Mercedes-Benz unveils electric GLC

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has recently been the company's most popular vehicle worldwide. Now, the German automaker delivered an all-electric version of its champion SUV.

Scheduled to arrive in the first half of 2026, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology is not just the old model with a battery pack - it's a completely new vehicle built from the ground up to be an electric car, promising to redefine the competitive midsize EV segment. And it is just the beginning, with four additional electric models planned to follow.

The launch model, the GLC 400 4MATIC, will have an all-wheel-drive 360 kW powertrain. Mercedes-Benz reports a provisional range of up to 443 miles from its 94 kWh battery. This impressive range is supported by an 800V electrical system, a feature that allows for remarkably fast charging. The company claims drivers can add up to 188 miles of range in just ten minutes at a compatible fast-charging station.

Stepping inside the new GLC you get the new MBUX Hyperscreen, a single piece of glass stretching {{39.1 in}} across the dashboard. This is the largest screen ever placed in a Mercedes-Benz, controlling everything from navigation to entertainment.

The electric platform features a wheelbase 3.31 inches longer than its gasoline-powered sibling - which translates directly into more room for passengers. Rear passengers get an extra 1.85 inches of legroom. If you prefer your luxury without leather, Mercedes-Benz is offering an optional Vegan Package, certified by The Vegan Society, making it the first automaker with such an offering.

Luxury and technology are expected, but the electric GLC also delivers on practicality. It offers a substantial 20.1 ft³ of cargo space in the trunk, which expands to 61.4 ft³ with the back seats folded down. Adding to this is a front trunk, or "frunk," that provides an extra 4.52 ft³ of storage for charging cables or smaller items.

One of the most impressive details for the GLC 400 4MATIC is its towing capacity of 2.4 metric tonnes (approximately 5,291 pounds). This makes it a capable vehicle for families who need to tow boats, campers, or trailers, a task not all EVs are ready for.

The new GLC's extensive technology is managed by a new Mercedes-Benz Operating System, or MB.OS. The company describes it as the car's "superbrain," powered by artificial intelligence and high-performance chips capable of 254 trillion operations per second. This system integrates every function, from the MBUX virtual assistant, which uses AI from both Microsoft and Google, to the advanced driver-assistance systems.

The car is equipped with up to ten cameras, five radar sensors, and twelve ultrasonic sensors that feed data into MB.OS, allowing the vehicle to understand its surroundings in real time. This architecture also allows for over-the-air software updates, ensuring the car can receive new features and improvements long after it leaves the dealership.

Mercedes-Benz has also focused heavily on ride quality and driving dynamics. The electric GLC borrows the AIRMATIC air suspension from the luxurious S-Class, designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride by absorbing bumps in the road. For improved maneuverability in tight city streets or on winding roads, the vehicle also features 4.5-degree rear-axle steering, which tightens the turning circle.

When it's time to slow down, a "One-Box" braking system seamlessly blends energy recovery (recuperation) with the traditional friction brakes. In most everyday driving situations, over 99 percent of braking is handled by regeneration, sending power back into the battery and maximizing range.

When the new GLC comes eventually to the showrooms, it'll be available in two trims - the GLC400 with 483 horsepower and 596 lb-ft of torque, and the GLC300+ with 369 horsepower and 372 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful version reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while the single-motor RWD 300+ model needs 5.9 seconds.

Just like the new CLA, the GLC is getting the new two-speed gearbox for more efficient performance at higher speeds thanks to its 5:1 ratio in the second gear. The first gear is all about delivering that punchy performance with a ratio of 11:1.

The GLC400 will be arriving in the second half of 2026, right after the new BMW iX3, and the GLC300+ will likely arrive in early 2027. The prices haven't been confirmed yet, but BMW has already set the benchmark, and Mercedes will have to follow closely - we expect the GLC400 to hover around $82,000 with the GLC300+ dropping down closer to $70,000.

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