On the eve of the opening of the 2025 Munich International Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz's new pure electric GLC SUV made its global debut.
As the first mass-produced model under Mercedes-Benz's new generation of design language, this largest GLC in history is built on the new MB.EA pure electric platform and is equipped with an advanced eATS 2.0 electric drive system. It integrates numerous technological breakthroughs and has a comprehensive upgraded intelligent experience. It can be called Mercedes-Benz's "decathlon player" in the era of electrification. In the future, it will compete directly with models such as the BMW iX3.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, said: "With the arrival of the all-new all-electric GLC SUV, we are continuing the strongest product and technology offensive in Mercedes-Benz history. This is not only an all-new model, but also the beginning of a new all-electric chapter for the brand's world-leading best-selling model. The all-new all-electric GLC SUV features a brand-new design, forward-looking technology, the new MB.OS architecture and outstanding performance, achieving a perfect combination of comfort, handling, energy efficiency and intelligence."
Charging for 10 minutes can increase the range by 303 kilometers
From the perspective of platform architecture, the pure electric GLC abandoned the previous route of electrifying the fuel vehicle platform and instead adopted the MB.EA platform developed specifically for electric vehicles.
Thanks to its 800-volt electrical architecture, silicon carbide inverter, the only two-speed transmission in its class, and four-wheel drive disconnect unit (DCU), the all-new all-electric GLC SUV delivers 360 kW of power, a top speed of 210 km/h, and a pure electric range of 713 km under WLTP conditions. Supporting up to 330 kW DC fast charging, a 10-minute charge can add 303 km to the range, making charging as convenient as refueling. The new car is also equipped with an integrated DC converter, making it compatible with both 800-volt and 400-volt charging facilities, effectively solving the compatibility issues of charging piles with different voltages.
The all-electric GLC offers two powertrain options: a single-motor rear-wheel drive and a dual-motor all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel drive model boasts a maximum power output of 268 horsepower, while the all-wheel drive model boasts a maximum output of 483 horsepower. An AMG high-performance version with a maximum power output of 608 horsepower and a 0-60 km/h acceleration time expected to be under 4 seconds will also be released in the future.
The first Mercedes-Benz model to feature an illuminated grille
The all-new all-electric GLC adopts Mercedes-Benz's next-generation design language. It showcases the classic proportions of the Mercedes-Benz mid-size SUV in a stylish and attractive way and becomes the first Mercedes-Benz model to be equipped with a new illuminated grille.
The grille, one of the most iconic design elements in automotive history, has been pioneered, interpreted, and continues to be pioneered by Mercedes-Benz. The all-new all-electric GLC SUV's exterior highlights the futuristic design of the iconic chrome frame and the honeycomb radiator structure pioneered by Wilhelm Maybach in the 1900s. The iconic shield-shaped grille has been further streamlined, incorporating a smoked glass mesh dotted with 942 polycarbonate backlight points to create a digital pixel effect. It also displays vivid animations when unlocking or charging, making the classic design interactive. At night, the chrome frame displays a pixelated dynamic light effect.
The headlights are equipped with star-shaped daytime running lights, while the taillights adopt a through-type light cluster with four circular internal luminous shapes. Through fluid dynamics optimization, the new car achieves an ultra-low drag coefficient of 0.26Cd. Hidden door handles, smooth body surfaces, and subtle aerodynamic optimizations all contribute to this excellent performance.
In terms of dimensions, the all-electric GLC has undergone significant changes compared to the gasoline-powered GLC. The wheelbase has increased by 84 mm to 2972 mm, and the vehicle length has reached 4826 mm, providing more legroom for rear passengers and significantly improving ride comfort. Regarding storage space, the new car's standard trunk volume reaches 570 liters, which can be expanded to 1740 liters with the seats folded down. It also features a 128-liter front trunk, fully meeting daily needs.
