Mercedes Plug-In Hybrid: The EQ Power Line-Up
Mercedes-Benz has pledged to invest entirely in electric cars by 2025, and to only sell electric vehicles by 2030. Currently, their all-electric lineup is known as the EQ range, while their plug-in hybrid (PHEV) lineup is known as EQ Power.
If you’re a Mercedes fan, but you aren’t ready to buy a fully electric car, you may want to consider one of their plug-in hybrid options, which include a coupe and an SUV. If you don’t want to install a home charging station, then Mercedes also offers “mild hybrid” vehicles (MHEVs) that aren’t capable of being plugged in.
Here’s everything you need to know about buying a Mercedes plug-in hybrid, as well as some alternatives if you can’t find them where you live.
Are Mercedes Plug-In Hybrids Available in the US?
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury automaker based in Germany that also has a factory in the U.S. Although you can find Mercedes models around the world, not every hybrid model is available at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in the U.S.
European drivers have more options that aren’t yet available in North America.
Still, this top Tesla competitor’s shift in focus to EV models means that many of them will arrive in the U.S. eventually, even if not in exactly the same trims you can find overseas.
Regardless of where you live, you can always search for used electric cars to expand your options. Just type in your ZIP code here to find used EVs and PHEVs near you:
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Best Mercedes Plug-In Hybrid Models
Plug-in hybrid vehicles differ from conventional hybrids in that you can plug them in to recharge them at public charging stations or at home. They produce fewer emissions and have lower fuel consumption than gas-powered vehicles, but they have a lower all-electric range than fully-electric cars.
All of the plug-in hybrids in the EQ Power line use similar hybrid technology. They have a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor, and a hybrid powertrain, so you can drive them using a combination of gas and battery power.
Mercedes plug-in hybrids also come with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system, which includes multiple driving modes and “e-performance” features.
Whether you’re shopping for luxury, performance, or fuel economy, here are the best Mercedes plug-in hybrids and their specs:
Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV
Price: $51,900
Battery capacity: 13.5 kWh
All-electric range: 22 miles
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has a few things that set it apart from other hybrid SUVs in its class. For one, it features the MBUX infotainment system, with a multifunction steering wheel, Active Distance Assist controls, and a Touch Control instrument cluster.
The exterior features multibeam LED headlights, and the interior comes with both direct and indirect lighting options. You’ll also get an advanced comfort control system that can connect to Garmin wearable devices for customized music and lighting adjustments.
As for specs, this Mercedes plug-in hybrid has a 13.5 kWh battery that provides up to 22 miles of all-electric range, or 360 miles of total range. It also gets up to 68 miles per gallon of gasoline-equivalent (MPGe), according to the U.S. Department of Energy at FuelEconomy.gov.
Mercedes promises charging speeds of up to 7.4 kW, which is enough to fill the battery 1.5 hours using a Wallbox Level 2 charger or 30 minutes at a fast charging station.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé
Price: $51,650
Battery capacity: 13.5 kWh
All-electric range: 30 miles
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe offers similar specs in a different package. Instead of an SUV, this Mercedes plug-in hybrid comes in the shape of a 4-door crossover coupe. You’ll still get a 13.5 kWh battery, but because of the car’s smaller size, it gets slightly better fuel economy, with up to 30 miles of range on electric power alone.
It features the stylish exterior you’d expect on a Mercedes, with chrome details and a diamond grill. Like the SUV version, you’ll get LED headlamps and rear lights on the outside, as well as the MBUX infotainment system on the inside.
You can also choose from the Driving Assistance package with Active Brake Assist and the Lane Tracking package with Blind Spot Assist. Both packages use a combination of radar and cameras to help reduce the risk of a collision.
Other Mercedes-Benz EVs
If these plug-in hybrids aren’t available in your area, and you don’t want to wait for them to arrive, then you may want to consider one of these fully electric vehicles instead.
True, you won’t be able to fill them up at a gas station if your battery is running low, but with the rapid growth of EV charging stations in the U.S., that may not be an issue.
Here are our top two alternatives to the Mercedes plug-in hybrid:
Mercedes EQB
Price: $50,000
Battery capacity: 66.5 kWh
Range: 260 miles
The EQB is a great alternative to the GLC SUV because it comes with an all-electric powertrain at a similar price point. Its range is 260 miles on a full charge, which means you can drive it further than the GLC without plugging it in.
Plus, it has seven seats, giving you a spacious interior with multiple seating options for large families and enough room in the third row for adults up to 5’4” tall.
The EQB is on its way to the U.S. after a successful launch in China and Europe, and it comes with all of the luxury features you’d expect from a Mercedes EV, including voice navigation options and a high-tech infotainment screen.
Mercedes EQS
Price: $102,310
Battery capacity: 107.8 kWh
Range: 350 miles
If you’re looking for something closer in size to the sedan, then the 2022 Mercedes EQS may be a better fit. Its 107.8-kWh battery can put your range anxiety to rest, providing enough miles per charge — 350 of them — to make it where you need to go.
The EQS expands on the MBUX system with a 56-inch curved glass “hyperscreen” that offers biometric authentication, haptic feedback, and more. You can even speak to it in up to 27 different languages using its state-of-the-art voice control features.
Since Mercedes has partnered with ChargePoint, you’ll be able to find charging stations using the built-in navigation controls or the Mercedes me Charge app.
Mercedes EQE (Coming 2023)
To round out its EQ lineup, Mercedes-Benz has also announced the EQE, which will fall somewhere in the middle at $70,000 and launch sometime in 2023. It will come with the MBUX Hyperscreen, as well as a panoramic sunroof and a Burmester sound system.
It’s expected to have a 90.6-kWh battery with more than 300 miles of range and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
Choose the Right Car for You
Electric cars come in more variants than ever, and Mercedes isn’t the only car company making luxury hybrids and EVs. Audi, BMW, and Ford all offer similar options as part of their lineups. And if you want something in the budget-friendly category, you can look for one of these affordable hybrids or search for a used electric car instead.
Depending on where you live, you may also be eligible for a tax credit for buying a new electric car or installing a home EV charger. Mercedes vehicles are compatible with the CCS connector type, which you can use at most public charging stations.
Learn more about electric cars here, or use our comparison tool to shop around for the best deals on used EVs near you.
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