Mercedes has opened order books for its new GLC EV ahead of first customer deliveries in the middle of next year.
The rival to the BMW iX3 and Audi Q6 e-tron is priced between £60,350 and £73,350. It comes in five trim levels, all using the same powertrain.
Mercedes says that more battery and motor options will be added later. For now, every version uses the 400 4Matic setup.
This pairs a two-motor, all-wheel-drive setup with a 94kWh battery and brings major improvements over the first-gen GLC. Total output from the rear-biased system is 482bhp/590lb ft while maximum range is 406 miles.
The 0-62mph run takes just 4.3 seconds.
The GLC uses 800V architecture for the first time which means up to 330kW DC charging. This makes the GLC among the fastest-charging EVs on sale. It also comes with a converter to allow it to use slower 400V charging stations – unlike the recently launched CLA.
Efficiency Features
As one of the first cars in a new family of EVs from Mercedes, the GLC brings new efforts to improve efficiency. A two-speed transmission on the rear axle helps balance outright acceleration with long-term efficiency. The four-stage braking regeneration brings new levels of power.
Mercedes estimates that the strongest D- regen setting is powerful enough to mean the hydraulic brakes aren’t needed in 99% of situations. The front motor also has a disconnect feature to reduce energy usage in low-demand situations such as motorway cruising.
Trim Levels and Equipment
From launch, the new GLC is being offered in five trim grades – Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition.
Every version comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, heat and noise insulating privacy glass, and a panoramic sunroof. Auto-dipping LED headlights, heated seats, and two-zone climate control are standard. There’s also wireless phone charging, a reversing camera and parking assist system.
A suite of driver assistance includes adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping assist.
Sport grade makes do with the MBUX Superscreen – which places a 10.3-inch instrument cluster, 14-inch central display and 14-inch decorative passenger display behind glass. From AMG Line upwards, every version comes with the Hyperscreen – a 39.1-inch single-piece display spanning the width of the dashboard.
AMG Line also ushers in the divisive illuminated grille with 942 backlit dots. Illuminated “stars” in the panoramic roof add to the visual drama. It also brings AMG styling touches, adaptive micro-LED headlights, sports seats and keyless go with flush-fit door handles. A 360-degree camera and Burmester sound system are included.
AMG Line Premium Plus upgrades the stereo further and adds massage seats. It also includes projection function for the headlights.
Higher grades bring heated rear seats, more driver assistance, and a head-up display. Twenty-one-inch wheels are available on top specifications.
The range tops out at £73,350 for the Premier Edition.
Optional Packages
An optional Refinement package adds rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension. The suspension can be primed using data shared from other Mercedes cars on the road.
A Sustainability package is a free option on Sport grade and brings a Vegan Society-approved vegan interior.
Orders for the new Mercedes GLC are open now, with first UK customer deliveries due in mid-2026.
