New Mercedes-Benz GLC350e PHEV Announced For US Market

European-spec second-gen GLC PHEV pictured. The newly announced GLC350e version is expected to look similar when it goes on sale in North America first this year.

The second-generation (X254) Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover SUV range for the North American market is set to grow with the addition of a new GLC350e PHEV variant, reports multiple American automotive news sites.

Set to hit American showrooms in the second half (H2) of this year, this new PHEV choice joins alongside the sole GLC300 mild-hybrid (MHEV) variant Mercedes-Benz offers its American buyers. Availability in other markets remains uncertain, but we reckon the GLC350e will soon be offered in other markets where the C350e PHEV sedan is already on sale – i.e. ours.

European model pictured. Presently, much like many other markets, the second-gen GLC (X254) is offered solely in GLC300 MHEV form in North America.

Recently launched in Malaysia is the W206-gen C350e PHEV sedan. The GLC350e is set to share the same powertrain as said saloon.

That’s because underneath, the GLC350e shares the same petrol-electric powertrain setup as seen in the electrified W206 C-Class variant mentioned. It sees the familiar 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol lump being augmented with an added electric motor and a 24.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, altogether outputting 313 HP and 550 NM.

Drive goes to all four wheels via 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) and a 9-speed automatic box, promising 0-60 MPH (96 KM/H) in 6.6 seconds whilst V-max is electronically capped at 217 KM/H. Crucially, the PHEV system also grants up to 130 KM of EV driving range, whilst the battery can be re-charged via both 11 kW AC and 60 kW DC inputs.

The GLC350e will see three guises available in North America, each offer distinctively different level of luxury too.

For North America, the GLC350e will see three trimlines available, with higher-end versions boasting premium additions like heat- and noise-insulating glass, Merc’s novel “digital lights” module, and video streaming capability. Standard across the board is a self-levelling suspension, Mercedes’ signature digital displays, digital key, and wireless charging pad, amongst others.

Locally assembled (CKD) X254 GLC300 4Matic AMG Line (top) is priced at RM469,888, where as the fully imported (CBU) C254 GLC300 4Matic Coupe AMG Line (bottom) commands RM469,888 instead.

Closer to home, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) offers the second-gen GLC (X254) and GLC Coupe (C254) solely in GLC300 4Matic and GLC300 4Matic Coupe forms, both in AMG Line guise too. Only the former is currently locally assembled (CKD), commanding RM378,888. The latter coupe-roofed twin remains as a fully imported (CBU) offering for now priced at RM469,888.