The Mercedes-Benz GLC EV will make its debut later this year at the Munich motor show, and will serve as an indirect replacement for the EQC SUV. The SUV marks a strategic shift in Mercedes’ EV strategy, moving away from reinvention towards integration. This approach will result in the GLC EV being sold alongside the upcoming facelift for the combustion-engined GLC, at least in international markets. And, the EV and ICE-versions are expected to be near-identical outside and inside.
- First Mercedes model to be based on new MB.EA platform
- Also the first model to use Mercedes’ eATS 2.0 drivetrain
- Will rival Audi Q6 E-tron, BMW iX3 and Porsche Macan Electric
Mercedes GLC EV range, battery, platform details
GLC EV to get 272hp RWD and 490hp AWD variants
The GLC EV is the first model to use Mercedes’ new MB.EA platform. This dedicated EV platform will also be used on the upcoming all-electric C-Class, and the smaller G-Class off-roader; both models are set to debut in 2026. It’s also the first Merc to use the new eATS 2.0 drivetrain that was previewed by the Vision EQXX engineering concept.
In its most potent dual-motor, four-wheel-drive form, it will offer up to 490hp. A single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version with 272hp is also in the works. Merc says that the primary rear axle drive unit features a 2-speed transmission. The motors are powered by a 94.5kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery that is claimed to deliver a range of over 650km. It all operates on a new 800V electrical architecture that provides charging speeds of up to 320kW. This works out to about 260km worth of charge coming in 10 minutes.
Mercedes GLC EV new technology
New heat pump helps efficiency and packaging
Mercedes claims that efficiency has been increased even more with the use of a new heat pump, which is said to be significantly more compact and more effective than the system in use today. This has allowed Mercedes to integrate a larger frunk in the GLC EV.
New brake energy recuperation system incorporated
In addition, Mercedes has developed a new brake energy recuperation system, which is unlike traditional braking systems. Merc’s new set-up decouples the brake pedal from the physical braking system, with computers calculating how much regen and how much physical disc should be used for the desired braking levels. It is said to provide a more natural brake feel and in the case of an error, “the system reliably switches to the hydraulic fallback level”.
New Mercedes EV strategy explained
Less differentiation and greater cohesion between EV and ICE models
Company boss Ola Källenius wants less differentiation and greater cohesion between different powertrains in a bid to drive EV sales. This is contrary to the company’s previous plans of designing distinct EVs with unique names and positioning. The strategy is also said to streamline development and production of new models, which is crucial to Mercedes reaching its cost targets.
While the next CLA will be the first to follow this new strategy, the GLC EV is the first Merc to arrive alongside a sibling that’s already on sale with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The GLC EV will rival the Audi Q6 e-tron, BMW iX3 and Porsche Macan Electric in international markets. Production is planned for at Mercedes plants in Bremen, Germany, and Beijing, China, with the possibility of additional production in Tuscaloosa, US.
There is no word on an India launch for the GLC EV yet, though Mercedes has planned at least another four models for India during this year. The current-gen GLC has been on sale in India since 2023 in mild-hybrid petrol and diesel form, and the AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupe joined the line-up in August last year.
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