China-only Mercedes-Benz GLC LWB borrows tech from S-Class

03 May 2026

During the Auto China 2026 in Beijing, Mercedes-Benz revealed its newest weapon for the Chinese market - the GLC L EV. This electric SUV is a long-wheelbase version of the popular GLC, and it borrows a lot of technology from the flagship S-Class. Mercedes-Benz knows it needs a win in China, where local companies are quickly taking over the luxury market.

The design of the GLC L EV tries to blend the past with the future. At the front, Mercedes-Benz used a shield-style grille bringing the GLC in line with the latest design language that celebrates long history of then brand. But this old-school look is full of modern tech. The grille has 942 small lights inside it that can "breathe" and change patterns when you unlock the car or plug it in to charge. A glowing star logo sits right in the middle. The SUV also features digital LED headlights that can switch between high and low beams by themselves.

One of the biggest changes for this model is the size. Chinese car buyers love a lot of legroom in the back. Because of this, Mercedes-Benz made the GLC L EV longer than the version they sell in other countries. The car is 194.8 inches long, 77.6 inches wide, and 67.3 inches tall, and it has a 119.2 inches wheelbase. This is 2.17 inches longer than the standard version. The whole body is 4.09 inches longer, too. All that extra space goes directly to the rear passengers so they can stretch out.

Inside the cabin, the dashboard is almost entirely covered by glass. The MBUX super screen measures 39.1 inches across and includes a 14.4-inch screen in the center and a 12.3-inch screen just for the front passenger. A fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip runs everything, so the screens should feel smooth. There is even a new virtual assistant named "Xiao Ben," which translates to "Little Benz."

Mercedes-Benz did not hold back on comfort features - the front seats can heat up, cool down, and even give you a massage. The leather feels premium, and a Burmester sound system provides high-quality sound. If you look up, you will see a massive panoramic sunroof with nine different levels of transparency. You can make it clear to see the stars or dark to keep the sun out. The car also has a 128-liter front trunk, which is perfect for small bags or charging cables.

The tech under the skin is just as impressive as the seats. The GLC L EV uses an 800V system, which allows it to charge very fast. If you are in a hurry, you can add 162 miles of range in 10 minutes. The car gets an 89 kWh battery pack, and according to the testing standards in China, this battery provides more than 435 miles of driving on a single charge. The dual-motor system delivers 310 kW of power, which is about 416 horsepower. With 590 lb-ft of torque, this heavy SUV can move very quickly.

This new big electric Mercedes borrows a lot of the S-Class parts. It comes standard with air suspension that automatically changes how soft or firm the ride feels based on the road. It can raise or lower the car's height. To make parking easier, Mercedes-Benz added rear-axle steering. The back wheels can turn up to 4.5 degrees, making the long SUV turn like a much smaller car in tight city streets.

The GLC L EV arrives at a difficult time for the German brand. Mercedes-Benz still sells about 30,000 to 40,000 cars every month in China, and they are losing ground. High-end Chinese brands are building very good EVs that cost less. Mercedes-Benz tried to sell a smaller CLA L EV recently, but it did not do very well. They hope that adding S-Class luxury and more room to the GLC will convince buyers to stick with the three-pointed star. Only time will tell if "Little Benz" can help them win back the market.