Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class Reviews

Mercedes-Benz has added new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants to its local GLE large SUV line-up with the arrival of the GLE450e 4Matic in Coupe and traditional SUV wagon form. The newcomer is powered by a 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and a single 135kW electric motor integrated into the nine-speed automatic transmission, sending a combined 320kW/680Nm to all four wheels via the three-pointed star’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system. That’s enough to propel the 2.7-tonne five-seater from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds. A 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery gives the sleek coupe version an electric-only range of 91km (WLTP), with the more upright wagon good for 87km. Both are capable of up to 140km/h in EV-only mode. Standard charging set-up is 11kW AC for a zero to 100 per cent top-up in under three hours.  An optional onboard DC charger ($1100) accepts 60kW for a 10-80 per cent recharge time of around 29 minutes. On sale from today (October 15, 2026), the Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic plug-in hybrid SUV and Coupé are priced at $156,900 and $160,900, respectively (both before on-road costs). Car-spotters should look out for AMG Line exterior styling and Night Package elements, jointly bringing: AMG front apron Matt black roof rails Gloss black exterior mirror caps Star pattern radiator grille Horizontal louvres in the nose air intakes Dark chrome faux underguard Tinted rear windows 20-inch AMG five-spoke alloy wheels (SUV) 21-inch AMG five-twin-spoke alloy wheels (Coupé) Inside, standard features include heated front seats, synthetic leather trim in the SUV (synthetic leather and microfibre on AMG Line sports front seats in the Coupé) and a new steering wheel marking the return of rocker switch and roller controls. Existing GLE standard features include: Three 12.3-inch screens (under single glass surface) Head-up display Burmester 3D surround sound Memory Package Keyless-Go Comfort Package (with hands-free access) 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE450e 4Matic option pricing:

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB follows the successful formula of the original GLB and its electric EQB sibling. It's still boxy and spacious for a smaller SUV but now has way more tech and represents better value for money. The line-up features two mild hybrid and two electric grades. It kicks off with the base mild hybrid, the front-wheel drive GLB200. It's more affordable than the model it replaces and features a much greater level of standard gear than its predecessor, including: Keyless entry and start 10.25-inch driver instrument display 14-inch central multimedia touchscreen Google Maps Digital radio Heated and power-adjustable front seats 360-degree camera Head-up display Black synthetic leather Ambient lighting Heated front seats Privacy glass from the B-pillar back Power tailgate Panoramic fixed glass roof Automatic climate control 19-inch alloy wheels Both mild-hybrid versions of the GLB are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech that includes a 1.3kWh lithium ion battery. The front-wheel drive GLB200 delivers 120kW/250Nm for an 8.7-second 0-100km/h dash time. It uses an eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and consumes 6.1L/100km of premium unleaded. Standard safety gear is extensive and it works well on the road with few interventions. Like all grades, the GLB200 has seven seats but Benz says only people up to 171cm tall should sit in the third row. The second row seat base rolls forward and back to make it easier to get into the back row.

There is plenty of affordable Chinese car choice for buyers in Australia, and we’ve just learnt why. Chinese brands can build an EV for $11,000 less than European legacy automakers, according to a report in AutoNews.  Manufacturers aren’t just winning on price, they’re winning on speed as well.  Chinese automakers develop cars more than two times faster than their European rivals. These advantages are seeing Chinese manufacturers surge up the sales charts globally, and there’s more than 100 EV models on sale in Australia.  Chinese carmakers can build and sell cars faster.  European carmakers take up to five years to bring a new model to market, while Chinese rivals can do it in only two years.   When these models do finally hit the market, they aren’t as prolific as Chinese ones, with less than a third of sales from vehicles introduced in the past three years.  New Chinese models account for up to 100 per cent of a brand’s sales within the first two years by contrast.  These factors have contributed to European car brands’ pre-tax profit dropping from 13.2 per cent in 2021 to 6.9 per cent in 2025, which in turn limits their ability to innovate.  The European Union has resorted to hefty tariffs on Chinese EVs coming into the region to protect its car industry, but it’s not stopping buyers choosing them.  These brands have now started building their cars in Europe to avoid tariffs, while taking advantage of under-utilised European automaker factories.  Consultancy firm AlixPartners told AutoNews the way Chinese brands are operating in Europe has fundamentally reset consumer expectations on price and technology. “A gradual response isn’t an option,” AlixPartners co-head of automotive for Germany, Austria and Switzerland Xing Zhou said.  “Manufacturers need to restructure, support their suppliers and move faster on technology partnerships than most have been prepared to do so far.” European carmakers need to aim for two-year development cycles and lean into artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce costs and increase production and development speed, according to the firm.  “The window to act from a position of financial strength is closing, and closing faster than most boardrooms and governments assume,” global co-leader for automotive and industrial practice at AlixPartners Andrew Bergbaum said.

