Latest news with #GLCEV
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Behind the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC EV prototype
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC EV will arrive later this year as an indirect replacement for the EQC SUV, marking a strategic shift in Mercedes' electric model strategy: one focused on integration rather than reinvention. This more pragmatic approach from Mercedes will result in the GLC EV slotting alongside a facelifted version of the combustion-engined GLC next year, wearing a near-identical look inside and out. Company boss Ola Källenius wants less differentiation and greater cohesion between different powertrains in a bid to drive EV sales, instead of its previous push of designing distinct EVs with unique names and positioning. Given that the GLC has regularly been Mercedes' best-selling model since its introduction in 2015, it's hoped that the GLC EV can leverage the equity already built by the moniker and be a catalyst for Mercedes' EV sales. The strategy also streamlines development and production, a crucial consideration as Mercedes-Benz seeks to cut costs as it scales up its number of electric models. While the next CLA will be the first to follow this new strategy, when both the EV and ICE variants are launched later this month, the GLC EV is the first car to arrive alongside a sibling that's already on sale with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Such is the importance of the new GLC EV, given its status as a rival to the Audi Q6 E-tron, BMW iX3 and Porsche Macan Electric, that it's set to headline Mercedes' display at the Munich motor show in September. An early 2026 launch is pencilled for the UK. The GLC EV is the first model to use Mercedes' new platform – a dedicated EV platform that's also planned to underpin the upcoming electric version of the C-Class saloon and junior G-Class off-roader, both set to be revealed in 2026. It's also the first model to use Mercedes' eATS 2.0 drivetrain, as previewed by the Vision EQXX engineering concept in 2023. In its most potent dual-motor, four-wheel-drive form, it will offer up to 483bhp. A single-motor, rear-wheel-drive model with 268bhp is also under development. Power is drawn from a 94.5kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, which is claimed to deliver a range of over 404 miles. It all operates on a new 800V electrical architecture that provides a charging speed of up to 320kW. This is good for a 162-mile recharge in 10 minutes. Efficiency is further boosted by a new heat pump, which is not only significantly more effective than the system in use today but also far more compact. This has allowed Mercedes to integrate a 100-litre frunk in addition to a 560-litre rear boot, providing the GLC EV with even greater luggage space than the ICE GLC on sale today. Additionally, Mercedes has developed a sophisticated new brake energy recuperation system, dubbed One Box. Unlike in traditional braking systems, the brake pedal is decoupled from the physical braking system, with computers calculating how much regen and how much physical disc should be used for the desired braking levels. Dominik Voogdt, head of overall vehicle engineering for the GLC EV, describes this new braking system as a 'game-changer' for overall efficiency. For my first drive of the GLC EV, Mercedes has brought me to the Galtispuoda mountain pass, just outside Arjeplog in Sweden's Arctic north. This winding, snow-covered mountain road is a relentless test of a car's mettle. It's got it all: steep inclines, precipitous descents, fast open bends and sharp hairpins – all with surfaces that, at this time of year, shift unpredictably from compacted snow to sheer ice and back again before you realise. With a heavy cloak of disguise covering the prototype's dashboard and other areas, we can't say much about the interior design yet, except that it departs quite radically from that of the ICE GLC models, which are likely to adopt it, along with a new pillar-to-pillar display panel and other digital developments, including the new operating system, as part of a mid-life facelift before the end of next year. That said, the driving position and ergonomics all feel familiar, with typical Mercedes refinement and attention to detail. A large glass roof floods the cabin with natural light, while a longer wheelbase than ICE GLC models (a benefit of the EV's platform) provides additional space, much of which has been allocated to extending rear-seat leg room. It's very roomy, noticeably so in the back. But I haven't flown halfway to the North Pole to be a passenger: I'm here to drive. From my starting point at the summit of the Galtispuoda, there's a silent yet undeniable urgency to the qualities of the new eATS 2.0 drivetrain in the first mile or so, the kind that pins me to the driver's seat when traction is found and exploited by the GLC EV's fast-reacting four-wheel-drive system and other driving assistance systems. Despite the treacherous conditions, there's dependable traction and swift acceleration on the straighter sections of the pass. The stability-control system works rapidly and completely in the background without ever feeling intrusive or overbearing, keeping progress smooth and controlled. Voogdt says changes to the vehicle operating system have reduced the amount of CPU networking, providing faster and more seamless control of power to each of the wheels. It shows. Even in these conditions, the GLC EV builds speed effortlessly. But it's in the corners where it really impresses. The steering, typically light in feel, is very precise and offers quite a lot of feedback, inspiring confidence from the outset. It's backed