Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric to launch tomorrow: All you need to know

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch the GLC Electric in India tomorrow, bringing a 489bhp dual-motor powertrain, a claimed 715km range, advanced technology and local assembly.

Mercedes-Benz is set to expand its electric vehicle portfolio in India with the launch of the GLC Electric on November 4. The new electric SUV will be locally assembled at the company's Chakan facility in Pune and will initially be introduced in the 400 4MATIC variant. Bookings for the model are scheduled to open in the first week of October.

The GLC Electric is expected to be an important addition to Mercedes-Benz India's luxury EV portfolio, combining a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, an extensive claimed driving range and the latest in-car technology. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming electric SUV ahead of its launch. To read the review of the GLC Electric, click here

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: Dimensions and practicality

The GLC Electric measures 4,845mm in length, 1,913mm in width and 1,644mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,972mm, which is 84mm longer than that of the combustion-engined GLC.

Mercedes-Benz claims the longer wheelbase translates into an additional 47mm of rear legroom. The SUV offers 570 litres of boot capacity, which can be expanded to 1,740 litres by folding the rear seats. There is also a 128-litre front luggage compartment.

Despite its electric powertrain, the GLC retains substantial utility, with a towing capacity of up to 2.4 tonnes and a permitted drawbar load of 100kg. Its kerb weight stands at 2,535kg.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: Interior and technology

The cabin's biggest talking point is the 99.3cm (39.1-inch) MBUX Hyperscreen, which integrates the digital instrument cluster, central infotainment display and front passenger screen into one seamless unit.

The electric SUV gets the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system, featuring artificial intelligence technology from Microsoft and Google. Its Multi Agent Approach allows the virtual assistant to manage more complex, multi-turn conversations, while Google's Automotive AI Agent, powered by Google Cloud, is integrated for navigation-related queries.

Another notable feature is the SKY CONTROL panoramic roof, which uses switchable glass technology to transition between transparent and opaque settings. The roof can also display 162 illuminated stars through the ambient lighting system.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: Features and safety

The electric SUV comes equipped with Mercedes-Benz's MB.DRIVE driver-assistance suite. The system uses inputs from up to 10 external cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

Depending on the market and specification, the suite can include adaptive cruise control, steering assistance, lane-change assistance and automated parking functions.

Other equipment highlights include DIGITAL LIGHT with micro-LED technology, KEYLESS-GO with hands-free access and a comprehensive package of active and passive safety systems.

Mercedes-Benz will also offer an optional Vegan Package, featuring interior materials independently certified by The Vegan Society.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: Battery, performance and range

The India-spec Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC will be powered by a 94kWh NMC battery pack paired with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The setup produces a combined 489bhp and 800Nm of torque.

The electric SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in a claimed 4.3 seconds, while its top speed is rated at 210kmph. Mercedes-Benz claims a maximum WLTP range of 715km, with the official technical range varying between 568km and 715km depending on the configuration and driving conditions.

The GLC Electric is based on an 800-volt electrical architecture and supports DC fast charging at up to 330kW. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in a claimed 22 minutes. Under specified conditions, a 10-minute charging session can add up to 305km of WLTP range. The SUV also supports 11kW AC charging as standard, with an optional 22kW AC charger.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: Suspension and driving technology

The GLC Electric gets AIRMATIC air suspension with intelligent suspension control. Buyers can also opt for rear-wheel steering, which turns the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees. This reduces the SUV's turning circle from 12.1 metres to 11.2 metres, making it easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

The SUV also features a One-Box braking system that combines regenerative and conventional friction braking. Its regenerative braking system can deliver up to approximately 300kW of recuperation and offers four levels: D-, D, D+ and D Auto.

For off-road use, the GLC Electric gets a TERRAIN mode and a transparent-bonnet function, which uses camera feeds to provide a view of the ground beneath the front of the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: Expected price and rivals

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric will be locally assembled in India, which could help the company position it more competitively in the luxury electric SUV segment. Pricing will be announced at launch on November 4.

Once launched, the electric SUV will strengthen Mercedes-Benz's presence in the premium EV space, with its combination of a 489bhp AWD powertrain, 800-volt charging architecture, a claimed range of up to 715km and an extensive technology package.

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