The All-New Mercedes-Benz GLC: Design, Intelligence and Electric Confidence

For years, the GLC has been the most popular model in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. In the first half of 2025 it once again led global sales, reinforcing its role as the brand’s most successful vehicle. The next chapter begins in 2026 with the launch of the all-new electric GLC with EQ Technology. Developed with extensive customer feedback, this new model refines everything drivers love about the GLC while introducing a bold electric-first approach.

Exterior: Iconic Design with Modern Character

The proportions of the new GLC remain familiar yet are sharpened with modern details. At the centre of the front design is a reinterpreted grille. Once a functional necessity, it has become an illuminated statement piece. Surrounded by a chromed frame and smoked-glass mesh, the grille can be specified with 942 backlit dots capable of producing animated effects. It redefines the face of Mercedes-Benz with technology and prestige.

The dynamic silhouette is defined by sculpted shoulders, pronounced wheel arches and wheels up to 21 inches. At the rear, two-part taillights feature a distinctive star motif, with optional animations triggered when unlocking or charging. Aerodynamic optimisation results in a drag coefficient of 0.26, a figure that supports efficiency without compromising presence.

Interior: Immersive Digital Luxury

Inside, the GLC blends craftsmanship with digital sophistication. The centrepiece is the MBUX Hyperscreen, a single glass surface stretching 99.3 centimetres across the dashboard. It is the largest screen fitted to a Mercedes-Benz and creates a dramatic focal point for both driver and passengers.

The interior is shaped by ambient lighting that frames the cabin and extends into the panoramic roof. The optional Sky Control glass roof can switch between transparent and opaque, and in its most advanced form it integrates 162 illuminated stars, producing a striking night-time atmosphere.

Practical touches have also been addressed. The redesigned centre console separates cupholders from wireless charging trays, while air vents use colour-coded lighting to signal temperature changes. The Burmester 3D sound system introduces stainless steel speaker grilles with a distinctive 3D relief. Seating options include comfort and sport designs, with new perforation patterns and high-contrast stitching that emphasise Mercedes-Benz’s attention to detail.

Vegan-Certified Materials

The electric GLC is the first vehicle in the world to offer a fully vegan interior certified by The Vegan Society. The optional Vegan Package covers upholstery, headliner, carpeting and door panels, all made from high-quality alternatives to animal-derived materials. Customers can choose this alongside a wide range of other finishes, including natural fibre open-pore decor, birch fineline surfaces, AMG carbon fibre and traditional Nappa leather.

MB.OS: The Vehicle Superbrain

At the heart of the new GLC is the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, a chip-to-cloud platform that coordinates infotainment, driving functions, comfort and charging. With computing power capable of 254 trillion operations per second, MB.OS processes data from sensors and actuators in real time. The system continuously learns from driver behaviour, adapts to changing conditions and evolves through over-the-air updates.

Artificial intelligence developed in collaboration with Google and Microsoft gives the MBUX Virtual Assistant natural conversational ability. The assistant can understand follow-up questions without losing context and provides seamless integration with a range of apps and services, including video streaming and entertainment platforms.

Performance and Comfort

The GLC is designed on a dedicated electric platform, enabling strong performance and long range. The flagship GLC 400 4MATIC delivers 360 kilowatts of power and a range of up to 713 kilometres under WLTP testing. Four additional models will follow at launch.

Charging is handled by an 800-volt system that can restore up to 303 kilometres in ten minutes. Mercedes-Benz’s MB.Charge service includes the ability to reserve charging points in advance, a feature unique to the brand. Bidirectional charging allows the vehicle to supply power back to a home or the grid.

Ride quality benefits from air suspension technology inherited from the S-Class, combined with rear-axle steering for agility. A new braking system blends friction and regenerative braking seamlessly, achieving recuperation outputs of up to 300 kilowatts.

Space and Versatility

With a wheelbase 84 millimetres longer than the combustion-powered GLC, the electric version offers noticeably more passenger space. Rear occupants benefit from 47 millimetres of additional legroom and 17 millimetres more headroom. Luggage capacity stands at 570 litres, expanding to 1,740 litres with the rear seats folded. A front trunk adds a further 128 litres.

The GLC is rated to tow up to 2.4 tonnes, with trailer assistance systems designed to make manoeuvring safer and easier. For outdoor use, the Terrain driving mode and a “transparent bonnet” function use camera feeds to display obstacles otherwise hidden beneath the front of the vehicle.

Safety and Assistance

Driver assistance is provided by MB.Drive, a suite of systems using up to ten cameras, five radar sensors and twelve ultrasonic sensors. Data is processed by MB.OS in real time, offering cooperative steering, braking and acceleration. Surround navigation provides drivers with visual confirmation of what the vehicle has detected, building trust in the system. All safety features can be updated after purchase through software upgrades.

Lighting Technology

The new generation of Digital Light headlamps employs micro-LEDs to deliver greater brightness while reducing energy use by half. High beams now adapt dynamically with information from cameras and navigation maps, improving illumination in corners and complex road conditions.

A Future Icon

The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC represents a decisive step for the brand. It combines the familiarity of a proven bestseller with the intelligence and versatility of an electric-first platform. Iconic design, advanced technology, sustainable materials and a focus on comfort ensure that the GLC will continue to define the midsize SUV segment for years to come.