New Automotive Preview: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Know-how : Automotive Addicts

BMW lit the fuse with the 2026 iX3 reveal, so it was solely a matter of time earlier than Mercedes-Benz rolled out its counterpunch. Meet the 2027 GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Know-how, an all-electric rendition of Mercedes’ best-selling compact luxurious SUV that targets the identical candy spot as BMW’s new iX3. On paper the GLC arrives with severe firepower, from an 800-volt structure to a giant leap in in-car tech. The query is whether or not it brings sufficient warmth to steal the highlight.

Mercedes is clearly main with design this time. The model heard the suggestions on earlier EQ fashions and pivoted to a cleaner, crisper form that also hits a slippery 0.26 drag coefficient. Up entrance the grille is a light-weight present, utilizing 942 backlit dots behind polycarbonate to imitate depth and metallic, with an obtainable illuminated star and animated sequences. The rear will get two-piece taillights that may animate whereas charging or throughout lock and unlock. Accessible 21-inch wheels fill the arches, and whereas total dimensions are nonetheless below wraps, the wheelbase stretches to 117 inches, about 3.1 longer than the fuel GLC. That pays dividends within the cabin with a little bit extra entrance legroom, practically two additional inches in again, and extra headroom throughout. The cargo maintain measures 20.1 cubic toes behind the second row and expands to 61.4 cubes with seats down, and for the primary time in a Mercedes EV there’s a entrance trunk with 3.5 cubic toes of bonus area.

Inside, screens are again in a really huge means. An elective 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen spans the sprint with three shows below a single pane of glass: a ten.25-inch driver cluster, a 14.0-inch heart touchscreen, and a 14.0-inch passenger display. The newest MBUX runs on the Unity recreation engine, layers in synthetic intelligence, and provides a extra pure conversational assistant that may deal with duties like Google Maps routing. Homeowners can manage apps into folders like a smartphone and faucet into new leisure and productiveness choices that embrace Disney+ and Conferences for Groups. Audiophiles can step as much as Burmester 3D or 4D sound with Dolby Atmos, and pair it with Energetic Ambient Lighting that syncs colours to no matter you’re taking part in. The 4D system even provides haptic richness by way of physique transducers within the seats.

Consolation and spectacle are each dialed up. A regular full-length glass roof makes use of infrared coating to chop warmth, whereas the elective Sky Management characteristic employs polymer-dispersed liquid crystals to change 9 roof segments from clear to opaque. At night time, an obtainable starry-sky impact sprinkles 162 illuminated stars throughout the headliner in one in all 64 colours. Seats carry a certification from the German Group for Wholesome Backs, get customary reminiscence and heating, and might be optioned with sportier bolsters. Wellness options tie all the pieces along with guided 10-minute applications like Contemporary Breeze, Heat and Cozy, Vitality, Good Vibes, and Chill out, or you may cue up a 15-minute energy nap. There are playful “emotional modes” for the screens too, together with a digital campfire.

As a result of silent EVs can really feel a little bit sterile, Mercedes curated a multi-layered Sound Expertise. Acquainted profiles return, together with Silver Waves, Vivid Flux, Serene Breeze, and Roaring Pulse for AMG Line, and two new soundscapes be part of the menu. Fractal Fusion leans into retro arcade vibes with synthy textures, whereas Granular Fuzz blends guitar riffs, orchestral cues, pure samples, and digital results. Every profile will get its personal startup, lock and unlock, and charging affirmation tones. These in-cabin sounds are separate from the required exterior alert for pedestrians, which might be set to discreet or extra characterful.

Beneath the ground sits a 94 kWh usable battery fed by an 800-volt system with silicon carbide inverters. Mercedes quotes a 713 kilometer WLTP vary, which ought to translate to roughly the mid 300s in miles on the EPA cycle, and helps as much as 330 kW DC quick charging that may add about 188 miles in 10 minutes, WLTP math allowing. Towing lands at a powerful 5,291 kilos. Regenerative braking will get a significant overhaul with a one-box system that blends regen and friction seamlessly and may carry the SUV to a cease utilizing recuperation alone, harvesting as much as a claimed 300 kW. That’s welcome information for anybody who disliked the inconsistent pedal really feel on earlier EQ fashions.

Energy comes from two electrical motors rated at 483 horsepower, paired with a two-speed transmission on the rear axle and a front-axle disconnect for effectivity. Mercedes says the 130 mph high pace arrives in second gear, with shift technique tied to drive mode and street circumstances. An elective Agility and Consolation package deal provides Airmatic air suspension, clever damping derived from the S-Class, and rear-axle steering for tighter turns and higher-speed stability.

Stacked towards BMW’s new iX3, the early numbers counsel a cut up determination. Based mostly on WLTP figures alone the iX3 seems to carry the sting in battery dimension, vary, and peak charging fee, whereas the GLC counters with the next tow ranking and a extra conventional Mercedes luxurious expertise. Last verdicts have to attend for U.S. specs and EPA rankings, however the image is taking form.

The rollout technique is simple. Mercedes will deal with electrical energy as a variant inside the GLC lineup moderately than a separate EQ-branded mannequin. The GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Know-how is slated to succeed in U.S. sellers in late 2026. Pricing will likely be introduced nearer to launch. BMW has focused round 60,000 {dollars} for the iX3 50 xDrive, which supplies us a tough concept of the neighborhood Mercedes might want to play in if it needs a good struggle.

Mercedes didn’t simply electrify the GLC. It rethought touchpoints that matter day by day, from packaging and seat consolation to charging pace and cabin tech. If the EPA vary lands near expectations and the value stays in hanging distance of the iX3, this could possibly be the model’s most convincing mainstream EV but. If not, BMW could maintain the spec-sheet lead whereas Mercedes woos patrons with richer atmosphere and better tow confidence. Both means, the compact luxurious EV battle simply acquired much more fascinating.

Mike Floyd is a finance govt by commerce and a automobile fanatic at coronary heart. As a CFO with a eager eye for element and technique, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering recent insights and distinctive views that transcend the floor. His ardour for vehicles—particularly his favourite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, the place he blends a love for efficiency and design along with his skilled precision. Whether or not he’s breaking down trade developments or spotlighting rising improvements, Mike helps preserve the location each sharp and forward-thinking.