2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC shows off its new snout

Mercedes-Benz has given us our first proper glimpse at its inbound 2026 Mercedes GLC with EQ Technology ahead of the unboxing at the Munich motor show on September 8.

Said to herald a “new era of iconic design at Mercedes-Benz” by the car brand’s head designer Gorden Wagener, the battery-powered all-new Mercedes GLC sports a three-panel light-up grille.

It also incorporates four horizontal intakes, an illuminated silver star and a large chrome surround that combines to pay homage to Mercedes-Benz models dating back 100 years.

Featuring 140 LEDs tucked up behind what’s described as a “smoked-glass-effect lattice structure”, the illuminated grille includes a total of 942 backlit squares.

Primed to eventually become Mercedes’ best-selling EV, when the GLC launches in Australia in the second half of 2026, it will share the brand’s most advanced EV tech with the latest CLA sedan.

Despite being a month away from making its debut, Mercedes-Benz’s boss Ola Källenius has already revealed that the inbound BMW iX3 rival will have a range of up to 650km and be capable of being topped up at 320kW, thanks to its 800-volt electrics.

In markets like Australia where there’s still a lack of 800-volt fast-chargers, Benz will offer a 400-volt converter, although that pulls charging speeds down to around 100kW.

Find a proper 800V DC charging and Benz says the owners will be able to add as much as 260km of range in just 10 minutes, a little way off the 325km of range that’s added in the closely related CLA sedan.

As well as an EV version, the new GLC will come with the option of Mercedes’ next-gen mild-hybrid tech that will blend a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a small battery, new dual-clutch transmission and an electric motor.

Available with front- or all-wheel drive with 100kW/200Nm or 120kW/250Nm, the flagship version of the new electrified 1.5-litre turbo will pump out 140kW/300Nm.

The GLC will also boast Benz’s latest adaptive Airmatic air suspension, plus new rear-axle steering that can pivot the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees.

Bigger in all dimensions compared to the current GLC, the new all-electric SUV is primed to be based on an upsized version of the carmaker’s latest MMA architecture.

With a wheelbase stretched by up to 80mm compared to the last model, space within should be generous. Room for luggage has also grown to 570 litres, with a further 128 litres of stowage space up front.

Within, Mercedes promises an “all-new, seamless MBUX Hyperscreen” that “elevates the inside of the new GLC in a way never seen before,” and is thought to be an evolution of the vast one-piece touchscreen that stretches entirely across the dash.

Towing is also a highlight. The GLC is said to be able to tug up to 2400kg – 400kg more than rivals, like the Porsche Macan EV.

More teases of its all-new look are expected ahead of the 2026 Mercedes GLC’s launch on September 8.

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