The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e wears an MSRP of $82,888. Without a doubt priced at the premium end of the spectrum, when you unpack all the specs and lay it out, this car is actually great value.
To understand why, you just need to take a look at the rest of the range.
The regular GLC 300, for example, comes in at $79,335. Already close on the numbers, the 300e makes the difference up easily by coming standard with the excellent 'Airbody Control Suspension' package which is otherwise a $3800 option.
So, if you were on the fence between plug-in and non-plug-in, it seems you may as well pick the 300e. Before you make the jump though, be sure to read the fuel consumption and driving parts of this review, because there is one significant caveat which could make or break your decision.
Back to pricing. The 300e's price is lower than its most direct rivals, the Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar plug-in hybrid ($98,990) and the Range Rover Sport Si4 PHEV SE ($133,677 – Land Rover does not offer the more size-appropriate Velar with a PHEV drivetrain). Neither Deutsche rival, BMW or Audi, offer a PHEV in this category in Australia, yet.
Already comparatively good value, the 300e packs standard equipment including 20-inch alloy wheels, digital dashboard and 10.25-inch multimedia display (as part of Merc's 'MBUX' software suite), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and built-in navigation, 'Hey Mercedes' voice control, wireless phone charging and USB-C ports, full 'Artico' faux leather interior trim with woodgrain finishes and RGB ambient interior lighting, keyless entry and push-start ignition, dual-zone climate control, and full LED front and rear light clusters.
There is the notable inclusion of the already-mentioned air body suspension as standard, and the GLC 300e has pre-entry climate control via the 'Mercedes Me' app, with which you can also pre-set destinations in the navigation system which the car then uses to best optimize its electric drivetrain.
The GLC 300e comes with a charging cable to charge from a household outlet, but not a public charging cable (Type 2 to Type 2 - $565.16) or the wall box at-home charging unit ($1200 not including installation by JetCharge). You'll definitely want one or the other, possibly both to make the most out of this car, though.