Auto Shows2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e gets bigger battery, added power

Mercedes showed its commitment to an electrified future by launching the electric EQ sub-brand and is proliferating that technology with a planned lineup of several EVs. Along with refreshed styling and upgraded features, the 2020 GLC-class adds a new and improved plug-in-hybrid model.

© Mercedes-Benz The plug-in compact crossover has snazzier styling, longer all-electric range, and enhanced tech.

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The GLC350e enjoys all the same enhancements as the gas-powered models, which include a snazzier appearance and Mercedes's latest MBUX infotainment. However, the most significant improvements are applied to its battery, charging system, and powertrain.

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Mercedes - Benz on Sunday unveiled the 2020 GLC 350 e EQ Power plug-in hybrid. The PHEV carries the same adjustments as every other 2020 GLC-Class That gets mated to an electric motor, and the two combine to put out a sufficiently meaty 315 hp and 516 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a

Refreshed for the 2020 model year, the GLC 350 e gets the mid-cycle facelift introduced for the regular versions of the premium crossover back in March at The cosmetic tweaks might not tempt you into buying one, but the changes are actually skin deep considering the 2020 GLC 350 e 4Matic EQ Power

Mercedes replaces the old 8.7-kWh battery pack with a larger 13.5-kWh unit that the automaker says will increase the GLC350e's all-electric driving range. While the 2019 version had an EPA-rated electric range of nine miles, the agency hasn't released an estimate for the 2020 model. Still, the Mercedes crossover will compete with plug-in rivals such as the upcoming BMW X3 xDrive30e, which is also awaiting EPA certification but has a similar electric driving range according to the optimistic European cycle.

The plug-in GLC also benefits from a new 7.4-kW onboard charger that increases the system's charging capacity versus the previous 3.6-kW setup. Mercedes says the 2020 GLC350e can fully recharge its battery in seven hours and 45 minutes using a Level 1 (120-volt) charger and replenish 80 percent of its battery in as little as two hours and 15 minutes with a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

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Bigger battery means longer electric range. Mercedes - Benz fills that gap today, as it digitally unveils the 350 e coinciding with its official debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. For 2020 , the entire GLC range including the 350 e gets a host of upgraded standard features.

The GLC 350 e is one of two hybrid crossovers in Mercedes showrooms, offered in addition to the big -brother GLE 550e. Using the same basic architecture of its traditionally powered GLC 300 brother, the 350 e deploys a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four.

The GLC350e continues to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, but it trades the outgoing seven-speed automatic transmission for a new nine-speed automatic. The latter features a torque converter, enhanced clutches, and improved cooling that the company says help the updated electric motor produce maximum and consistent power.

A revised electric motor also provides the 2020 GLC350e with more power than its predecessor. It grows in size from 85 to 90 kW and now makes 121 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque versus 114 and 251, respectively. That brings the 2020 model's total system output to 315 hp and 516 lb-ft. Mercedes estimates that'll help the GLC350e accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds—a half-second quicker than the model it replaces.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC350e debuts this week at the Frankfurt auto show, and while we're told it'll reach U.S. showrooms in the middle of 2020, we'll have to wait to find out its starting price.

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