Mercedes-Benz India has launched the electric counterpart of its GLC SUV at Rs 78.50 lakh (ex-showroom). At its core, it's a brand-new car that doesn't share its underpinnings with the ICE-powered GLC. It's built on a completely new platform, is longer and wider, and is altogether a different machine.
The major highlight of this SUV is its claimed range of 711km, and it is powered by a 94kWh NMC battery pack. The car is also locally assembled at Mercedes-Benz's plant in Chakan, Pune. It will compete with the Tesla Model Y. However, its biggest rival, the BMW iX3, is yet to launch in India. Once it arrives, comparisons between the two will be interesting, as they belong to the same segment.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric
The GLC is one of the most important cars for Mercedes-Benz India, with around 22,000 units sold in the country so far. Now, it has been launched in an electric avatar, featuring a massive 94kWh battery pack that produces 489PS and 800Nm of torque. The claimed range stands at 711km (ARAI), making it one of the longest-range EVs in its segment.
Performance is another strong point, with a claimed 0-100km/h time of just 4.3 seconds. It also gets an all-wheel-drive setup, which should make driving it quite enjoyable. Talking about charging, with a 330kW DC fast charger, it can add up to 300km of range in just 10 minutes. Plus, it gets a 22kW onboard AC charger.
Despite being an EV, it comes with a two-speed gearbox, where the first gear is designed for acceleration and the second for efficiency. So, Mercedes-Benz has kept things pretty simple here as well.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric Design
Now, to elaborate on the fact that this isn't anything like the regular GLC sold with petrol or diesel engines, as it is a completely different product built on the new MB.EA-M platform with an all-new design.
At the front, we see a massive grille surrounded by a chrome frame, a giant Mercedes star logo and 942 backlit LEDs that illuminate the entire front. This is the major highlight, as the grille performs several animations when you lock or unlock the vehicle. Then there are the new LED headlights with star-shaped DRLs, adding a touch of premiumness.
Overall, the front looks handsome and carries the signature Mercedes-Benz elegance. From the side, the GLC Electric showcases its grand proportions. It is quite a long car, measuring 4,856mm, which makes it 140mm longer than the regular GLC. The wheelbase measures 2,972mm, which is 84mm longer than the standard model.
Dimensions | GLC Electric |
|---|---|
Length | 4856 mm |
Width | 1913 mm |
Height | 1652 mm |
Wheelbase | 2972 mm |
Boot Space | 570 Litre |
Frunk | 128 Litre |
It wears 20-inch AMG alloy wheels with plastic aero inserts finished in gloss black, giving them a futuristic appearance. We also get flush-fitting door handles that pop out as you approach the vehicle. Mercedes says it has installed surround lights below the ORVMs, which illuminate when you open the doors. They project two things onto the ground: the Mercedes-Benz logo and a carpet-like lighting effect. To experience this feature properly, you need to take the car out in the dark.
The rear profile is equally distinctive and has a typical EV-like appearance. There are plenty of piano-black elements, while the tail-lights extend across the boot lid, creating an illusion of a connected light bar.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric Interior
This is another area where the GLC Electric shines, with a single 39.1-inch screen stretching from the driver's display to the passenger side. At times, it feels like one giant LED screen covering the entire dashboard. Then there is the flat-bottom steering wheel with steering-mounted controls.
The screen runs on the latest MB.OS software, so the overall interface feels fast, smooth and intelligent. Talking about one cool party trick, it gets three emotional modes: Campfire, Aquarium and Forest. Each comes with its own ambient lighting settings and visuals on the giant screen, along with sounds played through the 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos. Together, these create an atmosphere that matches the selected theme. Overall, the interior looks magnificent.
Other features inside are:
- two-wireless charger
- panoramic fixed glass roof with 162 Mercedes-Benz stars
- Massage function at front seats
- two USB-C ports
- 360-parking camera
- Wireless Connectivity
- 9 Airbags
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- Level-2 ADAS
Mercedes Benz GLC Electric: Practical Enough?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric has a boot space of 570 litres, which can be extended to 1,740 litres by electrically folding the rear seats. You can also open the tailgate by simply moving your foot under the rear bumper, as the sensors detect the movement and open it automatically. Since it's an EV, there's a frunk too, offering an additional 128 litres of storage space. So, it scores high on the practicality front.
End Note
The Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric is already proving to be a hit for the brand, with Mercedes-Benz saying that the SUV is sold out until March 2027. The company received 1,000 orders soon after opening bookings in October, and deliveries will begin immediately.
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