The Mercedes-Benz GLB is back for its second generation and this time it’s available with either a mild-hybrid or battery electric powertrain. It’s also packed with new tech. Is the EV the pick of the line-up?

A fix for a huge electric car problem is in the works. The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has announced a $1.43 million investment into a national EV charging roadmap.  The EVC said in its 2026 State of EVs report that Australia still needs "substantial public charging investment”.  It called for better data on demand use, reliability and coverage, with Australia’s charging infrastructure conundrum more complex than merely installing more fast chargers.  The roadmap is expected to be finalised in mid-2027.  The $1.43 million is made up of funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) ($1.06 million) as well as contributions from the EVC and other project partners.  The roadmap will look at charging demand, pressure points and where greater coordination could inform investment decisions through to 2035. It aims to introduce a coordinated charging network for passenger cars and heavy vehicles in metropolitan and regional Australia.  “Other major EV markets have recognised the value of coordinated national planning,” EVC Chief Executive officer Julie Delvecchio said.  “This Roadmap will bring that to Australia, shaped around our distances, our electricity system and the needs of everything from passenger cars to heavy trucks.” Owning a petrol or diesel car is becoming more expensive in Australia, and buyers are making the switch to EV power.  The Tesla Model Y has consistently featured in the top five best-selling cars, and in June 2026, it achieved a recording-breaking 8072 sales.  The BYD Sealion 7 has also recorded a serious increase in sales as it provides tough competition for the Model Y, while Geely’s EX5 has had a bumper 2026.  The federal government is targeting 5 million electric cars on Aussie roads by 2035, which would require the total number of EVs on the road to increase tenfold. Electric cars are now among the cheapest on offer in Australia.  The BYD Atto 1 starts from $19,990, drive-away (until December 15, 2026), while the Geely EX2 is available from $26,490, before on-road costs.  The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is helping to increase EV choices for buyers, with high-emission cars incurring hefty fines under the scheme. 

