Mercedes GLC hybrid test

In recent years, the battle has been engaged by car manufacturers against CO2 emissions with the optimization of consumption. Les constructeurs mettent en pratique une armada de technologies afin d’optimiser les rendements : récupération d’énergie au freinage, gestion électronique affinée ou bien « Stop & Start ».

If these technologies can give beneficial results on performance, other manufacturers like Mercedes opt for rechargeable hybrid technology.

Pourvue de deux motorisations (thermique & électrique) et d’une puissante batterie, la Mercedes GLC 350E PLUG IN HYBRID fait son entrée dans le club très fermé des SUV rechargeables.

Consequently, what direction can the implementation of a 211 hp petrol 4 -cylinder have the implementation of an electric motor which extracts a power of 327 hp in a family with a family vocation?

The quest for pleasure simply, an excellent opportunity for our team to discover this survivor SUV.

Design:

For aerodynamic performance reasons, hybrid and electric vehicles often adopt a very questionable design.

Fortunately, this is not the case for this GLC Plug-in Hybrid which retains the simple and dynamic lines which feed on the SUV spirit of the beautiful neighborhoods!

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

Besides, at first glance, nothing suggests that this vehicle can operate on electricity, apart from the recharging hatch hidden in the corner of the rear shield on the passenger side side.

As such, the integration of this electric base into the body is really successful, only the code name 350th and the front wings which are stamped with the blue "Plug-in hybrid" logo betray the motorization of the vehicle.

Nevertheless, our 350th version is differentiated by electric blue brake calipers as well as a subtle blue mask at the level of the optical blocks they of the most beautiful effect.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

Our test version in its sportline execution has standard AMG Pack Exterior comprising: the AMG body kit with front and rear skirts as well as specific rocker panels, the chrome diamond grille and the 19 inch alloy rims.

Note that our test car was equipped with the optional 20 -inch surmount (multi -branch rims with 255/45/20 pirelli scorpion verde tire).

To conclude this chapter, we will say that success on stylistic plan seems to us.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

Without getting into the ostentatious, this hybrid plug-in version in its sportline execution claims a certain touch of sportiness, while retaining a very homogeneous and flavored set of taste.

VIE A BORD :

In the habitable, the GLC plug-in hybridize rigorously the presentation as well as the principles of ergonomics applied to the other GLCs of the range.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

On this electrified version, stab or speed lever with a specific design as is often the case on hybrid variations in other manufacturers.

The only difference with the other models in the GLC range lies in the presentation of the odometer which adopts a specific display by relaying the information level of the battery and the driving mode.

When the vehicle is switched on, the odometer turns into a color screen with the display of the "hybrid plug-in" inscription, a sort of small curb to greet the master of the premises.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

Particularity exclusively specific to the Sportline version, the Sport steering wheel with flat facilitates handling and includes the main commands (cruise control, radio, GSM).

The central console concentrates all useful commands (air conditioning, telephone, radio, etc..), in this way ergonomics is neat and avoids looking for or being wrong during manipulations.All orders are well arranged and remains relatively simple to apprehend.

Thanks to its SUV design, GLC benefits from a high seat and therefore very easy to access the front and back.

The driving position is beyond excellent, this is one of the highlights of GLC.In addition, long distances do not generate fatigue thanks to a seat of seat located fairly close to the floor.

Finally the beautiful amplitude of flying adjustment gives the possibility of spreading the legs more without harming the dominant position on the road.

The Mercedes GLC also offers generous habitability both at the front and at the rear, as well as a globally successful soundproofing, a very appreciable point when a vehicle can drive in 100 % electric.

In terms of habitability, the GLC 350th is relatively welcoming, with a vast interior and which imposes no sacrifice in the rear seats.Consequently, passengers in rank 2 will travel in excellent conditions.

On the other hand at the trunk, the lithium-ion battery located under the floor of the luggage compartment inexorably ampute the capacity of the trunk.

On this point the sanction falls with a capacity of 350 dm3 to 1,445 dm3 for our hybrid plug-in version against 550 dm3 at 1,600 dm3 on the other GLCs of the range.

Nevertheless given the shape of the trunk, the 350 dm3 are easily exploitable.

EQUIPEMENT :

Three levels of finish revolves around the hybrid plug-in version, namely: the entry-level executive finish, the posh finish fascination via the sportsline sporty version that occupies us here.

The sportline finish has standard interior AMG-line pack which integrates: the specific artico/dinamica upholstery with contrasting stitching, the NAPPA 3-branched sport steering wheel, the Sports Sport in stainless steel and the pavilion sky in black fabric.

Note that our test version had LED projectors (option at 750 euros).Associated with the road lights assistant function (option at 150 euros), the lighting system automatically switch from code to headlight depending on the brightness and when a vehicle is within reach of the headlights.

