Sporty, Posh, and Charged: Hybrid Mercedes-Benz and Honda SUVs Driven!

It’s not often that the CariCarz.com Editorial Team gets the chance to test-drive two somewhat similar products from two different segments simultaneously. That’s exactly what unfolded for us recently when we found ourselves sampling both the Mercedes-Benz GLC300e Coupe and Honda HR-V e:HEV RS over the same weekend.

Though we are moving towards a fully-electrified era, it seems hybrid petrol-electric powertrains as primed in these two SUVs have found their footing once more amongst consumers. Certainly, we reckon their respective price tags, made tempting by the fact that both are locally assembled (CKD), plays a huge part too.

Both our English and BM editorial teams have put both cars through their paces through a weekend’s worth of driving recently. From what we’ve garnered, it’s safe to say that prospects eyeing up either cars are in for a treat. Allow us to digress further...

Pekan’s Stylish & Peppy Plug-in

Though not the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to roll out of the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) CKD plant in Pekan, Pahang, it certainly is the newest and, arguably, the most stylish, yet. Replacing the non-hybrid GLC300 Coupe offered prior, this is definitely a step up from said predecessor.

In terms of style, this electrified redux of Merc’s coupe-style SUV has it by the bucket loads. Apart from that striking and sporty roofline, there’s the AMG Line exterior kit to bask in, with headlines such as the massive 20-inch AMG alloy wheels and distinct ‘Diamond Pin’ grille.

The real magic, of course, lies in the electrified tech this SUV packs. The 13.5 kWh battery mounted in the rear takes just 90 minutes to fully recharge using a dedicated wallbox charger, and it powers a hybrid electric motor system that offers up to 43 KM of guilt-free and rather sublime all-electric drive.

Ran out of juice? Fret not as there’s still a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cyl petrol mill present which, together with the aforementioned  leccy system, delivers a combined output of 315 HP and 700 NM. Managed by a 9-speed automatic and trick all-wheel-drive setup, 0-100 KM/H is despatched in just 5.7 seconds.

Inside, the GLC300e Coupe sports all the plush, finest bits the three-point star marque is renowned for, with a dash of sportiness here too. There’s also Merc’s connectivity-driven tech present like the novel Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) voice-command suite that, effectively, lets you ‘talk’ to the car.

Simply put, this Merc isn’t just a pretty thing to look at, its plush innards also make it quite the place to be in, more so when it’s propelled silently in electric drive. Sure, this may not be the sharpest thing around to thrash in, but the high levels of comfort and number high-tech kit it boasts holds a serious draw.

Pagoh’s Electrified Mass Appeal

Like the GLC300e Coupe, the Honda HR-V e:HEV RS also shares a few common themes. It’s the sole electrified offering in its segment, and it’s also a locally-built product, albeit made further down south of the Peninsular at the Honda Malaysia plant in Pagoh, Malacca.

Size and price difference aside, this Honda doesn’t require any plugging-in as it harnesses Honda’s unique i-MMD hybrid setup instead. Similar to the City Hatchback e:HEV RS model we test-drove recently, it also has a strong dependency in generating and utilising electric power.

Depending on the driving situation, you’ll either get 104 HP and 127 NM, or 129 HP and a meatier 253 NM, the former from the 1.5-litre nat-asp 4-cyl, the latter from the hybrid electric motor. Either way, said outputs drive the front wheels via a CVT automatic transmission that felt pretty smooth.

Unlike the PHEV Merc, the Honda’s i-MMD setup truly takes the fuel economy game into another realm, with Honda claiming a 4.1 litres/100 KM average. And you’re getting that frugality delivered in a compact crossover SUV that’s decked out with – ironically – Honda’s sportiest and plushest trims, both inside and out.

On board, this Honda’s innards may not look or feel as ‘rich’ as the Merc’s, but it’s definitely the most practical and versatile of any crossover SUV in the market right now – regardless of size. It’s also loaded with plenty of tech, headlined by the Honda Sensing advanced driver assistance (ADAS) suite primed in full swing.

All in, the appeal held by this electrified compact crossover SUV with the masses is evidently clear, especially considering the all the sporty and posh styling, versatile practicality, and both the electrified and near-autonomous driving tech primed at the price it commands.

Rightly-Priced Duo?

Evidently, what really makes these two work in their respective and ever-competitive segments are the prices each command. In the Merc’s case, there’s enough style, performance, and advanced tech present not just to shame the bulk of its rivals, but also make its RM398,888 asking price a worthy investment.

The same can be said about the Honda we tested alongside it. While the RM140,800 figure it’s tagged at as the range-topper in its line-up seems sizable, the returns through nearly-unrivalled electrified frugality, high-tech safety, and overall versatility, all work towards justifying said figure for most.

We’ll have a more in-depth look at both cars through stand-alone test-drive reports right here at CariCarz.com in the coming weeks. Also, look out for more content featuring both cars through the CariCarz.com Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok pages too…