In contrast to previous EQ models, the design of the SUV is deliberately conservative-at least compared to the more radical competition from China or start-ups. An important signal for markets such as China: there Mercedes competes with hundreds of SUV models, many of them hardly distinguishable.
Mercedes promises driving comfort at S-Class level-with adaptive air suspension, optional rear axle steering (up to 4.5 degrees) for more maneuverability and new one-box brake system. The latter allows infinitely varied recuperation with up to 300 kilowatts, i.e. braking by letting go of the driving pedal. Up to ten outdoor cameras, five radar sensors and twelve ultrasonic sensors collect data for the driving assistants. There is also a multi-source heat pump, which ensures more efficiency in cold.
And the GLC can pull something: the trailer load is up to 2.4 tons, enough for horse trailers, boats or classic cars. There is also space for a full spare wheel in the underbody.
The expectations of the newcomer are high. In the first half of 2025, Mercedes sold only 75,700 purely electric vehicles worldwide, a decline of 19 percent. The EQE weakens, the EQC is gone. Now the GLC should bring the turn. Strategically, Mercedes sets parallelism: The classic GLC with an combustion engine remains in the program – it is not until 2023 that it is only newly introduced, should it run far beyond 2030, according to the “Automobilwoche”.
At the same time, BMW starts on the IAA with the “new class”-also with its own platform, new infotainment, 800-volt-sort network and even higher reach.
With its more conservative design, the electrical GLC is said to pick up customers who have so far hesitated when buying a electricity. If you want to drive electrically, you get what you know – just without exhaust.
