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Future models - Mercedes-Benz - GLC - eqUnmissable grille fronts new Mercedes GLC BEV800-volt charging and dual-motor AWD the highlights of all-electric new Mercedes GLC8 Sep 2025 By TOM BAKER in MUNICH MERCEDES-BENZ has confirmed the arrival of a fully-electric adaptation of its best-selling model – the GLC medium SUV – debuting the model at the 2025 IAA Munich motor show as a direct rival to the new BMW iX3, which was revealed just days earlier.
Officially called the GLC with EQ Technology, the electric GLC will arrive in European showrooms in the first half of 2026, initially in single-variant, dual-motor GLC400 format, with other powertrain and performance derivatives (including rear-wheel drive and AMG variants) to follow.
The GLC400 4Matic combines a twin permanent magnet synchronous motor layout for all-wheel drive and 360kW of peak power (torque is as-yet undisclosed). The 94kWh (usable) battery is modular, featuring a screwed rather than glued design for claimed superior long-term serviceability.
Driving range for the launch variant is said to be up to 713km (WLTP) depending on equipment level, with enhanced high-speed efficiency harnessed by a two-speed rear-mounted transmission and standard fitment of a heat pump to harvest waste energy from the drive unit and battery for the climate control.
Though the electric GLC will be built in China for some markets, the majority of production is European with units rolling down production lines in Bremen, Germany, and Keckemét, Hungary.
Its drive units will be sourced from Romania, while the electric axles and batteries are German-made.
Mercedes-Benz is also introducing a new “One Box” braking system, which integrates previously separate components such as the brake booster, master cylinder, and ESP system. This technology is said to smooth the delivery of up to 300kW of regenerative capacity with the physical friction brakes.
Beneath the new GLC is an electrical platform shared with the recently revealed electric CLA. Running at 800 volts, the architecture enables peak DC charging of 330kW and can average nearly 200kW across a 10-80 per cent charging session in 22 minutes. AC charging is at 11kW, or optionally 22kW.
Stylistically, the electric GLC diverges from the cab-forward lines of the EQC/EQE SUV families which did not sell in expected numbers.
Instead, the GLC presents a more upright and broad-shouldered silhouette, though the styling is still more organic than the sharp-edged second-gen BMW iX3’s ‘Neue Klasse’ language.
By contrast, Mercedes-Benz describes the GLC’s new look at ‘Sensual Purity’. The electric GLC maintains the prominent wheel arches expected of an SUV and is consistent with its internal combustion (ICE) siblings, though it introduces a distinctive grille treatment which will influence future Benz models.
According to chief designer Gorden Wagener, the grille – optionally illuminated with 942 LED dots between star-pattern headlights and a lit central star – will redefine the classic Mercedes face.
Though unconventional, its bold scale can be likened to prominent radiator grilles of 1980s Mercedes-Benz models.
Inside, the electric GLC debuts the largest display ever fitted to a Mercedes-Benz. The 39.1-inch gen-two Hyperscreen stretches coast-to-cast, with graphics rendered by the Unity game engine.
Depending on grade, the passenger end of the display is a fixed photograph or fully functional with video streaming.
Connectivity options include wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual wireless chargers, and voice-assistant capability that draws on Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI large language model technologies depending on the request, while audio is by way of Burmester 3D or 4D stereos with Dolby Atmos capability.
Interior options span artificial leather, genuine leathers, and what Mercedes-Benz says is the world’s first independently certified vegan interior. Black, beige and beech tan colourways are offered along with trim finishes in metal, fabrics, or wood.
A non-opening panoramic glass sunroof is standard, with optional Sky Control technology dimming the glass in hotter climes while also bundling backlit illumination with a pattern of 162 Mercedes stars.
A redesigned steering wheel incorporates enlarged rollers and buttons, while the latest MB.OS ‘superbrain’ computer, driving the adaptive safety and cabin technology functions, can process up to 254 trillion operations per second. The GLC EV is said to be ready for MB Drive Pro, a fully autonomous driving system.
Dimensionally, the electric GLC measures 4845mm long, 1913mm wide, and 1644mm tall – slightly larger than its chief rival, the iX3.
The electric GLC’s wheelbase is stretched 84mm compared to the ICE version, yielding 47mm extra rear legroom. Boot capacity is 570L, supplemented by a 100L frunk.
Braked towing capacity is 2400kg (with 100kg tow bar download), while standard fitment of bi-directional charging (for both V2G and V2H uses) is included alongside Intelligent Cloud connectivity for continuous over-the-air updating and addition of new features.
Trim levels are expected to span base, Avantgarde, and AMG Lines—at least in Europe—with an optional Agility and Comfort Package bundling intelligent air suspension (leveraging S-Class sedan tech) and 4.5 degrees of rear-axle steering.  Read moreAll future models Alfa Romeo Abarth Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chrysler Chevrolet Dodge Citroen Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton Haval Great Wall Honda Holden Hyundai HSV Isuzu Infiniti Jaguar Iveco Kia Jeep Land Rover Lamborghini Maserati Lexus McLaren Mazda MG Mercedes-Benz Mitsubishi Mini Opel Nissan Porsche Peugeot Ram Proton Rolls-Royce Renault Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo VolkswagenGLC pricing
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