GLC Class (X254) Produced 2023+

Increasing ICE output in the GLC 350e

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Old Jun 11, 2025 | 10:11 PM
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'25 E53, GLE 450, C300, GLC300
Increasing ICE output in the GLC 350e

Is there a way to boost the ICE horsepower in the GLC 350e? The current config offers 201hp vs. the base 4 cyl. in the GLC 300 that offers 255 hp. Is there some mod that would enable this? Thanks in advance!
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Old Jun 11, 2025 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 53RO D4Y
Is there a way to boost the ICE horsepower in the GLC 350e? The current config offers 201hp vs. the base 4 cyl. in the GLC 300 that offers 255 hp. Is there some mod that would enable this? Thanks in advance!
Yes tuning, aftermarket, piggyback but might affect longevity and well, warranty.
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Old Jun 11, 2025 | 10:34 PM
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From: New York
'25 E53, GLE 450, C300, GLC300
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Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
Yes tuning, aftermarket, piggyback but might affect longevity and well, warranty.
The more I think about it, I'm not really liking the thought of getting the 350e. Doesn't make sense to have a heavier car (with the battery plus other HW) be powered by a lower power engine when the battery is drained. I live in a hilly area and that will definitely impact the driving experience. And I can't afford to not have a factory warranty - too much could and does go wrong with all the new tech.

oh well - back to the drawing board.
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Old Jun 12, 2025 | 05:44 AM
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Originally Posted by 53RO D4Y
The more I think about it, I'm not really liking the thought of getting the 350e. Doesn't make sense to have a heavier car (with the battery plus other HW) be powered by a lower power engine when the battery is drained. I live in a hilly area and that will definitely impact the driving experience. And I can't afford to not have a factory warranty - too much could and does go wrong with all the new tech.

oh well - back to the drawing board.
I see tell us your needs and we might be able to work out what to get.
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Old Jun 12, 2025 | 12:20 PM
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In Europe there is a PHEV model with 400 total HP, including the 252 HP gas engine. I don't know why it's not sold in North America. I also don't know what reliability-related modifications are made to compensate for the 25% greater output. If there are none, then a remap might not affect too much.

I drive my car like a hypermiler, so having the gas engine on too is a novelty and make it seem super fast.
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Old Jun 12, 2025 | 02:38 PM
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2015 C300, 2025 GLC300 4Matic
Originally Posted by 53RO D4Y
The more I think about it, I'm not really liking the thought of getting the 350e. Doesn't make sense to have a heavier car (with the battery plus other HW) be powered by a lower power engine when the battery is drained. I live in a hilly area and that will definitely impact the driving experience. And I can't afford to not have a factory warranty - too much could and does go wrong with all the new tech.

oh well - back to the drawing board.
That was my thinking as well, so I decided to get the ICE only version....
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Old Jun 12, 2025 | 09:41 PM
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From: New York
'25 E53, GLE 450, C300, GLC300
Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
I see tell us your needs and we might be able to work out what to get.
Well - the car is for my kid who's going off to grad school in upstate NY, about 3 hours away from "home". I've been looking at dealer demo and loaners that have low mileage and one extra year of warranty. With the EV incentives, I'm getting a pretty good deal (at least it seems so) - 2025 GLC 350e, Executive trim, ventilated seats, pano roof, etc. for about $50K.

Their current car is a 2021 RWD GLC300 SUV (which both of us would prefer to keep and had thought to switch to snow tires around Nov) but everyone we've spoken to has recommended AWD/4MATIC. They've never driven in the snow so trying to also avoid potential safety issues. Honestly though, I'm not sure what the right move is. Not to mention the "issue" with the added weight and lower output ICE engine.

Last edited by 53RO D4Y; Jun 12, 2025 at 09:42 PM.
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Old Jun 13, 2025 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by 53RO D4Y
Well - the car is for my kid who's going off to grad school in upstate NY, about 3 hours away from "home". I've been looking at dealer demo and loaners that have low mileage and one extra year of warranty. With the EV incentives, I'm getting a pretty good deal (at least it seems so) - 2025 GLC 350e, Executive trim, ventilated seats, pano roof, etc. for about $50K.

