Next Mercedes GLC EQ will have 700km of range

BMW has just released details of its iX3 so now compatriot Mercedes has done similarly. It has released images and tech details of its production-ready electric GLC that goes on sale in the new year. 

It kicks off what Mercedes boss, Ola Källenius, is calling its “biggest product offensive” yet.

Succinctly named the GLC with EQ Technology, it effectively takes over where the EQC left off. The GLC is the best seller for the firm so this is key to its future. The new EV shares its title and design language with the existing ICE powered GLC. However, the two models use different platforms underneath the similar sheet metal. 

The electric version rides on the new MB.EA EV platform that has an 800V electrical architecture, allowing for fast charging. It also runs the latest version of the firm’s MB.OS infotainment software.

The vehicle itself is hard to distinguish from the ICE powered version. However, up front is an electric-only ‘Iconic Grille’, a large affair.

The GLC EQ is much the same length as the ICE GLC but its 2972mm wheelbase is 80mm longer. It is also around 100mm longer than the old EQC. Stretching the wheelbase was possible to add interior space. Compared with the ICE GLC, it has more leg room in the front and rear, along with increased head room. Out back is a 570L boot and up front is a sizable 128-litre trunk.

First off the rank is the range-topping 400 with 360kW from a dual-motor powertrain. At the rear is a permanent magnet synchronous motor while up front the motor can disconnect when it is not needed. For much of the time it is a rear-drive machine, with the dynamics that brings. 

GLC EV features a two-speed gearbox to maximise acceleration and energy efficiency.

Motive power comes from a 94kWh NMC battery pack. The GLC 400 EQ has a claimed range of roughly 700km. And it can hook up to 330kW chargers. A DC converter, depending on country, allows for use of 400V public chargers.

Suspension is multilink at both ends. Optional air suspension allows for a lower ride height on faster roads to boost range. And optional rear-wheel steering reduces the car’s turning circle from 11.2 to 10.9m.

New tech for the GLC EV is a ‘one-box’ brake system that integrates regeneration and friction braking into a single system.

Four levels of regen are possible, with the most aggressive making around 300kW.

Among the many driver assistance systems is a ‘transparent bonnet’ function for off-roading.

Inside merges analogue and digital aspects, and the large centre console merges into the instrument panel. There are new air vent and speaker grille designs because some Chinese firms seemed hell bent on mimicking the old ones.

The widest digital screen yet offered in a Mercedes model measures up at almost a metre long, another in the Hyperscreen range.

A Vegan upholstery Package is on offer, all the soft-touch materials certified by the Vegan Society.

The GLC EQ will be built in Germany, Hungary and China.

Pricing details have yet to be revealed.