2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC EV

Mercedes is starting to take EVs more seriously, and the 2027 GLC is proof. While the company already has two electric SUVs in its arsenal, the EQS and EQE, the new GLC makes them both feel like old news. With a fresh design, new tech and improved range and efficiency, the new GLC has everything it needs to succeed. And that’s a good thing, because it will face some serious competition with the new BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 both scheduled to arrive this year.

400 miles of range sounds doable

The GLC 400 that I drove — the launch model with all-wheel drive — puts out 483 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Making that happen is a 94-kWh battery pack (usable capacity) and two electric motors. Mercedes-Benz claims a respectable 0-to-60-mph time of 4.2 seconds and over 400 miles of range on the European test cycle. Given how well the new CLA recently performed on the Edmunds EV Range Test, there’s a good chance that this will be a 400-mile car when it hits the U.S., too.

Mercedes says that, at a maximum charge capability of 330 kW, the GLC's battery can replenish from 10% to 80% in about 22 minutes. The CLA placed second on our all-time charging leaderboard, so we're hoping for a similarly stellar result from the GLC when we get our hands on one for testing.

But I think the GLC's appeal goes far beyond its numbers, despite them being very competitive. I took some time to walk around the car before getting behind the wheel, and it's the perfect size for the U.S. The gas-powered GLC is a massive seller and will remain on sale alongside this electric version, which is slightly larger. But this will fit four or five passengers in comfort and transport all of their things, making it the ideal SUV for a huge chunk of shoppers.

Having spent lots of time with the current GLC, I can tell you firsthand that Mercedes improved the cabin quite a bit in this new version. Things look and feel nicer, and they creak less. Mercedes has needed to step up its materials game, and I feel like it's finally meeting that moment and not just focusing on technology.
But this wouldn't be a new Mercedes review without talking about tech, and believe me, there is a lot to mention. All GLC electric models get an absolutely enormous display that spans the entirety of the dash. And unlike the similar setup in the CLA, this one is seamless with no visual break in the screen from one end to the other. I think it will impress a lot of people and baffle some others, to be honest.

The infotainment screen's colors and brightness are top-tier, and it's very responsive overall. It still comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the native software provides an excellent experience. The navigation is quick to figure things out, and the new Mercedes voice assistant uses multiple AI sources to answer all your questions. That does even cover the passenger side of the screen, which offers a host of entertainment options like movies and games. Necessary? No. Fun? Yes.

Driving the GLC

There will almost certainly be more powerful versions of this car in the future, but the GLC 400's 483 hp feels stout. Getting up to speed on the highway is comically easy, with plenty of smooth power on tap. Switching over to the GLC's sportier drive mode brings on the juice with more immediacy. 

On that note, I'll admit I prefer the GLC's suspension in Sport mode, which is rare for me. In its default Comfort mode, the GLC tends to wallow a bit on the road — like it's trying to overcompensate for bumps that aren't there. When the shocks firm up, the car feels more neutral yet still comfortable.
Mercedes says the GLC can handle 99% of its braking through generation, meaning that the physical brakes will hardly ever be used. Behind the wheel, things don't feel all that different, but the one-pedal driving mode brings the GLC down to a controlled stop every time. And unlike the EQS, this car can actually come to a full stop with one-pedal mode.

With the funny-named "Agility and Comfort" package, you get 4.5 degrees of rear-axle steering, a feature that I would suggest buying. It makes low-speed maneuvering even easier in the GLC and can be a real help for U-turns. The GLC isn't a car that'll attack corners with vigor, but for an SUV that is designed to work best in everyday commuting, it manages just fine.

Price is TBD

The electric GLC will go on sale in the second half of 2026, most likely in the fall or winter. The gas-powered GLC and the electric CLA both start around $50,000, which leads me to believe that the electric GLC should start a bit higher. I'm thinking $60K. Official pricing will be released later this year.

I eagerly await the comparison test between the GLC, iX3 and EX60. Each of these three represents a new generation of EV goodness for its respective brand, taking huge steps forward over previous models. And the real winner here is the consumer, because they're spoiled with great choices. The GLC is a serious contender. Let the EV games begin ... again.