Mercedes-Benz said it would expand its best-selling GLC line with an all-electric model from the first half of 2026, positioning the “GLC with EQ Technology” as a clean-sheet, electric-first entry in the midsize SUV class.
The company said development was shaped by global customer feedback and targeted gains in space, efficiency and charging speed.
The new model adopted the MB.OS software platform, which integrated infotainment, driver assistance and powertrain controls and supported over-the-air updates via the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud.
Inside, a 99.3-centimetre MBUX Hyperscreen — said to be the largest yet in a Mercedes—was paired with expanded ambient lighting and an optional Sky Control panoramic roof.
Mercedes-Benz highlighted a roomier cabin than its combustion-engined sibling, citing a longer wheelbase and increases in leg- and headroom. Luggage capacity was quoted at 570 litres, rising to 1,740 litres with the rear seats folded, with an additional 128-litre front trunk. Braked towing capacity was rated at up to 2.4 tonnes with a 100kg drawbar load.
The electric architecture operated at 800 volts and worked with a new battery generation (usable energy 94kWh). The firm forecast recharging of up to 303km of range in around ten minutes under suitable conditions.
An integrated DC converter enabled 400-volt fast charging where 800-volt hardware was unavailable. Bidirectional capability was built in for vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid use. Charging via MB.CHARGE Public included advance bay reservations at Mercedes-Benz hubs.
Chassis features included air suspension with continuously adjustable damping and 4.5-degree rear-axle steering.
A new One-Box braking system blended regeneration and friction braking, with recuperation quoted at up to 300kW and applied in more than 99% of everyday braking events.
A TERRAIN mode and a “transparent bonnet” camera view were included for light off-road use.
Driver assistance ran on the MB.DRIVE stack using up to ten external cameras, five radar units and twelve ultrasonic sensors, with functions upgradable post-purchase. Lighting moved to the next generation of DIGITAL LIGHT with micro-LEDs for higher resolution and reduced energy use.
An optional Vegan Package — covering seat and wheel upholstery, headliner, pillars, door panels and carpets — was certified by The Vegan Society, which Mercedes-Benz said marked the first independent vegan-interior certification for a vehicle.
At launch, the range-topper would be the GLC 400 4MATIC, targeted at 360kW and up to 713km of range (provisional figures), with four further variants to follow.
