Mercedes-Benz may launch the electrified GLC in Malaysia soon

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has dropped a shadowy teaser of an upcoming model on its social media platform. And, without revealing the car's identity, the automaker captioned it, "The right form and function lets you take charge so you can drive your dedication". So, which model is that? Any guesses?

As per our understanding, the model shown in the teaser is the Mercedes-Benz GLC compact SUV, which may be coming in a new avatar in Malaysia. While the German auto giant has recently revealed the next-gen GLC in the global market, we are likely to get any new form of the ongoing generation. 

A hint from 'Take the charge' words in the caption is that the upcoming model might be an electrified version of the compact executive SUV.

So, if we connect all these dots, there is a possibility that the GLC300e plug-in hybrid model will arrive in the local market soon. The said variant was introduced in 2019 internationally and is already on sale in Thailand from 2020. Let's know the key highlights of this electrified GLC.

• The GLC 300e is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which kicks out 211 PS of maximum power and 350 Nm of peak torque.
• The gasoline mill is paired with an electric motor good for making 122 PS and 440 Nm.
• Combinedly, the setup generates 320 PS and 700 Nm. 
• All this grunt transmits to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic gearbox mated to the 4Matic system.

• Also, part of the drivetrain setup is a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides an electric drive range of 39 to 43 km (on the WLTP cycle)
• The battery takes one and half hours to charge when using a 7.4 kW onboard AC charger. However, a conventional domestic socket stretches this time to five hours.
• Performance-wise, the GLC300e can run from standstill to 100 kmph in 5.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 230 kmph (max speed in electric mode is 130 kmph). 

Well, to know whether it's the GLC300e or any other model, we need to wait until the automaker reveals any further details

Also read: Mercedes-Benz aims to achieve 25% sales via its online platform