Mercedes-Benz GLC Powertrains

September 26th, 2026 by

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC: Gas, Plug-In Hybrid & Electric Powertrains Compared

One GLC. Three Ways to Drive.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has become one of the most versatile SUVs in the Mercedes-Benz lineup.

For 2027, that versatility extends beyond trim levels and equipment. GLC shoppers can choose among three different approaches to power and electrification: a gasoline-powered GLC with mild-hybrid assistance, a plug-in hybrid GLC 350e, or the fully electric GLC 400 4MATIC® Electric.

That means there is a GLC for drivers who want the familiarity of a gasoline engine, drivers who want the flexibility of a plug-in hybrid, and drivers who are ready to make the transition to an all-electric SUV.

At Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle, we’re helping drivers throughout New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, the Bronx, Westchester County and the surrounding area understand the differences between these GLC powertrains and determine which approach best fits their driving habits.

The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC Lineup

The GLC is available in several different configurations, but one of the most important decisions comes before choosing equipment or options:

How do you want your GLC to be powered?

GLC 300

Gasoline + mild-hybrid technology

The GLC 300 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

It produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with the electric assistance system capable of contributing additional power and torque when needed. The GLC 300 is available with rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.

GLC 350e

Plug-in hybrid

The GLC 350e combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with plug-in hybrid technology and a larger battery that allows the vehicle to operate on electric power alone.

Mercedes-Benz lists 313 horsepower combined, 406 lb-ft of combined torque and an estimated 54 miles of electric range. The GLC 350e also comes standard with 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.

GLC 400 4MATIC® Electric

Fully electric

The GLC 400 4MATIC® Electric is designed for drivers ready to move to an all-electric luxury SUV.

Mercedes-Benz lists 483 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of combined torque, with a 0–60 mph time of approximately 4.2 seconds. The vehicle also supports DC fast charging and is compatible with both 400-volt and 800-volt fast-charging infrastructure.

GLC 300: The Gas-Powered Choice

The GLC 300 is the most familiar option for drivers who aren’t ready to move to a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle.

Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired with Mercedes-Benz mild-hybrid technology.

Unlike a conventional gasoline vehicle, the GLC 300 uses a 48-volt integrated starter-generator to assist the engine. Mercedes-Benz says the system can provide up to 23 additional horsepower and 148 lb-ft of electric assistance for responsive acceleration.

The system is not designed to turn the GLC 300 into an electric vehicle. Instead, it works in the background to support the gasoline engine.

GLC 300 highlights

  • 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
  • 255 horsepower
  • 295 lb-ft of torque
  • 48-volt mild-hybrid technology
  • 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission
  • Available rear-wheel drive
  • Available 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
  • Up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity
  • Available panoramic roof
  • Mercedes-Benz MBUX technology

The 2027 GLC 300 is particularly well suited to drivers who want a traditional gasoline-powered SUV while still benefiting from modern electrification technology.

GLC 350e: The Plug-In Hybrid Middle Ground

The GLC 350e 4MATIC® takes electrification a significant step further.

Instead of using a relatively small battery primarily to assist the gasoline engine, the GLC 350e has a plug-in hybrid system that allows the SUV to operate on electric power alone for shorter trips.

Mercedes-Benz estimates up to 54 miles of electric driving range for the GLC 350e.

For drivers whose daily commute or errands fit within that range, many routine trips can potentially be completed without using the gasoline engine.

But unlike a fully electric vehicle, the GLC 350e still has a gasoline engine for longer trips.

GLC 350e highlights

  • 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Plug-in hybrid technology
  • 313 hp combined
  • 406 lb-ft of torque combined
  • Up to 54 miles of electric range
  • 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
  • 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission
  • 11 kW AC charging
  • 60 kW DC fast charging
  • 3,500-pound towing capacity

Mercedes-Benz says the GLC 350e can charge from 10% to 80% using a 60-kW DC fast charger in approximately 20 minutes, while AC charging provides another convenient option for overnight or home charging. Actual charging times vary depending on equipment and conditions.

Who Should Consider the GLC 350e?

The plug-in hybrid can make particular sense for drivers who:

  • Have a predictable daily commute
  • Can charge at home or work
  • Want to complete many daily trips using electric power
  • Frequently take longer road trips
  • Don’t want to plan every trip around charging
  • Want an SUV that can operate as an EV for shorter trips while retaining gasoline flexibility

For many drivers, the GLC 350e represents a middle ground between gasoline and fully electric driving.

GLC 400 4MATIC® Electric: The All-Electric GLC

The GLC 400 4MATIC® Electric takes the GLC into a fully electric future.

Rather than combining an electric motor with a gasoline engine, the GLC Electric is powered entirely by electricity.

Mercedes-Benz lists 483 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of combined torque, with a claimed 0–60 mph time of 4.2 seconds.

The GLC 400 also incorporates Mercedes-Benz’s latest charging technology.

Mercedes-Benz says the vehicle is compatible with both 400-volt and 800-volt DC fast-charging infrastructure, giving owners access to a broad range of fast-charging options.

