Mercedes-Benz GLC electric bookings to open in October, India launch by end-2026

Mercedes-Benz will open bookings for the GLC Electric in India in October, with the locally assembled electric SUV set to launch by end-2026, bringing 715km range and 489bhp.

Mercedes-Benz will open bookings for the all-new GLC Electric in India from the first week of October, with the electric SUV scheduled to launch by the end of 2026. The model will be locally assembled in India and will initially be offered in GLC 400 4MATIC specification.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric marks the German luxury carmaker’s latest move into the premium electric SUV segment. Mercedes-Benz says the India-bound model will be assembled locally and that its arrival in India will come within six months of the model’s European sales commencement, making it the fastest a global Mercedes-Benz model has been brought to India as an assembled vehicle.

The GLC 400 4MATIC will use a 94kWh NMC battery pack and an all-wheel-drive system with electric motors on both axles. The technical data supplied by Mercedes-Benz lists a peak output of 360kW (489bhp) and 800Nm of torque. The SUV can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 210kmph.

Mercedes-Benz claims a WLTP range of up to 715km, although the technical data sheet gives a WLTP range band of 568-715km, depending on configuration and conditions. The company quotes energy consumption of 14.9-18.9kWh/100km.

Mercedes GLC Electric: charging

The GLC 400 4MATIC supports DC fast charging at up to 330kW. Mercedes-Benz says the battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes, while up to 305km of WLTP range can be added in 10 minutes under the specified charging conditions. AC charging is supported at up to 11kW as standard and 22kW optionally.

The electric GLC is based on an 800-volt electrical architecture. Its 94kWh usable battery uses cells with silicon-oxide anodes and graphite, while Mercedes-Benz says the cobalt content has been reduced compared with the previous battery generation. The battery is designed around a modular architecture intended to make servicing and component replacement easier.

Mercedes-Benz has also prepared the GLC Electric for bidirectional charging, allowing it to feed energy back to a home or the grid when connected to a compatible DC charging system, subject to market-specific requirements.

Bigger dimensions, more space

The electric GLC measures 4,845mm long, 1,913mm wide and 1,644mm tall, with a 2,972mm wheelbase. It offers 570 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,740 litres with the rear seats folded. There is also a 128-litre front luggage compartment, with Mercedes-Benz quoting 100 litres according to its VDA measurement. Kerb weight is listed at 2,535kg.

The longer wheelbase also frees up additional cabin space. Mercedes-Benz says the new electric GLC has an 84mm longer wheelbase than the combustion-engined GLC, with rear passengers gaining 47mm of additional legroom. Headroom increases by 46mm at the front and 17mm at the rear.

The SUV can also tow up to 2.4 tonnes, while a 100kg drawbar load is permitted.

MBUX Hyperscreen and AI features

One of the biggest highlights of the new GLC Electric is its 99.3cm (39.1-inch) seamless MBUX Hyperscreen, described by Mercedes-Benz as the largest screen it has offered to date. The system combines the instrument cluster, central display and passenger display into a single visual unit.

The fourth-generation MBUX system introduces artificial intelligence from Microsoft and Google, along with Mercedes-Benz's new Multi Agent Approach for its virtual assistant. The system can handle more complex, multi-turn conversations and draw information from different sources. Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent is also integrated for navigation-related queries.

The GLC Electric will also feature a SKY CONTROL panoramic roof with switchable glass. The roof can be made transparent or opaque and can display 162 illuminated stars through its ambient lighting system.

Air suspension and rear-wheel steering

Mercedes-Benz has equipped the new GLC Electric with technology derived from its larger models, including AIRMATIC air suspension with intelligent suspension control. An optional rear-wheel-steering system can turn the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees, reducing the turning circle from 12.1m to 11.2m.

The SUV also gets a new One-Box braking system, combining regenerative and friction braking into a single system for a consistent brake-pedal feel. Regenerative braking can deliver up to approximately 300kW, while the vehicle offers four recuperation levels: D-, D, D+ and D Auto.

Advanced driver assistance and digital features

The GLC Electric's MB.DRIVE system uses data from up to 10 external cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors, supported by a high-performance computer. Depending on the market and specification, the system can offer functions including adaptive cruise control, steering assistance, lane-change assistance and automated parking.

Other highlights include DIGITAL LIGHT with micro-LED technology, a transparent-bonnet function for off-road driving, TERRAIN mode, KEYLESS-GO with hands-free access and an extensive suite of safety systems.

Mercedes-Benz is also offering an optional Vegan Package, with interior materials independently certified by The Vegan Society. The company describes it as the world's first independently certified vegan vehicle interior offered by a carmaker.

With bookings opening in October 2026 and the launch scheduled for the end of 2026, the locally assembled GLC Electric will become one of Mercedes-Benz India's key electric offerings.

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