Electric Mercedes GLC ramps up for September debut
Bold new styling language and a tech-heavy new platform characterise the upcoming EV alternative to Merc's best-seller. And that would be the new electric version of the GLC (with EQ technology).
The newcomer will headline the Mercedes-Benz area at the Munich motor show in September. It was spotted earlier this year testing in the Arctic. Meantime, it has been spied on public roads, with less in the way of body camouflage (below).
The iX3/Macan/Q6 e-tron rival marks the company's next step in electrification. It is the first passenger Mercedes model to introduce a bold new design language.
Historic models have inspired a taller, more upright grille. The designer says it is all about giving future models 'a strong identity'.
There will also be an illuminated grille frame, as previewed with the Vision V show car at the Shanghai motor show in April.
The electric GLC will also be the first model based on Mercedes's new MB-EA platform. It is a dedicated electric car structure that will also underpin the upcoming electric C-Class. Featuring an 800-volt electric architecture, it will have a maximum charging speed beyond the 320kW of the new, MMA-based CLA saloon. So you can add 260km of range in 10min.
The successor to the Mercedes EQC SUV will use a 95kWh battery, giving it up to 700km of WLTP range in rear-wheel drive form. Helping is a new more compact and efficient heat pump. Space saved allows for a 100L front storage area under the hood, adding to the 560L of luggage space at the aft end. That's more space than the ICE power GLC gets.
Single motor rear- and dual-motor four-wheel drive powertrains will be on offer. The AWD model will have up to 360kW. An AMG performance monster due in 2027 will come with axial-flux motors and up to 447kW, evidently.
The GLC is frequently at the top of the Mercedes' best-seller list and has been since it debuted in 2015. It is hoped that the GLC EV can promote the maker's electric sales in a similar manner.
The new strategy also cuts costs as Mercedes builds its EV offerings.
The GLC EV is the first car from Mercedes to launch alongside a sibling that's already selling with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
It's also the first model to use Mercedes' eATS 2.0 drivetrain. A single-motor, rear-wheel drive model with 200kW is currently under development.
And finally, on the efficiency front, Mercedes has developed a new brake energy recuperation system, called One Box. The brake pedal is decoupled from the physical braking system. Computers calculate how much regen and how much physical disc braking should be used for the different braking levels.
The head of vehicle engineering for the GLC EV, Dominik Voogdt, describes this new development as a 'game-changer' for overall energy efficiency.
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NZ Autocar
a day ago
- NZ Autocar
Electric Mercedes GLC ramps up for September debut
Bold new styling language and a tech-heavy new platform characterise the upcoming EV alternative to Merc's best-seller. And that would be the new electric version of the GLC (with EQ technology). The newcomer will headline the Mercedes-Benz area at the Munich motor show in September. It was spotted earlier this year testing in the Arctic. Meantime, it has been spied on public roads, with less in the way of body camouflage (below). The iX3/Macan/Q6 e-tron rival marks the company's next step in electrification. It is the first passenger Mercedes model to introduce a bold new design language. Historic models have inspired a taller, more upright grille. The designer says it is all about giving future models 'a strong identity'. There will also be an illuminated grille frame, as previewed with the Vision V show car at the Shanghai motor show in April. The electric GLC will also be the first model based on Mercedes's new MB-EA platform. It is a dedicated electric car structure that will also underpin the upcoming electric C-Class. Featuring an 800-volt electric architecture, it will have a maximum charging speed beyond the 320kW of the new, MMA-based CLA saloon. So you can add 260km of range in 10min. The successor to the Mercedes EQC SUV will use a 95kWh battery, giving it up to 700km of WLTP range in rear-wheel drive form. Helping is a new more compact and efficient heat pump. Space saved allows for a 100L front storage area under the hood, adding to the 560L of luggage space at the aft end. That's more space than the ICE power GLC gets. Single motor rear- and dual-motor four-wheel drive powertrains will be on offer. The AWD model will have up to 360kW. An AMG performance monster due in 2027 will come with axial-flux motors and up to 447kW, evidently. The GLC is frequently at the top of the Mercedes' best-seller list and has been since it debuted in 2015. It is hoped that the GLC EV can promote the maker's electric sales in a similar manner. The new strategy also cuts costs as Mercedes builds its EV offerings. The GLC EV is the first car from Mercedes to launch alongside a sibling that's already selling with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It's also the first model to use Mercedes' eATS 2.0 drivetrain. A single-motor, rear-wheel drive model with 200kW is currently under development. And finally, on the efficiency front, Mercedes has developed a new brake energy recuperation system, called One Box. The brake pedal is decoupled from the physical braking system. Computers calculate how much regen and how much physical disc braking should be used for the different braking levels. The head of vehicle engineering for the GLC EV, Dominik Voogdt, describes this new development as a 'game-changer' for overall energy efficiency.
