All-Electric, All-New Mercedes-Benz GLC Officially Shown For The First Time
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class was the automaker's global bestseller in 2024, and the second-best-selling model in the US, second to the GLE-Class. It's safe to say that it's a very important model for the German marque, and it's due for a next-generation replacement. Thankfully, Mercedes has officially given us a first look at the next GLC in all-electric guise, along with some details about the rigorous tests it went through and its battery technology.
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2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class SUV
The next-gen all-electric GLC will be called the GLC with EQ Technology, replacing the EQC SUV, which never made it to America. It marks the automaker's move to drop the EQ name, which started when it introduced the G580 with EQ Technology last year. Yes, you better get used to the "with EQ Technology" suffix because it's here to stay for battery-electric vehicles with a three-pointed star.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology Teaser - 25C0058_001
Improved Battery Performance And Charging
Just like previous sightings, the next GLC's design is still concealed, so there's nothing new to report on this end. However, Mercedes-Benz was generous enough to provide details about the all-electric GLC's improvement in battery cell technology through the use of a silicon oxide blend for the anodes, resulting in better energy density and lighter weight. It's not yet the solid-state battery that we've all been waiting for, but it should be better than before.
Mercedes-Benz EQS Solid-State Test Car front three-quarter
Built on the MB.EA Medium platform, the all-new GLC also uses an 800-volt architecture for faster charging and longer range, supporting up to 320 kW DC charging rates. That's faster than any Tesla EV, except for the Cybertruck, which can maximize the 500 kW capacity of the latest Tesla V4 Supercharger.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology Teaser - 25C0058_041
New Braking System And Rigorous Tests
Mercedes-Benz also revealed that the upcoming GLC with EQ Technology will feature a new braking system that combines brake booster, master cylinder, and ESP into one compact "One Box" format. Claimed to improve energy recuperation, the system employs a consistent pedal feel plus a hydraulic fallback for safety. The next-gen model will also have the automaker's 4MATIC all-wheel drivetrain but will feature a Disconnect Unit (DU) for the front axle to improve efficiency. The electric motors are also independently controlled, ensuring optimal traction on ice and snow.
Other next-gen GLC details include the rigorous tests it went through, including freezing conditions (-13°F) in Sweden and scorching heat (+122°F) in Arizona and South Africa. Mercedes-Benz's new multi-source heat pump was put to the test in the former, using waste heat from the motor, battery, and ambient air to improve both driving range and passenger comfort.
Despite the bevy of details provided, Mercedes-Benz didn't reveal the launch date of the all-new GLC with EQ Technology. We expect it to debut late this year, hopefully arriving in the US in time for the 2026 model year.
2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology Teaser - 25C0058_044
