The first-ever BEV model of the Mercedes-Benz GLC arrives in Japan
Mercedes-Benz’s First BEV GLC Model Lands in Japan
Mercedes-Benz Japan has announced the "Electric GLC," the first BEV (battery electric vehicle) in its midsize SUV "GLC" lineup. Pre-orders are now being accepted.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Adopting a Newly Developed BEV-Dedicated Platform to Optimize the Entire System
A BEV model has joined the lineup of Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling GLC.
The "Electric GLC" utilizes the new-generation MB.EA-M (Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture Midsize) platform, designed exclusively for electric vehicles. This platform distinguishes its exterior from the standard GLC and enables a holistic approach to powertrain development, optimizing the entire system.
Let’s start with the exterior. With the transition to a BEV, the conventional functional front grille is no longer needed. In its place, a total of 942 illuminated panels elevate the front mask, creating an iconic and elegant expression.
Compared to the internal combustion engine GLC, the side profile has evolved with a wheelbase extended by 84mm and an overall length increased by 120mm, resulting in a more elongated, sporty proportion. Elements like the roof rails, side sills, and panoramic roof underscore its presence as a premium SUV.
The rear features a glowing star motif, matching the headlights, while a two-piece roof spoiler contributes to a sporty and powerful rear profile.
The interior is an immersive space that blends modern elegance with digital technology. A key feature is the standard MBUX Superscreen, which integrates a 10.3-inch cockpit display with a 14-inch center display and a matching 14-inch front passenger display.
It is powered by the latest fourth-generation MBUX, running on a Mercedes-Benz proprietary OS. It integrates various functions such as driver assistance and power supply, and features the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which combines Google map data with multiple generative AIs.
The seats have also been newly developed. Certified by the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken - Campaign for Healthier Backs), they are designed to reduce passenger fatigue on long drives. Both comfort and optional sport seats are available, with all seat foam containing 30% recycled materials.
A panoramic roof, which enhances the sense of interior spaciousness, comes standard. It is divided into nine segments that allow for individual adjustment of glass transparency, letting occupants choose the amount of light admitted based on the season or preference.
There are two powertrain options: the "GLC 250 Electric," featuring a single rear-mounted motor, and the all-wheel-drive "GLC 300 4MATIC Electric," equipped with one motor each on the front and rear axles.
Maximum output and torque for the "GLC 250 Electric" are 260kW (354ps)/505Nm, while the "GLC 300 4MATIC Electric" delivers 310kW (421ps)/800Nm.
Supporting this performance is the aforementioned BEV-dedicated platform, "MB.EA-M." By optimizing the powertrain within the entire system, the vehicle achieves not only enhanced driving performance but also improved energy efficiency and charging capabilities.
The vehicle is equipped with a latest-generation 85.5kWh lithium-ion battery placed in the center of the floor. The cruising range is 642km for the "GLC 250 Electric" and 618km for the "GLC 300 4MATIC Electric," making it suitable for long-distance driving. It also features external power supply capabilities.
It also features a newly developed one-box brake system. Four levels of regenerative braking are available, delivering a natural braking feel whether using regenerative or hydraulic brakes.
As a first for Mercedes-Benz, it is equipped with a multi-source heat pump that maintains the battery at the optimal, efficient temperature, adopting a direct air-side structure that bypasses conventional water circuits.
By efficiently utilizing three energy sources—waste heat from the electric powertrain, battery heat, and ambient air—it is possible to reduce the electricity required for equivalent heating performance by about one-third compared to conventional auxiliary heaters.
The new-generation driving assistance system (MB.DRIVE) comes as standard, utilizing up to 10 cameras, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a high-performance computer to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings for driver and parking assistance.
Eight body colors are available, including Lavender Silver and Sheer Blue. All models come with right-hand drive. The "GLC 250 Electric" is priced at 9.13 million yen, and the "GLC 300 4MATIC Electric" at 9.57 million yen.
Contact Information
To Learn More About the [Mercedes-Benz Electric GLC]
Q. What areas of the vehicle does MB.OS control?
Through a chip-to-cloud architecture deeply integrated into the vehicle, MB.OS controls the infotainment, driver assistance, body & comfort, and drive & charging domains in an integrated manner. Utilizing high-performance chips capable of up to 254 trillion operations per second, it provides the computational power required for advanced driver assistance functions. Furthermore, vehicle systems connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud allow for continuous OTA (Over-the-Air) updates of major vehicle software, including driver assistance features.
Through a chip-to-cloud architecture deeply integrated into the vehicle, MB.OS controls the infotainment, driver assistance, body & comfort, and drive & charging domains in an integrated manner. Utilizing high-performance chips capable of up to 254 trillion operations per second, it provides the computational power required for advanced driver assistance functions. Furthermore, vehicle systems connected to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud allow for continuous OTA (Over-the-Air) updates of major vehicle software, including driver assistance features.
Q. What can the MBUX Virtual Assistant and navigation features do?
The MBUX Virtual Assistant features short-term memory to maintain conversational context and supports information retrieval based on searches from ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing. Additionally, powered by Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent, it can provide details via voice command regarding navigation and points of interest. The Electric Intelligence navigation feature plans routes to get you to your destination as quickly as possible, incorporating stops at compatible charging stations based on factors like terrain, route configuration, and weather information.
The MBUX Virtual Assistant features short-term memory to maintain conversational context and supports information retrieval based on searches from ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing. Additionally, powered by Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent, it can provide details via voice command regarding navigation and points of interest. The Electric Intelligence navigation feature plans routes to get you to your destination as quickly as possible, incorporating stops at compatible charging stations based on factors like terrain, route configuration, and weather information.
Q. What are the features of the optional MBUX Hyperscreen?
The newly developed, seamless 39.1-inch (99.3cm) MBUX Hyperscreen—which requires the paid "Advanced Package" option—is the largest display unit in Mercedes history. Its matrix backlight technology with over 1,000 LEDs achieves 8K horizontal resolution and high contrast, while a zone-dimming function allows users to adjust two display areas simultaneously via a slider. Mercedes has applied for a patent for this technology. "Emotional modes" include "Campfire Mode," which displays a campfire, and "Aquarium Mode," which offers aquarium imagery. These modes also link with comfort features; for example, activating "Campfire Mode" turns on the driver's seat heater.
The newly developed, seamless 39.1-inch (99.3cm) MBUX Hyperscreen—which requires the paid "Advanced Package" option—is the largest display unit in Mercedes history. Its matrix backlight technology with over 1,000 LEDs achieves 8K horizontal resolution and high contrast, while a zone-dimming function allows users to adjust two display areas simultaneously via a slider. Mercedes has applied for a patent for this technology. "Emotional modes" include "Campfire Mode," which displays a campfire, and "Aquarium Mode," which offers aquarium imagery. These modes also link with comfort features; for example, activating "Campfire Mode" turns on the driver's seat heater.