The combined output is 315 horsepower and 516 lb.ft.
While we wait for Mercedes to reveal the VisionEQ S concept at Frankfurt Motor Show this week, the three-pointed star will present another first at IAA. The GLC 350e is refreshed for 2020 and gets the mid-cycle facelift that was introduced in March at Geneva Motor Show for regular versions.
Although the cosmetic changes might not be enough to convince you to buy one, the actual powertrain has been changed for the 2020 GLC350e 4Matic EQ Power. The four-cylinder, 2.0-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor combine to produce 315 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of peak torque (700 Newton-meters). The hp remains the same as the 2019MY but the torque is significantly higher thanks to the third-generation PHEV technology.
Mercedes also ditched the 7-speed manual transmission in favour of a 9-speed ‘box. The electric motor has been modified to work with the 9GTRONIC transmission. A torque converter with integrated lockup clutch acts as a start device. An extra clutch has been added for electric driving between the internal combustion engine (and the electric motor).
The new on-board charger boosts the charging power from 3.6 kW up to 7.4kW. Mercedes claims that the electrified can travel 46 to 49 km (28.5 to 30.4 mi) without the need to consume fuel according to NEDC. The range of the more realistic WLTP is 39-43 km (24.2 – 26.7 miles), while the EPA rating for the U.S. version will be determined. According to EPA, the previous version could travel up to 14.5km (9 miles) using electric juice.
Mercedes decided to swap the 8.7-kWh battery for a larger 13.5-kWh one. It will take almost eight hours to charge it at 1.2kW. At 3.8kW, it will take just over two hours to get from 10% up to 100%.
The electrified crossover is 0.6 seconds faster than its predecessor in terms of performance. The top speed of the new model has not yet been revealed, however it was able to reach 130 mph (209 kph with the ICE running) and an electronically capped 84 mph (135 kph in electric mode).
The 2020 Mercedes GLC 350e 4-Matic EQ Power will be available in the United States within the first half next year, following its Frankfurt debut. The price of the new model is not known, but it retails at $50,650 MSRP, excluding the $995 destination and delivery fee.