The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric is entering one of the most crowded segments of the US car market. With a long list of potential rivals, including established players like Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Volvo, as well as newcomers like Genesis and Polestar, the GLC Electric will have to be impressive to stand out. The good news is that it has the potential to do just that, with a powerful electric powertrain and a range of up to 252 miles on a single charge.
One of the GLC Electric's closest rivals is the BMW iX3, which recently received a glowing review from our team. The iX3 is a highly capable electric SUV, with a range of up to 273 miles and a powerful electric motor. However, the GLC Electric has a few tricks up its sleeve, including a more spacious interior and a more advanced infotainment system.
View Price on AmazonThe GLC Electric is based on a new-generation, electric-native platform that promises huge advances in performance, utility, and packaging compared to the structures used for Mercedes' first-generation EVs. The car is available in 400 4Matic form, with a pair of permanent-magnet synchronous motors combining for 483 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The front motor chimes in under load but disconnects when not needed, and both draw power from a 94kWh battery.
The GLC Electric has been launched with a maximum range of 252 miles, but a more efficient single-motor version is expected soon, which should nudge that range closer to the 300-mile mark. Feistier versions are also tipped to include a full-fat AMG with three motors pumping out in excess of 900 horsepower - although it's hard to see why you would need that much power in a medium-sized, premium family SUV.
All versions get 800V electricals and the ability to charge at up to 170kW (the fastest you can realistically charge in the US). The GLC Electric will be offered in the US initially in five trims, ranging from Sport at just over $60,000 to top-line AMG Line Premium Plus at $70,000 - broadly matching the pricing structures of the iX3 and Audi Q6 E-tron and representing a premium of around $6,000 compared to equivalent gasoline-powered GLCs.
Inside, the GLC Electric feels pretty massive, with a bright, airy cabin and plenty of legroom in both rows. The boot is slightly smaller than the gasoline-powered GLC, at 18.3 cubic feet, but it's supplemented by a healthy 4.5-cubic-foot frunk that will take the charging cables and all your family's muddy boots. The car also features a standard panoramic sunroof, which can be made heavily tinted or even patterned, thanks to a charged liquid crystal layer.
Source: autocar.co.uk
