Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 & GLC 350e Trims

Last updated August 4, 2026

Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Core Model trim level includes the GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC. Both represent the everyday GLC formula: turbo power, a comfort-focused luxury cabin, and easy daily usability. The GLC 300 uses rear-wheel drive for a simpler, slightly sportier feel, while the GLC 300 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for better traction in bad weather. The Plug-in Hybrid trim level is the GLC 350e 4MATIC. It adds electric commuting and charging while retaining a gasoline engine for longer trips. It also comes with all-wheel drive and self-leveling rear air suspension.

What each trim is known for

Mercedes-Benz GLC Core Model

Core Model

GLC 300GLC 300 4MATIC

The Core Model trim level — GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC — is the main gas-powered GLC, built around everyday turbo performance, comfort, and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

Best for: Drivers who want a compact luxury SUV for daily use, with either the simpler feel of rear-wheel drive or added bad-weather traction from all-wheel drive.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine
  • Rear-wheel drive on GLC 300 or all-wheel drive on GLC 300 4MATIC
  • Comfort-focused cabin with heated power front seats and memory
  • Newer examples feature a large touchscreen, digital gauges, and wireless phone integration
292 in stock
Mercedes-Benz GLC Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in Hybrid

GLC 350e 4MATIC

The Plug-in Hybrid trim level — GLC 350e 4MATIC — is the electric-commuting branch, combining battery-powered local driving with a gasoline engine for longer trips.

Best for: Drivers who can charge regularly and want quiet electric driving around town without relying on charging for every long trip.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain
  • Electric-only driving with gasoline backup
  • 4MATIC all-wheel drive
  • Self-leveling rear air suspension

Compared with the Core Model, it replaces gas-only power with a plug-in hybrid system, adds electric driving and charging, and includes all-wheel drive and self-leveling rear air suspension.

9 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureCore ModelPlug-in Hybrid
Includes
GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC292 in stock
GLC 350e 4MATIC9 in stock
PowertrainTurbo 2.0-liter gas four-cylinderTurbo 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid four-cylinder
DrivetrainRear-wheel drive or all-wheel driveAll-wheel drive
Power in newer versions255 hp313 hp
Torque in newer versions295 lb-ft406 lb-ft
Electric-only rangeGas-onlyUp to 54 EPA-estimated miles in newer versions
ChargingNo plug-in chargingNewer versions: 11-kW AC and 60-kW DC charging

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC?

In recent years, the main difference is traction. Both use the same 255-hp turbo four-cylinder engine and share the same core cabin features. The GLC 300 is rear-wheel drive, while the GLC 300 4MATIC sends power to all four wheels.

What do the GLC 300, 4MATIC, and 350e names mean?

GLC 300 identifies the core gas model. The 4MATIC badge means all-wheel drive. The 350e badge identifies a plug-in hybrid, and recent GLC 350e models also use 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Which GLC trim makes the most sense for snow?

The GLC 300 4MATIC is the straightforward gas choice for snow because its all-wheel drive improves traction. The newer GLC 350e 4MATIC also has all-wheel drive and suits drivers who want the same traction with plug-in hybrid driving.

What is the GLC 350e 4MATIC?

The GLC 350e 4MATIC is the plug-in hybrid trim. On newer models, it combines a turbo gas engine, all-wheel drive, and electric driving for up to 54 EPA-estimated miles. It can also use the gas engine for longer trips.

What's the difference between the GLC 300 4MATIC and GLC 350e 4MATIC?

Both have all-wheel drive, but their powertrains differ. In the newer lineup, the GLC 300 4MATIC has a 255-hp gas engine. The GLC 350e has a 313-hp plug-in hybrid system, up to 54 miles of electric range, and self-leveling rear air suspension.

Which GLC trim is better for a short daily commute on electricity?

The newer GLC 350e 4MATIC is the clear fit. Its EPA-estimated electric range is up to 54 miles, so many shorter commutes can be handled without using the gas engine when the battery starts charged.

Do I have to charge the GLC 350e 4MATIC?

No. The GLC 350e can continue a trip using its gas engine when the battery runs low. Regular charging is still important if you want its electric commuting benefit. Newer versions support home or public AC charging and DC fast charging.

Which non-AMG GLC trim has the most power?

In the newer lineup, the GLC 350e 4MATIC has the highest output at 313 hp. The gas GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC each make 255 hp. Earlier GLC lineups differ, so compare the exact model year when shopping.

Which GLC trim has self-leveling rear air suspension?

The newer GLC 350e 4MATIC has self-leveling rear air suspension. It helps the rear of the SUV maintain its intended ride height as passenger or cargo load changes. The recent gas GLC 300 trims do not list this as a defining feature.

Do the GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC have the same interior features?

Largely, yes, on recent models. Both have the 11.9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated power front seats with memory, and a hands-free power liftgate. All-wheel drive is the key distinction.

Are Exclusive and Pinnacle separate GLC powertrain trims?

No. Since the 2023 redesign, Standard, Exclusive, and Pinnacle have described equipment versions within the GLC lineup. Names such as GLC 300, GLC 300 4MATIC, and GLC 350e 4MATIC identify the main engine and drivetrain setup.

Has the GLC 350e badge meant the same thing in every model year?

No. The GLC 350e was offered from 2018 through 2020, then left the U.S. lineup before returning for 2025. The newer version has a 313-hp plug-in hybrid system and up to 54 miles of EPA-estimated electric range, so it differs meaningfully from earlier examples.

Which GLC trim should I pick if I don't want to plug in?

Pick a GLC 300 for rear-wheel drive or a GLC 300 4MATIC for all-wheel drive. In recent years, both use the same 255-hp turbo gas engine and provide the core GLC cabin and convenience features without charging.