Objectively pretty lotie, the sportline finish nevertheless requires putting its hands in the pocket to enjoy a GLC 350th up to its status.

Indeed, we can detect a few shortcomings of equipment, such as the reversing camera or the seats with electric settings with memory function.

The star manufacturer preferred to opt for a "ultra competitive" equipment policy to better capture the societies by lightening the basic price of this hybrid version.

Conclusion, metallic paint, reversing camera or seats with electric settings remain options.

MOTORISATION :

Under the hood of this 350E badged version, the powertrain is made up of a 4 -cylinder turbocharger 4 -cylinder engine delivering 211 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm and a hybrid module developing 116 hp (85 kW) and a torque of350 Nm.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

Note that the electric motor draws its power from an 8.7 kW/h lithium-ion battery.

The cumulative power reaches the trifle of 327 hp, only the 43 AMG version displays a higher power with its 367 hp.

In 100 % electric mode, the GLC 350th allows you to reach a maximum speed of 140 km/h of which to sail serenely on the quick and highway tracks.

At more high speed or on steep slopes, the Hybrid plug-in GLC automatically goes into thermal mode.

From a simple impulse from an order located at the central console, the driver can choose between different driving modes:

En mode « HYBRID » :

By default at startup, the petrol engine and the electric motor operate in symbiosis in a completely automated way.You then benefit from maximum autonomy, with consumption of fuel and extremely reduced CO2 emissions.

The Hybrid program automatically selects the type of training with a driving in electric mode as often as possible.Under these conditions, the battery load decreases and only represents approximately 12 % of its total load.

In order to maintain this level of charge, the electrical power is then reduced.All the functions of vehicles such as: electric mode, energy recovery or the Booster effect remains available.

The driver can thus select the Hybrid mode allowing to combine the power of the petrol engine and that of the electric motor simultaneously, ideal for making safe overruns.

Ainsi, la puissance cumulée de 327 ch permet de plier l’exercice du 0 à 100 km/h en seulement 5,9 secondes et d’atteindre une vitesse maxi communiquée par le constructeur à 235 km/h.

Result at full load, the Booster function literally catapults the SUV and makes it possible to carry out overruns in complete.

Under these conditions, the energy of the heat and electrical engine provides performance close to that which can be expected from a 327 hp car.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

By way of comparison, the Mercedes GLC AMG 43 4Matic Strong 367 horsepower achieves the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds or one second less.While the 250 high 4Matic version of 211 hp requires 7.3 seconds to carry out the exercise, 1.4 seconds more than our electrified version.

Finally, the transmission reaches a 7-speed automatic transmission (7g-tronic) which distills a real operating approval combining softness and performance.

En mode « E-MODE » :

By selecting e-mode mode, ideal for daily journeys, only the electric motor works.You can thus enjoy moving in more royal silence over a theoretical distance of 34 kilometers without the slightest exhaust emission.

Recall that the maximum speed in electric mode is 140 km/h.In addition, we have not noted any problem in 100 % electric driving on highways at legal speeds 110/130 km/h, the game being to reasonably dose the accelerator pedal at the risk of triggering the thermal function.

34 kilometers that is good, because it is precisely the distance I have to travel daily to get to the editorial office.

My daily journey is made up of 8 kilometers of fast tracks limited to 90 km/h and the rest of the journey, the remaining 8 kilometers are made of agglomeration at 50 km/h with the satanous daily traffic jams of the Ile de France (thank you atGrand Paris project…).

In fact, we managed to travel a distance of only 24 kilometers in 100 % electric mode.The 34 kilometers therefore seem to us to be difficult to reach and despite our various battery charges, the autonomy indicated in electric mode only displayed 29 kilometers of autonomy at the start ...

In conclusion for zero emission mode, the autonomy of the 34 kilometers indicated by the German manufacturer does not seem to us to be achievable imposing to recharge very regularly the Lithium-ion battery.

En mode « E-SAVE » :

This configuration allows an electric mode or with the heat engine.The current battery level level is maintained in order to use electrical energy later.

En mode « Charge » :

The vehicle only works via the heat engine and driving in electric mode is impossible to recharge the battery during vehicle walking.

Ravitaillement :

True specificity of the model, this hybrid GLC has an 8.7 kW/h lithium-ion battery.This battery provides the energy necessary for the 116 hp electric motor.

In addition, the battery can recharge in different ways:

By recovery of energy during walking, if you remove the foot from the accelerator pedal during walking, the pushed energy recovery is then activated.

The engine is used as a thrust alternator and during the braking phases.

The technology transforms the kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy and accumulates it in the high voltage battery.

By the heat engine in load mode during the vehicle step.

Finally by stationary mode on a sector outlet using the loading module.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

The battery load is then possible on a nominal voltage range ranging from 100V to 240V.You can verify the battery load status on the display of the energy flow of the on -board computer.

Obviously, the charging time depends on the power supply system.

