Mercedes unveils GLC electric SUV: a more refined all-electric platform with 440 miles of range

Mercedes-Benz has now fully pulled the wraps off the all-electric GLC at IAA Mobility in Munich. A new next-gen electric powertrain now underpins the most popular model from the German luxury automotive brand.

Can it revive Mercedes’ EV momentum?

Mercedes-Benz all-electric GLC at a glance

• Battery & voltage: 94-kWh pack on an 800-volt system; DC fast-charging from 10–80% in ~24–25 minutes and up to ~160 miles added in a 10-minute stop (WLTP basis).
• Powertrains (launch pair):
  • GLC 400 4MATIC: dual-motor AWD, 483 hp / 596 lb-ft, 0–60 mph in 4.4 s.
  • GLC 300+: single rear motor RWD, 369 hp / 372 lb-ft, 0–60 mph in 5.9 s.
• Drivetrain detail: a two-speed transmission on the rear axle (11:1 first, 5:1 second) to boost launch, towing, and high-speed efficiency—rare in road EVs today.
• Range: WLTP estimates vary by source; expect ~350–376 miles depending on configuration, with U.S. EPA ratings to come closer to launch.
• Charging network: When it reaches North America, the GLC should align with Mercedes’ plan to ship native NACS ports starting in 2025; current MB EVs already have Supercharger access via an official adapter.
• Towing & utility: Up to 5,291 lbs (with hitch); 20.1 cu-ft cargo (rear seats up) or 61.4 cu-ft (seats folded) plus a 4.5 cu-ft frunk.
• Interior tech: optional 39.1-inch “Hyperscreen” spanning A-pillar to A-pillar with matrix backlighting (1,000+ LEDs) and zone dimming; standard setup still includes large display real estate.

Mercedes-Benz Electric GLC

Unlike the old EQC (a reworked ICE platform), the electric GLC is an EV built from the ground up.

It now features a longer wheelbase, new sheetmetal, and a bespoke interior. The 800-V system supports 330-kW peak DC fast-charging, and the new drive units pair with that two-speed rear e-axle, something most EV automakers don’t opt for, to balance punchy acceleration with efficient cruising.

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Optional AIRMATIC air suspension and available rear-axle steering complement the advanced technology offering, providing higher levels of comfort and maneuverability for those willing to pay a premium.

The new electric GLC is equipped with a 94 kWh battery pack, providing up to 713 km (443 miles) of range based on the WLTP cycle.

The EPA range is expected to be closer to 350 miles of range.

Inside, Mercedes, who has long been trying to “out-screen” the segment, is still implementing its 39.1″ Hyperscreen, which uses matrix backlighting with intelligent zone dimming, letting the system brighten critical info while dimming other areas to reduce distraction.

As of late, the German automaker has been making progress with its in-car user interface through deeper Google integration on the latest MBUX/MB.OS stack.

Design-wise, the electric GLC stays recognizable, which is the point — but adds that optional pixel-lit grille and star-signature lighting front and rear as an evolution on existing designs.

Electrek’s take

It does feel like a step-up in Mercedes’ EV game.

Between this and BMW’s new IX3, it’s clear that the German automakers are not ready to let China run away with the electric premium segment.

Tesla is leaving a gap for others to fill, especially in Europe, and legacy automakers need to up their EV game to gain market share, or Chinese automakers will be more than happy to take their place.

The specs of the electric GLC appear to be on point. The price point has yet to be confirmed, but I expect they will try to compete with the new BMW iX3.

They didn’t manage to achieve the same range, but as we often like to highlight, range is not everything and it looks like the GLC will easily be able to travel more than 300 miles on a single charge, which is plenty.

My main eyebrow-raiser is the timeline: late 2026/early 2027 is a long on-ramp for a “now” segment, and competitors won’t stand still.