The electric vehicle (EV) market is fiercely competitive, especially in the luxury SUV segment. As showcased in the video above, the new Mercedes GLC Electric enters this arena with high expectations, looking to carve out its niche against formidable rivals like the BMW iX3 and the upcoming Volvo EX60. This new generation of Mercedes’ best-selling model globally faces the challenge of proving its mettle in range, efficiency, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.
Mercedes-Benz has taken a bold step with this iteration of the GLC, making it a fully electric vehicle from the ground up. This commitment to an electric future means there will be no petrol or diesel variants of this particular GLC, as it sits on a new, bespoke electric car platform. However, to cater to all market demands, Mercedes will continue to sell the current second-generation model alongside the new EV, much like BMW does with its electric iX3 and fuel-powered X3.
Understanding the Mercedes GLC Electric: Range and Battery Performance
For any electric vehicle, range is often the first question on a prospective buyer’s mind. The new Mercedes GLC Electric, specifically the GLC 400 model, promises an official range of up to 400 miles. This initial version boasts a powerful 483 brake horsepower, paired with four-wheel drive, ensuring brisk performance. Looking ahead, Mercedes plans to introduce a lighter, rear-wheel-drive version, which is projected to extend the range even further, potentially reaching around 430 miles.
Despite these impressive figures, the GLC Electric faces stiff competition on paper. The BMW iX3 offers a range of up to 500 miles, while the Volvo EX60 aims for over 500 miles. The reason for this difference lies primarily in battery capacity. The Mercedes GLC Electric comes equipped with a usable battery capacity of 94.5 kWh, whereas its main rivals, the BMW and Volvo, feature batteries well over 100 kWh. This highlights a strategic choice by Mercedes, potentially balancing battery size with other factors like vehicle weight and charging efficiency.
Real-World Efficiency: Beyond the Numbers
Official figures don’t always tell the whole story, and real-world efficiency can often surprise. The GLC Electric features an unusual two-speed gearbox, a technology also found in high-performance EVs like the Porsche Taycan. In theory, this design should enhance efficiency, especially during high-speed cruising on motorways – a crucial factor for long-distance driving. As seen in the video, testing involved a significant 150-mile drive across varied terrain in Portugal, including motorways and hilly country roads, to provide a comprehensive look at its performance.
Ride Comfort and Driving Dynamics of the Electric GLC
When it comes to ride comfort, the Mercedes GLC Electric truly impresses. The test car, fitted with optional air suspension, delivers a remarkably smooth and serene experience, especially on motorways. This ‘Refinement Package,’ costing £2,500 and available on AMG Line trims and above in the UK, also includes rear-wheel steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels can turn by up to 4.5 degrees, significantly tightening the turning circle to just 11.2 meters – comparable to much smaller vehicles. This feature makes navigating tight urban spaces considerably easier. At higher speeds, the rear-wheel steering enhances stability, contributing to a confident driving feel.
While the ride is generally superior to rivals like the BMW iX3 (though tested with different wheel sizes and suspension setups), the video notes a minor drawback: some tire noise at motorway speeds (around 75 mph or 120 KPH). Despite this, the overall cabin refinement, with minimal wind noise even on a breezy day, positions the GLC Electric as a highly relaxing vehicle for extended journeys.
Engaging on Country Roads: Sport Mode and Regenerative Braking
Away from the motorways, on twistier country roads, the GLC Electric continues to perform well. The air suspension adeptly manages varying road surfaces. An intriguing feature is ‘intelligent damping,’ which stores the location of bumps in the cloud for up to 14 days. If another Mercedes with the same system encounters a logged bump, its suspension will pre-adjust to minimize the impact. While its real-world effectiveness is hard to quantify without extensive long-term testing, the concept promises enhanced comfort.
For drivers seeking a more dynamic experience, the GLC Electric offers a ‘Sport’ mode via the dynamic select button. Engaging this mode noticeably tightens the car’s body control, reducing floatiness on undulating surfaces and making it feel more agile through corners. The steering is praised for its natural weighting and accuracy, contributing to an engaging drive that is not far behind the class-leading BMW iX3.
The regenerative braking system offers various settings, including a particularly strong ‘D-minus’ mode activated by holding down the left paddle. This effectively creates a ‘one-pedal’ driving experience, bringing the car to a quick stop by simply lifting off the accelerator. While powerful, personal preference varies, as some drivers prefer a more moderate regen setting and greater reliance on the brake pedal.
Interior Design and Cutting-Edge Technology
The interior of the Mercedes GLC Electric is a showcase of comfort and advanced technology. The driving position is elevated, providing a genuine SUV feel, complemented by supportive seats with extensive adjustment options. Ergonomics are well thought out, with ample pedal space and excellent outward visibility thanks to upright pillars and large side windows.
The undeniable centerpiece is the ‘Hyperscreen,’ a massive 39.1-inch display that spans almost the entire dashboard. This visual marvel integrates three distinct screens behind a single piece of glass: a digital instrument display, a central infotainment touchscreen, and a dedicated passenger screen. The central screen, powered by a liquid-cooled supercomputer, promises rapid responses and a wealth of apps and features, including AI voice control that learns user preferences.
