The Mercedes-Benz GLC has been the German automaker’s best-selling mannequin for years at this level, and that development is barely going to proceed as compact luxurious crossovers get extra widespread, however the GLC has been lacking one thing: an electrical powertrain. To this point, we have solely gotten internal-combustion-powered GLCs, because the EQC by no means made it to our shores, however that every one modifications with the brand new GLC with EQ Expertise (which I will be calling the GLC EV from right here on out). Not solely is it a reinvention of Mercedes’ most necessary mannequin, it is also a North Star for the place the automaker is headed sooner or later.
The GLC EV brings with it a slew of recent applied sciences and options we’re positive to see on different Mercedes-Benz automobiles, particularly because it’s the primary automotive on the all-new MB.EA electrical car structure. It additionally has an AI-driven MB.OS supercomputer to run the whole lot, a very redesigned cabin with a large 39.1-inch seamless display, even higher driver-assist methods, and an exterior that blends forward-thinking design components with nods to previous iconic Mercedes-Benz fashions. There’s lots to love right here. Let’s dig in.
Energy up
Beneath the pores and skin of the GLC EV is the all-new 800-volt MB.EA structure that Mercedes first began telling us about a couple of years in the past. Within the U.S. we’ll get two drivetrain choices at launch: the rear-wheel-drive GLC300+ and the all-wheel-drive GLC400 4Matic. Mercedes says the GLC300+ will put out 369 horsepower and 372 pound-feet of torque from its single motor. That is adequate for a 5.9-second 0-to-60-mph run. The twin-motor GLC400 bests each these numbers by rather a lot, coming in at 483 hp and 596 lb-ft and dropping the claimed 0-60 time to simply 4.4 seconds. Both approach you get a 130-mph high pace.
Each fashions have a 94-kWh battery pack and may DC quick cost at as much as 330 kW, and there is an built-in DC converter to allow them to cost at each 800-volt and 400-volt stations. Mercedes says it will possibly cost from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes, and about 150 miles of vary may be added in simply 10 minutes. On the European WLTP cycle, Mercedes says the GLC EV can journey as much as 443 miles on a full cost. WLTP is extra optimistic than the EPA’s take a look at, so I would hazard that our vary might be someplace across the 390-400 mile mark.
It has a two-speed transmission
It additionally comes as normal with selectable one-pedal driving. Mercedes is aware of that is going to be plenty of consumers’ first EV, so it needs to ease everybody into it slowly. As much as 300 kW of regeneration is feasible, and Mercedes says the GLC recuperates throughout “over 99%” of braking.
Like with the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes went with the two-speed transmission in an effort to optimize each efficiency and effectivity. First gear has a brief ratio of 11:1, which supplies the GLC EV fast acceleration, excessive towing capability (as much as 5,291 kilos) and extra effectivity round city. Second gear (5:1) is designed for energy supply at increased speeds — like accelerating from an on ramp all the way in which as much as its 130 mph high pace on the autobahn — and effectivity in freeway driving. Air suspension is elective, as is rear-wheel steering that turns as much as 4.5 levels.
If you’re on the freeway, you’ll get pleasure from Mercedes’ normal suite of driver-assist applied sciences that can solely get higher with time as they’re improved with over-the-air updates. The GLC has as much as ten cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors and 5 radar sensors.
A brand new look
In relation to the skin of the GLC EV, the very first thing you are going to discover is the largest factor, that eye-catching grille up entrance that Mercedes says each “marks an necessary milestone and redefines the face of the model.” The “grille” has a large chrome body, a smoked-glass-look mesh construction and built-in contour lighting. In fact, there’s an illuminated model obtainable that you just should get, which comes with 942 polycarbonate backlit dots, in addition to an illuminated three-pointed star.
Apart from the grille, the GLC EV is not that wild-looking. That is not to say it isn’t a good-looking crossover — it undoubtedly is, nevertheless it’s pretty conservative by fashionable EV requirements. For probably the most half, the GLC EV appears like a reasonably typical Mercedes-Benz crossover, although it isn’t practically as blob-like because the EQE SUV. It is a good combine between gas-powered crossovers like the present GLC and the EQ fashions.
As will grow to be normal new Mercedes-Benz fare, the headlights have three-pointed-star-shaped working lights, and the taillight bar comprises small encircled star LEDs like on the current GT XX idea. The automotive additionally comes with loads of chrome to maintain even probably the most conventional Mercedes fan joyful, and there is a small roof spoiler on the high of the trunk to assist with aerodynamics and disguise the GLC EV’s sloping roofline. Mercedes says the GLC has a drag coefficient of 0.26, which is fairly good however barely off the mark of the newly launched BMW iX3, which would be the GLC’s greatest competitor. You’ll be able to stand up to 21-inch wheels in case you aren’t too fearful concerning the automotive’s vary, however 20s come as normal.
Issues of dimension
The GLC EV’s 117-inch wheelbase is 3.9 inches longer than the gas-powered GLC, and due to different intelligent EV packaging, inside room grows for everybody. Entrance and rear occupants get an additional 0.5 inches and 1.9 inches of legroom, respectively, and rear headroom is up 0.6 inches, thanks partly to the usual panoramic roof.
