The True Cost of Power: How Your GLC Powertrain Choice Affects Your Daily Fuel Budget

Choosing a Mercedes-Benz GLC in Brampton means deciding between efficiency, versatility, and pure performance. But beyond the showroom appeal of turbocharged engines and electrified powertrains lies a practical question every driver must answer: What will this vehicle actually cost me to fuel every day?

The 2026 GLC lineup offers four distinct powertrain personalities—from the fuel-conscious GLC 300 to the 671-hp GLC 63 S E Performance. Each delivers the refinement and capability expected from Mercedes-Benz, yet their daily operating costs vary dramatically. Understanding these differences is essential for long-term value. And for those willing to wait, the upcoming 2027 GLC with EQ Technology promises to eliminate fuel costs entirely.

Comparing Daily Fuel Costs Across the 2026 GLC Lineup

Note: All fuel and electricity costs in this article are estimates based on stated assumptions for daily distance, energy prices, and official consumption ratings. Real-world fuel economy and energy use can differ significantly, especially for AMG and plug-in hybrid models, depending on driving style, weather, load, and traffic.

GLC 300 4MATIC: The Efficiency Benchmark

The GLC 300 4MATIC SUV pairs a 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine with mild hybrid technology, delivering 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Fuel economy sits at 9.9 L/100 km city and 7.7 L/100 km highway.

Daily Fuel Cost Estimate (40 km mixed driving, $1.65/L premium):

• Fuel consumption: ~3.5 L/day
• Daily cost: ~$5.78
• Monthly cost (22 days): ~$127
• Annual cost (250 days): ~$1,445

The GLC 300 balances capability with economy. Its mild hybrid system recovers energy during deceleration, supporting the turbocharged engine without requiring plug-in charging. For drivers prioritizing low operating costs while maintaining Mercedes-Benz refinement, this powertrain offers the most predictable budget.

GLC 350e 4MATIC: The Plug-In Hybrid Advantage

The GLC 350e 4MATIC combines a 2.0L inline-4 turbo with plug-in hybrid technology, producing 313 hp and 406 lb-ft of combined torque. Its 87 km of electric-only range allows many drivers to complete daily commutes without burning gasoline. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 3.8 L/100 km equivalent in hybrid mode.

Daily Cost Scenarios:

Scenario A: Pure Electric (within 87 km range):

• Electricity consumption: ~20 kWh
• Daily cost (Ontario off-peak $0.087/kWh): ~$1.74
• Monthly cost: ~$38
• Annual cost: ~$435

Scenario B: Hybrid Mode (beyond electric range):

• Fuel consumption: ~3.3 L/day (mixed city/highway)
• Daily cost: ~$5.45
• Monthly cost: ~$120
• Annual cost: ~$1,363

For drivers with consistent access to Level 2 charging and daily commutes under 80 km, the GLC 350e delivers the lowest operating costs in the current lineup. Its ability to tow up to 2,000 kg while running on electricity for short trips makes it particularly appealing for Ontario families balancing weekend adventures with weekday efficiency.

AMG GLC 43 4MATIC: Performance with a Premium

The AMG GLC 43 4MATIC escalates output to 416 hp and 369 lb-ft from its handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 with hybrid assist. Real-world consumption for performance-oriented turbocharged engines in this class typically ranges from 12–14 L/100 km in mixed driving.

Estimated Daily Fuel Cost (13 L/100 km average, $1.65/L premium):

• Fuel consumption: ~5.2 L/day
• Daily cost: ~$8.58
• Monthly cost: ~$189
• Annual cost: ~$2,145

The GLC 43 represents a $60–$62 monthly premium over the GLC 300 in fuel costs alone. For drivers who value spirited acceleration and AMG-tuned dynamics, this is the cost of accessing 161 additional horsepower while maintaining daily usability.

AMG GLC 63 S E Performance: The Adrenaline Tax

The flagship GLC 63 S E Performance delivers 671 hp and 752 lb-ft through its plug-in hybrid AMG powertrain, combining a handcrafted 2.0L inline-4 with a 150 kW rear electric motor. This is the most powerful GLC ever offered. While it can operate in electric mode for short distances, sustained performance driving demands both battery power and premium fuel.

