First Look: All-New Mercedes GLC Electric (2026) – Price, Range, & First Impressions

Mercedes-Benz has officially lifted the wraps off the GLC Electric at the IAA Mobility show, a move that electrifies its best-selling SUV while doubling down on design, comfort, and futuristic tech.

Mercedes-Benz has taken its best-selling SUV fully electric! With a projected range of up to 435 miles, cutting-edge tech like the 39″ Hyperscreen, and a “home away from home” cabin feel, the GLC Electric is shaping up to be one of the most impressive luxury EVs yet.

A “Home Away from Home”

During the global reveal, Mercedes kept repeating a phrase: “Welcome home.” And after walking around the car ourselves, it made sense.

The GLC Electric doesn’t just aim to be another premium EV—it wants to feel like your personal living space on wheels.

Spacious, clever, and with a touch of theatre, it’s clearly designed to make you feel at home wherever you drive.

Design That Grows on You

Let’s talk about the face: the illuminated grille.

At first glance, Mercedes’s nod to its history with star patterns could have gone either way. Yet the design quickly proves itself—unlike BMW’s oversized grilles, which often divide opinion, the GLC’s bold fascia feels distinctive without being overbearing.

Pull up behind someone in traffic, and there’s no mistaking it for anything but a Mercedes.

The theme of stars continues inside, outside, across the roof, and even on the wheels—so many that counting them almost becomes a challenge.

The message is clear: Mercedes wants occupants to feel surrounded by its heritage.

At the rear, the design has also evolved.

A sleek black strip stretches across the boot to counter the “heavy” look of older SUVs, giving the back end a longer, sportier, and more dynamic appearance.

Mercedes GLC Electric Design, Space, Practicality, and the Frunk Surprise

One of the most significant upgrades is in size. The wheelbase has been stretched by 84 mm, unlocking noticeably more legroom—13 mm up front and 47 mm in the rear. We tested it ourselves: at 6’2” and 5’6”, we both had ample space.

The boot is impressive at 570 liters, expanding to 1,740 liters with seats folded. Beneath the boot floor, a hidden compartment swallows muddy boots or camping gear.

And then there’s the frunk—128 liters of electric-powered storage that opens with the push of a button. We’ll admit it: most EV frunks are fiddly, but this one is so smooth and usable that we’d actually use it.

Mercedes GLC Electric Battery, Performance & Charging

The GLC 400 4MATIC packs a 94 kWh battery and dual motors producing 483 hp, good for a range of around 435 miles (WLTP).

Its 800V system allows ultra-fast 360 kW charging, adding 185 miles in 10 minutes if you find the right charger.

What stood out to us, though, wasn’t just the numbers—it was the polish. Optional rear-axle steering makes tight roundabouts genuinely fun, while the braking system blends regen and friction so smoothly that, during our ride-along, we couldn’t tell the difference.

The “Hyperscreen” Cabin Experience

Step inside, and you’re greeted by the 39.1-inch Hyperscreen—a curved, crystal-clear panel that stretches across the dash.

It’s powered by Mercedes’s new MB.OS brain, integrating AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini, so you can literally converse with your car. Over time, it will learn your name and habits.

Lighting is another party trick. The electirc car is built with Europe’s dark winters in mind, so ambient lighting is everywhere—vents, doors, roof, footwells. You can switch moods at will: “Mystic Coast” for calm blues, “Asphalt Track” for sporty reds, or “Cosmic Glow” for a purple haze.

Then there’s the “magic roof.” With a simple “Hey Mercedes, close the roof,” the glass canopy turns opaque instantly—or cycles through funky motifs. It’s dramatic, useful, and deeply satisfying.

Practical touches are everywhere: cooled wireless phone chargers, adjustable cup holders, massive door bins, and clever under-console storage.

Even the sound system has been rethought, with elegant stainless steel strips replacing the overused dot-mesh designs everyone else copied.

Mercedes GLC Electric Vegan Luxury, Massage Seats & Digital Fun

Mercedes also introduced a Vegan Package, certified by The Vegan Society.

But even in the leather-trimmed model we sat in, comfort is king: massaging seats for both driver and passenger, customizable steering wheel scrollers, and clever rear entertainment.

A passenger can game, stream, and get a massage without distracting the driver—though the car will actually shut off the video if it detects the driver glancing over.

Oh, and yes, there’s an aquarium mode. Fish swim across your screen while you’re charging. Ridiculous? Maybe. But we loved it.

Mercedes GLC Electric Price and Outlook

While Mercedes-Benz hasn’t officially revealed pricing for the upcoming GLC Electric, industry estimates suggest it will carry a premium of around $10,000–$20,000 over the gas-powered GLC.

That positions the entry-level single-motor model in the low $60,000s, while the more powerful dual-motor GLC 400 EQ is expected to start at roughly $75,000.

The SUV is scheduled to reach U.S. showrooms in the second half of 2026 as a 2027 model year, and Mercedes is expected to maintain its premium positioning, targeting luxury buyers who want a blend of everyday practicality and cutting-edge EV technology.

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