Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has augmented its SUV offering by introducing locally assembled GLC200 4Matic, featuring aluminium rails and running boards. The new launch is a more accessible variant at the base of the GLC lineup, and is also aligned with the unveiling of GLE400e, a plug-in hybrid, which reflects Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering focus on offering a wider spread of powertrain choices to its customer base.
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The GLC200 4Matic carries an on-the-road price of RM329,888 (USD 81,303) excluding insurance. It is positioned well below the GLC350e 4Matic plug-in hybrid, which entered the market in September last year at RM398,888 (USD 98,308.86). Compared with the models it effectively replaces, the new entrant is RM69,000 (USD 17,005) cheaper than the GLC350e and around RM100,000 (USD 24,)less than the fully imported GLC300 4Matic.
Visually, the GLC200 mirrors much of the styling seen on the GLC350e. It comes equipped with LED High Performance headlamps, optional adaptive high beam assist, polished aluminium roof rails and aluminium-look running boards. The SUV rides on 20-inch AMG alloy wheels with staggered tyres and features Agility Control suspension with selectable damping.
A major factor behind the revised pricing is local production at Mercedes-Benz’s plant in Pekan, Pahang, reinforcing the company’s completely knocked down (CKD) manufacturing presence in Malaysia.
Under the bonnet, the SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 204 PS and 320 Nm. This is supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides an additional 23 PS and 205 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission, enabling a 0–100 km/h time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 221 km/h.
Although the GLC200 shares its combustion engine with the GLC350e, the plug-in hybrid delivers stronger combined figures of 313 PS and 550 Nm thanks to its 129 PS electric motor. As a result, it reaches 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, albeit with a slightly lower top speed of 218 km/h. The trade-off comes in boot space, with the PHEV offering 490 litres compared with the GLC200’s 620 litres.
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Inside, the model is specified with the AMG Line interior finished in Artico synthetic leather, though it does without the panoramic sunroof fitted to the PHEV. Standard features include heated, electrically adjustable front seats with memory, a Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel, anthracite lime-structure wood trim and a metal-finish centre console. Additional equipment ranges from 64-colour ambient lighting and Thermatic climate control to rear roller sunblinds, insulating glass and the Comfort Plus package, which adds Keyless Go, hands-free access, an Easy-Pack tailgate and electrically folding rear seats.
The latest MBUX infotainment system is standard, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with an 11.9-inch central touchscreen featuring fingerprint recognition and a ‘transparent bonnet’ camera view. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and six USB-C fast-charging ports are included, while Digital Extras such as MBUX Navigation Premium, augmented reality navigation and live traffic information are available via subscription.
Safety and driver assistance features include blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, active brake assist and active parking assist with Parktronic. The locally assembled GLC200 4Matic is covered by a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Electrification, strategy and market outlook
At the launch, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia CEO Amanda Zhang, vice-president of marketing and sales Nadia Trimmel, and head of product management and planning Nadzir Abdul Razak confirmed the brand’s commitment to electrification while maintaining a balanced mix of internal combustion, battery-electric models and plug-in hybrid.
Since customer expectations are shifting, being flexible is the key to success. Considering this perspective, Zhang has highlighted PHEV's role as a practical transition towards full electrification. She also reiterated Mercedes-Benz’s Vision 2039 ambition to achieve net carbon neutrality across its entire ecosystem, noting that the brand’s own factories are already carbon neutral. Nadzir added that the multi-powertrain strategy aligns with environmental, social and governance priorities.
Addressing competition, retail expansion and pricing, the leadership team pointed to the agency sales model, flexible financing solutions and a focus on long-term customer value as key pillars, while signalling further product adjustments in response to evolving market conditions.
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