Mercedes-Benz reveals all-new electric GLC for 2026

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new electric GLC SUV, set to launch in the first half of 2026 as the electric successor to the brand’s most popular global model.

The electric GLC will launch with the top-specification GLC 400 4MATIC, delivering 360 kW of power and up to 713 kilometres of range. Four additional model variants will follow the initial launch.

Built on an electric-first architecture, the new GLC features a 94 kWh lithium-ion battery paired with an 800-volt charging system. Mercedes-Benz says the vehicle can recharge up to 303 kilometres of range in ten minutes at compatible fast-charging stations.

The company says extensive customer feedback from around the world defined the development of the electric GLC from the start. The model maintains the classic proportions of a Mercedes-Benz midsize SUV while introducing new design elements including an illuminated chrome grille.

Enhanced space and practicality

The SUV offers 570 litres of boot capacity, expanding to 1740 litres with rear seats folded. A front storage compartment adds another 128 litres of load space. The GLC 400 4MATIC can tow up to 2.4 tonnes braked, with a drawbar load of 100 kilograms.

The electric GLC offers increased interior space compared to its combustion-engine siblings, with 47 millimetres more rear legroom and 17 millimetres additional rear headroom. Front passengers gain 13 millimetres more legroom and 46 millimetres extra headroom.

This increased space comes from an 84-millimetre longer wheelbase compared to the combustion GLC. The vehicle also features TERRAIN MODE as a driving programme for field or gravel roads, along with a “transparent bonnet” function that provides a virtual view under the front of the vehicle.

New operating system and interior technology

The electric GLC introduces Mercedes-Benz’s new MB.OS operating system, which the company describes as an “AI-driven superbrain” powered by chips capable of 254 trillion operations per second.

The interior features a 99.3-centimetre MBUX HYPERSCREEN – the largest display ever fitted to a Mercedes-Benz. The system integrates artificial intelligence from Microsoft and Google to provide personalised responses and control vehicle functions.

The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses what Mercedes-Benz calls a “Multi Agent Approach”, selecting the best source for each task and combining knowledge from across the internet. The system can provide detailed responses and answer follow-up questions without requiring context to be repeated.

Mercedes-Benz will offer an optional Vegan Package for interior materials, certified by The Vegan Society. The company says this makes it the first manufacturer worldwide to offer an independently certified vegan interior.

Advanced comfort and safety systems

The SUV comes standard with air suspension technology derived from the S-Class, combined with rear-axle steering offering up to 4.5 degrees of steering angle. An optional SKY CONTROL panoramic roof features switchable glass zones and ambient lighting with 162 integrated stars.

The electric GLC features a new One-Box braking system that provides consistent brake pedal feel whether using energy recovery or friction braking. Mercedes-Benz says the system generates electricity during braking in over 99 percent of everyday driving cases, with recuperation performance up to 300 kW.

Every model includes an extensive sensor array using up to ten external cameras, five radar sensors and twelve ultrasonic sensors for driver assistance systems. The MB.DRIVE system processes sensor data using artificial intelligence to understand traffic situations.

Charging and energy management

The 800-volt electrical architecture supports both AC and DC charging, with a country-specific DC converter enabling compatibility with 400-volt fast-charging stations. The vehicle is equipped for bidirectional charging, allowing it to supply power back to homes or the electrical grid when connected to compatible charging infrastructure.

Mercedes-Benz Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans routes including charging stops, considering factors such as topography and weather conditions. The company’s MB.CHARGE network offers reservation capabilities for charging stations, with Mercedes-Benz being the first manufacturer to offer such a feature.

The electric GLC also includes a standard multi-source heat pump that uses waste heat from the electric drive unit, battery and ambient air to efficiently heat the interior during winter conditions.

The electric GLC marks Mercedes-Benz’s transition of its best-selling global model to electric powertrains, positioning the brand to compete in the growing premium electric SUV segment ahead of the 2026 launch.