NZ Autocar
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Alpine A390 electric SUV has three motors, gobs of power
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NZ Autocar
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2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 Edition One Review
Modern electric vehicles usually share a few traits: sleek aerodynamics, a focus on weight-saving for efficiency and often a futuristic aesthetic to match their advanced drivetrains. But it seems Mercedes engineers thought, 'bugger all that' (or whatever the German equivalent is), and built the G 580 anyway. It's an all-electric take on the military-born Geländewagen. And we love them for it. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been an automotive icon, first as a military-grade off-roader, and more recently as a luxury status symbol. Now it's entered a new era without losing its identity, the brand having kept all that is good about the vehicle – its cubic design, heavy-duty construction and off-road capability – while adding a huge battery and four, yes four, electric motors. We took this big white box for a spin; more about that later. Priced at a hefty $276,000 for the Edition One model (with a standard version coming soon at $231K), the G 580 is aimed squarely at well-heeled enthusiasts. Yet in the realm of six-figure luxury EVs, that ask isn't as outrageous as it sounds. It is a natural step up from the EQS 450, and around the same ballpark as the BMW iXM60 and i7. Yes, it is expensive, but they could have asked more. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the G 580 is electric at a glance. Mercedes hasn't meddled with the G's iconic silhouette. It's still a big, boxy brute with short overhangs, perched on a ladder-frame chassis. The form follows function for maximum approach angles and interior space. At just a bit over 4.5 metres long, it's not as gigantic as it looks; many modern three-row SUVs are much longer. The Edition One trim adds gloss black 20-inch AMG rims, black door handles, and subtle hints of blue (check the brake calipers and the rub strips along the flanks) to denote its electric heart. Our test unit was white – cue another fridge comment. There's no spare tyre hung on the rear door; instead you get a lockable 'G-Box' for charging cables. The overall effect is G-Class through and through;. It's chunky, retro and cool, with just enough EV-specific flair to set it apart for those in the know. Up front, the G 580 Edition One sticks with a traditional grille. Round LED headlights flank it, complete with LED rings and adaptive beams that can mask out oncoming traffic. Fender-mounted indicator lamps and exposed hinges give it that old-school charm and the doors still shut with a vault-like clunk. Being the first G-Class with keyless entry, you press a button and give the door a firm shove – it's like closing a safe. Slide into the G 580 and you're greeted with a blend of familiar G-Class ambience and new-age tech. The Edition One's cabin is draped in Nappa leather – a two-tone Silver Pearl/Black scheme with contrasting blue stitching and carbon-fibre accents. It mixes Mercedes' top-tier 'Superior' and 'Exclusive' design lines, making it feel every bit the flagship. The dash is thoroughly modern Mercedes, with dual 12.3-inch digital displays and MBUX interface but thankfully retains chunky vents and analogue toggles. There's even the classic grab handle for the passenger. For space, the G 580 is generous up front but a tad tight in the rear. That relatively short length means rear legroom is merely adequate. The cargo area offers just over 500 litres, expanding to nearly 2000 litres with the seats folded. Creature comforts are certainly not in short supply. The front seats are heated, ventilated and massaging, with memory settings and classic Mercedes door-mounted switches. Wireless charging, cooled or heated cupholders, a Burmester sound system, and ambient lighting round out the package. The MBUX infotainment system supports all the expected apps and features. Its 'Energising Coach' is a quirky touch for it plays music and massages you if it thinks you're drowsy. And then there's 'G-Roar', a synthetic V8-like sound that plays through the speakers. It's convincing enough to fool a passenger but can also be switched off for silent cruising. The