Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a unique and enticing middle ground between gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles. They offer tons of efficiency and the ability to run on electric power alone for short distances. Some models on the market offer a range that surpasses expectations, though.
With advancements in battery technology, some automakers are pushing the boundaries of what a PHEV is capable of. Longer electric-only ranges mean more savings for you and fewer stops at the gas station. Whether you’re on your daily commute or you are road-tripping with the family, a high-range PHEV is super convenient.
Exploring the best and most impressive plug-in hybrids on the market, we’ve found the model that delivers the longest electric range on a single charge. We break down its range, performance, charging speeds, and cost to see why it stands out in a sea of really impressive rivals.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed.
Related
The New Mercedes-Benz CLA is the Brand’s Most Intelligent Car Yet
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has arrived, and it’s not just stylish—it’s faster, smarter, and more advanced than ever before.
The GLC 350e Can Go Up to 54 Miles on Electric Power
Mercedes-Benz has been a leading force in the world of electric power in the automotive world. They offer EVs with exceptional ranges, which is why it makes sense that their plug-in hybrid models would follow suit. In their plug-in hybrid lineup, it’s the new 2025 GLC 350e SUV that offers the most range on a single charge, allowing you to do most of your close-range commuting on electric-only power.
Range and Battery Life
Every 2025 GLC 350e comes fitted with a 24.8-kWh battery pack, which offers up to 54 miles on a single charge, according to the EPA. This means that it can travel farther than any other plug-in hybrid on electric-only power. The battery can be charged at 60 kW max using a DC fast charger, with Mercedes claiming that you can charge it fully in as little as 30 minutes.
The system is decently efficient, with the EPA claiming that the hybrid GLC gets 60 MPGe in the city and 70 MPGe on the highway, achieving 64 MPGe combined.
Mercedes Has a Couple of Impressive PHEVS
The german brand has a number of plug-in hybrids, all with ranges that put them among the best on the market. If you’re looking for a slightly bigger, more luxurious SUV, then the brand offers the GLE 450e. This model can handle traveling on electric power alone for up to 50 miles.
Not everyone is all in on the SUV trend, and if you’d prefer a more traditional sedan, then Mercedes offers the S 580e. It offers all the same interior comfort and luxury of the regular gas-powered S-Class, with a more efficient plug-in hybrid setup allowing it to drive on its battery for up to 47 miles.
Related
How Solid State Batteries Will Push EVs To The Next Level
Solid-state batteries offer higher energy density, faster charging, and longer lifespan, making them a game-changer for the future of EVs.
The Plug-In Hybrid GLC Makes Some Sacrifices in the Way of Performance
The benefits of driving a plug-in hybrid over a gas-powered car are obvious. You save yourself tons of money by being able to drive off of electric-only power and get some added efficiency. However, because you’re adding a fairly large and heavy battery to the mix, this sometimes comes at the cost of performance. Such is the case with the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
|
Transmission |
9-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
313 HP |
|
Torque |
406 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
AWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.9 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 MPH |
The plug-in hybrid GLC 350e makes use of a pretty strong turbocharged four banger, which pairs with a single electric motor to provide some decent pep. It isn’t slow by any means, but it takes around 0.3 seconds longer to go from zero to 60 miles per hour than its gas-only sibling. This is in no small part thanks to the added weight of the 24.8 kWh battery pack.
The only other difference between the plug-in hybrid GLC and the gas-only versions is that the 350e gets a regenerative braking system to help squeeze out some additional range. If you’re swapping over from a gas-only car, the spongy feel of the brake pedal may take some getting used to. The GLC 350e can also sometimes take a moment to decide how to distribute the power from the gas engine and the electric motor, making it feel a little less responsive than you may be hoping for. The ride is a little more comfortable, though, as the hybrid model comes standard with rear air springs as standard.
Fuel Economy
When the battery is depleted, and you’re running on gas power alone, the GLC sits in the middle of the pack when it comes to efficiency. It manages 25 miles per gallon combined, which puts it on par with a lot of its rivals in its segment. This is slightly less efficient than the non-hybrid models, which manage 26 miles per gallon combined.
The turbocharged engine performs much better on the highway than it does in the city, which suits its nature as a plug-in hybrid. When traveling shorter distances at low speeds, you can make use of the electric motor and battery pack, transitioning to gas power when you find yourself on the highway where the engine is most efficient. In total, the GLC 350e has a combined total range of around 380 miles.
Related
The Price of the New Plug-In Hybrid GLC is Pretty Steep
Interior shot of the dashboard in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e
There is a lot of value to be found in the 2025 GLC 350e. However, it isn’t a car that budget-minded individuals are going to rush out to buy. The three-pointed star on the hood may have given it away, but this german SUV comes with a premium price tag. It does come fitted with plenty of equipment to justify its steep price tag, though, and may be a great option for premium buyers.
Trims and Pricing
|
Model |
Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
|
Base |
$61,050 |
|
Exclusive |
$62,700 |
|
Pinnacle |
$64,650 |
If you include processing and delivery fees, a GLC 350e starts just north of the $60,000 mark, which is not chump change. Luckily, it comes in a pretty comprehensive package, loaded with plenty of desirable luxuries. As is the case with most Mercedes vehicles, the trims are seen more as packages than individual models, and in this case they don’t cost all that much more over the base model.
If you’re considering a compact luxury hybrid SUV, then the GLC 350e is technically the most expensive. However, it is also the most luxurious. It goes up against the Volvo XC60 hybrid, the Lexus RX Hybrid, and the Lincoln Corsair Hybrid. While all of these alternatives come from plush brands, they don’t quite carry the same level of prestige that Mercedes does.
Best Value for Money Trim
We consider the Exclusive trim to offer the best bang-for-your-buck. It costs an additional $2,200 over the base model, but you get plenty of additional features that help the SUV live up to its potential. You get built-in navigation, a 360-degree surround camera, and upgraded interior ambient lighting. You also get access to the upgraded 3D Burmester sound system and other high-end features like car-to-X communication.
Related
Toyota Built an SUV That Outshines Rolls-Royce
It transpires the world’s most luxurious Toyota SUV isn’t a Lexus.
Range Rover Offers Some Sleek Alternatives That Offer Similar Range to the GLC 350e
Front 3/4 action shot of a 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
While the plug-in hybrid from Merc’ claims the top spot for all-electric range, there are two options from Land Rover that come awfully close. While the Mercedes SUV is great, having options is even better. Land Rover continues to deliver plush SUVs that can easily contest its german rivals and their plug-in hybrid range has made them more versatile than ever.
Range Rover and Range Rover Sport
There are two options in Land Rover’s lineup that offer 53 miles of all-electric range, falling short of the GLC 350e’s estimate by a single mile. Both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport can be had with a plug-in hybrid setup. The Range Rover is the model that is more focused on luxury, interior space, and pampering passengers. The Range Rover Sport leans more in the direction of performance and capability.
Both models come equipped with a 31.8-kWh battery pack, which the EPA estimates can take you up to 53 miles on a single charge. Land Rover claims the maximum rate of charge is 50 kW, meaning that you can charge it to 80 percent from empty in under an hour. When on gas-only power, however, both models burn a little more fuel than the Mercedes, with both the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport achieving 21 miles per gallon combined.
