The new Mercedes-Benz GLC electric will go on sale as early as 2026, bringing a new 800 V electric platform - years after others did the same, such as Porsche or… Hyundai - along with a new generation of electric motors and batteries that recently debuted in the new CLA.
It is set to plug a key gap in the electric SUV line-up, a space previously covered by the EQC (launched in 2019). That model was based on the combustion-car underpinnings, with the familiar drawbacks that brings in terms of space and day-to-day practicality.
It matters that the GLC is the model introducing these more advanced features, given that it has been Mercedes’ best-selling vehicle worldwide for many years. The combustion-engined GLC will remain on sale for a few more years. In fact, both are built in the same factory in Bremen, Germany, although the electric motors are supplied from Romania.
“Illuminated work of art”
The Mercedes-Benz GLC electric also debuts a new front-end, where the previous functional grille now serves a purely aesthetic purpose - something the German designers describe as an “illuminated work of art with cutting-edge technology”.
What stands out is the chrome surround, the smoked-glass structure and the illuminated light strip; depending on the market and trim level, it can also feature a version decorated with 942 backlit points, and even an illuminated central star.
In terms of exterior dimensions, it grows by 13 cm in length (4,85 m), 2,3 cm in width (1,91 m) and half a centimetre in height (1,64 m), as well as 8,4 centimetres in wheelbase (2,97 m). This increase helps to explain the significant gains in second-row space - evident, for instance, in the extra 4,7 cm of legroom.
Passengers will also benefit from far greater freedom of movement because, at last, there is no longer a large central tunnel in the floor, since this GLC has neither a propshaft nor an exhaust system running lengthways.
The boot offers 570 litres, which is 100 litres more than the current plug-in hybrid versions, but 30 litres less than the petrol-only versions.
Innovation also inside
Innovation is just as apparent in the cabin, where the largest screen ever seen in a Mercedes-Benz can be fitted as an option. This new 39,1” (99,3 cm) optional Hyperscreen combines what used to be three separate displays into one. We still need to see the entry-level version, which has three screens (instrument cluster, infotainment and a passenger display).
There is considerable expectation around testing this dashboard, which Mercedes-Benz claims is the world’s first to integrate Microsoft and Google Artificial Intelligence features simultaneously. Allegedly, it gives the car the ability to hold a conversation as smoothly as with a friend or family member travelling with you (but with limitless general knowledge).
High-resolution graphics and advanced processing capabilities were also highlighted by the brand when unveiling the new Mercedes-Benz GLC electric; the interior additionally features a range of configurable ambient lighting programmes and backlit surfaces.
Also noteworthy is the panoramic roof with electrically adjustable opacity (in nine different sections) and the ability to display 162 light points to mimic a starry sky - as we had already seen on the CLA. Physical controls on the steering wheel also return, as on the CLA Shooting Brake, following requests from many customers who were unhappy they had disappeared on the current GLC.
489 hp and up to 713 km of range
Not all technical details of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC electric powertrain are known yet, which is understandable given there are still many months to go until it reaches the market - and manufacturers rarely want to show all their cards to rivals.
The new 800 V MB.EA platform has made it possible to significantly increase battery charging power to up to 330 kW on direct current (DC). On alternating current (AC), it can be 11 kW or, optionally, 22 kW.
According to the German brand, it will be possible to add 303 km of range in just 10 minutes (when charging at maximum power). A 10% to 80% DC charge could take only 22 minutes, under the most favourable conditions.
The GLC 400 4MATIC (the first announced version) uses two electric motors (one on each axle) with a combined maximum output of 360 kW (489 hp), although the output of each motor and maximum torque have yet to be confirmed.
What we do know is that top speed is 210 km/h, the 0 to 100 km/h sprint is completed in 4,3s, and the 94 kWh (usable) battery promises a range between 571 km and 713 km (WLTP combined cycle). Consumption figures, still provisional, range between 18,8 kWh/100 km and 14,9 kWh/100 km.
As with the new CLA, there is a two-speed gearbox paired with the rear electric motor to improve acceleration response and reduce energy consumption.
Air suspension and rear-wheel steering
The chassis uses independent suspension at all four corners, with a multi-link rear axle, and top versions can be equipped with an intelligent air suspension designed to help absorb bumps and vibrations generated by rougher road surfaces.
Its new Car-to-X function can adjust the dampers electronically before the car reaches road imperfections, while ride-height control uses Google Maps data to keep the vehicle as low as possible for as long as possible.
This approach reduces aerodynamic drag (Cₓ is just 0,26) and, as a result, energy use. And for the first time, the driver can change the Airmatic suspension ride height using voice commands.
One area where early Mercedes-Benz electric cars fell short was brake response - too spongy and lacking bite at the start of the pedal travel, pointing to unsatisfactory integration between regenerative and friction braking.
To address this, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC electric features a new One-Box braking system. It can calculate maximum energy recuperation while minimising use of the friction brakes.
According to the German engineers, in everyday driving the new Mercedes-Benz GLC electric generates electricity during braking in more than 99% of cases. Recuperation reaches 300 kW and helps to extend range, with four recuperation levels available.
The GLC electric can also be specified with optional rear-wheel steering. Up to 60 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the fronts by up to 4,5º, cutting the turning circle from 12,1 m to 11,2 m. Above 60 km/h, they turn by 2,5º in the same direction as the front wheels, effectively lengthening the wheelbase and delivering greater stability and safety at higher speeds.
When will it arrive?
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC electric is expected in the first half of 2026, arriving almost at the same time as its biggest rival, the BMW iX3, which also makes its debut at the Munich Motor Show. It promises to be one of the year’s headline showdowns.
But both will need to take on the Audi Q6 e-tron - a model we have already tested, and one that has achieved notably strong sales success.
Prices are not yet known and, like its rival, the range should be expanded both above and below this 400 4MATIC version.
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