Estimated Daily Cost (aggressive mixed use, 15 L/100 km fuel + charging):

• Fuel consumption: ~6 L/day
• Electricity (partial charging): ~10 kWh
• Daily cost: ~$10.77 (fuel + electricity)
• Monthly cost: ~$237
• Annual cost: ~$2,693

The GLC 63 S E Performance commands the highest daily operating cost—roughly $110 more per month than the GLC 300. This is the price of accessing near-supercar performance in a luxury SUV package. For enthusiasts prioritizing track-ready capability and instant torque delivery, the fuel premium is part of the ownership experience.

Cost Comparison Summary

Assumptions: The costs above are illustrative estimates based on 40 km mixed daily driving, premium fuel at $1.65/L, Ontario off-peak electricity at $0.087/kWh. Actual costs vary based on driving habits, fuel prices, and charging availability.

The 2027 GLC with EQ Technology: Zero Fuel Costs on the Horizon

Mercedes-Benz will introduce the all-electric 2027 GLC with EQ Technology in the second half of 2026. Built on an 800-volt architecture with a 94 kWh usable battery capacity, this model targets up to 713 km of WLTP range and DC fast charging speeds up to 330 kW—adding up to 303 km of range in just 10 minutes.

Projected Daily Operating Cost (2027 GLC EV):

• Electricity consumption: ~3.5 kWh/40 km
• Daily cost (Ontario off-peak): ~$0.30
• Monthly cost: ~$6.60
• Annual cost: ~$75

The 2027 GLC EV eliminates fuel costs almost entirely. Compared to the 2026 GLC 300, this represents annual savings of approximately $1,370. Over a five-year ownership period, that difference approaches $6,850—enough to cover a significant portion of insurance or maintenance expenses.

Wait or Buy Now? A Strategic Decision

For drivers whose current vehicle remains reliable and who can delay purchase until late 2026, the 2027 GLC EV offers compelling long-term value:

Advantages of Waiting:

• Zero fuel costs after purchase
• Access to 800-volt fast charging infrastructure
• Expanded interior space compared to 2026 models
• Towing capacity up to 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)

Reasons to Buy a 2026 Model Now:

• Immediate availability and established dealership inventory
• Proven powertrain reliability (particularly GLC 300 and 350e)
• Lower upfront cost compared to expected EV pricing
• No range anxiety or charging infrastructure dependency
• Established service network for gasoline and PHEV models

For drivers covering 15,000+ km annually in mixed city and highway driving, the 2027 GLC EV's fuel savings will offset its likely price premium within 4–5 years. For those prioritizing immediate performance or requiring towing capability beyond 2,000 kg today, the 2026 AMG models remain the practical choice.

Choosing Your GLC at Mercedes-Benz Brampton

The 2026 GLC lineup offers a powertrain for every priority. The GLC 300 4MATIC delivers proven efficiency and the lowest daily operating costs among gasoline models. The GLC 350e 4MATIC provides plug-in versatility for drivers with access to home charging, combining electric-only commuting with long-distance capability. The AMG GLC 43 and GLC 63 S E Performance deliver escalating levels of performance, with fuel costs that reflect their output.

For Brampton drivers evaluating long-term value, the upcoming 2027 GLC with EQ Technology represents a fundamental shift—eliminating fuel costs while expanding capability. Whether that future-focused choice justifies waiting depends on your current vehicle's condition, daily driving needs, and willingness to adopt electric infrastructure.

Explore the complete 2026 GLC lineup and reserve your test drive at Mercedes-Benz Brampton. Our team can help you calculate real-world operating costs based on your specific driving patterns and discuss the 2027 EV timeline for Ontario deliveries.

You might also be interested in these blogs:

• The 2026 Electric GLC: An In-Depth Guide to Mercedes' New Bestseller
• 10 Things to Know About the All-New Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC
• The All-New 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance: 10 Exceptional Features That Set It Apart