Electric SUV aims to put a spark in Mercedes-Benz's range

Mercedes-Benz launched the All New Electric GLC L in Beijing on July 8, introducing the GLC series' first all-electric model as the German premium carmaker expands its electric lineup and deepens local development in China.

The SUV is being introduced in three variants: two GLC 350 L 4MATICs and one GLC 400 L 4MATIC. One of the GLC 350 L variants is now on sale and available for immediate delivery, priced at 339,800 yuan ($49,900) nationwide.

Presales have begun for the other GLC 350 L and the GLC 400 L at 299,900 yuan and 388,800 yuan, respectively. Both GLC 350 L variants have five seats, while the GLC 400 L has six seats.

The GLC 350 L now on sale comes standard with a navigation-assisted driving system for urban roads and highways. The launch also introduced a China-specific trim naming system designed to help customers distinguish the positioning and key features of each variant.

Mercedes-Benz said the naming system will gradually be extended across its model lineup in China.

Through Sept 30, customers who purchase the variant now on sale can receive a limited-time package worth more than 50,000 yuan, including charging credits, insurance and financing support, selected cabin upgrades, and warranty and roadside assistance services.

The automaker delivered more than 110,000 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in the country in the second quarter of 2026, continuing to hold leading positions in key luxury segments and high-end luxury market.

Daniel Lescow, president and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co, said the All New Electric GLC L is one of the company's most important models in its product and technology push for the second half of 2026.

He added that Mercedes-Benz will continue to introduce advanced infotainment and assisted-driving technologies across electric and gasoline-powered models in China and roll out at least one major over-the-air software update in each quarter.

Built on Mercedes-Benz's MB. EA electric architecture, the long-wheelbase SUV measures 4,933 millimeters in length, 1,914 mm in width and 1,710 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,027 mm. Its exterior features a digitally reinterpreted and illuminated shield-shaped grille.

Depending on the variant, cabin features include a multi-zone panoramic roof with adjustable transparency and a Burmester 4D surround sound system, while heating, ventilation and massage functions are available for front and rear seats. A 39.1-inch panoramic display is also available across variants.

The SUV's ride and handling have also been tuned for Chinese road conditions. All variants are fitted with four hydraulic bushings, a configuration tailored to the needs of Chinese customers, and the chassis was calibrated to balance ride comfort with body control.

An optional chassis package includes AIRMATIC air suspension, the ADS+ adaptive damping system and rear-axle steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels can turn by up to 4.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle from 12.3 meters to 11.3 meters and making the long-wheelbase SUV easier to maneuver in tight urban spaces.

Mercedes-Benz and Chinese autonomous driving company Momenta codeveloped the vehicle's navigation-assisted driving system for urban roads and highways. Drivers can take control when needed via the steering wheel. The system also supports emergency lane keeping and assisted parking.

The vehicle features a virtual assistant whose development was led by Mercedes-Benz's China team. Using the Doubao large language model, it can process complex voice commands and help users find and use vehicle functions, while 3D graphics technology supports its on-screen presentation.

The SUV uses a high-nickel ternary lithium battery with a usable capacity of 85.5 kilowatt-hours. The vehicle is based on an 800-volt electrical architecture. Depending on configuration, it offers a range of up to 703 kilometers under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle. The vehicle supports a peak charging power of 320 kW. Mercedes-Benz said a 10-minute charge can add about 300 km of CLTC range, while charging from 10 percent to 80 percent takes 22 minutes.

The All New Electric GLC L is equipped with front and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors. The dual-motor system has a peak output of 310 kW, which can be sustained for 30 seconds. Its rear electric drive unit incorporates a two-speed transmission: first gear multiplies torque at low speeds, while second gear lowers motor speed during highway cruising to improve efficiency.

A front-axle disconnect unit can disengage the front electric drive unit from the driveline during steady cruising and re-engage it when additional power or traction is needed, helping reduce drag losses.

The SUV is equipped with up to 11 airbags and underwent more than 230 crash tests before launch. Nearly 80 of those tests were conducted in China, involving more than 65 vehicles. Models with the same platform also completed some 5 million km of road durability testing worldwide, including about 1.1 million km in China.

The battery pack contains no internal cooling-line connectors, a design intended to reduce the risk of coolant leaks and related short circuits.

Mercedes-Benz said the battery removed from a durability-test vehicle had a state of health of about 93 percent after the vehicle had covered 100,000 km.