Mercedes-Benz is expanding its best-selling SUV lineup with an all-electric GLC, marking a major milestone in the brand’s shift toward diverse powertrain options.
Designed as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the new GLC sets new benchmarks in performance, efficiency, and charging speed while maintaining the versatility and practicality that define its combustion-engine siblings.
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Proven Performance in Extreme Conditions
Heavily camouflaged prototypes recently underwent rigorous winter testing in Sweden, where the electric GLC excelled in sub-zero temperatures and snow-covered roads.
“Our new electric GLC is a car without compromises, and we test it just as rigorously,” said Christoph Starzynski, Vice President of Overall Vehicle Development & Integration.
Despite the challenges of cold-weather efficiency, the GLC maintained high performance, safety, and driving comfort—key attributes of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Advanced All-Wheel Drive and Braking Systems
Equipped with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the GLC ensures optimal traction on snow and ice by independently controlling its front and rear electric drive units.
The rear unit, developed entirely by Mercedes-Benz, features high-performance power electronics and silicon carbide inverters for improved efficiency.
The innovative braking system integrates the brake booster, master cylinder, and ESP® control into a single module, optimizing energy recuperation while maintaining a precise and consistent pedal feel.
800-Volt Architecture and Fast Charging
With an 800-volt system and advanced battery technology, the electric GLC offers impressive range and significantly reduced charging times. The highest-spec battery variant will support DC fast charging at over 320 kW—a standout feature in its class.
The battery’s silicon oxide-blended anode enhances energy density, allowing for greater efficiency and a lighter overall weight.
Efficient Climate Control with Heat Pump Technology
To maintain optimal efficiency in extreme cold, the GLC comes standard with an air-side heat pump, which uses energy from the electric drive unit, battery, and ambient air to heat the cabin while consuming significantly less electricity than conventional systems.
This ensures a comfortable interior even during fast charging, aligning with Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy that efficiency should never come at the expense of passenger comfort.
Arctic Testing and Uncompromising Validation
Mercedes-Benz’s Arjeplog test center near the Arctic Circle has been the proving ground for decades of vehicle development.
The electric GLC was subjected to over 500 individual tests, including 100 specifically designed for electric vehicles. Engineers analyzed cold-start performance, range under real-world conditions, charging behavior, and driving dynamics on snow and ice.
The vehicle will also undergo summer testing in extreme heat conditions, ensuring reliability across all environments before entering production.
The all-electric GLC represents the next step in Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to innovation, delivering top-tier performance, range, and charging capabilities while meeting the brand’s uncompromising standards of luxury, safety, and efficiency.
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