Mercedes unveils the electric GLC at the Beijing Motor Show

Mercedes premieres the new electric GLC ahead of its unveiling at the Beijing Motor Show. Many specific details characterise the new suv, starting with a retro-style shield grille inspired by the brand's classic 20th century design. The grille incorporates 942 backlit elements that can light up and interact, offering different effects when unlocking and charging, all complemented by a bright star emblem. At the front, new digital LED headlamps offer adaptive automatic switching between high and low beams, and activation provides enhanced safety and refinement. The new GLC EV also features a 128-litre front luggage compartment, ideal for carrying hand luggage.

Designed to meet Chinese consumers' preference for a spacious interior, the GLC long wheelbase EV measures 4,949 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width and 1,710 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,027 mm. Compared to the version intended for western markets, the wheelbase has been lengthened by 55 mm and the body by 104 mm, improving rear passenger legroom and overall comfort. The side profile also features sleek lines and retractable door handles that reduce the drag coefficient. Behind, it sports a new star-shaped rear light cluster design that echoes the front headlights. Three exterior colours are added to the range to meet all possible aesthetic demands.

The cockpit echoes Mercedes' design language. A 39.1-inch MBUX screen dominates the dashboard, which features a 14.4-inch central display and a 12.3-inch front passenger screen. The system uses the new MB.OS operating system, based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip. The new virtual assistant, called Xiao Ben meaning Little Mercedes, supports OTA updates. While a head-up display with greater potential than before projects all essential information on the windscreen of the car.

Features include heated, ventilated and massaging front seats upholstered in leather. There is also a Burmester sound system and a panoramic roof with nine adjustable transparency zones.

The GLC L EV offers a package of driver assistance systems that includes highway and city navigation as well as parking assistance functions. The chassis comes standard with air suspension that adjusts damping and height according to road conditions. The steering technology on the rear axle offers a steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees, which improves both low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. The engine delivers 416 hp and 800 Nm of torque, combined with the eATS 2.0 electric drive system with radial drives and a 2-speed gearbox. The 89 kWh battery pack offers a range of 700 km and the 800 V architecture supports fast charging to recover 260 km of range in 10 minutes.