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Overview

With a redesign in 2016, Mercedes-Benz brought its small SUV closer in line with its other models. In its transition from GLK to GLC, the vehicle gained new levels of luxury and car-like refinement. Those are still the strong points of this year's model, which represents a unique Mercedes-Benz take on the small luxury SUV. The 350e takes it a step further, offering a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo + plug-in hybrid electric motor.

Drive and Handling

The GLC 350e pairs the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine as the GLC 300 with an advanced 85kW plug-in hybrid electric motor. This hybrid offers multiple recharge methods, including enhanced radar-based regenerative braking. With intelligent use of electrical power, the 350e can put out a combined 315 hp and launch from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds.

Features

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a five-door, five-seat small luxury SUV. The GLC 350e is on sale now, priced starting from $49,990.**

Befitting a Mercedes-Benz, the GLC 350e offers a generous amount of standard equipment. Some of the highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, wood trim, 14-way power driver’s seat, power liftgate, dual-zone automatic control, infotainment system with central controller and a 7-inch display, Bluetooth®, and dual USB ports.

Optional features include panorama roof, LED ambient lighting, cabin fragrance system, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, rear window sunshades, navigation, voice control, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, head-up display, and a Burmester® premium audio system, among other features.

Design

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e debuted for the 2016 model year as a replacement for the GLK and embarked on a completely different styling direction in the process. Whereas the GLK, with its boxy, upright styling, was modeled on traditional SUVs, the GLC 350e is more car-like. Its smooth surfaces, side sculpting, and front fascia seem to borrow a bit from the current C-Class sedan.

Mercedes-Benz interior styling is currently among the best in the business, and the GLC 350e is a good example of its handiwork. The dashboard is cleanly designed, and the center console curves in a way that is pleasing both aesthetically and ergonomically. A bevy of round vents adds some character to the cabin. GLC models also use the automaker's latest infotainment controller, which combines a touchpad and rotary knob.

The interior is spacious as well as good-looking. The GLC 350e boasts generous headroom—37.8 inches upfront and 38.5 inches for the rear row. Cargo space is a generous 17.6 cubic feet with the rear bench seat up and 56.5 cubic feet with the seat folded. A 40/20/40 split-fold gives owners more flexibility.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e includes adaptive braking technology, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, Pre-Safe® pre-collision system, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Attention Assist®, Crosswind Assist, and seven airbags. Optional equipment includes DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist, blind spot assist, lane keep assist, Pre-Safe® Brake with Pedestrian Recognition, Parktronic, and a surround-view camera system.

Alternate options

If you’re looking for something with a little more muscle, check out the AMG® GLC 43 and AMG GLC 63. These two options bring the legendary capabilities of AMG models to the SUV class. The GLC 43 and 63 both offer more than just more power, though. AMG engineers tuned virtually every aspect of these models, including adjusting the all-wheel-drive system to send more power to the rear wheels. The transmission and Air Body Control adaptive suspension system also received more performance-oriented tuning. AMG Dynamic Select allows the driver to select from five drive programs on the go.

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* Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Actual vehicle price may vary by Dealer.

Image: Mercedes-Benz