Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology previewed
Battery-powered mid-size SUV replacement for EQC shown off for the first time features a front-axle e-motor that disconnects for greater efficiencyMercedes-Benz has teased its all-new premium rival for the Tesla Model Y with a camouflaged version of the 2025 Mercedes GLC with EQ Efficiency shown off testing in Sweden.
The second Benz EV to adopt the German brand's new EV naming strategy, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology follows the rugged G580 with EQ Technology but is the first car to ride on the car-maker's all-new MB.EA platform.
Built as an indirect replacement for the EQC that was phased out two years ago, the new GLC EV will go head-to-head with the Audi Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan Electric when it's fully unwrapped this September at the Munich motor show.
Based on a dedicated EV platform that will also underpin the inbound C-Class sedan EV and baby G-Class SUV that will both be unveiled in 2026, the new GLC will be the first vehicle to use Mercedes' eATS 2.0 powertrain.
While base rear-drive versions will come with a single 200kW e-motor, the flagship dual-motor all-wheel drive GLC EV will push out 360kW.
Enhancing efficiency and boosting the range is a two-speed transmission and a front drive-unit can be rapidly engaged or disengaged in an instant when extra traction is needed, enabling the GLC to run in two-wheel drive for most of the time.
Both will be offered with a large 94.5kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) power pack that should see the new GLC EV cover up to 650km on a single charge.
All versions come with a powerful 800-volt electrical architecture that allows charging speeds of up to 320kW, with as much as 260km of range added in little more than 10 minutes.
Boosting efficiency, as well as a sophisticated thermal management system, the GLC will get a standard heat pump that offers enhanced efficiency over today's tech.
Other highlights include superior practicality to the old EQC. There's a large 100-litre frunk, plus a 560-litre rear boot, enabling the EV to carry more than the combustion-powered GLC (620L).
Brake-by-wire tech has also been introduced to boost efficiency with Benz's new system, dubbed One Box, using the computer to decide when to deploy the mechanical stoppers and when to just rely on regen braking alone to claw back the maximum amount of energy.
Cold-weather tested at temperatures as low as -25C, engineers used the Arctic Circles test facility to develop the drive units, stability control, ABS, behaviour of the e-motors and how cold temperatures affect charging.
Produced at Mercedes' plant in Bremen, Germany, and Beijing in China the German brand says manufacturing could also begin at a plant in the US.
Mercedes has recently announced that from now until 2027 it will roll out no less than 17 EVs and 19 combustion vehicles.
Related: Mercedes-Benz EQC 2020 Review – Australia
Related: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic SUV 2025 Review
Related: Tesla Model Y Performance 2023 Review
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