There are some sharply priced new car deals available for Aussie buyers at the moment. Brands including Chery, Geely and GWM are putting forward some strong deals. Here are a few of the best ones going around. GWM has discounted some of its most popular models in Australia until October 31, 2026 as part of its 18-year celebrations.  The Haval Jolion's Premium grade starts from $23,990, down from $26,990 on drive-away pricing. The small SUV has consistently been one of the best-selling cars in Australia in 2026.  GWM has discounted its H6 mid-size SUV range. The petrol Lux grade is available from $33,990 (a $2000 price cut), while the Lux hybrid starts from $37,990 ($3000 cheaper). The Haval H6 GT is now $2000 cheaper, starting from $44,490, drive-away, while the Cannon Alpha diesel ute Ultra grade is available from $54,990 - a $4000 discount.  Geely is offering six per cent off cars purchased through approved novated lease arrangements until October 31, 2026.  This is available on its electric EX2 hatchback and EX5 mid-size SUV, as well as the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV.  The six per cent discount is applied to the vehicle price, meaning buyers must still pay for on-road costs and other applicable charges.  Applying the discount, the EX2 is available from $24,900, the EX5 $39,470 and the Starray $35,240, all before on-road costs.  Chery is offering several deals on its popular SUV range.  The brand is selling its hugely popular Tiggo 4 small SUV with a $1500 bonus fuel card until October 31, 2026. The car is available from $23,990 (drive-away).  Tiggo 4 hybrid variants are now available with $2000 cashback until October 31, 2026, reducing its starting price to $27,990 (drive-away).  Chery is offering its Tiggo 7 ($29,990) petrol and plug-in hybrid ($39,990) mid-size SUVs with a $2000 fuel card, as well as its Tiggo 8 ($41,990) petrol until October 31, 2026, both drive-away.  The Tiggo 8 ($45,990) and Tiggo 9 ($52,990) PHEVs are available with a $3000 cashback deal, equating to a discounted price of $42,990 and $49,990, drive-away, respectively. The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is available with substantial discounts.  The GLC 200 Special Edition is priced from $65,490 (drive-away) as the cheapest GLC model in the line-up.  The regular GLC 200 now starts from $79,990 (drive-away) compared to its original $89,000 before on-road costs pricing.  The plug-in hybrid GLC 350e is also available with a sharp deal from $98,990 (drive-away), contrasting its $99,900 (before on-road costs) retail price.  These offers run until November 30, 2026 and the car must be delivered by December 31, 2026.  Mercedes-Benz has also discounted the EQA 250+ electric SUV that is available from $65,490 (drive-away) until December 31, 2026.  Skoda is offering its Kodiaq mild hybrid large SUV from $49,990 (drive-away), essentially representing free on-road costs, with this deal matching the car's retail price.  Buyers should note the Kodiaq is not powered by a conventional hybrid set-up, rather it has a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine powering the wheels and a 48-volt battery.  The deal runs until December 31, 2026. 

Hybrid power is now mainstream for Aussie buyers.   It's an important choice for buyers transitioning from petrol- and diesel-powered cars to full EVs. Hybrid-powered cars are also important for brands as they seeks alternatives to internal combustion cars that incur fines under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). There are broad categories of hybrid cars in Australia, and each one has its own benefits for buyers. Here's a look at what hybrids are available, and which one might suit you best. Mild hybrid power is the first stage of electrification for cars. Mild hybrid cars can't drive on EV power alone, because they only use a small, low-voltage battery (usually) 48-volt, with a less than 1kWh capacity. The electric motor usual powers certain electrical features and the starter motor. They don't need to be charged, but they also don't offer noticeably better fuel efficiency than standard petrol- and diesel-powered cars. The popular Toyota HiLux ute is available with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, while Suzuki and Renault offer mild hybrid set-ups on some of their models. Conventional hybrid, plug-less hybrid or self-charging hybrid cars are popular in Australia. The engine works seamlessly with a bigger electric motor to maximise fuel efficiency. A conventional hybrid usually runs on electric-only power at low speeds or for short distances when cruising at higher speeds. The engine will kick in at higher speeds or when more power is needed, blending petrol and electric power. This makes fuels efficiency in urban environments or star-stop traffic better than what a petrol- or diesel-powered car would achieve. The battery in a conventional hybrid is charged by the engine and from regenerative braking, meaning the car doesn't need to be plugged in. The conventional hybrid car's battery is smaller than those in plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars, and still requires a petrol engine to run. Toyota provides conventional hybrid set-ups on the vast majority of its Australian line-up, including its RAV4 SUV and Camry sedan. Other popular brands Kia, Hyundai and others also have affordable conventional hybrid variants on its popular models. Plug-in hybrids or PHEVs take hybrid power to the next level because they are equipped with a much larger battery and a more powerful electric motor set-up. PHEVs have a long electric-only driving range, with some capable of exceeding 200km, before the engine is needed to drive the wheels. Most new PHEVs have an EV range of at least 100km. This means daily commuters will rarely have to fill-up on fuel if they charge the battery every night. PHEVs also boast significant combined driving range as they have a regular sized fuel tank to power the engine, resulting in ranges of north of 1000km before the fuel tank and battery are depleted. Carmakers often claim PHEVs drink less than 2.0L/100km of fuel, but that requires owners to constantly charge their batteries and never let it deplete. Once the battery is depleted fuel use will skyrocket, as the small engine has to move around a heavy vehicle weighed down by the battery and electric motors. PHEVs suit a buyer with access to charging facilities, who also want outstanding fuel efficiency. Bigger Chinese vehicles usually employ PHEV set-ups, including the BYD Shark 6 ute and incoming Zeekr 8X and 9X. Range-extender hybrids, also known as Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) or Extended-Range Electric vehicle (EREV), are gaining popularity globally. They are feature similar hardware to PHEVs, but work in a different way. The engine in a REEV's is used as a generator for charging the battery, and the wheels are driven by the electric motor, or motors, only. REEV's have an EV-sized battery that can also be plugged in to charge, giving these cars a driving range comfortably exceeding 1000km. Leapmotor's B10 and C10 SUVs use REEV set-ups in Australia, but the incoming Forthing Taikon 5 and the XPeng L03 will also employ the set-up when they hit showrooms. Nissan’s ‘e-Power’ hybrid system in the X-Trail and Qashqai SUVs employ REEV tech on a smaller scale, using the engine to power a small battery that powers the wheels, but this battery cannot be plugged in to charge.

