Mercedes-Benz Teases All-New GLC Electric SUV; Ditches EQ Branding

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its strategy to integrate its electric vehicle lineup with its traditional combustion engine models by phasing out the separate "EQ" branding. This transition began last year with the launch of the G580 with EQ Technology and will continue with the unveiling of the next-generation CLA later this month. The latest development in this shift is the upcoming electric GLC, which has been teased ahead of its official debut. This model will adopt the "with EQ Technology" suffix, reflecting Mercedes' new approach to naming its fully electric vehicles.

The previous EQC was quietly discontinued in mid-2023 after a four-year production run. Unlike its predecessor, the new electric GLC will be available in the United States and hopefully later in India as well. Mercedes has confirmed that the model is a fully redesigned vehicle, offered in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The 4Matic variants will feature a Disconnect Unit (DCU) that disengages the front axle when not needed, improving overall efficiency.

The automaker has also provided technical details about the vehicle’s powertrain. The rear-mounted electric motor has been developed in-house and paired with a two-speed transmission. Both the front and rear electric drive units utilize silicon carbide inverters to enhance efficiency. A key improvement over the previous EQC is the introduction of an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing for charging speeds exceeding 320 kW. In comparison, the EQC had a maximum DC charging capacity of 110 kW. Mercedes claims that its top-tier battery variant will be able to sustain charging rates above 320 kW consistently.

Mercedes has not disclosed specific details about the platform underpinning the electric GLC, but the company states that it has been designed from the ground up as a fully electric SUV. It remains unclear whether it shares components with the internal combustion-powered GLC or if it is a completely bespoke EV. The model will be available with multiple battery options, with the most advanced version featuring cells that incorporate silicon oxide into graphite anodes to increase energy density.

The electric GLC has been undergoing testing in Arjeplog, Sweden, where Mercedes is evaluating its performance in extreme cold. The model introduces a new braking system that integrates the brake booster, master cylinder, and ESP control into a compact, lighter module. It also features regenerative braking, which recovers kinetic energy during deceleration and feeds it back into the battery to extend the driving range.

In terms of design, the electric GLC appears to have a more conventional SUV shape compared to the larger EQE and EQS SUVs, which were criticized for their rounded, aerodynamic styling. Mercedes has previously indicated that it intends to move away from the distinctive "egg-shaped" design of its earlier EQ models, aligning future EVs more closely with their internal combustion counterparts, a strategy similar to that of BMW.

The electric GLC is part of Mercedes’ broader product expansion, which includes 17 new EVs and 19 internal combustion models by the end of 2027. In addition to the GLC, the company is developing fully electric versions of the C-Class and E-Class sedans. A smaller, all-electric G-Class is also expected to be introduced in the coming years as Mercedes continues to expand its electric lineup.