New electric GLC from Mercedes undergoes cold-weather tests in Sweden
The automotive world is abuzz with anticipation as Mercedes-Benz announces the upcoming launch of the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology. This all-electric luxury SUV promises to redefine performance, range, efficiency, and charging speed, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Power, Performance, and Efficiency
At the heart of the GLC with EQ Technology is an advanced all-electric architecture built on an 800-volt system. This system, capable of fast DC charging at up to 320 kW, enables the vehicle to recover approximately 260 km (162 miles) of range in just 10 minutes of charging. The GLC400 4Matic with EQ Technology will be the initial offering.
Key performance specifications include a power output of 483 horsepower (360 kW), a battery combining lithium-iron-phosphate and nickel-manganese-cobalt cells with a total capacity of around 94.5 kWh, and acceleration that promises to be more immediate than its mild-hybrid gasoline counterpart, thanks to electric torque. The GLC with EQ Technology will also feature Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced grip and dynamic handling.
Advanced Features and Technology
The GLC with EQ Technology boasts several innovative features and technologies. The use of lithium-iron-phosphate and nickel-manganese-cobalt chemistry balances longevity, safety, and energy density. The vehicle includes a country-specific DC converter, allowing compatibility with 400-volt charging stations for markets where 800-volt charging points may be unavailable.
An available AIRMATIC air suspension system adjusts damping rapidly, improving comfort and handling on varied surfaces. The heating system, while specific details are not provided, is likely to employ a heat pump system, optimizing climate control efficiency.
Robust and Reliable Performance
The electric GLC is undergoing winter testing in Sweden's polar region, including on deeply snow-covered roads. Christoph Starzynski, Head of Vehicle Development and Integration at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, has stated that the electric GLC is reliable and robust even under extreme conditions. Sensors in the electric GLC detect spinning wheels and distribute torque accordingly to maintain traction and driving stability on snow and ice.
The brake system in the electric GLC ensures a consistent, confident, and transparent brake pedal feel, regardless of whether braking is through recuperation or friction braking. The brake system combines several components into a compact module, providing a consistent brake pedal feel and optimizing energy recovery for increased range.
Sustainable and Efficient Charging
The electric GLC comes standard with an air-side heat pump, using around one-third of the electrical energy that a comparable electric heater would need for the same heating performance. The heat pump enables very high charging performance by bringing the high-voltage battery into the ideal temperature range before fast charging.
The electric GLC's brake system features high-performance electronics with silicon carbide inverters for efficient energy use. Different high-voltage battery versions will be offered for the GLC, with the top battery enabling DC charging with powers over 320 kW. The top battery variant's cells feature anodes with silicon oxide mixed with graphite, resulting in very high gravimetric energy density.
The Future of Electric Vehicles
The new electric GLC will run on the MB.EA (Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture) electric vehicle platform. The GLC with EQ Technology is a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to sustainable, efficient, and high-performance electric vehicles. The official unveiling is scheduled for September 7, 2025, at the IAA Mobility event in Munich.
In summary, the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology is a fully electric luxury SUV combining high power, fast charging, advanced battery tech, and adaptive suspension, delivering a blend of efficiency, comfort, and dynamic driving experience with a modern electric drivetrain. The heat pump can utilize three energy sources in parallel: waste heat from the Electric Drive Unit, waste heat from the battery, and ambient air, ensuring a comfortable interior during fast charging. The electric GLC's brake system ensures consistent, confident, and transparent braking, regardless of whether braking is through recuperation or friction braking. The GLC with EQ Technology is a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicles, promising to set new standards in performance, range, efficiency, and charging speed.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology is designed on an 800-volt system, capable of fast DC charging at up to 320 kW, setting benchmarks in the automotive industry.
- The GLC400 4Matic with EQ Technology features an advanced all-electric architecture, providing a power output of 483 horsepower (360 kW), and promising immediate acceleration compared to its mild-hybrid gasoline counterpart.
- The electric GLC will offer advanced features such as a country-specific DC converter for compatibility with various charging stations, and an AIRMATIC air suspension system for improved handling on diverse surfaces.
- The electric GLC is being tested in Sweden's polar region for robust and reliable performance, even under extreme conditions.
- The GLC with EQ Technology is a testament to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to the future of electric vehicles, showcasing sustainable, efficient, and high-performance electric powertrains, paving the way for new standards in the industry.
