In-depth reviews

Mercedes GLC hybrid (2020-2022) boot space, seating & practicality

Plug-in versions of the GLC are less practical than the normal petrol and diesel options

Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Boot space, seating & practicality rating

3.0 out of 5

LengthWidthHeightBoot volume (seats up/down)
4,663mm1,930mm1,627mm395/1,445 litres

Plug-in hybrid versions of Mercedes models often sacrifice boot space – for example, the E-Class saloon's boot takes a big hit due to the placement of the batteries in the electrified models. Sadly that’s also the case in the GLC, although the effect is not quite as severe here.

It still causes both a reduction in boot space, which we’ll get to below, and a 'lump' in the boot floor that can get in the way when you’re loading stuff into the luggage space. If you’ve considered a C-Class hybrid saloon, though, the GLC is more practical because of its SUV body shape and hatchback rear door.

Mercedes GLC hybrid interior space, storage & comfort

The high-quality cabin in the GLC means it’s a pleasant place to spend time, and there’s lots of room in the front seats plus storage in the centre console and big door bins. There’s enough room in the back for adults, as headroom and legroom is good, but the middle seat only really works for kids: it’s too tight for three adults to sit across the rear bench. ISOFIX child-seat anchor points are standard in the back, if you need to use a child seat.

Boot space

A normal GLC without electric power has a 550-litre boot that opens out to 1,600 litres with the rear seats folded. It’s a very practical shape and easy enough to load. However, the GLC 300 e and GLC 300 de have a lump in the boot floor, which reduces this to 395 litres with the seats up or 1,445 litres with the seats down. The batteries take up rather a lot of space in the back, and when you add in charging cables that need to be stored in the car as well, it means storage space just isn’t a strong point in the GLC hybrids.

Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

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