Mercedes-Benz GLC EV revealed as arch-rival to new BMW iX3—and there’s no missing the grille!

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This year’s IAA Munich Motor Show has shaped up as an urban battleground in the midsize luxury SUV space, with a new electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC set to closely rival the second-generation BMW iX3 revealed just two days ago.

Just one variant will be available when the electric GLC is released in Europe in the first half of 2026. Other variants, which are expected to include a RWD powertrain and AMG versions, will arrive later.

Badged GLC400 with EQ Technology, the launch variant has 360kW of power, a 4.3sec 0-100km/h time, dual-motor AWD, a modular 94kWh usable battery, and up to 713km of range.

800-volt architecture promises 22-minute charging

The twin permanent magnet synchronous motors are said to be exceptionally quiet. A silicon carbide inverter and heat pump is standard, as is a two-speed rear gearbox for better highway efficiency. 

A novel braking system called One Box replaces previously separate brake booster, master cylinder and ESP control units for smoother pedal action, blending 300kW of regen with physical brakes Mercedes-Benz says are unnecessary in 99 percent of braking situations.

The electrical architecture shares its 800-volt capacity with the recently-revealed, fully electric Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan and wagon, with a peak DC charging speed of 330kW promising 10-80 percent replenishment in 22 minutes, while AC charging is 11kW or optionally 22kW.

Various trim levels will be available including a base grade (unlikely for Australia), an Avantgarde mid-tier, and an AMG Line. Intelligent air suspension and rear-wheel steering of up to 4.5 degrees can be optioned through an Agility and Comfort Package.

Stark cosmetic contrast between GLC EV and new BMW iX3

While the two battery electric (BEV) crossovers from Mercedes-Benz and BMW will be fierce rivals—particularly in Europe, where fully-electrified vehicles comprise a large share of the market—stylistically, the offers could scarcely be more different.

The new electric GLC moves away from the ultra-aerodynamic shapes of the outgoing Mercedes EQC/EQE product families, but the GLC’s softer and more organic lines contrast sharply with the hard-edged iX3’s Neue Klasse design language. 

Mercedes-Benz calls the GLC’s design philosophy “Sensual Purity”, and while the broad shoulders and prominent wheel-arches fit in neatly with the brand’s existing combustion SUVs (including the GLC and GLE), there is no missing an outrageous flourish at the front of the vehicle.

The GLC becomes the first Mercedes-Benz to adopt the brand’s new grille which chief designer Gorden Wagener says will redefine the face of a series of Benz models in future. The large and heavily chromed grille is optionally illuminated with 942 backlit dots next to star-theme headlights.

While the exaggerated scale of the new grille is not traditional for the brand, its prominence at the front end of the electric GLC does bring, in a way, the stark and large radiator grilles of 1980s Benz models.

Measuring 4845mm in length, 1913mm in width and 1644mm in height, the GLC with EQ Technology is marginally bigger than the BMW iX3, and rides on a 84mm longer wheelbase than the petrol GLC affording 47mm of additional legroom in the second row.

Like the combustion GLC, the BEV version is a five-seater. The electric version has a 570-litre boot with adjustable floor height, while a frunk offers 100 litres of additional space. Towing capacity is 2400kg braked.

New interior includes largest screen ever fitted to a Mercedes

Occupants inside will be wowed particularly by the largest screen ever fitted to a Mercedes-Benz, with the 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen display stretching uninterrupted between the A-pillars powered by the Unity Game Engine, while streaming apps can be downloaded.

All grades get the large screen, with the passenger end of the display acting as a fixed photograph on European base models though all higher models will have a fully functional passenger screen capable of video streaming that will pause if the driver looks at while the GLC is in motion.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fitted, as are dual wireless chargers, and the display leverages Microsoft, Google and OpenAI chatbot functions to allow natural conversations in the car. Burmester 3D and 4D stereos are available with Dolby Atmos processing.

Various paints and interior choices are available, including comfort or sport seating in leather (nappa optional), artificial hide, or the world’s first independently-certified, fully vegan interior. Black, beige and tan is on offer while a large trim piece can be had in metal, fabric or wood. 

A huge panoramic sunroof is standard equipment—but like in the iX3, it does not actually open. Optionally, the GLC’s roof can be upgraded with Sky Control technology that allows active dimming and is also backlit at night with a rather unsubtle 162 Mercedes stars.

The steering wheel has been changed from today’s Mercedes-Benz wheel with the spokes redesigned to carry bigger bumper and roller controls in response to customer feedback.

Under the skin, heightened compute power provided by the MB.OS “superbrain” can run 254 trillion operations per second, with AI learning habits and informing the decisions of the MB.Drive safety systems—with readiness for MB Drive Pro, a fully point-to-point autonomous level. 

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) bi-directional charging capability is installed in the new GLC from the start while Intelligent Cloud over-the-air updating is also included.