A new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the (X254) Mercedes-Benz GLC featuring a BYD FinDreams battery has been uncovered ahead of its market launch in China.
The GLC 350eL 4Matic as it's called, will be equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from BYD's subsidiary, FinDreams, according to filings disclosed by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).
The GLC 350eL will be produced by Beijing Benz, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and BAIC Motor, but did not disclose the battery's capacity or range.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22557728108/my_article_fourthp_under_pc', [
728,
90
], 'div-gpt-ad-1685525140735-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); });
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685525140735-0'); });
Also read: All-new 2023 X254 Mercedes-Benz GLC debuts - All-electrified range with 3 PHEV variants
During the debut of the (X254) Mercedes-Benz GLC, however, the company announced two PHEV variants for sale in selected markets. The GLC 300e 4Matic pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (204 PS/320 Nm) with an electric motor (136 PS/440 Nm), delivering a combined system output of 313 PS and 550 Nm. This particular variant features a 31.2 kWh battery which provides a WLTP-rated electric range of up to 120 km.
Also note, that the GLC 350eL equipped with BYD battery may be only for the Chinese market. It is unclear at this point if BYD's FinDreams will be a battery supplier for GLC PHEV models sold outside China.
Though the GLE 350eL is the first instance of Mercedes-Benz incorporating BYD's battery technology into one of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, both companies have been in partnership through Denza - a premium Chinese brand that has launched vehicles like the Denza D9. The Denza D9 is a 4- or 7-seater luxury MPV offered with both BEV and PHEV powertrains.
Also read: BYD's JV with Mercedes-Benz, Denza D9 DM-i previewed in Thailand; 1.5-litre turbo PHEV as BEV alternative
This development places Mercedes-Benz among a growing list of car manufacturers, including Chinese EV brand NIO and Hondaβs Lingxi (a Honda-Dongfeng JV brand), which will feature BYDβs batteries in their vehicles.
Closer to home the locally-assembled (CKD, Pekan) Mercedes-Benz GLC is offered in one variant β the GLC 300 AMG Line, priced at RM 378,888.
Arvind can't remember a time when he didn't wheel around a HotWheels car. This love evolved into an interest in Tamiya and RC cars and finally the real deal 1:1 scale stuff. Passion finally lead to formal training in Mechanical Engineering. Instead of the bigger picture, he obsesses with the final drive ratio and spring rates of cars and spends the weekends wondering why a Perodua Myvi is so fast.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.defineSlot('/22557728108/my_article_relatedmodel_above_pc', [
728,
90
], 'div-gpt-ad-1685525247138-0').addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs(); googletag.enableServices(); });
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1685525247138-0'); });