Also, in order to carry out this test, we have recharged our hybrid GLC on different types of electrical infrastructure (Home electrical installation, office and on a specific charging station for electric vehicles).

On a specific charging station for charging time is estimated at 2 hours by the manufacturer (from 20 % to 100 %), it took us 2h15 to recharge the battery to block.

Significant advantage: these charging stations also offer the interest of being able to park on these places dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles and also to recharge on certain free terminals.

Note that there are several applications for smartphones that list the electrical terminals around you.

The building of our editorial staff is equipped by an electrical installation of type 8A/230V, it took us no less than 4:30 to completely recharge the battery (4:15 from 20 % to 100 % depending on the manufacturer data).

Finally, the domestic electrical installation where the required recharging an electrical connection lasting about 6 hours (installation in 6 kVA).

You should know that most car manufacturers recommend the use of a wallbox which generally allows 16A.This results in reduced charge times of a third -party area, which is not negligible.

On the other hand, the other particularity of such equipment is safety compared to a simple domestic socket due to integrated protection devices.

Regarding the recharging of this battery, a load module comes with the car.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

It is therefore enough to connect this module to your power outlet and link it to the loading base hidden in the vehicle hatch.Note that this module also offers the possibility of selecting the load voltage according to your electrical installation.

Finally, the vehicle has a petrol fuel tank with a capacity of 50 liters, 16 liters less than the GLC 250 4Matic version.

In terms of security, it should be noted that GLC has overvoltage protection.In the event of a violent thunderstorm, this protection device can start and thus trigger the building security system as well as an interruption of the charge process.

To recharge nothing easier, simply open the hatch located in the rear bumper of the vehicle, under the optical block.All you have to do is plug the module into the car of the car and voila.

The base of the car has a light signal which indicates to you depending on the color of the LED if the battery is being loaded or is loaded (LED green flashing The car recharges, LED green fixed The battery is fullyloaded).

Note that the Wallbox Type 2 cable is available as an option for 300 euros.Two lengths are also available in the catalogs 4 meters or 8 meters.

TO DRIVE :

Having regard to its performance, the dynamic qualities of this GLC had to be royal.In worthy Mercedes, this SUV perpetuates the tradition of serene behavior and great rolling comfort.On a fast track, hybrid GLC offers first -rate, safe and agile road behavior.The long wheelbase and the wide a car routes allow good stability in turns.

The importance of the mass is explained by the fact that at the weight of the battery, it is necessary to add that of the electric motor, in total this Mercedes GLC hybrid plug-in accuses 2,025 kg on the scale is 290 kg more thanThe 250 4Matic version of 211 hp.

Suspension comfort has literally seduced us, preserving the occupants an excellent level of amortization.Whatever the type of route borrowed, our test vehicle has always been very comfortable.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

The management in sport mode offers a good precision, which allows the car to react with a rare fidelity to the driver's injunctions.

Only the braking system is put to the test by the 2 tonnes of the machine;Even if the stop distances are reasonable the overweight generated by the batteries is still noticeable.

Comme tous les GLC de la gamme, cette version 350^E profite de la transmission 4MATIC, nous n’avons jamais relevé de perte d’adhérence, même avec l’abondance de puissance en mode booster et les routes quelques peu glissantes en cette période automnale.

BUDGET :

Here is one of the most sensitive subjects not to say crucial when you are about to choose a hybrid technology vehicle.

Mercedes GLC 350th Plug-in Hybrid

Proposed from 55,950 euros in executive finish or 57,500 euros for this sportline finish, the GLC takes a 2016 ecological bonus of 1,000 euros.What delight accountants who will not pay any TVs for 8 quarters which is far from negligible.

The icing on the cake, because it is a hybrid vehicle we therefore escape the costs of almost registration certificate (certificate registration billed at 2.76 euros).

En termes de consommation, sur un parcours mixte en respectant scrupuleusement les limitations de vitesses en mode Hybrid,nous avons réalisé une consommation moyenne de 7,2 l/100 Km soit des valeurs nettement supérieures à celles revendiquées par le constructeur (2,6 l/100 km en cyle mixte).As a reminder on the same type of journey we had signed during our test of the GLC 250 4Maticune Average consumption of 10.9 l/km.

Use the GLC Plug-in Hybrid turns out to be a good deal, especially for diesel refractories.

Nevertheless, it should be recalled that we had made an average consumption on the same type of course of the order of 6 l/100 km with the Diesel version 250D 4 MATIC.

On a classic subscription for domestic use, the KWH rate is currently around 9 cents (excluding taxes and contribution based on an EDF October 2016 rate).

On the other hand, on small daily journeys (less than 30 km) and in 100 % electric mode, the cost of using this GLC 350th should fill the most demanding economics with an electric charging cost estimated at around 1 euro.

Read the conclusion of the Mercedes GLC 350th hybrid test