New Models First Driving Impressions of the Mercedes GLC 400 4MATIC EQ

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The most successful Mercedes model is coming as an all-electric vehicle: The GLC receives two powerful electric motors and a newly developed battery, offering a range well over 600 kilometers (approx. 372 miles).

More power, more space, and fast charging times for an electric model—this is how customers responded in a survey on how to improve the GLC. The first two goals were implemented with the internal combustion engines introduced last year. With the electric variant, which currently bears the cumbersome name GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology, the Stuttgart-based company is keeping things interesting. The revelations are coming in bits, but gradually the essential characteristics of the electric model are becoming clear.

More space: Compared to the combustion engine sister models, Mercedes grants the electric GLC 8.4 centimeters (approx. 3.3 inches) more wheelbase. The extra room benefits the people in the back seat and the battery. This brings it, with several variants offered, to a capacity of up to 94.5 kWh.

Up to 650 km (approx. 403 miles) range

The large capacity naturally means, above all, a good range: While there are no WLTP values yet, the electric GLC is expected to be able to travel up to 650 kilometers (approx. 403 miles) on a single charge. It features contemporary 800-volt technology, which has been improved for the GLC. This allows the electric system to achieve a maximum charging power of 320 kW at a DC fast charger, enabling a recharge for 260 kilometers (approx. 161 miles) within ten minutes.

The total output of the two electric motors, 360 kW, is distributed to all four wheels via a newly developed control electronics system, with the primary drive featuring a two-speed gearbox located at the rear axle, while the front motor operates without a gearbox and is engaged as needed.

Improved Driving and Braking Feel

During initial drives at the Mercedes test site in Immendingen—the electric GLC has not yet received road approval—the completely retuned suspension stands out. The steering is extremely precise, and the air suspension effortlessly absorbs poor road surfaces or transverse joints as well as short and long undulations. Typically for Mercedes, the focus is more on comfort than sportiness. Influences from the drive unit, such as during load changes, are hardly noticeable, and when the accelerator is fully pressed, the more than two-ton vehicle practically leaps forward.

Speaking of the pedal: Mercedes developers have made a real leap in tuning the complex brake/regeneration control. The brake functions hydraulically, of course, without issue, but it also operates very sensitively in conjunction with the charging electronics, providing good feedback and gripping strongly in case of emergency.

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GLC EQ: Interior not until IAA 2025

Statements about the interior and exterior design of the electric GLC are not permitted given the still complete camouflage, which is to be unveiled at the IAA Mobility in Munich in September. However, it is a fact that the car can tow up to 2.4 tons and offers plenty of storage space: In addition to the traditional trunk with a minimum capacity of 560 liters, there is an easily accessible "frunk" under the front hood with an additional 100 liters of capacity.

The price of the new model is still confidential. Using the plug-in hybrid of the series, the GLC 300 e 4MATIC EQ Hybrid (list price: 68,889.10 euros, approx. 79,023 USD), as a benchmark, it's unlikely that the base model will be priced under 70,000 euros (80,297 USD).

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