Mercedes GLC 300 e

FIRST UK DRIVE Plug-in version of new premium SUV offers a long all-electric range

- Richard Ingram

A GOOD all-rounder isn't particularly hard to come by these days. There are lots of cars that serve their intended purpose, confidently and unobtrusively going about their business while making the lives of their owners easier.

The previous-generation Mercedes GLC was one such car. Quiet, comfortable, even pretty efficient, it was inoffensive to look at and felt like it was built to a high standard. It came with the required level of interior tech, while the boot was a good size, too.

But now there's a new one - not that you'd know it, because to the untrained eye the 2023 model looks much the same as the old car, albeit tightened up slightly, as if the designers used sharper pencils.

It benefits from a marginally cleaner front end, and the rear is more in keeping with the design of the larger GLE SUV. But it's blink-and-you'll-miss-it type stuff.

Admittedly it's a different story inside. This new GLC gets Mercedes' latest MBUX infotainment system, with an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It feels fresh and modern, and on the whole, it's responsive and intuitive to use.

Yet it's not all good news. While the row of shortcut buttons below the main screen is well positioned, and it offers quick and easy access to key functions, including audio volume and drive modes, if you push one button, you'll notice the entire panel moves with it. This feels on the cheap side in terms of build quality, and in a car starting from £51,855 - or a whopping £72,210 in top-spec GLC 300 e 4MATIC AMG Line Premium Plus trim as tested here - that simply shouldn't be the case.