A class-leading range and plenty of room inside for famlly use but the driving experience is a let-down
It is perhaps indicative of the times in which we live that just as plug-in hybrids start to go out of fashion they start to demonstrate their real worth. In the case of this smart but expensive Mercedes SUV, a range of up to 80 miles before needing to prise the petrol engine from its slumber.
The electric motor also provides almost half the power and four-wheel-drive capability. Should the trend be pursued, plug-ins will essentially become EVs with small petrol engines required only for long-distance journeys with no easy recharge facilities. And if that sounds familiar it should: it’s exactly the idea BMW had with the range-extender motor for the brilliant but now defunct i3 hatch. Sadly the right idea at the wrong time is no better than the wrong idea at any time.
But the GLC is as good as any in its class, that class being for overweight and alarmingly expensive mid-sized SUVs, not a category for which I shine any particular light. But it’s quiet, efficient, exceptionally well put together and sufficiently spacious for most needs of a small family.
Does it matter that its handling and performance are limited? For this kind of car, sadly not. The only real drawback is that it is so very dear. But for someone who gets into one on the company car scheme, where the entirely ludicrous claimed CO2 means a decimated tax bill, it makes a great deal of very pleasant sense. AF
• Price £72,210
• Engine 2 litres, four cylinders, petrol, turbocharged, hybrid
• Total system power 308bhp
• Total system torque 405lb ft
• Weight 2280kg
• Power to weight 135bhp per tonne
• Transmission Nine-speed auto, 4WD
• 0-60mph 6.7sec
• Top speed 135mph
• Economy 565mpg
• CO2 12g/km
• Verdict Does its job but expensive.
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