Kia Sorento PHEV vs Mercedes GLC 300e: which is cheaper to run?
Both are plug-in hybrids; both look attractive on the brochure. The interesting question is how much one costs you over a real year of UK driving — at your tariff, your mileage and your charging habits. Here's the honest side-by-side at typical UK assumptions.
| Spec | Kia Sorento PHEV | Mercedes GLC 300e |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 13.8 kWh | 31.2 kWh |
| WLTP electric range | 35 mi | 80 mi |
| WLTP combined MPG | 168 mpg | 470 mpg |
| Real-world petrol-only MPG | 38 mpg | 47 mpg |
Annual running cost (10,000 mi · 60% on battery)
| Cost | Kia Sorento PHEV | Mercedes GLC 300e |
|---|---|---|
| Battery £/mile | 2.3p | 2.3p |
| Petrol £/mile | 18.7p | 15.1p |
| Blended £/mile | 8.9p | 7.4p |
| Annual cost | £886 | £743 |
| Break-even fuel price | £0.20/L | £0.24/L |
Annual running cost difference
£143
The Mercedes GLC 300e is roughly £143 cheaper a year (16%) at these assumptions.
The honest take. On running costs alone, the Mercedes GLC 300e is the cheaper of the two at typical UK numbers. But running cost is only one variable — purchase price, finance, tax, insurance and depreciation usually swamp it. Use the free calculator below to plug in your own annual mileage, your home electricity tariff, and what % of your driving you'll realistically do on battery. Two minutes and you'll know which car is actually cheaper for your driving.
Run your own numbers — both PHEVs pre-loaded
Calculator opens with the Kia Sorento PHEV and Mercedes GLC 300e side-by-side · adjust to your miles and tariff · save your comparison free