up by a rear-wheel steering function that has been tuned by the same team of engineers responsible for the similar systems used by Mercedes-AMG models, with 4.5deg of rear steer in this prototype. The GLC EV's overall agility belies its size and weight. It's not just the way it turns in sharply and confidently; it's the composure it maintains mid-corner when the surface shifts from snow to ice and back again before you even reach the exit that gets my attention. I'm driving with measured throttle inputs through the winding sections of the pass, being careful to slowly work up to the limits of what the road conditions allow. But even so, the GLC EV feels extremely lively, changing direction with truly eager qualities. And there are no specially prepared spiked tyres to enhance grip – just regular winter tyres. The air suspension, with its variable ride height, keeps body movement well controlled. These aren't the sort of conditions in which to make a definitive call on the finer points of its double-wishbone and five-link suspension, but it's already clear the GLC EV operates on a far higher dynamic level than the old EQC. It's fluid and well balanced, with a greater sense of control and precision. And what of those 'game-changing' new brakes? Apart from the dependable feel of the pedal, what's impressive is just how much of the braking force is handled purely by regen, even in situations where you would expect the friction brakes to take over. The car brings itself to a complete stop under what feels like genuinely hard braking without ever engaging the physical brakes. You alter the amount of regen by tapping the gear selector stalk forward and backward. It's seamless, efficient and surprisingly effective. The GLC EV will be produced at Mercedes plants in Bremen, Germany, and Beijing, China, with the possibility of additional production in Tuscaloosa, US, depending on tariff considerations. ]]>
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class EV Prototype: The EQC Rises! Sort Of!
Remember the Mercedes-Benz EQC? An electric analogue to the GLC-class compact luxury SUV has been in the works for years—and in markets beyond the U.S., it actually existed as a thing people could buy. We in the States didn't get that lucky, though; the EQC as originally conceived suffered several setbacks and ultimately never arrived here. But that'll soon be rectified with the electric GLC. Ahead of the new EV's debut at the IAA auto show in Munich this September, we got a taste of the GLC at Benz's winter proving ground in far-north Sweden. The regular GLC is a bestseller in the U.S., and its electric variant will live within that greater lineup. We don't have an official name yet, but the lineup currently contains the gas-only GLC300 and the plug-in-hybrid GLC350e, so the EV could slide above that as the GLC380 or GLC480, similar to how the electric G580 is positioned above the gas-only G550. Going forward, this is likely how Mercedes will continue to structure its lineups, even when cars within the same line don't share a platform. Despite looking like a gas-powered GLC, the electric variant rides on the dedicated platform, which will underpin additional future EVs as well. Ahead of our prototype drive, Mercedes told us the decision to use was all about compromise—or rather, a lack thereof; putting an EV on the gas-fed GLC's platform would've required the automaker to make undesirable concessions, whereas lets Mercedes engineers optimize for the EV part. The examples we drove were heavily camouflaged inside and out, and concrete specs at this stage are few. But Mercedes did tell us that the GLC EV's body is just a bit longer than the gas model's, granting enough space in the floor to fit a roughly 94.5-kWh battery. The top offering works at 800 volts, and it is said that charging rates of 320 kW can be "sustained" on a 350-kW charger. As for range, Mercedes estimates that this juice box will be good for a hair over 400 miles on the European WLTP test cycle, with an EPA estimate north of 300 miles. Lift the hood, and you won't find any power hardware—just a four-cubic-foot frunk, which, according to our eyeballs, should hold at least 50 pounds of shrimp. At least. Similarly, we're not quite sure of the full breadth of powertrains we'll get in the U.S., but deep in wintry Sweden, we sampled a dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant that makes approximately 483 horsepower. On roads covered in snow and ice, that proved more than enough power to get the rear end loose at will, and Sport mode offers a surprising amount of yaw before it slowly dialed back the power and brought the rear end in line. There's a two-speed transmission tucked in at the rear, too, as in the Porsche Taycan, and like the Porsche, the transmission's shifting is nearly imperceptible. Thankfully, there were some stretches where we were able to assess the GLC EV's ride quality on normal pavement. Unsurprisingly, it was mighty smooth; the vehicle we drove included the optional air-spring suspension, which did a great job counteracting the EV's as-yet-unknown curb weight. The car can take a licking, too; with the suspension raised about an inch, we blasted up a small mountain road riddled with washboard bumps and deep ruts. And aside from having the fillings shaken out of our molars, the GLC sailed its way upward without much drama. That's probably more off-roading than most owners will ever do, but it's nice that the capability is there. Mercedes-Benz's complicated all-in-one brake module makes an appearance on the GLC EV, too. We first sampled this unit on the upcoming new CLA-class hybrid; the module combines the booster, master cylinder, and other components, with