Mercedes-Benz GLC electric teased ahead of Munich debut
Mercedes-Benz teased the upcoming GLC electric.
advertisementTest prototypes of the electric GLC, heavily camouflaged, recently completed rigorous winter testing in Arjeplog, Sweden, near the Arctic Circle. Tackling sub-zero temperatures, icy roads, and frozen lakes, the all-electric GLC reportedly impressed engineers with its blend of efficiency, safety, comfort, and dynamic capability, reaffirming its readiness for extreme real-world conditions.'Our new electric GLC is a car without compromises and we test it just as uncompromisingly,' said Christoph Starzynski, Vice President Overall Vehicle Development & Integration, Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Designed from the ground up as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), the GLC EV will feature single and dual-motor configurations, with outputs ranging from 272bhp to 490bhp. A new two-speed transmission is fitted to the primary rear motor, delivering strong acceleration while maintaining high efficiency at cruising speeds. The SUV also adopts Mercedes' new eATS 2.0 electric drivetrain, previously showcased in the Vision EQXX concept.The heart of the GLC EV will be a 94.5kWh NMC battery, supported by an 800V electrical architecture enabling DC fast charging at over 320kW. Reportedly, the car can recover up to 260km of range in just 10 minutes under optimal conditions. Despite the harsh Arctic temperatures during testing, the SUV maintained strong range and quick charging.
The GLC EV's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system uses independent electric motors on each axle, capable of distributing torque precisely for maximum grip. A new Disconnect Unit (DCU) allows the front axle to be decoupled when not needed, improving range.In cold conditions, the SUV's advanced heat pump system plays a crucial role, drawing energy from the electric drive units, battery pack, and ambient air to warm the cabin using up to 70% less energy than conventional heaters.
Also, new is a brake-by-wire energy recuperation system, which blends regenerative and friction braking seamlessly. The system not only recovers energy to extend driving range but also ensures consistent brake pedal feel, with a built-in hydraulic fallback layer for safety.
Unlike previous standalone EQ models, the GLC EV follows Mercedes-Benz's new EV strategy that emphasises design cohesion with ICE counterparts. This means the EV version will look nearly identical to the standard GLC, aligning with the brand's effort to make electrification more accessible and production-efficient.
Production of the electric GLC will take place at Mercedes-Benz plants in Bremen (Germany) and Beijing (China), with potential expansion to the Tuscaloosa (USA) facility. There's no official word on an India launch yet.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
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