Mercedes-Benz has officially launched the GLC EV, the fully electric version of its popular luxury SUV, at the IAA Mobility 2025 show in Munich. The new GLC EV is built on the company’s new MB.EA platform, which offers a perfect blend of Mercedes’ ultimate luxury and cutting-edge electric technology.
It is powered by a massive 94.5 kWh battery, and its futuristic LED pixel grille is filled with 942 sparkling dots. The optional 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen gives it a cutting-edge cabin experience. According to the WLTP range, the SUV can travel up to 713 km on a single charge. The ultra-fast charging capability of 330 kW allows an additional 260 km to be covered in just 10 minutes.
The electric SUV will be launched in late 2026, where it will compete directly with models like the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3. The GLC EV has the potential to become one of the most advanced electric SUVs in its segment and is an important part of Mercedes-Benz’s electric journey.
Key Highlights – Mercedes-Benz GLC EV
- Platform: Built on Mercedes’s next-gen MB.EA platform with 800V architecture
- Battery & Range: 94.5 kWh pack, up to 713 km WLTP range
- Charging: 330 kW DC fast charging – adds 260 km in just 10 minutes
- Performance: Dual-motor AWD producing 483 hp & 808 Nm (GLC400 AWD); single-motor RWD (GLC300+) variant planned
- Tech & Interior: Optional 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, AI-powered Google Gemini assistant, soft-touch vegan materials
- Exterior Design: Illuminated LED pixel grille with 942 LEDs, sleek Sensual Purity design language
- Safety & Features: Advanced driver assistance, over-the-air (OTA) updates, smart energy management
- Launch Timeline: GLC400 AWD expected late 2026, GLC300+ RWD in early 2027
- Rivals: Direct competition with Tesla Model Y, BMW iX3, Audi Q6 e-tron
Will the GLC EV’s 94.5 kWh battery really deliver a WLTP range of 713 km?
The claimed 713 km WLTP range on the GLC EV’s 94.5 kWh battery is a formal, laboratory-measured figure that may vary somewhat in real-world driving. WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) range testing is more accurate and closer to real driving conditions, but is affected by factors such as road conditions, driving style, temperature, traffic, and AC/heating usage.
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Thus, the 713 km WLTP range is a rough estimate, but in daily use, the range could be around 600-650 km. The number may go down, especially if the vehicle is driven fast or in difficult conditions. Nevertheless, the range is considered to be very competitive and usable in the electric SUV segment, making long-distance trips easier.
So, a WLTP range of up to 713 km is practically possible from the GLC EV’s 94.5 kWh battery, but in real life, this figure will depend on driving conditions.
How the MB.EA platform make the GLC EV different from the Tesla Model Y?
The MB.EA platform is a modern electric vehicle cornerstone developed by Mercedes-Benz, which differentiates the GLC EV from the Tesla Model Y in several key ways.
Firstly, the MB.EA platform places Mercedes’ special emphasis on luxury and quality, giving the GLC EV’s interior and driving experience a premium feel. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, this platform provides Mercedes’ distinctive interior design, better noise insulation and a comfortable suspension setup, which creates a better balance for both city and long-distance driving.
Secondly, the MB.EA platform is a flat and scalable battery architecture that installs the battery pack under the vehicle, providing more space in the cabin and better weight distribution. The Tesla Model Y also places the battery on the floor, but the MB.EA platform offers more flexibility and safety measures in the design, which improves crash safety and durability.
In addition, the MB.EA platform combines with Mercedes’ latest electric drivetrain technologies and fast charging capabilities, giving the GLC EV competitive range and power, but also ensuring traditional Mercedes-style driving comfort.
Finally, the MB.EA platform is also the cornerstone for Mercedes-Benz’s smart connectivity and multimedia technology, which makes the GLC EV’s cabin cutting-edge, an alternative to Tesla’s own unique operating system.
Thus, the MB.EA platform makes the GLC EV a luxurious, safe and highly customizable electric SUV comparable to the Tesla Model Y.
How does a 330 kW charger achieve 260 km in 10 minutes?
Achieving a range of 260 km in 10 minutes with 330 kW ultra-fast charging technology means that the battery is being charged very quickly. This is possible because these charging stations provide high power outputs, which allow the battery to charge a large amount in a very short time.
The battery charges fastest when it is about half empty (e.g. 10-60% or 20-80% charging basis). Because the charging speed slows down at the initial and final stages of the battery’s life, the time in between is most effective. With a power of 330 kW, this is called a superfast charger, which provides enough energy in just 10 minutes to drive the vehicle for 260 km.
During this process, the battery management system controls the temperature and charging speed to protect the battery and maintain its life. Therefore, such fast charging is possible in modern electric vehicles, which greatly reduces charging time during long journeys.
This is around 5 times faster than regular charging and allows users to travel longer distances in less time, increasing the travel convenience of electric cars.
Conclusion: Mercedes-Benz GLC EV
The Mercedes-Benz GLC EV is a big leap forward in the brand’s electrification journey, combining luxury, performance and future technology in a single package. Its 713 km range, ultra-fast charging and advanced digital features such as the 39-inch Hyperscreen set new benchmarks as a premium electric SUV.
Scheduled for launch in 2026, the car will not only compete with rivals such as the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3, but will also mark Mercedes’ move towards an all-electric future. For customers, the car will be a perfect blend of the GLC’s comfortable heritage and the innovation of new-generation EV mobility.
Bhaskar Raj is the founder of NomadSoul, a blog dedicated to electric cars, bikes, and the future of mobility in India. A passionate EV enthusiast, he closely follows the latest launches, policies, and technologies shaping sustainable transportation. When he’s not writing, Bhaskar enjoys riding motorcycles and exploring how clean energy can transform everyday life.