Mercedes turns its most important SUV into an electric car
Mercedes' previous electric models have not been very successful under the EQ flag. Following the compact Mercedes CLA EQ, which is also available with a combustion engine, high hopes are pinned on the new GLC, which will be unveiled as an electric variant at the IAA in Munich.
It's a Mercedes GLC – clearly recognizable. But somehow different, chicer, more elegant, and yes, even more confident. Exactly what the Swabians have been missing for some time. Unlike the well-known and ever-successful GLC combustion engine, the most successful Mercedes-Benz model for years, it's about ten centimeters longer. Even better: the upright radiator grille departs from the rounded, sloping design of previous electric models.
The front end finally looks good again. The softly tapered rear, however, is reminiscent of some of its Asian competitors, and not just because of its star-shaped lights.
Inside, the electric GLC presents itself with a sophisticated, well-crafted look, its large panoramic roof, and an impressive digital cockpit that stretches from door to door with a diagonal of almost one meter (39 inches). No panoramic display gimmicks like in the BMW iX3, but a solid display wall that makes an impression. Customers will decide which they prefer. Thanks to a wheelbase of 2.97 meters, the spaciousness with comfortable seating in both the front and rear should be a hit. The cargo space is very generous for this size SUV: the standard 570 liters of volume can be expanded to up to 1,740 liters by folding down the rear seats. And then there's the 128-liter frunk (front trunk). Furthermore, the electric crossover can tow trailers weighing up to 2.4 tons.
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However, we must discuss the highly unfortunate naming of this promising new model. Officially, the 4.85-meter-long five-door model is called the "Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4matic with EQ technology." Not only seasoned marketing experts are at a loss for words, because it could hardly be more cumbersome and less recognizable. No customer understands it – and even a trained salesperson or the workers on the assembly line in Bremen would likely lose their senses when the nomenclature is properly pronounced. BMW will have an easier time in the same vehicle segment in the future: the X3 is the combustion engine, the iX3 the electric version – that's it.
But let's get to the technology: The two electric motors on the front and rear axles together produce 360 kW / 489 hp and are powered by a 94 kWh battery pack in the underbody. An 800-volt electrical system ensures a maximum charging speed of 330 kW – significantly less than the almost identically powered BMW iX3, which also premiered at the 2025 IAA. From a standstill, it accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, with sufficient demand, and the top speed is limited to just 210 km/h. The standard fuel consumption of 14.9 to 18.8 kW / 100 km ensures a maximum range of 710 kilometers – also significantly less than its competitor from Munich.
The E-GLC refuels at a hypercharger in ten seconds for an additional 300 kilometers. However, comfort improvements are likely to come from the variable air suspension and a rear axle that steers by 4.5 degrees. Unnoticeable to the driver: like the Mercedes CLA, the GLC EQ will also feature a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, which should significantly reduce fuel consumption. The market launch of the Mercedes GLC 400 EQ, which costs around €70,000, is scheduled for spring next year. Four more engine variants are expected to follow, with the later base version with rear-wheel drive alone expected to start at around €60,000.
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