3 Mercedes-Benz Models Built for Highway Fuel Efficiency

Highway driving in Quebec requires vehicles that deliver consistent fuel economy without sacrificing performance. Mercedes-Benz engineers a lineup that balances efficiency with the refinement drivers expect from luxury vehicles. Whether navigating daily commutes or longer trips, these three models achieve strong highway fuel economy while maintaining the technology and comfort Mercedes-Benz is known for.

Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC Sedan: Compact Luxury With Strong Efficiency

The Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC Sedan pairs a 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers 0 - 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds while achieving 7.1 L/100 km on the highway.

The mild hybrid system's Integrated Starter-Generator adds electric boost during acceleration while enabling fuel-efficient coasting and ECO Start/Stop engagement. Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive continuously adapts power distribution to maximize traction in varying conditions without sacrificing efficiency.

Inside, the C-Class offers a digital cockpit with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 11.9-inch central display running MBUX. The 455-litre cargo capacity and 40/20/40-split folding rear seats provide practical versatility. With a 66-litre fuel tank, the C 300's highway efficiency translates to extended range between fill-ups.

Key C 300 4MATIC Efficiency Highlights:

• Highway fuel economy: 7.1 L/100 km
• City fuel economy: 10.0 L/100 km
• 2.0L inline-4 turbo with 48V mild hybrid drive
• 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque
• 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV: Plug-In Hybrid Efficiency Leader

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC SUV pairs a 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged engine with electric drive technology, delivering 313 combined horsepower and 406 lb-ft of combined torque. The vehicle can travel up to 87 kilometres on electric power alone, making many daily commutes entirely fuel-free.

When operating in combined gas-and-electric mode, the GLC 350e achieves 3.7 Le/100 km. Even when running on gasoline only, highway fuel economy stands at 8.5 L/100 km. The plug-in hybrid system offers multiple driving modes to maximize efficiency or performance, with the ability to pre-condition the battery and cabin while plugged in.

The GLC 350e maintains the practicality expected from the GLC lineup, with 470 - 1,530 litres of cargo capacity and the ability to tow up to 2,000 kg when properly equipped. The 49-litre fuel tank, combined with the electric range, provides flexibility for both short urban trips and longer highway journeys. Charging is straightforward with a 9.6 kW AC charging capacity, allowing a full charge in approximately 2.75 hours using a Level 2 charger.

GLC 350e 4MATIC Efficiency Highlights:

• Combined fuel economy (gas + electric): 3.7 Le/100 km
• Highway fuel economy (gas only): 8.5 L/100 km
• All-electric range: 87 km
• 313 hp (combined) and 406 lb-ft (combined)
• 0 - 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds

Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC SUV: Compact Efficiency Champion

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4MATIC SUV features a 2.0-litre inline-4 turbocharged engine with mild hybrid technology, generating 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 48-volt mild hybrid system's Hybrid Starter-Generator provides electric boost for smoother acceleration while enhancing overall efficiency through regenerative braking and ECO Start/Stop functionality.

The GLA 250 achieves 7.1 L/100 km on the highway, matching the larger C-Class sedan while offering the elevated seating position and versatility of an SUV. The 8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provides quick, smooth shifts that contribute to both performance and efficiency. With a 51-litre fuel tank, the GLA 250 offers practical range between refuelling stops.

Inside, the GLA 250 offers a spacious cabin with 1,037 mm of front headroom and a cargo capacity ranging from 435 to 1,430 litres with the rear seats folded. The standard panoramic sunroof creates an airy atmosphere, while the MBUX infotainment system with 10.25-inch displays keeps you connected. DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes allow you to tailor throttle response, shifting, and steering feel - whether maximizing efficiency in ECO mode or enhancing responsiveness in Sport mode.

GLA 250 4MATIC Efficiency Highlights:

• Highway fuel economy: 7.1 L/100 km
• City fuel economy: 9.4 L/100 km
• 2.0L inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive
• 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
• 0 - 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds

Technology That Maximizes Efficiency

All three Mercedes-Benz models benefit from advanced technologies designed to optimize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. The mild hybrid systems in the C 300 and GLA 250 recover energy during deceleration through regenerative braking, storing it in a 48-volt battery for later use. This stored energy powers the Integrated Starter-Generator, which can add electric boost during acceleration or enable the engine to shut off completely during coasting.

The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission in the C 300 and GLC 350e, along with the 8G-DCT 8-speed dual-clutch transmission in the GLA 250, feature multiple overdrive ratios that keep engine speeds low during highway cruising. This reduces fuel consumption while maintaining effortless acceleration when needed. ECO Start/Stop systems in all three models automatically shut off the engine at traffic lights and in stop-and-go traffic, restarting instantly when you release the brake pedal.

The GLC 350e's plug-in hybrid system takes efficiency further by allowing pure electric driving for short trips and daily commutes. The system intelligently manages the transition between electric and gasoline power, prioritizing electric drive whenever possible. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine operates with strong efficiency, and the system continues to recover energy through regenerative braking.

Real-World Efficiency Considerations

Official fuel economy figures provide a valuable baseline, but real-world efficiency depends on several factors. Highway driving at steady speeds typically yields the best results, as these Mercedes-Benz models can maintain optimal engine speeds in their highest gears. The mild hybrid systems excel in mixed driving conditions, recovering energy during deceleration and providing electric boost during acceleration.

For the GLC 350e, maximizing efficiency means taking full advantage of the electric range. Drivers with access to regular charging can complete many daily trips on electric power alone, using gasoline only for longer journeys. The 87-kilometre electric range covers typical daily driving patterns for many drivers in Quebec, making the plug-in hybrid system particularly effective for those with predictable commuting distances.

All three models benefit from Mercedes-Benz's attention to aerodynamics. The C-Class sedan's sleek profile, the GLC's sculpted body, and the GLA's carefully designed shape all contribute to reduced wind resistance at highway speeds. Combined with low-rolling-resistance tires and intelligent thermal management systems, these design elements help translate powertrain efficiency into real-world fuel savings.

Efficiency Comparison at a Glance

Experience Efficient Luxury at Mercedes-Benz Blainville

These three Mercedes-Benz models demonstrate that efficiency doesn't require sacrificing the performance, luxury, and technology that define the brand. Whether you prioritize the C 300's sedan refinement, the GLC 350e's plug-in hybrid versatility, or the GLA 250's compact practicality, each model delivers strong highway fuel economy alongside the driving experience Mercedes-Benz is known for. Visit our team at Mercedes-Benz Blainville to explore these efficient luxury vehicles and find which model best suits your driving needs.