Mercedes says the GLC EV may have 20.1 cubic ft of cargo room behind the rear seats, which is not unhealthy however is a bit lower than the gasoline GLC. If that is not sufficient, electrically drop the 40:20:40-split second row and the area grows to a wholesome 61.4 cubic ft, greater than the ICE mannequin, and the cargo flooring may be lowered by 3.1 inches. When you want only a bit extra space, there’s a normal frunk with an additional 4.5 cubic ft of room. However total, the GLC EV is not that a lot larger than the gasoline
Extra display, extra buttons
Whereas the skin of the GLC EV is evolutionary, its inside may very nicely be thought of revolutionary. The massive information right here is the obtainable 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, the biggest show fitted to a Mercedes to this point. Made up of over 1,000 particular person LEDs, it combines gauge cluster, central infotainment display and passenger show into one seamless display that spans the entire dashboard. Clever dimming expertise will enable for simultaneous adjustment of various sections, like if the passenger needs their aspect to be darker.
Mercedes says the display can present “high-resolution ambient types” as background motifs that should provide a variety of moods to the parents within the automotive, “from calm to intense, cool to heat, and technical to emotional.” Along with altering the graphics and colours throughout the display, these moods additionally change the ambient lighting.
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The infotainment system is an evolution of the brand new MBUX that debuted on the CLA, with easier menus and higher graphics than the outdated vehicles. It even has an AI digital assistant factor with ChatGPT4o and Microsoft Bing Search that’ll be your pal if you do not have one, however I actually assume you need to attempt to discover one.
The GLC EV’s inside is about greater than a giant display, although. Mercedes made it some extent of emphasis to carry again buttons and knobs on each the steering wheel and middle console (they stay proper by a pair of wi-fi telephone chargers), changing the haptic buttons that had been beforehand there. It is also placing a much bigger emphasis on trim and supplies — the floating wooden piece that follows the sprint and middle console is large, the air vents are extra intricate, and the door panels have extra complicated designs.
Sometimes eye-catching inside
In fact, like all fashionable Mercedes-Benz fashions, the GLC EV’s inside is festooned with the entire ambient lighting you might ever need that may be modified to 11 trillion completely different colours and even pulse and alter together with the music. That ambient lighting may also present up on the panoramic roof, which, as an choice, is roofed in 162 three-pointed stars, a really neat trick.
Mercedes says the GLC EV goes to be supplied with an entire slew of sustainable supplies meant to create a high-quality really feel within the automotive’s inside, together with the primary inside licensed by The Vegan Society, if that is the kind of factor you are into. When you’re not, you can even select from black, beige or brown leather-based choices that may be paired with all types of pretty trim choices from anthracite or metallic-blended cloth to AMG carbon fiber and birch wooden. It is a Mercedes. You have bought numerous choices.
When you’re not feeling that large display, you can even go for the MBUX Superscreen that separates the three zones into separate screens like on the CLA: a ten.25-inch driver show, a 14-inch infotainment display and a 14-inch passenger show. The bottom GLC EV would not have the passenger show; as a substitute it will get a panel with extra illuminated stars.
Have it your approach
The AMG model of the GLC EV is not getting revealed but, however that hasn’t stopped Mercedes from providing a number of completely different AMG look packages on the automotive. You’ll be able to choice the GLC EV with the AMG Line, which supplies it AMG exterior styling, distinctive AMG wheels, a sports activities steering wheel in Nappa leather-based, AMG flooring mats and sports activities pedals. You may also go for the AMG Line Sport Seat Package deal that will get you extra comfortable seats with built-in headrests, AMG-specific stitching for the door panels and inside, cherry crimson leather-based and completely different graphics for the display.
If that is not fairly sufficient AMG for you, there’s additionally the AMG Line Plus with Evening Package deal, which provides all of the AMG Line options plus 21-inch wheels with a black tint, a black rear spoiler, illuminated black door sills and Manufaktur seatbelts in crimson.
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I hear you, AMG is not your factor. Don’t fret, there are many different GLC EVs to select from, just like the Government Line. It packages the illuminated grille with the illuminated panoramic roof and the Superscreen with the 14-inch passenger show, ambient inside lighting and illuminated door sills. You may also go for the Pinnacle Line, which supplies you the Government options plus lively ambient lighting, a Burmester sound system and an air air purifier.
When you’re somebody who needs, no wants, the most effective, go for the Pinnacle Plus Line. That upgrades your lights on the skin, will get you the 39.1-inch Hyperscreen, in addition to a good higher Burmester sound system, heated and ventilated entrance seats that’ll therapeutic massage you, and the Winter package deal.
As necessary because it will get
We will count on to see the GLC400 4Matic hitting showroom flooring in late 2026, with the GLC300+ following in early 2027. The worth has but to be introduced, however with BMW’s iX3 stated to begin at round $55,000, Mercedes in all probability needs to be near that mark.
It is exhausting to think about a automotive up to now few many years that has been as necessary for Mercedes-Benz because the GLC with EQ Expertise. Placing apart its foolish title, it is a automotive that carries an unlimited weight on its shoulders. Regardless of America’s finest efforts, the remainder of the world is shifting away from gas-powered automobiles and towards EVs.
For luxurious manufacturers like Mercedes, the compact crossover is an important phase, bar none. It has been a rocky highway for Mercedes attempting to introduce a mannequin on this phase within the U.S., however the GLC EV appears able to take the world by storm, all whereas setting the tone for what a Mercedes-Benz goes to appear to be for years to come back.
