Mercedes-Benz has revealed the China-spec long-wheelbase version of the GLC EV at the Auto China 2026 show. As the name suggests, it has an 88mm longer wheelbase compared to the regular model, which allows for up to 6 seats, and a new 85.5kWh battery pack.
- GLC EV LWB is 88mm longer and 66mm taller than the standard model
- The 85.5kWh has a CLTC-rated claimed range of up to 703km
- Chassis tech is derived from the S-Class, states Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz GLC EV LWB: All you need to know
Has a 55mm larger wheelbase and can seat up to 6 passengers
As the table suggests, not only does the China-spec model have a larger wheelbase, but it is also longer and taller by 88mm and 66mm, respectively, compared to the standard wheelbase model. The GLC EV LWB also has a 3-row layout option, making it the only current-generation GLC to be offered with three rows of seating. However, a 3-row GLC is not a first for Mercedes-Benz, as the second-generation long-wheelbase GLC (X254) was offered with 7 seats in 2023.
Offered with a smaller battery pack, which has a 700km+ claimed range
The China-spec Mercedes-Benz GLC EV LWB is offered with an 85.5kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. It has a standard CLTC-claimed range of 680km, which can be increased to 703km with certain upgrades that are yet to be revealed. In comparison, the standard wheelbase GLC EV comes with a larger 94kWh battery pack, with a motor on each axle that has a combined system output of 489hp and 800Nm. The standard wheelbase model claims a WLTP-rated range of up to 715km. The long-wheelbase GLC EV supports up to 320kW DC fast charging, which recharges the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 22 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz states that the chassis has been derived from the much more sophisticated S-Class. The manufacturer also claims that the steel dampers offer “comfort comparable to air suspension”. However, proper air suspension and rear-axle steering are offered at an additional cost.
Save for a few tweaks, the design is similar to the regular wheelbase model
Exterior design changes on the long-wheelbase GLC EV include larger rear doors, windows and quarter panels. Everything else, including the lighting setup, the grille design and the front and rear bumpers, is identical to the regular wheelbase model available in other international markets.
Inside, the only change is the 2+2+2 seating, which is offered with the second row, equipped with power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, similar to the front row. Other than this, everything else is identical to the regular wheelbase model, including a 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen and a fixed panoramic glass roof with nine levels of transparency. On the safety front, it gets 11 airbags, a 360-degree camera, ADAS and a dedicated “escape route” for the 6-seater version.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet to comment on the GLC EV’s India launch. However, considering the E-Class, GLE and V-Class are offered in a long-wheelbase guise, it is not unlikely for the manufacturer to offer the GLC EV in a 3-row version in India. Notably, currently Mercedes-Benz sells only the ICE-powered GLC in the country.
Suraj Viswanathan
Glenn Noronha
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