The Mercedes-Benz GLC, the German brand’s mid-size premium SUV has debuted at the IAA motor show in Munich. It is being launched in full electric GLC 400 4Matic guise, and introduces a heap of new technology and luxuries, and a bolder but cleaner design language for the brand featuring a large and chromed grille that is optionally illuminated.
New headlamps with the next-generation digital light technology and micro-LED technology enables more brightness for high beam and road projections, while using 50% less energy than before. Aligned to camera information and map data, the cornering light reacts more precisely to the course of the road. The rear styling is characterised by cylindrical light clusters first seen on the AMG GT XX concept car.
The new GLC is larger with a wheelbase that’s 84mm longer to the benefit of rear passengers. They get 47mm and 17mm more leg and headroom, respectively, and a 570l boot capacity expandable to 1,740l when the rear seats are folded down. A “frunk” or front-trunk contributes an extra 128l of load capacity opened partially electrically via touch control.
The interior is hallmarked by higher quality materials, new seats and steering wheel. The tiller reintroduces a tactile rocker switch for the limiter and Distronic features, and a roller for volume control as demanded by customers, but some features have capacitive switch panels.
There's also an all-new seamless MBUX Hyperscreen measuring 39.1-inches — the largest screen in a Mercedes-Benz to-date — that runs on the new MB.OS superbrain software with enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) that learns driver preferences. It adapts to changing conditions and make decisions in real time while refining the conversational skills of the virtual assistant.
Further to the usual amenities is an optional panoramic roof with the Sky Control feature of a switchable glass and ambient lighting that illuminates 162 stars in the night sky, surfaces with haptic feedback, and a new and optional Vegan Package — the first of its type to gain Vegan Society certification — and over-the-air updates.
The debut electric drive system in the GLC 400 4Matic produces 360kW with up to 713km of driving range promised from the 94kWh lithium-ion battery. The company says the installed DC converter enables a range of up to 303km in 10 minutes when recharging via fast 400V fast chargers. It’s also prepared for connection to the power grid for bidirectional DC charging. It can store solar power and serve as a power supplier for home or the power grid.
Mercedes‑Benz says it will offer four more drive systems, and the new GLC also debuts a One-Box braking system that provides smooth and consistent deceleration, whether via energy recovery or friction braking. Four recuperation levels are available, and an air suspension derived from the S-class with 4.5-degree rear-axle steering is available with the Agility & Comfort Package.
The GLC 400 4Matic is rated to tow a braked 2.4-tonnes, with a drawbar load of 100kg suitable for carrying electric bicycles. Electronic trailer stabilisation and manoeuvering systems are also available while ten external cameras, five radar sensors and twelve ultrasonic sensors offer advanced driver assistance.
A Terrain mode is integrated for field or gravel roads, adjusting the characteristics of the drive, steering and brakes to suit conditions. The “transparent bonnet” function enables a virtual view under the front of the vehicle from the main screen. All active safety systems are standard equipment and can be updated even after purchase.
Mercedes-Benz SA says it will communicate further as to when the electric GLC will be launched in SA.
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