If your brand is as iconic in the automotive industry as that of Mercedes-Benz, then you can be both traditional and daring at the same time. The star-roundel German insignia headquartered in Stuttgart has had nearly 140 years of history behind it—such history having a “birth certificate” in January 1886 when Karl Benz filed a patent application for his three-wheeled gas-powered vehicle—yet still finds ways to stay ahead of its time.
The Mercedes-Benz magic was evident on May 8 at its Philippine hub in Edsa-Greenhills in San Juan City, as Mercedes-Benz Philippines general manager Maricar Cristobal-Parco announced the debut of two pioneering plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in its lineup: The all-new Mercedes-Benz E-Class PHEV and the Mercedes-Benz GLC PHEV. Going two steps further, however, she revealed a couple of initiatives that would make the brand stand out once more from all the rest.
In a nutshell, these two initiatives have a lot to do with Mercedes-Benz’s global commitment to sustainability: A continuing partnership with Liter of Light, an organization dedicated to bringing sustainable lighting to communities without access to electricity; and turning the Greenhills office into a solar-powered facility.
Solar power and lights
Cristobal-Parco said: “In 2023, we took meaningful steps to integrate sustainability into our daily operations. In fact, this Mercedes-Benz Greenhills showroom has been converted into a solar-powered facility and reflects our drive to lead by example and demonstrate that true progress begins at home.
“In the same year, we also joined hands with the Liter of Light. For every Mercedes-Benz EQ vehicle that was sold, we donated solar powered light on behalf of our customers and dealer partners. This benefited over 300 households in Barangay Daraitan in Rizal. This year we plan to continue this purposeful journey reaffirming our commitment, sustainability and community upliftment. We believe in creating experiences where customers can enjoy the best of both worlds: Exceptional performance and reduced environmental footprint,” she added.
The Liter of Light is a global ambassador for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s International Day of Light. The organization teaches sustainable and environment-friendly skills and creates jobs for communities on the front lines of climate change. It offers a unique model for community empowerment through its Net Zero initiatives for climate action. The Mercedes-Benz Liter of Light workshop in 2023 was seen as a testament to the company’s commitment to the initiative as its management and employees came together to assemble solar-powered lights.
“It’s not just about building lights; it’s about illuminating lives and driving positive change. Every solar light we create represents a step toward a brighter future for those who need it most,” Mercedes-Benz Philippines said.
PHEVs delivering sustainable luxury
In this light (no pun intended), Mercedes-Benz Philippines stressed that the official introduction of its two PHEVs marks a milestone in the brand’s journey to sustainable luxury.
Cristobal-Parco said: “We are proud to introduce this new line of plug-in hybrids, further cementing our commitment to sustainable luxury. This is more than a product launch, it’s a bold step forward in a journey toward a cleaner, more responsible future. When we launched the fully electric MB EQ line in 2023, we had one clear goal: To offer sustainable mobility without compromising luxury, performance and innovation that define Mercedes-Benz. Today we are thrilled to expand on that vision with the plug-in hybrid models, the GLC 350 PHEV and the all-new E350e PHEV.
One of the first features that TessDrive tried to confirm about the two vehicles was their use of non-animal materials for their interior. The GLC 350e uses Artico man-made leather seats (not sourced from animals), which is good news. It’s not yet confirmed if there are variants of the two models that completely do away with animal-sourced materials.
An MPV and a sedan
Cristobal-Parco explained: “The GLC plug-in hybrid is a versatile and dynamic MPV, compact in form yet powerful and capable even off the beaten path, making it an ideal companion for everyday journeys. Meanwhile, the all-new E Class Plugin Hybrid embodies the opulence, sophistication and timeless elegance that defines a true Mercedes-Benz sedan. Both models deliver cutting-edge technology, advance safety systems, and greater flexibility for our customers, all while reaffirming our unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility.”
PHEVs and hybrids are gaining popularity in the Philippines as more people seek environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered cars. These vehicles combine electric and gasoline power, offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. One of the key advantages of PHEVs is their potential to significantly lower environmental impact, especially when daily drives can be completed using battery power alone. This can lead to a noticeable decrease in monthly fuel costs. In addition to lower running costs, PHEVs and hybrids are also exempted from Metro Manila’s Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, or the number-coding scheme, making them even more convenient for urban driving. For many, choosing a plug-in hybrid or hybrid is a practical first step toward a fully electric future.
Now that Mercedes-Benz offers a plug-in hybrid option, the luxury segment has become even more competitive, with the brand expanding its lineup of new energy vehicles to meet the growing demand for sustainable mobility.
Both the all-new E350e PHEV and the GLC 350e PHEV embody the brand’s dedication to providing the perfect blend of environmental stewardship, cutting-edge technology, exhilarating performance, and classic modern luxury. These PHEVs seamlessly integrate advanced electrification with the distinctive elegance and dynamic performance that define Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The E-Class E350e Plug-In Hybrid retails at P5,490,000, while the GLC 350e Plug-In Hybrid goes for P4,890,000.
Visit or call the following Mercedes-Benz dealerships for more details: Greenhills (02) 8784 5000; Bonifacio Global City (02) 8784 5001; Alabang (02) 8553 6334; and Cebu (032) 260 3333.
(Top photo) Head lights: Mercedes-Benz PH GM Maricar Cristobal-Parco and Inchcape PH country head Alex Yap (right)