The popular Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is going electric, and we’re getting our first glimpse of the new model. Judging from initial previews, the electric GLC boasts a sleek new design, cutting-edge technology, and a host of other improvements.
Mercedes provided a first look at the new GLC EV, putting the electric SUV through winter testing in Northern Sweden, showcasing its capabilities. Utilizing the new EQ Technology, Mercedes promises the electric GLC will “set new benchmarks” in driving range, charging speed, computing power, and efficiency. As the first EV built on the forthcoming MB.EA electric vehicle architecture, the GLC will be a critical model for Mercedes-Benz. This platform will serve as the foundation for other upcoming electric vehicles, including the GLC and the S-Class sedan.
Designed from the ground up as a dedicated EV platform, the MB.EA architecture differentiates the electric GLC from the current gasoline and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions. Mercedes has indicated that multiple battery options will be offered. The top battery variant will sustain charging rates exceeding 320 kW, capable of adding 162 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
According to Car and Driver, which tested the prototype, the roughly 94.5 kWh battery is projected to offer just over 400 miles of WLTP range, equivalent to approximately 300 miles on the EPA scale. The prototype, equipped with a dual-motor AWD powertrain, delivers an impressive 483 horsepower. Equipped with a Disconnect Unit (DCU), the front-axle drive unit can be engaged or disengaged for increased control. Like the Porsche Taycan, the electric GLC includes a two-speed transmission on the rear axle.
Although the interior was not shown, it’s expected to include Mercedes’ new MB.OS operating system, as the company moves toward software-defined vehicles. The top-of-the-line trim is anticipated to feature a LiDAR system with Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. From initial impressions, the electric GLC looks like a major upgrade compared to the EQC, which it will indirectly replace.
More details about the Mercedes GLC EV will be revealed when it makes its official debut at the IAA Auto Show in Munich this September.
While the current GLC 350e 4MATIC PHEV is priced at $59,900 in the US, the electric model is expected to be slightly more expensive, around $65,000.
