I drove a $72,000 Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid SUV. It's the perfect gateway to EVs without the range anxiety.

I was impressed by the hybrid's smoothness and efficiency.

Although impressive, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain comes with a hefty $10,000 price premium over the standard GLC, which delivers superior internal combustion-only fuel economy and similar acceleration compared with the PHEV.

The base rear-wheel-drive version starts at $49,250, while the range-topping, high-performance version starts at $86,050.

The GLC is handsomely styled.

The GLC's front and rear facia incorporate the latest look of Mercedes' C-Class sedans, evolving the overall shape that made the first-generation variant so popular with consumers.

The second-gen GLC is longer, lower, and boasts a slightly wider track than the vehicle it replaced.

The new GLC's 0.29 drag coefficient means it's also more aerodynamic than the outgoing model.

Under the hood is a four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and a 23.3 kWh battery pack.

The 350e is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a 134-horsepower electric drive motor to produce 313 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in total system output.

Power gets to the pavement through a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

The GLC PHEV is good for 25 MPG of fuel economy in combined driving when using just the internal combustion engine. Factor in the hybrid system, fuel economy increases to 64 MPGe, according to the EPA.

The GLC has 54 miles of all-electric range.

The GLC can charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes using a DC fast charger at a rate of 60 kW.

With a standard household level 2 AC plug, the 350e can charge from 10% to full in under three hours.

The GLC350e drives like a refined luxury SUV.

The overall driving experience was pleasant and civilized.

The steering was precise and well-weighted, and the front coil suspension and rear air suspension combined to deliver a soft and smooth ride.

With the ICE and electric drive systems operating in harmony, the 350e felt smooth and effortlessly powerful. While I did detect some hesitation when switching between various EV, hybrid, and ICE driving modes, the hybrid system was fairly seamless in operation.

Despite its 313 horsepower and 406 lb ft. of torque, the PHEV GLC wasn't any quicker than the standard GLC 300, which has 255 horsepower under its hood. Both can do 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz.

That's because of the GLC350e's weight.

At 5,500, the PHEV battery and electric drive system add roughly 1,000 lbs of heft to the ICE GLC, which negatively affects the vehicle's performance and efficiency, especially when in ICE-only mode.

The GLC's cabin is stylish and high-tech.

The GLC shares much of its cabin design with the current C-Class sedan and the new CLE Coupe and Cabriolet.

That's a good thing because it looks terrific. The interior blends modern tech and design like the metal weave center console, massive LED displays, and LED ambient lighting with callbacks to classic Mercedes-Benz design with the vintage turbine design air vents and find wood trim.

The only real complaint I had, and one that I have with most modern Mercedes cabins, is the touch controls that look great but can be fussy and imprecise to use while driving.

In front of the driver is a stylish, leather-wrapped, heated flat-bottom steering wheel.

Also, in front of the driver is a highly configurable 12.3-inch high-definition digital instrument display.

The GLC's 16-way power, two-tone front seats were very comfortable.

The sienna brown and black seats were upholstered in a material called MB-Tex, which does a fair approximation of real leather.

The focal point of the GLC's center stack is a large 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The screen is equipped with the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system that's pretty well sorted at this point. It's responsive and easy to navigate, and the graphics look terrific. The system's overeager voice assistance is also far less intrusive than in past iterations.

The system's built-in navigation maps look spectacular, and the image quality of the GLC's surround-view cameras is equally impressive.

The rear cabin is as pleasant as the front seats.

Passengers riding the split rear bench seat are treated to the same upholstery and ambient lighting, and a solid 37.4 inches of legroom.

The SUV boasts a solid 24 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.

With the seats folded, the cargo capacity expands to around 56 cubic feet. There is a small underfloor storage hook for tools and an emergency tire inflation kit.

The biggest difference between the 350e and the internal combustion-only models is a slight hump in the rear cargo floor and the storage bag for its charging cables, both of which eat into capacity.

The GLC comes standard with a host of safety tech, including adaptive high beam assist, blind spot assist, and active parking assist.

However, you'll need to pay for the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package to get Mercedes' outstanding Distronic adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and other high-tech features.

My Verdict: GLC 350e is the ideal gateway for someone looking for the benefits of an EV without the range anxiety.

As a plug-in hybrid, the 350e is at its best if the consumer is committed to or able to keep its battery pack charged.

Without the benefit of juice from its battery, the 350e is effectively a GLC 300 with 1,000 lbs of extra weight, worse fuel economy, and a $10,000 price premium.

Keep the battery charged, and you have something special.

The 350e PHEV's 54-mile all-electric range means it'll be a de facto EV on most daily commutes, while the turbocharged engine guarantees range anxiety-free road trips.

At the same time, the SUV delivers the world-class tech and luxury experience expected of a vehicle carrying the vaunted three-pointed start.

It's the best of both worlds.