surge is instant and relentless. In Sport mode, it feels agile for something so large – it really can dance for a big rig. Fire up the G 580 and you immediately sense this isn't an ordinary SUV. For one, there's nearly three tonnes of mass beneath you. Yet it proves remarkably easy to drive around town. Visibility is excellent, the turning circle manageable and a 360-degree camera makes parking a breeze. Ride comfort is plush with an underlying firmness. The G 580 glides over undulations but there remains a hint of that traditional G-Wagen jiggle. Body control is excellent and refinement solid. With four motors and a 116kWh battery, the G 580 puts out 432kW and 1164Nm of torque. Zero to 100km/h takes just 4.7 seconds. The surge is instant and relentless. In Sport mode, it feels agile for something so large – it really can dance for a big rig. Steering is numb but accurate, and the Edition One's performance tyres offer plenty of grip. Brakes (a mix of big discs and regen) inspire confidence. Motorway manners are also good. Adaptive cruise and lane assist are present but unobtrusive, and the ride is settled at speed. Wind noise is noticeable but not excessive given the shape. Of course, a G-Wagen must prove itself when the going gets rough. While we didn't head far off-grid, we have been off-road in the G 580 at a controlled test. Switching to Off-Road mode engages the full suite of traction aids. Each motor has a two-speed gearbox with a low-range ratio, and the G 580 has multiple drive modes and crawl control levels. With 250mm of ground clearance, short overhangs, and a 26mm thick carbon-fibre shield under the battery, it clambers over most things with ease. It can even wade through 850mm of water. The headline trick? A G-Turn. This allows the G to spin 360 degrees in place – one side's wheels rotate forward, the other side's back – activated with a paddle in a special drive mode. It's genuinely useful in tight trails and more than just a showroom gimmick. G-Steer also helps the big G pivot tighter by overdriving the outer wheels in a turn. It makes this 4×4 surprisingly nimble in tight off-road scenarios. With a De Dion rear axle and independent front, wheel articulation is excellent. Permanent AWD and power delivery to a single wheel help it conquer tricky terrain. The only limitation? Performance tyres and no tow rating – likely due to weight limits. With a big battery and brick aerodynamics, efficiency was never going to be a G 580 highlight. But Mercedes gave it enough juice to make it work. The 116kWh battery officially returns 23kWh/100km, for about 450–500km of range. Realistically, expect closer to 400km. Drive it hard or on the open road and usage can hit 30kWh/100km but most owners will charge overnight at home and use it around town. DC fast charging at up to 200kW gets you from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. An 11kW AC wallbox at home will fully charge it overnight. The nav system can route via chargers, and the Mercedes me app handles charge monitoring and pre-conditioning. The Mercedes-Benz G 580 is, in a word, epic. This electric G-Wagen could have been a compromised tribute but it's not. It's the real deal. It combines classic G charm with cutting-edge tech. Performance is great, range is adequate, and the technology is awesome – all wrapped up in that unmistakable G-Wagen style. Where else can you find a vehicle that massages you on the motorway, then does a tank turn in the bush? Yes, most G 580s won't venture far off-road, but they could. Mercedes has electrified a legend without losing the plot. If you ever doubted an electric G-Wagen could be the real deal, this one sets the record straight. Mercedes-Benz G 580 Edition One$276,000 / 23kWh/100km / 0g/km 0-100 km/h 4.7s (claimed) Motor output 432kW Max torque 1164Nm Battery 116kWh Range 473km Drivetrain Single-speed auto / e-AWD Front suspension Wishbones / air springs Rear suspension Multilink / air springs Turning circle 11.3m (2.5 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Discs Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size 275/50R20 Wheelbase 2890mm L/W/H 4624 / 1931 / 1986mm Luggage capacity 555L Tow rating Not rated to tow Service intervals 12 months / 20,000km Scheduled servicing 3yrs / unlimited km Warranty 3yrs / unlimited km ANCAP rating Not yet rated Weight (claimed) 3085kg