The Hyperscreen Experience: Innovation vs. Distraction
While the Hyperscreen offers impressive functionality, such as games (Angry Birds!) and video streaming on the passenger side, it also raises questions about driver distraction. Unlike some rivals where the passenger screen is polarized to prevent the driver from seeing it, the GLC’s screen is visible from the driver’s seat. Mercedes addresses this with a camera that monitors driver eye movement, turning off the video if distraction is detected. However, this feature sparks debate about the optimal balance between passenger entertainment and driver focus. The Hyperscreen comes standard on AMG Line Premium models and above in the UK, with cheaper trims featuring slightly smaller, more conventional screen setups.
Interior quality is notably improved compared to some recent Mercedes models, with solid-feeling materials throughout. Buyers can personalize the cabin with different seat colors like tan or cream, and various finishes for the center console and dashboard, depending on the trim level. Storage solutions are plentiful and well-designed, including:
- Two wireless phone charging pads
- Two cup holders
- A deep central armrest pocket
- A large tray with a strap beneath the floating center console
- Decent-sized door pockets
A unique luxury feature is ‘Panoramic Sky Control,’ which allows the glass roof to switch between transparent and opaque segments via the central touchscreen, offering personalized light and privacy control.
Practicality: Space for Passengers and Cargo
Rear passenger space in the Mercedes GLC Electric is generous. Even with the front seat set for a driver, there’s ample knee room and good foot space. While a small hump in the floor exists (unlike the Tesla Model Y or BMW iX3), it’s unobtrusive. Headroom is excellent, even with the glass roof, which often reduces ceiling height in other vehicles. However, a notable omission is reclining rear seats, a feature found in some rivals that offers more flexibility for passenger comfort.
The boot opens automatically via the Mercedes badge on the tailgate, revealing 520 liters of storage space – precisely matching the BMW iX3. The boot floor can be raised to eliminate the loading lip and create a flat extended load bay when the rear seats are folded. The 40-20-40 split-folding rear seats are highly practical and can be dropped automatically using switches in the boot. For cars equipped with air suspension, an additional switch lowers the rear of the vehicle, making it easier to load heavy items.
Perhaps even more impressive is the ‘frunk’ (front boot) accessible by pressing the Mercedes badge on the nose. This additional storage space is perfect for charging cables or even a small carry-on suitcase, adding a layer of convenience often appreciated by EV owners.
Charging Experience and Real-World Efficiency Data
The charging capabilities of the Mercedes GLC Electric are robust. While testing, the vehicle achieved a peak charging rate of 271 kW from a 300 kW charger, with an average rate of 185 kW across the charging session. It took approximately 18 minutes to go from 28% to 80% state of charge. In ideal conditions, with an even more powerful charger (up to 330 kW), the GLC Electric can theoretically charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 22 minutes, potentially adding 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes. This puts it squarely in the league of fast-charging EVs, though the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 claim even quicker theoretical charging times.
The real-world efficiency observed during the 150-mile test journey was approximately 3 miles per kWh, according to the trip computer. This figure was achieved despite significant motorway driving and ascents into mountainous regions. When accounting for charging losses, the average efficiency drops slightly to around 2.7 miles per kWh. For comparison, previous UK tests showed the BMW iX3 averaging 2.9 miles per kWh and the Tesla Model Y achieving 3.4 miles per kWh, providing a valuable benchmark for the Mercedes GLC Electric’s performance.
Pricing and Market Position
In the UK, the new Mercedes GLC Electric starts at around £60,000. This places it slightly above the entry price of the BMW iX3, which, on paper, offers a longer range and faster charging. The GLC Electric’s pricing is roughly in line with comparable models of the Volvo EX60, though the latter has yet to be extensively driven and tested. This competitive pricing positions the Mercedes GLC Electric as a strong contender in the premium electric SUV market, offering a blend of luxury, technology, and respectable electric performance.
Electrifying Answers: Your Mercedes GLC Electric Questions
What type of car is the new Mercedes GLC Electric?
The new Mercedes GLC Electric is a fully electric luxury SUV, meaning it runs only on electricity and has no petrol or diesel versions.
How far can the Mercedes GLC Electric travel on a single charge?
The GLC 400 model of the Mercedes GLC Electric has an official range of up to 400 miles. A lighter, rear-wheel-drive version is projected to extend the range even further, potentially reaching around 430 miles.
What is the ‘Hyperscreen’ feature inside the Mercedes GLC Electric?
The ‘Hyperscreen’ is a massive 39.1-inch display that spans almost the entire dashboard. It integrates three screens for digital instruments, central infotainment, and a dedicated passenger screen.
Does the Mercedes GLC Electric offer good space for passengers and luggage?
Yes, it provides generous rear passenger space with ample knee room and excellent headroom. For luggage, it has a 520-liter boot and an additional ‘frunk’ (front boot) for extra storage like charging cables.