GLC 400 Electric highlights

  • Fully electric powertrain
  • 483 hp combined
  • 590 lb-ft combined torque
  • 0–60 mph in approximately 4.2 seconds
  • 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
  • 800-volt-capable charging technology
  • DC fast charging
  • Regenerative braking
  • Intelligent electric navigation
  • MBUX technology
  • Digital Vehicle Key
  • Available Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras

The GLC Electric is designed for customers who want the performance, quiet operation and driving characteristics of a fully electric vehicle without giving up the luxury-SUV format of the GLC.

Gas vs. Plug-In Hybrid vs. Electric: What’s the Difference?

The easiest way to understand the three GLC powertrains is to consider how you intend to use your vehicle.

GLC 300 GLC 350e GLC 400 Electric
Powertrain Gas + mild hybrid Plug-in hybrid Fully electric
Engine 2.0L turbo I-4 2.0L turbo I-4 + electric Electric motors
Power 255 hp 313 hp combined 483 hp combined
AWD Available Standard 4MATIC® 4MATIC®
Electric-only driving Limited hybrid assistance Up to 54 miles Fully electric
Gas engine Yes Yes No
DC fast charging No Yes Yes
Towing Up to 3,500 lbs. Up to 3,500 lbs. —
Best suited for Traditional SUV flexibility Daily electric driving + long trips Fully electric driving

Specifications and availability can vary by configuration and model.

Which GLC Powertrain Is Right for You?

There isn’t a single answer for every driver.

The right choice depends largely on your daily driving habits, access to charging and how frequently you take longer trips.

Choose the GLC 300 if you want:

  • A gasoline-powered SUV
  • No need to plug in
  • Familiar long-distance driving
  • Mild-hybrid efficiency and performance assistance
  • Available 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
  • Traditional refueling convenience

The GLC 300 is the straightforward choice for drivers who want modern Mercedes-Benz electrification technology without changing how they refuel their vehicle.

Choose the GLC 350e if you want:

  • Electric driving for daily trips
  • A gasoline engine for longer journeys
  • The ability to plug in at home or elsewhere
  • 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
  • Strong combined power and torque
  • Greater flexibility than a fully electric vehicle

The GLC 350e can be especially interesting for commuters who can charge regularly but still want the freedom of a gasoline engine for longer trips.

Choose the GLC 400 Electric if you want:

  • A fully electric SUV
  • Instant electric torque
  • 483 hp
  • 4.2-second 0–60 mph performance
  • 4MATIC® all-wheel drive
  • Fast-charging capability
  • A fully electric daily driving experience

The GLC 400 4MATIC® Electric is designed for drivers ready to make the move to a fully electric Mercedes-Benz.

What About Driving in New York?

For drivers in New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, the Bronx and Westchester County, powertrain choice can be influenced by more than just fuel economy.

Your commute, parking situation, access to charging, winter driving and how frequently you travel outside the area are all worth considering.

If you park at home without easy charging:

The GLC 300 may be the simplest option. You can refuel at conventional gas stations without changing your daily routine.

If you have home charging:

The GLC 350e becomes particularly interesting because you can plug in regularly and potentially use electric power for many everyday trips.

If you’re ready for an EV:

The GLC 400 Electric offers a fully electric experience with fast-charging capability and the performance associated with an electric powertrain.

For winter driving, the availability of 4MATIC® all-wheel drive across these configurations provides an important option for New York-area drivers. All-wheel drive is not a substitute for appropriate winter tires or careful driving in snow and ice.

The GLC Is More Than a Choice of Powertrain

Regardless of which powertrain you choose, the GLC retains the technology and luxury features that define the Mercedes-Benz experience.

The GLC incorporates the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, digital connectivity, voice interaction and available Digital Extras.

The electric GLC adds technology specifically designed around EV ownership, including navigation with electric intelligence and charging-related features. Mercedes-Benz lists MBUX Navigation with Electric Intelligence and MB.CHARGE Public among its available Digital Extras for the GLC Electric.

The result is a vehicle designed to integrate the digital experience with the driving experience.

Why Consider the Mercedes-Benz GLC?

The GLC’s biggest advantage may be choice.

You don’t have to choose between a traditional gasoline SUV and a fully electric vehicle without considering everything in between.

With the GLC 300, you can continue driving a gasoline-powered SUV with mild-hybrid assistance.

With the GLC 350e, you can use electric power for many daily trips while retaining a gasoline engine for longer journeys.

With the GLC 400 4MATIC® Electric, you can make the transition to fully electric driving.

All three approaches share the Mercedes-Benz focus on luxury, technology, design and driving experience.

Explore the Mercedes-Benz GLC at Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle

Choosing the right GLC starts with understanding how you drive.

At Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle, our team can help you compare the GLC 300, GLC 350e and GLC 400 4MATIC® Electric and determine which powertrain best fits your daily driving, charging access and lifestyle.

We’re conveniently located in New Rochelle, just off I-95, serving drivers from New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, the Bronx and communities throughout Westchester County.

Whether you’re looking for the familiarity of a gasoline-powered SUV, the flexibility of a plug-in hybrid or the performance and technology of a fully electric vehicle, there’s a Mercedes-Benz GLC designed to fit your needs.

Explore the GLC lineup at Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle and find the powertrain that’s right for you.

Posted in Mercedes-Benz GLC