The new all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC is now available to order in the United Kingdom. Customers can choose from five distinct specifications – Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition – with prices starting from £60,3502.
As the first model in a completely new family of vehicles, the new GLC excels in performance, range, efficiency and charging speed, and sets new standards in its class for design, value, versatility and space.
Initially the new electric GLC is offered exclusively in GLC 400 4MATIC configuration. This high performance, all-wheel drive version is equipped with two powerful electric drive units – one mounted on each axle – developing a combined 489 hp. The primary rear electric drive unit (EDU) incorporates a two-speed transmission to benefit outright acceleration and driving efficiency, while a disconnect unit (DCU) allows the front drive unit to be engaged or disengaged almost instantly depending on the driving situation. The GLC 400 4MATIC can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph.
The latest generation high-voltage lithium-ion battery in the GLC 400 4MATIC has a usable energy content of 94 kWh. The new model has a range of up to 406 miles1 in UK specification, and can be recharged at speeds of up to 330 kW at high-power 800-volt DC charging stations. A DC converter, to enable charging at lower-power 400-volt charging stations, is equipped as standard. AC charging is possible at 11 kW, though a 22 kW AC charging system can be specified. Additional drive and battery configurations will be available in future.
Other efficiency-enhancing technologies fitted as standard to the electric GLC include a multi-source heat pump and a new One-Box braking system. The One-Box system, which is designed to ensure a consistent and confident pedal feel, combines the previously separate components of brake booster, master cylinder and ESP® control unit into a single module. Almost all braking in the new GLC is carried out purely by recuperation, with a maximum recuperation performance of around 300 kW. In D-, the highest of four selectable recuperation levels, the vehicle decelerates with sufficient strength that the hydraulic brake system is not needed in over 99 percent of cases.
Inside, the GLC combines sophisticated design with the latest digital interfaces to create an immersive spatial experience. A large trim piece connects the centre console and the instrument panel with a dynamic sweep, merging the two into one. The electric GLC also features a new steering wheel, which includes a physical rocker switch for the speed limiter and DISTRONIC, and a physical roller switch for volume control.
Among the high-quality trim and material finishes available to customers, Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer to offer a vegan interior certified by an independent organisation: the Sustainability Package. Available as a no-cost option for the GLC in Sport specification, the Vegan Society has evaluated and certified as vegan all soft-touch surface materials inside the electric GLC – from the seat upholstery to headliner, from pillar and door panels to carpeting.
Equipment fitted as standard to the electric GLC in Sport specification includes the SKY CONTROL Panoramic Roof. Constructed from insulating, laminated safety glass, the large glass surface is divided into nine zones that can be switched between transparent and opaque. For AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition specifications, 162 illuminated stars are integrated into the glass panel. These stars mimic the selected ambient lighting style and can be dimmed or deactivated.
For the UK market the electric GLC is initially available in five distinct specifications: Sport, AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition.
