KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The electric GLC comes with a 94kWh battery pack with a claimed range of 713km on a single charge.
- It comes with a modern interpretation of Merc's historic grille.
- The 39.1-inch Hyperscreen is the largest to be fitted on a Merc.
The all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC has finally made its debut at the ongoing IAA Mobility Show in Munich, bringing electrification to one of the most successful cars for Merc globally. It is effectively a replacement to the EQC, which was one of the first few premium electric vehicles to hit the Indian market.
The all-electric GLC could be on the cards for India, and before we dive into the finer details, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
Also read: Lexus Cars Are Now Cheaper By Upto Rs 20.80 Lakh - GST Rate Revision
All-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC Unveiled; Details
The electric GLC is visually fresh, and yet there is a sense of familiarity when you look at it, even from the pictures. The overall silhouette will remind you of the current combustion-powered GLC, and to some extent, the larger EQE SUV. While the semi-circular window surround gives it a familiar look, the flush-fitting door handles are likely going to be seen on the next-gen combustion GLC as well. Mercedes-Benz also says it will offer alloy wheel options upto 21-inches.
It uses a modern interpretation of the historic grille seen on many older Mercs, featuring a chrome surround, followed by a smoked glasss surface and integrated contour lighting. Sitting centrestage will be an illuminated pointed three-star Mercedes-Benz logo as well. The car maker will also offer an illuminated version of this grille as well, feturing 942 backlit dots. This backlit treatment will also get the option of animation as well.
The headlamps will remind you of the current-gen S-Class, but with a slightly altered shape, and they also feature the new tri-star DRLs. It is at the rear where things are different, as the electric GLC gets a new tailgate and two-part semi-circular tail lights, with the tri-star DRLs making an appearance here as well. Both the headlamps and tail lamps come with welcome and goodbye signatures.
On the inside, you will be greeted by the 39.1-inch Hyperscreen, which is said to be the largest seen on a Merc yet. This screen integrates the instrument cluster, infotainment screen, and the passenger unit into one big display. Interestingly, Merc has listened to its audience and it has rightfully brought back buttons on the lower centre console and the steering wheel. The Hyperscreen runs on the latest MB.OS 'superbrain' software, which is basically an interactive AI assistant, but Merc claims to be the first to integrate both Google and Microsoft systems into one. The electric GLC also comes with a 'sky control' panoramic glass roof, featuring 162 illuminated 'stars'. Interestingly, the opacity of the glass roof can be adjusted, but it remains to be seen if this feature makes it to the Indian market.
Merc is also offering the electric GLC with the adaptive air suspension from the S-Class, along with rear-axle steering, an in-car app store with Microsoft Teams and Disney+, and an optional Burmester 4D surround sound system among many other things.
The electric GLC is being offered in multiple trims, but has specifcally mentioned the top-of-the-line GLC 400 4Matic, which comes with all-wheel drive. This trim comes with a claimed combined output of 482bhp, with a 0-100kmph claimed time of 4.3 seconds and a claimed top speed of 210kmph. Backed by a 94kWh battery pack, the electric GLC comes with a claimed range of 713km on a single charge.
Given how quick Mercedes-Benz has been in bringing its cars to India, we won't be surprised if any teasers for the electric GLC start popping up on the car maker's Indian social handles soon enough. Globally, it competes against the BMW Neue Klasse iX3 and the Audi Q6 e-tron.
Verdict
The electric GLC and the Neue Klasse iX3 have been showcased in just a gap of few days, thus maintaining the long-standing rivalry between the two car makers. We can expect the electric GLC to arrive in the Indian market soon enough, considering the huge gap between the EQB and the EQE SUV.
