New GLC takes on BMW iX3 with massive grille and even bigger screen

The luxurious family-size GLC SUV is a top seller for Mercedes worldwide and now there’s an all-new electric version. This will be the spiritual successor to the EQC as Mercedes revamps its electric line-up by dropping the ‘EQ’ naming convention in favour of using more familiar model names. Inside, the electric GLC is filled to the brim with the latest technology featuring a giant digital interface and atmospheric mood lighting, but the external styling in not as revolutionary and the new GLC may struggle to stand out against BMW’s all-new iX3 Neue Klasse.
• The GLC with EQ technology is the GLC’s electric sibling slotting between the current EQB SUV and EQE SUV • An imposing ‘MBUX Hyperscreen’ extends the full way across the dashboard making for a fully immersive digital experience • Range-topping models will provide up to 443 miles of range • The GLC was revealed in Munich on 7th September and is set to arrive next year • No word on potential cost or UK specifications yet

The GLC’s large new grille is a big, brash chrome bonanza which Mercedes says will be “brand-defining” so we can expect more models with the same look coming soon. The rest of the design includes a generous smattering of signature three-pointed star motifs and sticks with the large SUV status quo and is much less striking than the recent Concept AMG GT XX .

Inside, Mercedes says the GLC will be the first production car to use its new ‘Sensual Purity’ design language. This apparently is all about making the space feel personal, effortless and connected to provide a “welcome home” feeling. It should feel light and airy thanks to its ‘Sky control’ panoramic roof with built-in ambient lighting featuring a constellation of 162 stars. There’s no traditional dashboard and instead a massive 39.1-inch screen stretches from pillar to pillar. This 'HBUX Hyperscreen' will feature backlight technology with over 1,000 LEDs. The brightness can be adjusted in separate zones to help reduce distractions for the driver. The whole system runs off Mercedes’ latest ‘MB.OS’ operating system which is powered by an AI-driven ‘superbrain’ with the ability to learn driver preferences and adapt to external conditions. The centre console is integrated into the interior with further customisable ambient lighting to set the mood and there’s a strip of permanent controls to keep functions like hazard warning lights close to hand. The GLC is big on comfort and uses air suspension from the S-Class. It also has more headroom and legroom than its combustion-powered equivalent and a 2.4-tonne towing capacity. Additionally, rear-axle steering to help manoeuvrability, a suite of driver assistances features, and the option of a vegan interior independently certified by The Vegan Society.

We haven’t got the full details about batteries and range, but Mercedes said there will be a variety of options including a top of the range GLC 400 4MATIC with around 480 horsepower and a range of up to 443 miles. A new ‘One-Box’ braking system should help the GLC brake smoothly and consistently irrespective of whether it is regenerating energy back into the battery or using friction to slow down. There’s a choice of four braking modes depending on driver preferences. This GLC will also have bidirectional charging capabilities so you can charge it when electricity is cheaper and use the energy to power your house.

Mercedes hasn’t revealed UK pricing or specifications yet, but we’d expect it to start from £70,000 to £80,000. The GLC has made its debut at the motor show in Munich and is set to arrive in the first half of 2026.

Mercedes has been very busy indeed. Earlier in the year it released its all-new electric CLA which has an impressive 484-mile official range and was the first Mercedes to use Mercedes’ latest ‘MB.OS’ software. Meanwhile the Concept AMG GT XX is a first glimpse at what we can expect from future AMG models.

The new electric GLC’s closest rival will be BMW’s all-new iX3 Neue Klasse which is also packed with innovative tech and even features four ‘superbrains’.