39.1-inch seamless ultra-connected screen, the largest in Mercedes-Benz history
The interior's most striking feature is the 39.1-inch seamless MBUX hyper-connected display, the largest curved screen ever introduced by Mercedes-Benz, stretching across the entire instrument panel. This screen utilizes innovative matrix backlighting technology with over 1,000 individual LEDs, delivering ultra-clear images and vibrant colors. It also features innovative intelligent zone dimming technology, enabling two brightness levels per screen. The circular air-conditioning vents remain, and the ambient lighting system extends to the vent area. When adjusting the temperature, the vent lighting briefly changes color, enhancing the driver-vehicle interaction experience.
In terms of chassis technology, the new car adopts the same S-Class design for the first time, featuring a double wishbone front and five-link rear independent suspension, air suspension, and rear-wheel steering with a 4.5-degree steering angle. These features significantly enhance vehicle handling stability and ride comfort. The rear-wheel steering system improves vehicle agility, particularly in urban environments, enabling a large SUV to achieve a turning radius similar to a small car. The GLC 400 4MATIC also boasts a 2.4-ton towing capacity and an external discharge function, further expanding the vehicle's application scenarios and meeting diverse outdoor activities.
The smartest Mercedes-Benz SUV will be launched in China in 2026
In terms of market positioning, the all-new all-electric GLC will be produced in Bremen, Germany, and Beijing, China, meaning Chinese consumers will be able to purchase a longer wheelbase version at a more competitive price. The domestically produced model produced by the Beijing Benz plant is scheduled to launch in 2026. In addition to the longer wheelbase, it will also feature the first six-seater GLC in China.
MB.OS's all-new architecture transforms the all-new all-electric GLC SUV into a smart companion that thinks, learns, and grows alongside the driver. The all-new MBUX hyper-connected display offers up to 11 themes that cleverly interact with control buttons and ambient lighting, creating a personalized cabin ambiance based on customer preferences. The in-car screen features a new welcome animation, extending the illuminated grille and taillights' light show into the interior. This creates a warm welcome upon arrival and an elegant farewell upon stopping, creating a sense of ceremony that resonates both inside and out.
As the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz SUV, the all-new all-electric GLC SUV features the fourth-generation MBUX intelligent human-machine interaction system, the world's first in-car infotainment system to integrate both Microsoft and Google AI technologies. Based on this "multi-agent collaboration" technology, the Mercedes-Benz virtual assistant is smarter, more communicative, and more emotional than traditional voice interaction.
The all-new all-electric GLC SUV, exclusively available in China, will feature urban and highway pilot control, delivering a user-friendly, safe, and comfortable assisted driving experience that meets Mercedes-Benz standards. Upon entering the Chinese market, the locally produced model will continue to feature the Doubao AI large-scale model, Aspire voice technology, and Mercedes-Benz customized navigation, creating a digital mobility experience tailored to local customers. This tailored intelligent cockpit technology and numerous China-specific applications will meet the actual needs and usage habits of Chinese customers.
This luxury electric SUV, incorporating ultra-fast charging technology, an intelligent cockpit, and air suspension, demonstrates the technological depth of Mercedes-Benz's electrification transformation. Mercedes-Benz's dual-factory strategy in China and Germany underscores its global strategic ambitions, and final pricing and actual driving performance will be key factors in determining its market success.
With the release of the all-new all-electric GLC, Mercedes-Benz showcased its technological prowess in electrification. Its 800V high-voltage architecture, 330kW ultra-fast charging, and a range exceeding 700 kilometers demonstrate the traditional luxury brand's strong competitiveness in the electrification trend.
The launch of this car marks a new phase in Mercedes-Benz's electrification strategy. From platform selection to technical configuration, from production layout to market positioning, it reflects the traditional luxury brand's careful consideration in its electrification transformation.
It's worth noting that Mercedes-Benz's all-electric vehicles will no longer use the EQ brand name. Instead, they will be labeled "XXX with EQ-Technologie (XXX model with EQ electric drive technology)," such as the "G580 with EQ-Technologie." This isn't just a naming strategy adjustment; it also reflects Mercedes-Benz's rethinking of its electrification development path, foreshadowing a future where electric products will prioritize technological sophistication over brand differentiation.
