2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology makes debut

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology has debuted at the Munich motor show based on an all-new platform that will package the premium German brand's next-gen battery electric powertrains. And it was unveiled just hours after the covers came off its direct rival, the BMW iX3.  

Hotly tipped to touch down in Australia in the second half of next year, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology will be sold alongside the current GLC that is offered with both combustion and plug-in hybrid power. 

Announcing details for the launch-spec Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC, the headline news is the battery-powered mid-size SUV will come equipped with dual electric motors that pump out 360kW of power, 15kW more than the equivalent BMW iX3. 

No performance figures have been released however, a standard two-speed transmission on the rear e-motor should provide punchy acceleration, with the GLC expected to launch from 0-100km in less than 4.9 seconds.

Combined with a 94kWh battery, Mercedes claims its latest GLC can cover up to 713km on a charge, which is less than the 805km the iX3 is capable of, although the Bimmer has a much bigger 108kWh battery. 

Plug the GLC in and Benz says you can add up to 303km of charge in just over ten minutes, thanks to its 800V electrics.  

In Australia, the GLC comes with a 400V converter for our less powerful chargers which will increase charging times considerably. 

Thanks to a low drag coefficient and the aforementioned two-speed transmission, Merc says the GLC consumes electricity at a rate of 14.9kWh/100km beating the BMW by the narrowest of margins (15kWh/100km). 

Inside, the new GLC dazzles with its full-width 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen that looks lifted from an EQS. Using an AI-powered MB.OS superbrain, the new screen offers up to 11 different wallpapers and is combined with ambient lighting that shows off a range of mood-enhancing hues from calm to intense.  

Meanwhile, Benz's latest fourth-gen MBUX embeds AI from both Microsoft and Google, and the German brand says its new system offers improved accuracy which can now indulge in a proper chat. 

A new navigation system can take into consideration things like weather, topography, route layout and traffic when plotting your journey, including recharging stops.  

Finally, responding to owner requests the steering wheel comes with a pair of metallic scroll wheel that are combined with haptic buttons. 

Space within is another highlight thanks to the new MB.EA architecture, with an 84mm longer wheelbase than the combustion version. The electric GLC is also said to offer 13mm more leg- and 46mm extra headroom up front, while legroom and headroom in the rear seats have been boosted by 47mm and 17mm, respectively. 

Boot space is an impressive 570 litres, while a larger 128L frunk also comes standard. 

Inside, owners can opt for a Vegan Society-approved alternative to leather.  

Mimicking more expensive luxury limos from the likes of Rolls-Royce, the GLC comes with a new Sky Control panoramic roof that illuminates 162 stars in the night sky.  

Air suspension and 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering will be available to boost comfort and agility, while off-road-inspired goodies such as a traction-boosting Terrain mode for gravel roads and a Land Rover-like Transparent Bonnet should avoid any nasty scrapes over rough ground, also feature. 

Employing the brand's latest new brake-by-wire tech, Mercedes says 99 per cent of all braking in the real-world is via (more efficient) regenerative braking, instead of using discs and pads. 

Last year the petrol and plug-in hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC was the car giant's best-selling car globally and the arrival of the 2026 GLC with EQ Technology should only cement its popularity. 

Set to land in Australia in the second half of 2026 priced from around $100,000 (plus ORCs) for the cheapest rear-drive versions that will come later, the premium mid-size SUV positioned to go head-to-head with not only the BMW iX3 but also the Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron. 

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