If you’re an EV buyer in 2026, you need to know about this.  The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has revealed the state of play for electric and plug-in hybrid cars in Australia in 2026.  This is the 10th year of the ‘State of EVs’ report as more buyers bought EVs than ever before Down Under.  The report analysed the 2025-26 financial year, and how buyer trends and infrastructure, among other things, have changed in that time.  It called for several policy reforms, including targeted equity-based policy to assist economically-disadvantaged Aussies reap the benefits of EV driving. Australia’s charging landscape is diverse, it is also complex and fragmented and needs major investment, according to the report.  In June 2026, there were 4268 public charging locations, which is 235 per cent more than June 2025 There were 11,602 public charge points in June 2026, up 175 per cent compared to June 2025 The EVC said there needs to be more research into how owners charge EVs and where they need them most.  “Australia still needs substantial public charging investment, but the task is not as simple as just installing more fast chargers,” the report reads.   “Most charging happens where vehicles already park—at homes, apartment buildings, workplaces, destinations, kerbsides and depots.” The report calls for a nationally-coordinated charging roadmap and scaled infrastructure deployment. This news comes after NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told CarsGuide in December 2025 Australia’s charging infrastructure was lagging behind.  “We’re nowhere near. We’ve got nowhere near enough public charging,” NRMA spokesperson Khoury said.  “There are lots of areas that don’t have energy that comes from outside the energy grid so you’ve got to create energy sources at those locations.” The EVC is calling for the government to implement a range of new rules in Australia.  It wants a targeted equity-based policy to help all Australians use EVs and take advantage of the cost savings with EV adoption. The report states that EVs have lower running costs than petrol- and diesel-powered cars, with less maintenance, seeing a typical driver saving roughly $3000 per year.  The EVC said this figure did not include the substantial increases to fuel prices in 2026, with savings calculated today even higher.  It said the federal government needs to implement an updated New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) for cars sold beyond 2029 to align with 2035 emissions reduction targets.  NVES is a set of emissions rules that imposes fines on cars sold that emit high levels of CO2 into the atmosphere.  Developing a car takes a brand several years to complete, meaning carmakers need to know the rules these models will need to follow. It also said there should be a national road-user charge that does not deter EV uptake. This would differ from the current system proposed by the New South Wales government from 2027 that the EVC said would slow EV sales. The New South Wales government wants a road user charge to make up for lost fuel excise revenue and ensure all road users contribute to maintenance.  The EVC found a fully-electric or PHEV car was bought every 100 seconds on average in the first half of 2026, with one in four new car sales using an electric powertrain. The report reads cost-of-living pressures, soaring fuel prices and greater EV choice has contributed to a sharp increase in electric car uptake in 2026.  Fully-electric and PHEV sales accounted for 25.8 per cent of new car sales up to June 2026, increasing from 12.1 per cent up to June 2025 There are 196 combined full EV and PHEV models on sale, compared to 153 models in 2025 There were 157,957 electric and PHEV sales in H1 2026, up 177 per cent from H1 2025 Australia’s EV uptake is now in line with the global average, according to the International Energy Agency “So, at a time when fuel prices are fluctuating and cost-of-living continues to bite, it’s no surprise that EVs have become a popular choice,” the report states.  “As of June 2026, drivers have never had a greater choice of EVs in Australia.” Australia recently got its new cheapest electric car in the BYD Atto 1 that is being offered from $19,990 (drive-away) until December, 15 2026.

