Mercedes GLC Electric Here Are 10 Things You Need To Know

The upcoming GLC EV combines a massive hyperscreen, illuminated styling, and long-range capability in a bid to rival Audi, BMW, and Porsche.
 

1. First Fully Electric GLC for the U.S.
The GLC with EQ Technology marks Mercedes-Benz’s first attempt at offering its top-selling compact SUV in fully electric form for the American market. Since its U.S. debut in 2015, the GLC has consistently ranked as one of the brand’s strongest sellers, competing directly with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Now, by adding a battery-electric version, Mercedes is moving the model into direct competition with the growing compact luxury EV segment, including rivals such as the Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX3, and Porsche Macan EV.
 
2. Battery capacity and range
All versions of the GLC EV feature a 94.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Mercedes says the SUV can achieve up to 443 miles (713 km) on the European WLTP test cycle, which is usually more generous than EPA estimates. Even with lower U.S. ratings, the range should still place it at the high end of the segment. The 800-volt architecture not only reduces charging times but also increases efficiency, with the car able to add about 186–188 miles of range in just 10 minutes at maximum charging speed.
 
3. Performance and towing strength
The flagship launch model, the GLC 400 4MATIC, will deliver 483 horsepower through a dual-motor setup. That output places it above BMW’s most recent iX3, which produces 463 hp, and suggests acceleration times will be competitive with similar-sized EVs from Audi and Porsche. Beyond speed, the GLC EV is also engineered with practicality in mind, offering a towing capacity of up to 5,291 pounds when fitted with the optional trailer hitch, an uncommon figure in the compact EV SUV class.
 
4. Suspension borrowed from the S-Class
Mercedes is equipping the GLC EV with technology usually reserved for its flagship sedans. The optional Airmatic suspension, taken directly from the S-Class, includes adaptive damping that can alter firmness on the fly. It works with Car-to-X communication to anticipate road conditions ahead, allowing the system to adjust before hitting potholes or rough pavement. The suspension also uses navigation data to keep the vehicle at an optimal ride height, improving both comfort and energy efficiency. Rear-axle steering further improves handling, with the rear wheels able to turn up to 4.5 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels for tighter turns.
 
5. A larger footprint than the gas model
The EV version of the GLC rides on a 117.0-inch wheelbase, 3.1 inches longer than the combustion-powered version. This increase in size translates into more passenger comfort, with 0.5 inches of additional front legroom, 1.9 inches in the rear, and extra headroom throughout the cabin. The cargo area measures 20.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which expands to 61.4 cubic feet when folded, and the SUV also includes a 4.5-cubic-foot front trunk, providing extra flexibility for luggage or charging.
 

6. The illuminated grille
Styling is one of the most divisive aspects of the new GLC EV. The front grille, offered with illumination, contains 942 tiny squares lit by 140 LEDs arranged around the central Mercedes star. The look has drawn mixed reactions, with some calling it distinctive and others dismissing it as excessive. Complementing the grille are new LED headlights with star-shaped daytime running lights, a theme carried through to the taillamps, which use circular star-inspired designs to stand out from traditional SUV lighting.
 
7. Interior highlights and materials
Mercedes is making a point of balancing luxury with sustainability inside the GLC EV. Buyers will find a standard vegan leather upholstery certified by The Vegan Society, but traditionalists can still opt for Torino or Nappa leather through higher trim levels and the AMG Line package. The panoramic glass roof is another highlight: divided into nine electronically controlled sections, it can switch between transparent and opaque to adjust cabin lighting. An optional package adds 162 illuminated stars within the roof panels, creating a constellation effect that plays into the car’s emphasis on visual drama.
 
8. The 39-inch Hyperscreen
Dominating the cabin is the 39.1-inch seamless Hyperscreen, which stretches across the dashboard. The display integrates more than 1,000 LEDs and allows both the driver and passenger to configure their sections of the screen independently. Running the latest MBUX infotainment software, it now incorporates AI integration from Microsoft and Google, enabling more advanced voice commands and predictive functions. Importantly, Mercedes has kept physical controls for essentials like climate, windows, and seat adjustments, preventing the car from being overly reliant on touchscreens.
 
9. Safety and driver assistance
As expected from Mercedes, the GLC EV comes loaded with the brand’s latest safety technologies. MB.Drive combines adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving functions under certain conditions, allowing for limited hands-free operation. MB.Parking Assist enables semi-automated parking maneuvers in complex urban settings. These systems build on a full suite of passive safety equipment, including advanced crash protection and driver monitoring features, positioning the GLC EV at the forefront of active safety in its class.
 
10. Availability timeline
The all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology will reach the U.S. market in the second half of 2026. Pricing information has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to exceed the cost of the standard gas-powered 2026 GLC, which starts at $50,800. This suggests a likely starting price in the mid-to-high $50,000s, placing it in direct competition with the next wave of premium electric SUVs.