Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ technology at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, Germany, this year. Amid challenges with its EQ lineup, the company is revamping its entire electric range and placing big hopes on this new electric GLC.
With fresh styling, a new design philosophy, and a boat-load of new tech features, the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ technology will be one of the most important models as part of the “biggest product launch programme in the history of Mercedes-Benz”.
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ technology is slightly larger than its EQC predecessor, measuring 4,845 mm in length (+84 mm), 1,913 mm in width (+29 mm), 1,644 mm in height (+20 mm), with a wheelbase of 2,972 mm (+99 mm). Moving away from the divisive pebble-like styling of the previous EQ lineup, the all-new electric GLC now adopts a design more in line with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart.
Debuting on the new electric GLC is Mercedes-Benz’s new Iconic Grille, inspired by classic models from the 1950s to 1970s. Designed to redefine the brand’s identity and make its cars instantly recognisable, the grille incorporates high-tech pixel graphics with 942 illuminated points and optional animations. At its centre sits a bold, illuminated Mercedes star for maximum visual impact.
Flanking the front end are new headlights, optionally available with the company’s new Digital Light system, which uses micro-LED technology. According to the brand, these headlights are brighter, expand the illumination field by around 40%, and consume 50% less energy.
At the rear, the electric GLC sports two-part, star-shaped taillights reminiscent of the recently launched Mercedes-Benz CLA. Like the grille, they feature animations that activate during charging, locking, and unlocking.
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Inside, you are instantly greeted with the all-new MBUX Hyperscreen. In the electric GLC, it now comes in one continuous 39.1-inch display spanning from the driver to the passenger side of the dashboard, running on the MB.OS “superbrain” stack that, as all things tech in 2025, is supposedly powered by artificial intelligence.
An optional vegan interior is also available, with the company claiming that it is the first-ever vegan upholstery to be certified by The Vegan Society. The steering wheel takes on a similar look to existing Mercedes-Benz models, but now sees the comeback of a volume roller and rocker lever. Other notable luxuries include a Burmester 3D sound system, two wireless charging trays on the centre console, and ambient lighting under the display — giving the long screen a floating look.
Topping it off is the Starry Sky Control panoramic glass roof, which switches between transparent and opaque in nine segments, giving passengers full control over light levels. The heat-insulating laminated glass features infrared-reflective and Low-E coatings for solar protection, while subtle Mercedes logos add a stylish touch.
The rear boot boasts a capacity of 570 litres that expands to 1,740 litres with the backrest folded down. A further 128 litres is available in the front luggage compartment (frunk).
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The new electric GLC features a new drivetrain architecture that integrates a two-speed gearbox with the rear electric motor — allowing for greater response at lower speeds and better efficiency at higher speeds. On the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology, this system is paired with a front motor that can be decoupled and disengaged when needed for added efficiency. Additionally, the motors are equipped with silicon carbide inverters for improved efficiency.
Altogether, Mercedes says the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology will boast 489 hp (360 kW). With its two-speed gearbox, the car tops out at a maximum speed of 210 km/h and sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds with a preliminary range of up to 713 km (WLTP).
The powertrain is juiced by a NMC ternary battery with 94 kWh of usable capacity. According to Mercedes, this battery is based on the intelligent modular and highly integrated battery architecture that was first introduced with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA.
With its new 800-volt architecture, the car supports up to 330 kW DC fast charging, capable of adding 300 km of range in just 10 minutes. For charging at home, it also supports 11 kW and optionally 22 kW AC charging.
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Further adding to the range is the new One-Box regenerative braking system, which integrates the brake booster, master cylinder, and ESP control into a single module. Mercedes-Benz says it can recuperate up to 300 kW and even brake the vehicle to a complete stop electronically. Four levels of recuperation available: D- (maximum recuperation level), D (standard recuperation), D+ (no recuperation) and D Auto (intelligent recuperation).
The new architecture also brings in Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) support, enabling the car to function as a power source — whether for running small appliances on the go or powering your home during an outage. Conveniently, the electronics/electrical unit is accessible and replaceable from below through an authorised Mercedes-Benz workshop.
Alongside its drivetrain upgrades, the new GLC is said to offer greater refinement thanks to a more rigid bodyshell, extensive sound insulation from front to rear, and decoupled suspension mounts, all contributing to a quieter, more comfortable drive.
The new electric GLC also features the marque’s Airmatic air suspension with intelligent suspension control and rear-axle steering borrowed from the S-Class. This system introduces a new Car-to-X function, allowing the suspension to communicate with other Mercedes vehicles and road infrastructure. It can even adjust ride height proactively using Google Maps data to keep the car as low as possible for optimal efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz says the turning circle has been cut by 90 centimetres to 11.2 metres compared to the EQC predecessor, thanks to rear-axle steering with a 4.5-degree angle. Below 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer opposite the front for tighter manoeuvrability, while above 60 km/h, they turn up to 2.5 degrees in the same direction for improved high-speed stability.
In addition to Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual modes, the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology offers another driving programme: “Terrain” for dirt or gravel roads. This introduces the new “transparent bonnet” and automatically engages 4Matic for off-roading applications. If equipped with the Digital Lights, the off-road light will also be activated in this mode, offering wider illumination to help drivers detect obstacles more quickly.
Apart from the Terrain mode, the Transparent Bonnet feature is also available through MB.Drive Parking Assist 360, combining images from the front and exterior mirror cameras. For those towing a trailer on their adventures, the new GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology offers a towing capacity of up to 2.4 tonnes with Trailer Manoeuvring Assist.
On the safety front, the new electric GLC features a rigid passenger cell with newly designed crash structures engineered to deform safely. It comes equipped with up to eleven airbags, including a standard centre airbag and a passenger knee airbag.
In Europe, the GLC comes standard with Mercedes’ advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the brand’s autonomous cruise control, Distance Assist Distronic. Depending on the market, it can be fitted with up to ten cameras, five radar sensors, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance computer with the power reserves needed for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.
Optional MB.Drive Assist packages enable up to SAE Level 2 driving assistance and, in certain markets, even support fully autonomous driving once approved. The MB.Drive Parking Assist 360 system integrates the camera suite to simplify parking, offering autonomous parking and exit assistance.
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