IAA 2025: Mercedes-Benz Unveils All-Electric GLC

Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the all-new GLC with EQ Technology, marking a pivotal moment in the luxury electric vehicle segment. The German automaker's most popular SUV worldwide makes its European debut with cutting-edge technology and impressive specifications that could reshape India's premium EV landscape.

European Debut and Global Launch

The electric GLC made its world premiere at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich, Germany. This significant unveiling positions Mercedes-Benz to compete directly with established rivals in the luxury electric SUV segment, particularly targeting buyers seeking premium electric mobility solutions. 

The launch model, the GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology, delivers impressive performance credentials with 360 kW of system output, enabling acceleration from 0-100 kmph in just 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 210 kmph. More importantly for Indian consumers, the SUV offers a preliminary WLTP range of up to 713 kilometres, addressing range anxiety concerns prevalent in the domestic market. 

Advanced Technology and Features

Built on Mercedes-Benz's new MB.EA-M platform, the electric GLC represents a complete departure from conventional SUV design. The vehicle features an 800-volt architecture supporting ultra-fast charging capabilities of up to 30 kW, allowing drivers to add up to 303 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes. 

The interior showcases the largest screen ever fitted in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle – the seamless MBUX HYPERSCREEN measuring 39.1 inches. This technological marvel integrates artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google, creating an intuitive user experience that learns driver preferences and adapts accordingly. 

Notable features include the world's first vegan interior certified by The Vegan Society, S-Class-derived AIRMATIC air suspension, rear-axle steering with up to 4.5 degrees of steering angle, and an impressive 2.4-tonne towing capacity. The SUV also offers more interior space than its combustion counterpart, with an 84mm longer wheelbase providing enhanced passenger comfort. 

India Market Context and Launch Timeline

Mercedes-Benz India has been experiencing remarkable growth in the electric vehicle segment, recording a 157 percent increase in EV sales in Q1 FY2025-26. The company's EV penetration has doubled from 2.5 percent to 8 percent, with luxury electric vehicles priced above ₹65 lakh driving this growth. 

The electric GLC is expected to arrive in India  soon but a timeline has yet not been disclosed. While official pricing remains undisclosed, we  estimate the SUV could be priced competitively within the luxury EV segment, considering Mercedes-Benz's strategy of focusing on top-end electrification rather than entry-level offerings. 

Competitive Landscape and Rivals

The electric GLC will face stiff competition in India's luxury electric SUV market. Primary rivals include the BMW iX, priced at ₹1.21 crore, the Audi Q8 e-tron starting at ₹1.15 crore, and the existing Mercedes-Benz EQC at ₹99.51 lakh. 

The BMW iX offers 516 horsepower and a 575-kilometre range with 111.5 kWh battery capacity. Meanwhile, the Audi Q8 e-tron provides between 335-402 horsepower with a range of 491-582 kilometres from its 95-106 kWh battery pack. The electric GLC's superior range of up to 713 kilometres and advanced 800-volt architecture could provide a significant competitive advantage. 

Recent market dynamics show the luxury EV segment gaining momentum, with Mercedes-Benz leading in certain price segments while BMW and Audi compete aggressively with their respective offerings. The German trio has maintained relatively stable market positions, with growth primarily concentrated in the premium segment. 

Manufacturing and Sustainability

Mercedes-Benz will produce the electric GLC at its Bremen plant in Germany, alongside facilities in Kecskemét, Hungary, and Beijing, China. The company has achieved significant progress in decarbonizing its supply chain, with the electric GLC demonstrating a two-thirds reduction in carbon footprint across its entire lifecycle compared to the current combustion-powered GLC.

The vehicle incorporates substantial amounts of carbon-reduced aluminium and recycled materials throughout its construction. The battery housing is integrated into the vehicle structure as part of the comprehensive safety concept, while the modular battery architecture enables flexible manufacturing across multiple vehicle types.