Diesel buyers are still on the agenda for Mercedes-Benz. The German giant has just unveiled its new GLE 350d large SUV in Australia that debuts a new 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. It replaces the outgoing 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit in the GLE 300d, boosting performance to 210kW and 650Nm. This more powerful base grade GLE-Class costs nearly $6000 more than the previous model, starting from $142,300, before on-road costs. This means it is cheaper than the base diesel-powered BMW X5, starting from $143,900. More budget-friendly Chinese options are appearing in the Australian market with much cheaper price points and electrified powertrains. Zeekr will soon introduce its 8X full-size SUV that is larger than the GLE-Class, but could be offered for less than $100,000. Australia's diesel demise is in full swing. Diesel-powered car sales are down more than 16 per cent in August 2026 compared to August 2025. For the first time ever in August 2026, there were more fully-electric registrations than petrol and diesel individually. Potential fines under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) are also squeezing diesel-powered choices out of the market. Non-heavy duty diesel-powered vehicles sold in Australia generally fall foul of the emissions regulations, with brands incurring fines on these cars. This will not deter Mercedes-Benz, according to the Australian branch's Director of Sales Johannes Schoen, who said customer demand was driving the decision. “Well, we listen to customers, and obviously, we have a great new drivetrain here (3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel), and I could now talk about all the performance indicators. “On the other side, it's also about the refinement and the drive experience. And I think that new six-cylinder diesel engine will deliver exactly that, and that, I feel, is especially relevant here in Australia.” Schoen also said the brand can offset potential fines for its emissions-heavy vehicles like the GLE 350d with fully-electric sales. The brand now has an extensive range of electric models, with the EQA and EQB small SUVs the most prolific on the sales charts. The pair combine for roughly the same number of sales as the GLE-Class up to August 2026. “Well, we fully understand, and we also support, obviously, the intention of the legislator to contribute to lower CO2 emission values,” Schoen said. “We, as a company, globally speaking now, are obviously trying to support a road to net zero carbon emissions in the future. “Now, having said that big picture, obviously, in the here now, we have a product portfolio that allows us to also manage a very high battery electric share. “So in that sense, this is one product out of our large portfolio, and ultimately, it means, on average, we have to fulfil the legislation, and we will do everything, which is in our power, to go that path.”

This Mercedes-Benz SUV just got cheaper in Australia. Mercedes-Benz announced pricing and specifications for the new GLB compact SUV with a price cut of more than $2000 over the outgoing model. It now starts from $65,400 instead of $67,600, before on-road costs for the petrol-powered GLB200. All-wheel-drive power costs more than $10,000 extra, starting from $76,100.  The German giant has also introduced a fully electric GLB for the first time Down Under, starting from $74,990, with the range-topping variant starting from $86,200. The mild hybrid petrol version is still more expensive than the Audi Q3 ($61,600), but is now cheaper than the BMW X1 ($67,500). The new Mercedes-Benz GLB is available in Australian dealerships from today.  Petrol variants employ a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and mild hybrid set-up that produces up to 140kW and 300Nm. Both front-wheel and rear-wheel-drive variants have an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The base FWD variant rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, while all other examples feature 20-inch AMG wheels.  Electric variants have a single motor, producing 200kW/335Nm in FWD or 260kW/515Nm in AWD.  Acceleration from 0-100km can be as fast as 5.5 seconds in the AWD.  Electric GLBs are equipped with an 85kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, offering a driving range of up to 626km in the FWD or 609km in the AWD, both according to WLTP standards. The electric GLB uses an 800-volt platform, so it can DC charge at 320kW and add up to 260km of range in only 10 minutes.  Inside, there is a 10.25-inch digital driver display and 14.0-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 14.0-inch front passenger display, costing an extra $4000 as part of the Premium Plus pack.  Mercedes-Benz also reintroduced physical buttons for key interior functions like audio and climate control to increase functionality and practicality in response to customer feedback.