Launched: Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe – CKD PHEV SUV, From RM425,888

Launched this week by MBM, the new and locally built Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe now succeeds from the GLC 300 4Matic Coupe the firm offered previously.

We wrap up our dissection of the plethora of new models launched by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) through its ‘Luxury Like No Other’ event happening this week at the Cycle & Carriage Bintang Autohaus, Mutiara Damansara with the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe.

Arriving alongside the AMG GLC 43 4Matic+ Coupe variant, this is the sleeker coupe-roofed twin to the standard-bodied GLC 350e 4Matic launched by MBM earlier this year. Notably, this variant also proudly rolls off the line locally from the MBM Pekan plant in Pahang.

Barring the AMG-badged performance variant mentioned, the three-point star’s second-gen GLC (X254) and GLC Coupe (C254) models in Malaysia have all been electrified as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) now and their respective combustion (ICE)-powered predecessors dropped altogether.

Under the hood, this electrified variant is primed with a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill paired with an e-motor and 31.2 kWh battery pack.

Predictably, specifications in the new GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe are similar as the GLC 350e 4Matic. Shared here is the PHEV powertrain comprised of a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill paired with an e-motor and 31.2 kWh battery pack, altogether outputting 313 PS and 550 NM.

Drive is managed by a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD), and it sees this Coupe offshoot mirror the regular GLC 350e’s 0-100 KM/H sprint time of 6.7 secs. However, the Coupe does boast a slightly higher 220 KM/H V-max (versus 218 KM/H).

Added electrification sees this variant boast up to 131 KM of electric range, as well as frugal fuel economy figures between 0.5 to 0.6 litres/100 KM.

Critically, the electrified elements under the hood yields between 119 KM and 131 KM of WLTP-rated electric-only driving range, and up to speeds of 140 KM/H too. Before you ask, this PHEV does NOT have DC charging abilities, only AC up to 11 KW, and a full-charge takes two hours.

As for average fuel consumption, Mercedes-Benz touts this PHEV variant sipping as low as 0.5 to 0.6 litres/100 KM.

Powertrain aside, the electrified GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe also ups the ante from the GLC 300 4Matic Coupe offered prior with the addition of a self-levelling rear air suspension, albeit with passive dampers, primed into its chassis.

Added electrification also warranted the addition of self-levelling rear air suspension in the GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe.

As far as aesthetics go, there are hardly any changes with the exterior.

Aesthetically, the GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe appears unchanged from the ICE-powered variant it succeeds. Key touches include the AMG Line aerokit, LED Digital Light headlamps with adaptive high beam, panoramic glass sunroof, aluminium roof rails, as well as 20-inch AMG alloy wheels.

The same applies with the relatively unchanged cabin too. Retained here are the MBUX 11.9-inch central infotainment and 12.3-inch digital instrument displays, 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround audio suite, AMG Line trims, and the powered tailgate function, amongst many.

There is only one major change to note here, that being the adoption of the Driving Assistance Package Plus, which finally brings Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities to this sleek coupe crossover offering.

Though there are no aesthetic changes to report on board, the GLC 350e 4Matic Coupe does instead gain Level 2 semi-autonomous driving through the newly added Driving Assistance Package Plus.

That aside, the only other major change to note here is price. Thanks to its locally assembled (CKD) status, this electrified successor costs less than its fully imported (CBU) predecessor at RM425,888.

Included is said price MBM’s usual 4-year, unlimited mileage warranty plus a separate 8-year or 160,000 KM PHEV battery warranty.