A massive interior screen, next-generation battery technology, and a gargantuan driving range headline the new electric Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology.
Electric Cars
Mercedes-Benz will once again have a mid-size electric SUV in its stable with the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology, due to launch globally next year.
It is the successor to the EQC, which ended production in 2023, and will compete directly against the just-revealed BMW iX3, as well as the Audi Q6 e-tron.
The electric GLC will be sold alongside the existing petrol version, but the two are not related, the battery-powered model based on all-new underpinnings designed exclusively for electric cars, known as MB.EA.
Distinguishing the electric GLC is its light-up grille comprised of 942 individual dots, as well as similar – but, given the lack of shared panels, not identical – surfaces and proportions to the petrol GLC.
A reworked rear-end treatment with quad-circle tail-light signatures features, incorporating the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star logo.
Five variants of the GLC with EQ Technology will be available, with the model launching in GLC400 4Matic trim using a 94kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive.
The result is a power output of 360kW, and a claimed driving range in European WLTP testing of 713km – up 15kW, but down 93km compared to the latest BMW iX3 xDrive 50.
Cheaper variants with a smaller lithium iron phosphate battery pack, and single-motor rear-wheel drive are expected to follow later.
The new MB.EA platform beneath the GLC with EQ Technology is capable of DC fast charging at up to 330kW, claimed to be capable of adding 303km of lab-tested range in 10 minutes.
Vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging are also supported.
However, being a Mercedes, in-cabin technology has also been a focus, headlined by a new, optional MBUX Hyperscreen that measures 39.1 inches and stretches across the entire dashboard.
Other interior features include ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof, and two wireless smartphone chargers, though full specifications are yet to be revealed.
Occupants will also find more room inside the GLC with EQ Technology – the wheelbase measuring 84mm longer than a petrol GLC at 2972mm – while more room has also been liberated in the boot (570 litres), plus the addition of an under-bonnet storage area (128L).
Full details and Australian pricing are expected closer to the model’s on-sale date – expected next year – but the outgoing EQC was positioned from $126,675 before on-road costs in the last year it was available locally.
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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
