Mercedes has just lately unveiled the primary photographs of a camouflaged GLC EV prototype. This mannequin will develop into the second new electrical car (EV) from Mercedes that shares its platform with a combustion engine variant, following the upcoming CLA.
Mercedes-Benz beforehand took a singular route by growing parallel lineups of electrical and combustion engine automobiles, creating a definite design language for the electrical fashions. This technique allowed the corporate to innovate with out being constrained by the necessity to accommodate batteries and electrical motors in repurposed combustion automobiles, a standard strategy amongst rivals on the time.
Now, the model is shifting its technique, shifting away from a standalone EV lineup in favor of electrical variations of its combustion engine fashions. This new path aligns with the practices of a number of different producers, together with BMW and Genesis. The CLA would be the first mannequin launched below this up to date technique, providing each combustion and electrical energy choices.
Subsequent in line is the GLC crossover, which can function an oblique successor to the EQC, a mannequin initially meant for the U.S. market however in the end canceled. In contrast to the CLA, constructed on the MMA platform meant for entry-level automobiles, the GLC would be the first mannequin to make the most of the brand new MB.EA platform, designed for bigger automobiles.
The present combustion-powered GLC, recognized as X254, made its debut in 2022. The launch of the electrical model is anticipated to coincide with the mid-cycle refresh of the GLC. Whereas Mercedes has determined towards utilizing the three-letter EQX naming conference, it should retain “EQ” within the identify of its electrical fashions, probably branding it because the GLC with EQ Know-how, much like the electrical G-Class.
The MB.EA platform incorporates a two-speed transmission within the rear drive unit, much like that of the Porsche Taycan, and permits for varied battery sizes and chemistries. For the CLA EV, the bottom battery pack will make the most of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, whereas the bigger long-range choice will characteristic nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells. It’s seemingly that the GLC EV will undertake the same strategy with increased capability batteries appropriate for its car class.
The bigger battery pack is anticipated to supply a capability of 94.5 kilowatt-hours, offering the dual-motor GLC EV—boasting 483 horsepower—with a WLTP vary of 404 miles. A single-motor, rear-wheel-drive mannequin can even be out there, though not at launch.
Just like the MMA platform, the MB.EA system operates at round 800 volts. This enables for enhanced effectivity and better charging capabilities in comparison with 400-volt EVs. Consequently, it’s anticipated to recharge from 10 to 80% in half an hour or much less, with a most charging fee of 320 kilowatts. Mercedes claims it will possibly add as much as 162 miles of vary in simply 10 minutes of charging.
Moreover, the GLC EV will characteristic a 3.5 cubic-foot entrance trunk, which enhances its 19.8 cubic-foot rear trunk—a big enchancment over the EQ fashions, which lacked entrance storage altogether. Beforehand, in some fashions, Mercedes didn’t even enable entry to the entrance for easy duties like refilling windshield wiper fluid, necessitating a separate entry door.
The GLC EV’s exterior stays hidden below camouflage, leaving us to invest in regards to the extent of the design adjustments in comparison with the inner combustion engine mannequin. The camouflage might obscure updates associated to the GLC’s facelift, however it’s anticipated that the electrical variant can have distinct visible cues, together with flush-fitting pop-out door handles and a closed-off grille typical for electrical automobiles.
The inside of the GLC can be hid within the offered photographs. Nonetheless, we all know it should embrace Mercedes’ AI-powered MB.OS working system, debuting within the CLA.
When examined in Europe, the earlier EQC mannequin was spectacular total, however some criticisms stemmed from its reliance on a combustion engine platform for its electrical design, which restricted practicality. Points included an absence of a entrance trunk, a narrower rear trunk house, and a transmission tunnel that compromised rear legroom.
Many of those points had been addressed in Mercedes’ bespoke EVs constructed on the EVA structure, considerably enhancing inside consolation. It stays to be seen if reverting to a shared structure for ICE and electrical fashions will reintroduce any of those sensible compromises.
The GLC EV is about to be unveiled in late 2025 and will enter the market by the top of this 12 months or early 2026. Manufacturing will happen in Germany and China, although tariffs may lead Mercedes to provoke manufacturing at one in every of its U.S. amenities. Following the GLC EV, the subsequent Mercedes EV will seemingly be one other MB.EA-based mannequin: a sedan within the E-Class vary, changing the EQE.
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