Mercedes unveils electric GLC with AI 'superbrain' and combustion-style design

Mercedes-Benz revealed its all-electric version of the best-selling GLC SUV at the Munich Mobility Show, combining conventional GLC styling with a new artificial intelligence operating system and high-voltage electrical architecture. The company positions the vehicle as the first in a new EV family built on the MB.MA platform and said the model is "unmistakably a GLC" while its EQ technology "marks a turning point" in the midsize segment.

The GLC EV retains classic midsize SUV proportions, including sculpted shoulders and pronounced wheel arches, but sits on an 800-volt electrical architecture. Mercedes said the car carries a 94 kWh usable battery that yields up to 443 miles on a single charge, and supports peak charging at 330 kW. In Mercedes’ performance estimate, that peak rate would deliver about 186 miles of range in a 10-minute charge under appropriate conditions and with compatible charging equipment.

Mercedes highlighted interior packaging gains tied to the EV architecture, saying the wheelbase is 84 mm longer than the combustion GLC. The company reported 13 mm more front legroom, 46 mm more front headroom, 47 mm more rear legroom and 17 mm more rear headroom. Luggage capacity is 570 liters in the rear cargo area and a 128-liter front trunk is provided.

The vehicle’s software and human-machine interface are central to Mercedes’ pitch. The GLC EV introduces an AI-driven MB.OS "superbrain" intended to interact with occupants and learn driver preferences, paired with the new MBUX hyperscreen. The hyperscreen measures 39.1 inches, which Mercedes described as the largest display fitted to any Mercedes-Benz to date.

Mercedes also detailed features that combine software, sensors and mechanical systems. The company described a "one-box" brake system that integrates regenerative braking software with friction brakes, and advanced driver-assistance functions that include a "transparent bonnet" feature to show objects under the front wheels. Adaptive suspension uses routing data from Google Maps to anticipate road surface changes, and semi-autonomous parking functions are offered as part of the package.

The GLC EV supports bidirectional charging and vehicle-to-load functionality and carries a towing capacity of 5,291 pounds. Mercedes said the model will be built in Bremen, Germany, and is due to go on sale in early 2026. Pricing has not been finalised; with the combustion GLC starting at £54,450 in the U.K., industry observers and Mercedes’ commentary indicate buyers should expect a premium for the electric model, with estimates ranging from the mid-£50,000s to the high-£60,000s depending on specification and market.

Mercedes positioned the new GLC against segment rivals such as BMW’s iX3, the Audi Q6 and the Porsche Macan EV. The automaker has chosen a design route that preserves the familiar appearance of its combustion GLC rather than pursuing a radical visual departure for its EV, arguing the approach keeps the model recognisably part of the brand’s core lineup while delivering EV-specific engineering advantages.

Luxury and sustainability options include new high-end seats, a steering wheel redesign, an optional Vegan Package certified by The Vegan Society and a Sky Control panoramic roof that uses switchable glass and ambient lighting to project 162 illuminated points on the roof lining. Mercedes said the combination of interior upgrades and new AI systems is intended to raise comfort and personalise the in-car experience.

Mercedes also cautioned that charging performance depends on charging infrastructure and compatible hardware in local markets. The company’s peak charging figures assume access to chargers capable of 330 kW and equipment that can sustain 800-volt charging speeds. Further product details and full specifications are expected to be released ahead of the vehicle’s market launch next year.