The all-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC EV has been officially teased for the first time ahead of its launch at the Munich motor show on September 8.
In the video, which starred a lightly disguised battery-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius revealed that the inbound BMW iX3 rival would have a range of up to 650km and be capable of being topped up at 320kW, thanks to its 800-volt electrics.
Where 800-volt fast-charges aren’t available, Benz offers a 400-volt converter, although that pulls charging speeds down to around 100kW.
Plug it in and Benz’ boss says that up to 260km of range can be added in just 10 minutes, a little way off the 325km of range that’s added in the closely related CLA sedan.
In the short video, thought to feature the GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology, Källenius confirmed that the mid-size SUV would come with the firm’s Airmatic air suspension, while a slalom course demonstrated the GLC’s new rear-axle steering that can pivot the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees.
Bigger in all dimensions than the current GLC, the new all-electric SUV is based on the car-maker’s latest MMA architecture. This sees its wheelbase stretched by up to 80mm compared to the last model, while boot space has grown to 570 litres, with a further 128 litres of stowage space up front.
Other takeaways from the new video are that the new GLC can tow up to 2400kg – 400kg more than the Porsche Macan EV.
To prove a point in the short film, the Benz boss tows a classic 300 SEL 6.3 with ease.
Off the line, the new electric Mercedes SUV is claimed to be on par with the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car, suggesting the GLC will launch from 0-100km/h in around four seconds.
Finally, Källenius says that when the drapes come off the GLC this September it will be instantly recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz, hinting it will arrive with a fresh take on the firm’s trademark chrome grille. Mercedes has confirmed it will continue to release more teasers in the coming weeks in the build-up to the 2026 Mercedes GLC Munich debut on September 8, ahead of a local launch that is thought to take place Down Under in the second half of next year.