG Line Premium trim includes 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 12.3-inch digital cockpit, augmented reality sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging and ambient lighting.

The AMG Line Premium Plus trim level represents an increase of just under £4,000. For this, buyers get a model-specific 20-inch alloy wheel design, a sliding sunroof on the coupe or a panoramic sunroof on the SUV, keyless entry, electric front seats and steering column, and a Burmester sound system.

The range-topping AMG Line Ultimate adds a further £2,745 to the list price. It comes with a 20-inch AMG alloy wheel design and air suspension.

The appearance of the 300 e falls in line with the rest of the recently revised GLC range but the hybrid powertrain does have an impact on practicality; boot capacity is reduced by almost a third to 395 litres. Towing capacity is rated at 2,000 kg.

The GLC 300 e has been launched alongside the larger GLE 350 de, making a 20-strong range of electrified Mercedes for buyers in 2020.

Read our review of the Mercedes GLC for more information or see how it compares to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5.