After being quietly discontinued following the mid-cycle refresh of the previous generation, the Mercedes GLC Plug-in Hybrid has returned to the U.S. for the 2025 model year with big changes. The latest model makes a huge leap in practicality and addresses the serious shortcomings of the previous one, making it a formidable option for customers thinking about embracing the plug.
At the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, I got an opportunity to check out many of the latest GLC Plug-in Hybrid’s upgrades in detail, and here’s what I found out:
Exterior
The second-gen Mercedes GLC may not look nearly as bold and striking as the third-gen Audi Q5, which will eventually gain a possibly U.S.-bound plug-in hybrid variant, but it is captivating in its own right. I think its rather conventional proportions and classy design bits give it quite an alluring look.
I spent a good amount of time checking out even the tiniest bits of the new GLC Plug-in Hybrid’s exterior at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, and I found several interesting touches including the curvy headlamps, the aluminum-look trim on the running boards, and the slender tail lamps. I felt the chrome garnish on the underguard at the front and rear was a bit excessive, though, and the gloss black decor strip between the tail lamps seemed unnecessary.
Interior
I am 5’7” tall, and given the normal roofline of the all-new Mercedes GLC Plug-in Hybrid, getting in and out was effortless for me. Sitting in the driver’s seat, I did not observe any issues with all-around visibility. The steering wheel had an electrically adjustable column and felt grippy. I had sufficient headroom, and while the lumbar support was great, the under-thigh support felt okay-ish.
The modern and elegant design complements the latest GLC Plug-in Hybrid’s polished character. While I am not in favor of the growing trend of over-digitalization at the expense of ergonomics, and this Merc is no exception, I do think the minimalist approach has paid off well aesthetically in this case.
I liked how the 11.9-inch portrait central display floats over the wing-like dashboard. I also noticed how both these elements are angled towards the driver, but the tilt isn’t as overt as in rivals from Audi and BMW, keeping the cohesiveness virtually intact.
I felt the quality of materials in the all-new GLC Plug-in Hybrid was fantastic. I liked the solid feel of the paddle shifters, the tactile feedback of the AC vents when I set them back to their normal position, and the seamless integration of the touchscreen.
In the back, I sat right behind the driver’s seat, which remained in my preferred position. I had excellent legroom and plenty of knee room. The backrest was not reclinable, but its fixed angle was comfortable for me.
The under-thigh support was decent, too. With about four inches of space left between my head and the headliner, I had no complaints with the headroom either. Rear-seat passengers here get convenience features like a center armrest, two AC vents, and two USB Type-C ports.
Specifications
The new Mercedes GLC Plug-in Hybrid has a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine under the hood, linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission that works in tandem with a standard-fit all-wheel drive system. An electric motor, using energy stored in a 23.3 kWh battery pack, assists the engine. Together, the gas engine and electric motor produce 313 hp and 406 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 23.3 kWh battery pack supports DC charging at up to 60 kW, pushing customers to use their all-new GLC Plug-in Hybrid in EV mode more frequently. They can fully charge it in as little as 30 minutes and drive it up to 54 miles solely on electric power.
Price
The Mercedes GLC PHEV retails at USD 59,900 (excl. USD 1,150 destination charge).
Also See: 5 things that we observed in the Mercedes Vision One-Eleven Concept
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
