Mercedes-Benz is making waves in the electric vehicle (EV) market with its upcoming all-electric GLC-Class, set to redefine the compact luxury SUV segment. As one of the brand’s best-selling models, the GLC-Class is transitioning into the electric era with cutting-edge technology, including a innovative 2-speed gearbox and a range of battery options tailored to diverse driver needs. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new addition to Mercedes’ electrified lineup, slated for release in 2026.
A New Era for the GLC-Class
The GLC-Class has long been a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s portfolio, blending luxury, practicality, and performance. With the shift toward electrification, the German automaker is introducing the electric GLC-Class under its “with EQ Technology” branding, signaling a fully electric powertrain built from the ground up on the MB.EA platform. Unlike its predecessor, the EQC, which never fully met expectations in some markets, the new GLC EV promises to deliver a no-compromise experience for buyers seeking premium electric mobility.
The Innovative 2-Speed Gearbox
One of the standout features of the electric GLC-Class is its 2-speed gearbox, a rarity in the EV world. Most electric vehicles rely on a single-speed transmission, but Mercedes has opted for a dual-speed setup on the rear axle to enhance both performance and efficiency. This system, integrated into the in-house developed eATS 2.0 electric drive unit, pairs a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) with a gearbox that shifts seamlessly between two gears.
The 2-speed gearbox offers tangible benefits. At lower speeds, it prioritizes efficiency, maximizing range for city driving or relaxed cruising. At higher speeds, it shifts to a performance-oriented gear, delivering quicker acceleration and improved responsiveness-ideal for overtaking or spirited drives. This setup mirrors the approach seen in high-performance EVs like the Porsche Taycan, positioning the GLC-Class as a dynamic contender in its class against rivals like the Audi Q6 e-tron and BMW iX3.
Multiple Battery Options for Flexibility
Mercedes is ensuring the electric GLC-Class appeals to a broad audience by offering multiple battery configurations. While exact capacities vary by trim, the top-tier variant is expected to feature a 94.5 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery with silicon oxide blended into the graphite anodes. This advanced chemistry boosts energy density, promising a range exceeding 400 miles (WLTP), or roughly 300 miles on the stricter EPA scale. For context, this puts it ahead of many competitors in the luxury EV SUV segment.
For cost-conscious buyers or those with shorter commutes, a more affordable option with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells will be available. Though it may offer a shorter range-potentially around 250-300 miles WLTP-it’s lighter and cheaper to produce, making the base model more accessible without sacrificing the GLC’s premium feel. The inclusion of an 800-volt architecture across all variants ensures ultra-fast charging, with rates exceeding 320 kW. This means a 10-80% charge could take as little as 18 minutes, minimizing downtime on long trips.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The electric GLC-Class will come in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The base RWD model is expected to feature a single 200 kW (268 hp) motor, while the top-spec AWD version could boast dual motors with a combined output of up to 360 kW (483 hp) or more. Some reports even suggest a range-topping variant could approach 500 kW (670 hp), matching the power of the plug-in hybrid Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance.
Beyond raw power, the GLC EV is designed for a refined driving experience. A stretched wheelbase-about 10 centimeters longer than the combustion model-lowers the center of gravity, thanks to the heavy battery pack, improving stability and comfort. Features like air suspension and rear-wheel steering, tested in prototypes, promise a smooth, limousine-like ride, even in harsh conditions like the snowy roads of northern Sweden, where Mercedes has been fine-tuning the vehicle.
Efficiency and Technology Highlights
Mercedes isn’t just focusing on performance; efficiency is a priority too. The GLC-Class EV incorporates a standard heat pump that recycles waste heat from the drivetrain, battery, and ambient air, reducing energy demands for heating and cooling. This preserves range in extreme climates-a critical advantage over EVs that rely on less efficient resistive heaters.
Regenerative braking is another key feature, with multiple levels of adjustment and a true one-pedal driving mode-a first for Mercedes in this segment. The 800-volt system, paired with silicon carbide inverters, further enhances efficiency, ensuring the GLC-Class delivers both power and practicality.
Why It Matters
The electric GLC-Class arrives at a pivotal moment for Mercedes-Benz. With EV sales softening in some markets, the GLC-historically the brand’s top seller-could reinvigorate its electric lineup. Built on the scalable MB.EA platform, it’s the first of several models, including an electric C-Class and a junior G-Class, set to debut by 2026. Its combination of luxury, technology, and versatility positions it as a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y, Porsche Macan Electric, and other premium electric SUVs.
What to Expect Next
Mercedes plans to unveil the GLC-Class EV at the 2025 IAA Mobility show in Munich, with production starting shortly after. Pricing remains under wraps, but given the current GLC350e PHEV tops out at $65,200, the electric version could start above $70,000, with higher trims pushing closer to $90,000. Exact range, power outputs, and trim details will likely be confirmed closer to launch.
Final Thoughts
The electric Mercedes GLC-Class is shaping up to be a standout in the luxury EV market. Its 2-speed gearbox brings a fresh twist to electric performance, while multiple battery options cater to a wide range of buyers. With fast charging, ample range, and the refinement Mercedes is known for, it’s poised to set a new benchmark for compact electric SUVs. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a luxury seeker, or an eco-conscious driver, the GLC EV is one to watch in 2026.