Their current car is a 2021 RWD GLC300 SUV (which both of us would prefer to keep and had thought to switch to snow tires around Nov) but everyone we've spoken to has recommended AWD/4MATIC. They've never driven in the snow so trying to also avoid potential safety issues. Honestly though, I'm not sure what the right move is. Not to mention the "issue" with the added weight and lower output ICE engine.
I think you have the right vehicle for the job already, snow tires is safer than AWD with all seasons.
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Old Jun 13, 2025 | 03:45 PM
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I forgot there is this thread that is going on with some good info that might help https://mbworld.org/forums/glc-class...ming-soon.html
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Old Jun 13, 2025 | 07:53 PM
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The GLC 300de of course the European version, develops a total of 335 hp.
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Old Jun 13, 2025 | 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by MB300de
The GLC 300de of course the European version, develops a total of 335 hp.
Oops different vehicle altogether.
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Old Jun 14, 2025 | 01:45 PM
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2025 GLC 350e
Originally Posted by 53RO D4Y
The more I think about it, I'm not really liking the thought of getting the 350e. Doesn't make sense to have a heavier car (with the battery plus other HW) be powered by a lower power engine when the battery is drained. I live in a hilly area and that will definitely impact the driving experience. And I can't afford to not have a factory warranty - too much could and does go wrong with all the new tech.

oh well - back to the drawing board.
I have a GLC350e. Even when the battery is showing zero for electric mode, there is plenty of battery still available for the car to operate as a full-on hybrid. When the ICE needs more power, the battery is there and the electric motor kicks in. I have never been in need of more power, even when the battery is “dead”. The full available HP is always there when you need it, in electric mode, hybrid mode, or sport mode; even with a “dead” battery. If you need more power in electric mode, the ICE kicks in, and vice versa. I’ve been driving in electric mode, run the battery out, the ICE will take over on its own, and if more power is needed, the electric motor kicks in to help, even with a “dead” battery. It’s just like any other hybrid. Seamless.
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Old Jun 16, 2025 | 09:14 AM
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2023 GLC 300, 2021 VW ID4
Originally Posted by 53RO D4Y
Well - the car is for my kid who's going off to grad school in upstate NY, about 3 hours away from "home". I've been looking at dealer demo and loaners that have low mileage and one extra year of warranty. With the EV incentives, I'm getting a pretty good deal (at least it seems so) - 2025 GLC 350e, Executive trim, ventilated seats, pano roof, etc. for about $50K.

Their current car is a 2021 RWD GLC300 SUV (which both of us would prefer to keep and had thought to switch to snow tires around Nov) but everyone we've spoken to has recommended AWD/4MATIC. They've never driven in the snow so trying to also avoid potential safety issues. Honestly though, I'm not sure what the right move is. Not to mention the "issue" with the added weight and lower output ICE engine.
How about this idea - keep the 2021 and put the new type of tires called all-weather on it (not all-season, not snow). Car and Driver just did a test on them. The Pirelli Cinturaro WeatherActive and Michelin CrossClimate2 came out on top. You don’t have to do a seasonal change with these yet still get good winter and summer performance. I am thinking of getting these next time I need new tires and I live in northern Vermont and grew up in the Buffalo area so am familiar with winter driving.
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Old Jun 17, 2025 | 02:55 AM
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2025 C300
Originally Posted by 53RO D4Y
The more I think about it, I'm not really liking the thought of getting the 350e. Doesn't make sense to have a heavier car (with the battery plus other HW) be powered by a lower power engine when the battery is drained. I live in a hilly area and that will definitely impact the driving experience. And I can't afford to not have a factory warranty - too much could and does go wrong with all the new tech.

oh well - back to the drawing board.
I understand your concerns, but after 4 months of driving a GLC350e, I am happy to report that the vehicle has sufficient power even after battery is depleted. As @CZ.in.GA mentioned, the battery maintains a reserve which provides an electric boost to the engine so the car behaves like a mild hybrid (like a GLC300) when the battery is zero. Furthermore, it idles and provides AC in full electric mode with zero battery. I would suggest test driving the GLC350e on an incline in battery hold mode. You will get a feel for the car when there is no electric milage left.

It's an amazing car and the electric range is mind blowing for a plugin hybrid. Around 55-60 miles on full battery and I rarely use the ICE. You get a smaller gas tank (13 gallons instead of 17) and the ICE is tuned to less HP but the battery technology is implemented so well you don't really notice. It's one of the best car's I've ever had so my 2 cents is to give it a shot since the economy is unbeatable.
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