Mercedes has released the first pictures and details of its new GLC, including three plug-in hybrid models, including a diesel. The most efficient of these has a 74 mile electric-only range and has official CO2 emissions figures of 14g/km, meaning it qualifies for a 5% benefit-in-kind rates – the lowest of any hybrid in the UK. 

This has the potential to save company car drivers thousands every year in tax and begins to rival the 2% rate offered for pure electric cars. The outgoing Mercedes GLC PHEVs were rated at 14 and 15%.

The new GLC300e and GLC400e use a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine producing either 201bhp and 248bhp respectively. The electric motor adds another 134bhp to the total.

The PHEVs will have the lowest tax rates of any hybrid currently on sale

The diesel GLC300de uses a 194bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel mated to the same electric motor, giving a 329bhp total output.

The battery has a total capacity of 31.2 kWh and can be charged on a DC rapid at a rate of 60 kW in around 30 minutes. A standard-fit 11 kW AC socket allows for three- phase charging at a wall box connected to the domestic mains.

With a length of 4716 mm, it is 60 mm longer and a tiny 4mm lower than its predecessor. The width has remained the same at 1890 mm.The luggage capacity benefits from the larger rear and has increased significantly to 600 litres – that’s up 50 litres compared to the old model.​

The battery can be charged at 60kW on a suitable rapid and has a 75 mile range

There’s no need to worry about the new model being more difficult to park now it is longer, as it is available with rear wheel steering, as with the EQS. This reduces the turning circle by 90 centimetres to 10.9 metres – the same as a VW Golf. 

There is no word on prices yet, but expect the entry-level GLC300e to cost around £65,000. There is no news yet on the replacement for the all-electric EQC, but it shares much of its structure with the outgoing GLC, so it expected to follow soon.

The interior is bigger and bolder