the goal of providing a seamless brake feel whether using regeneration or friction. The brakes prioritize regen as much as possible to boost efficiency. In most situations, it doesn't rely on a mechanical link between your foot and the brake discs—the feedback and pressure underfoot are simulated, and they're simulated quite well. The interior was completely shrouded, so we can't yet speak to how closely the cabin resembles that of the gas-powered GLC. But we can say that the EV's extra length pays off in rear-seat legroom, which was ample behind a six-foot-two front-seat passenger. The platform's flat floor also left more than enough space to comfortably tuck our feet under the front seat. Between that and the sizable panoramic glass roof, the cabin is airy and feels more spacious than the average compact SUV. There's a long time to go until the GLC EV's official debut in September, and it will likely end up as a 2026 model when it goes on sale in the States. While pricing likely won't be announced until after the Munich show concludes, we can look at current context; the GLC350e PHEV tops out at $65,2o0 in its loaded Pinnacle trim, so we'd estimate a starting price somewhere above that. The electric GLC will be expensive, but after our brief spin in one, we think it'll fit right into the greater lineup—when it finally arrives. Which we think it will, this time. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Report: AMG EV Supercar Concept to Lead a Mercedes Product Offensive
Mercedes-Benz will unveil an electric supercar concept from its AMG performance division this year, according to a report from . The concept will preview the powertrain that will underpin the dedicated AMG electric sedan and SUV that are due in the next two years. The report also claims that Mercedes will launch a new SUV with both hybrid and electric setups, as well as a heavily reworked that will adopt the storied name. Two weeks ago, Mercedes-Benz declared that the new CLA—which we just drove in prototype form—will kick off "the most intense product launch" program in the automaker's nearly 100-year history. In the announcement, Mercedes confirmed several new or significantly refreshed vehicles which will arrive before 2027, including the face-lifted S-class that we recently spied testing in Sweden. Now a report from Autocar suggests that Mercedes-Benz's EV push will be led by an extreme supercar concept from the high-performance AMG division. The electric Mercedes-AMG supercar will be shown as a concept later this year, Autocar reported, and will draw upon the radical Vision One-Eleven concept from 2023. The sleek two-door will preview the potent electric powertrain that will underpin dedicated AMG EVs due in the next couple of years, which will include both a sedan—serving as a next generation for the AMG GT sedan—and an SUV. According to one of Autocar's sources, who was described as a "high-ranking insider," the concept "will be the fastest-accelerating car AMG has ever produced." The rapid acceleration will be thanks to a new axial-flux electric motor developed by the British company Yasa, acquired by Mercedes in 2021. The supercar concept will also supposedly debut a next-generation battery, which might be a solid-state unit and will utilize input from the company's High Performance Powertrain division that crafts the hybrid powertrains for Mercedes's F1 cars. We've reached out to Mercedes for comment on the AMG supercar and will update this story when we've heard back. The supercar concept is just one reveal among dozens coming from Mercedes, and the automaker confirmed three other products in its announcement. The CLA arrives first and will come with both an electric powertrain and a 48-volt electrified four-cylinder engine. Mercedes also announced electric versions of the GLC SUV, C-class sedan, and E-class sedan, continuing the brand's shift away from the EQ moniker and toward a strategy of offering multiple powertrains under the same nameplate. The GLC EV should debut this year, while the other two are expected to emerge later. The GLC EV and C-class EV will share a platform and AMG-tuned variants for both vehicles are in the cards. Both the GLC and C-class EVs should feature single-motor/rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor/all-wheel-drive variants. Along with those confirmed models, Autocar reports that the CLA will be accompanied by a new GLB. The compact SUV is expected to grow slightly in size and share powertrains with the CLA sedan. The electric version will also employ the GLB badge, signaling the end of the EQB nameplate. 2026 will bring the refreshed S-class, wearing a new face and running new software that should make better use of the screen-covered dashboard. A more advanced Level 3 autonomous driving system will also improve on the Drive Pilot setup currently found in the Mercedes flagship. The electric EQS is also set for a thorough reworking and is expected to adopt the S-class name despite riding on a different platform. AMG's first dedicated EV will be unveiled in 2026, with the aforementioned sedan coming first ahead of the SUV version in 2027. Mercedes has already teased both models testing. The sporty sedan and SUV will both ride on a new platform called Other upcoming models include refreshes for the gas-powered C-class, EQS SUV, EQE sedan, and EQE SUV. The gas-powered GLE and GLS SUVs are also due for a facelift to extend their life span to around 2030. Mercedes is also expected to release more details on the baby G-class, recently confirmed by the automaker, in 2026 ahead of a 2027 debut. The baby G-class is expected to be related to the updated GLB. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
