Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ Review By Auto Motor & Sport

After its debut at the Munich Motor Show, Mercedes organized the first test drive for the new Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic, and the colleagues from auto motor und sport Germany shared their first impressions from the test drive in the Nevada desert.
 

Mercedes also held the first test drive of the new all-electric Mercedes GLC EQ in the Nevada desert to demonstrate that even an electric car can perform very well on sand dunes. The Mercedes GLC confirmed just how responsive and powerful modern electric propulsion can be in sandy conditions.
 
In fact, the Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic is well prepared for off-road adventures: it features S-Class air suspension with adjustable ground clearance, a semi-permanent all-wheel drive system with a disconnectable front axle, all-wheel steering, a two-speed gearbox for the rear motor, and a “transparent hood” function that allows the driver to see underneath and ahead of the car — a very practical feature for off-road driving.
 
Additionally, in Terrain mode, the front axle remains permanently engaged, and the gearbox is locked in first gear.
 
All of this is complemented by cutting-edge 800V electric technology, a more refined regenerative braking system than ever before, ultra-fast charging up to 330 kW (providing 300 km of range in just 10 minutes), and a large 94 kWh net battery delivering a range of 713 km. Moreover, the vehicle’s control unit processes an astonishing 254 trillion operations per second, the top-tier multimedia system spans the entire dashboard, and passengers can gaze at 162 illuminated stars in the panoramic roof.
 

At 4.85 meters in length, the SUV is remarkably easy to handle even in deep sand. Mercedes engineers tested it in some of the most extreme environments on Earth — from Arvidsjaur/Arjeplog in the far north to Idiada in Spain, then on dunes and even in harsh areas like Death Valley. On desert dunes, engineers verify whether all control systems operate smoothly and efficiently, whether intervention thresholds (such as for ABS) are correctly calibrated, and whether systems avoid interfering with one another.
 
These fine adjustments are crucial — and the result here is a harmonious driving experience. Steering remains precise in sand, the two motors with nearly 500 hp provide strong thrust, the driving position is ergonomic, and the seats are comfortable.
 
Thanks to car-to-X technology, the intelligent adaptive air suspension detects bumps and potholes, adjusts damping accordingly, and lets the GLC lower itself to the minimum ride height when possible for maximum efficiency. The suspension can also be controlled via voice commands. Additionally, Mercedes listened to customer feedback by bringing back physical buttons for controlling audio volume and adaptive cruise control.
 
Basic operation has improved significantly, and the new “zero-layer” technology allows key information to be displayed directly on the main screen without navigating through menus.
 

When climbing steep dunes, traction control, ESP, and ABS work together, recognizing the surface and responding proactively and appropriately. The ESP effectively prevents rollovers in extreme conditions, while traction control avoids premature loss of grip by simulating a locking differential.
 
The air suspension keeps each wheel in contact with the ground and allows the ground clearance to increase by up to 70 mm, enabling the car to wade through water up to 30 cm deep.
 
The standard heat pump provides heating, but at 28°C, it’s the efficient and quiet air conditioning system that matters most.
 
The auto motor und sport team’s conclusions are extremely positive. The Mercedes GLC EQ impresses with remarkable traction, finely tuned software, and immense power reserves even in deep sand. Its control systems, AI-assisted features, and comfort are top-notch — typical of Mercedes — complemented by excellent charging performance and long range. Driving dynamics remain balanced and surprisingly agile. It remains to be seen whether it will shine on asphalt and in everyday life as brightly as it does on the dunes.