Image: Mercedes-BenzChina-specific long-wheelbase versions of European models have long been a tradition among German automakers, established during the era of internal combustion engines. This practice continues in the age of electromobility, as demonstrated by the latest example from Mercedes-Benz: at Auto China in Beijing, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer unveiled the GLC L EV, the long-wheelbase version of the GLC with EQ technology, which was itself unveiled at the IAA last year.The GLC L EV measures 4.95 metres in length, an increase of 104 millimetres compared to the standard model. The wheelbase has grown by 55 millimetres to 3.03 metres, while the height (1.71 metres) and width (1.97 metres) remain identical to the international version. According to Chinese reports, the additional length is designed to ‘improve rear legroom and overall driving comfort’.However, while Audi, for example, used the extended wheelbase in its Q6L e-tron to accommodate a battery with an additional seven kilowatt-hours, Mercedes has taken a different approach with the long-wheelbase GLC. Instead of the international model’s 94.0 kWh net energy capacity, the GLC L EV is equipped with an 89 kWh battery. The range under the Chinese CLTC test cycle is said to exceed 700 kilometres. As it still features an 800-volt system, the charging performance remains high: in just ten minutes, enough power can be added for approximately 260 kilometres.There are also slight differences in the drivetrain: while the GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ technology delivers 330 kW from its two electric motors, the GLC L EV is initially rated at 310 kW. The power output may have been adjusted to accommodate the different battery. However, the rear-axle drivetrain still uses the eATS 2.0 with a two-speed transmission, developed by Mercedes in Germany – suggesting the hardware is likely identical.With the GLC L EV, Mercedes is also introducing its new design language in China, which debuted in Europe with the GLC. The new look is characterised by a large front grille illuminated by over 900 LEDs, paying homage to classic Mercedes design and visually aligning the electric models with their internal combustion counterparts. The new, electric C-Class also features this grille. At the rear, round light elements with the Mercedes star define the design. Inside, the GLC L EV follows Mercedes’ current design philosophy, including a continuous glass panel housing multiple displays.In addition to its classic Mercedes design, the GLC L EV aims to impress Chinese customers with high levels of comfort, such as standard air suspension (which is not even available as an option in the rival BMW iX3), heated and ventilated seats with a massage function, and a Burmester sound system. The GLC also features a 128-litre frunk under the bonnet. The GLC L EV offers advanced driver assistance systems, including motorway and urban navigation assistants, as well as an autonomous parking assistant.A year ago, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the long-wheelbase version of the electric CLA at Auto China in Shanghai, the CLA L EV. According to CarNewsChina, the vehicle has been available on the market since November, but sales figures for the long-wheelbase CLA appear to be falling short of expectations.carnewschina.com, mercedes-benz.com.cn
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