Mercedes-Benz has launched the new all-new GLC Electric in India at a price of Rs 78.5 lakh (ex-showroom). This is being locally assembled in India and becomes the new entry-point to Mercedes’ electric SUV lineup in India. Despite what its name suggests, the GLC Electric is not even remotely related to its combustion-powered cousin – it’s based on all all-new electric platform with 400V architecture and promises a range of 711km (WLTP-certified) on a single charge. It also gets the largest single-piece screen fitted to any vehicle in India.
Mercedes says it has already raked up more 1000 orders since it commenced bookings, and the car is sold out till March 2027. Deliveries are to commence just in time for Diwali.
- GLC Electric gets a 94kWh battery good for a WLTP-claimed range of 711km
- Interior gets a single-piece, dashboard spanning 39.1-inch hyperscreen
- Gets illuminated grille with 914-pixel lighting elements; AMG Line styling pack is standard
Mercedes GLC Electric exterior design
The biggest talking point about the GLC Electric’s exterior design is its grille that comes with 914 individual pixel lighting elements – these animate different patterns when the car is parked, ignited or switched off. It’s also meant to resemble the long, vertical chrome grilles of Mercedes’ from yesteryears, such as the W 114 and W 108. Also eye-catching are the three-pointed stars for the LED DRLs in the headlamps and the tail lamps.
The India-spec GLC 400 comes with the AMG styling pack as standard, and that brings 20-inch alloy wheels and sporty-looking AMG-spec front and rear bumpers. The rest of the bodywork is characterised by smooth, flowing lines and curved surfaces, giving the SUV a rather elegant look. It’s also not overdone with body-cladding, thereby retaining an understated look. At the back, the wraparound gloss-black panel housing the tail lamps and the Mercedes logo is also a neat touch.
In terms of dimensions, the GLC Electric is larger than the combustion-powered GLC in every metric – it’s 140mm longer, 23mm wider and 12mm taller. The wheelbase, too, has gone up by 84mm, and measures 2972mm. Mercedes is offering the GLC Electric in six paint options, namely Sheer Blue, Lavender Silver, Obsidian Black, Opalite White Bright, Patagonia Red Metallic and Alpine Grey Solid – the latter three are Manukaktur paint options.
Mercedes GLC Electric interior and features
The biggest party trick of the GLC Electric is on the inside – a massive 39.1-inch hyperscreen that stretches the width of the dashboard. In fact, the screen itself is the dashboard, and it’s not a mere triple screen setup – it’s one continuous panel without any bezels or partitions. A flip side, however, is that there are barely any physical controls, including for the HVAC operations. Thankfully though, the screen itself is super slick to operate and the graphics are clear, legible and super high-definition.
The rest of the interior gets the usual wood, metal and leather appointments – there’s use of black open-pore wood on the centre console, the AC vents get a beautiful, knurled metallic finish and even the speaker grilles for the 15-speaker 3D Burmester sound system is exquisitely finished. This being the AMG Line-spec, it also gets the Mercedes’ sporty four-spoke steering wheel. The interior can be had in a choice of three colour options: Black, Beech Brown or Ivory Beige.
Screen aside, some of the other equipment highlights include a panoramic glass roof with illuminated stars, two wireless chargers, ambient lighting, AI-enabled functions, a powered tailgate, power-folding rear seats, L2 ADAS with 8 cameras and 5 radars, auto parking assist, 360-degree surround view camera, 9 airbags and more. The panoramic glass roof doesn’t get a sunshade, but the opacity can be electronically controlled and the 39-inch screen also get 11 preset themes to customise the display. Lastly, the front seats get massage and heating function, but unfortunately, no ventilation. As for cargo, the GLC Electric gets a 570-litres of boot space along with a 128-litre frunk.
Mercedes GLC Electric powertrain and specifications
The GLC Electric has arrived in India in 400 4Matic guise. This brings a 94kWh battery that energises two electric motors (one at the front and one at the back) for all-wheel drive. Combined output stands at 490hp and 800Nm, and Mercedes says it will do the 0-100kph sprint in 4.3 seconds – that’s plenty quick for nearly a 2.5-tonne family SUV. Notably, it even gets a two-speed gearbox – one for acceleration and the second for efficiency. Notably, it even gets a two-speed gearbox – one for acceleration and the second for efficiency.
The GLC 400 has a WLTP certified range of 711km. As standard, Mercedes is offering a 22kW AC charger, but using a 330kW DC charger, 300km worth of range can be topped up in just 10 mins. The India-spec GLC 400 does not get rear-wheel steering or air suspension – it rides on passive dampers, instead.
At launch, the GLC Electric does not have any direct rival in India, but it will soon be joined by the BMW iX3 that’s due in India next year.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Hormazd Sorabjee
Kiran Murali
