Test Drive of the Mercedes GLC EQ 400 4MATIC - Electric Range

For electric cars, life has not been a smooth journey at the German manufacturer, as the EQ models have struggled to find their audience for years. With this observation, a new start is being given to this range, initiated by the excellent CLA. The all-new MB.EA platform now hosts the brand new GLC, Mercedes' best-selling SUV. Its mission will not be easy, to become the new benchmark in the segment against its German and Chinese competitors. So, was the mission successful? In any case, all chances have been given to it.

Video Test: Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 EQ AMG Line

Technical Specifications of the Mercedes GLC EQ 400 4MATIC:

• Dimensions: Length 4.86m / Width 1.91m / Height 1.65m
• Trunk Volume: 570 liters + Frunk (front trunk) 128 liters
• Weight: 2535 kg
• Powertrain: 100% electric, one motor for each axle
• Power: 489 hp
• Battery: 94.5 kWh usable
• Charging: 22 kW (AC) / 330 kW (DC)
• Charging Time: 22 minutes from 10% to 80% in DC at 350 kW
• Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds
• Recorded Consumption: highway (cruise control at 130) 20 kWh / Road 15 kWh / mixed 18.6 kWh
• Real Range: between 500 and 650 km

Pricing for the Mercedes GLC EQ 400 4MATIC 2026:

Starting from €71,900 (Avantgarde Line), €76,550 (AMG Line)

Options (examples):

• Technical Package (Aromatic + rear steering) €2,900
• MANUFAKTUR Color €1,800
• Premium Plus Package (Hyperscreen, + comfort) €11,150

Let’s Keep It Simple, Let’s Keep It Beautiful, Let’s Keep It Mercedes

A Mercedes in everyone’s mind is a car that stands out, that is recognizable, with the historical markers of its visual identity. So when you look at a GLC for the first time, you cannot miss this massive grille. At first, it may seem oversized, but it actually integrates well with this stout front end. Moreover, it resonates in the mind by recalling the ‘old-school’ models, and if we forget who we are dealing with, the enormous central star reminds us. Multiple LEDs illuminate the whole, with varied animations.

The lights that surround this monument of automotive architecture are also marked with a star, and even two each, the brand asserts itself and forgets discretion! On the AMG-Line version, the bumper opts for a sporty design; the entire front end, with the double bulge hood, is a strong marker, this SUV has a distinct identity. While the sides aim to be more subdued, the rear end also signs a visual renewal. The lights, star-shaped, are arranged in a black strip, highlighted by a red light line. The logo, another star, remains chromed at the center. It also serves as a lever to open the trunk. This new design is, in my opinion, very successful; gone are the soft shapes for electric versions, now customers will have a true Mercedes, regardless of the chosen model.

Would You Like Another Dose of Technology?

If the interior aims to be more premium, with perfectly assembled elements, the colors and materials reflect a sporty-chic side. A mix of aluminum, leather, and carbon-like finishes, the whole is of excellent quality. The nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel features buttons with real tactile feedback. The pièce de résistance lies in the screen, the famous Hyperscreen, which spans the dashboard across its entire width. Offered as an option for €1,500, it combines the gauges behind the steering wheel, the central infotainment, and the passenger screen. With its 99.3 cm width and a powerful graphics engine, it offers an excellent display quality. A small detail that has its charm, it is surrounded by two large round air vents, aluminum-colored, marrying the modern with the classic. On board, comfort is very good; all occupants have space, whether in the front or the back. The heated and massaging electric front seats make long hours on the road pass easily. Many sensors ensure onboard safety, sometimes overly intrusive, but fortunately, they can be disabled via shortcut buttons on the screen. The driving position is a bit upright; despite the number of adjustments offered, I struggled to find a good position. However, hours of driving pass without fatigue, and silence reigns if the superb Burmester sound system is not in use.

Breaking Down the Barriers of Electric Cars

I must admit, I was the first to complain about electric driving, its limited range on the highway, its lack of driving pleasure, its complicated recharges… This Mercedes GLC has decided to prove me wrong. First of all, the most important point, as it concentrates many criticisms, is the consumption on the highway. On a stretch of 100 km, with cruise control set at 130 km/h, I was pleasantly surprised to see a consumption of 20 kWh. Where almost all competitors struggle to drop below 25 kWh. But what sorcery is this? Simply an enormous effort on efficiency, energy recovery, with the bonus of a gearbox coupled to the rear motor. Like an overdrive, it allows, starting from 110 km/h, to achieve optimal efficiency. And the result is there; with its 94.5 kWh battery, the real range on the highway at 130 km/h will be nearly 500 km, certainly the best in the segment. Beware, manufacturer claims promise much more, but that’s WLTP standards, not real life. Enough to consider a long trip with a single charge, at 330 kW. In 22 minutes, it will be possible to go from 10% to 80%. If the highway journey goes smoothly, the winding back roads become a playground. The Technical Package at €2,900 offers Airmatic adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering; it’s the option not to miss. It allows for extreme versatility and astonishing maneuverability. In sport mode, the car lowers by 1.5 cm, hugging the road without body roll. The acceleration out of corners is dynamic, with the front end supporting the rear. Energy recovery allows for ‘one pedal’ driving; with a bit of practice, the sequence of curves provides real driving pleasure, yes, on an electric car, it’s now possible. If you feel like taking the road less traveled, the ‘off-road’ mode allows the car to be raised by 2.5 cm, even 5 cm; the management of the electric motors allows traversing rough terrains without issues. A dedicated app also allows you to view all parameters, tilt, compass, power distribution. After covering several hundred kilometers on all types of roads, the GLC displayed a nice average consumption of 18.2 kWh, providing an overall range of over 600 km.

A Beautiful Proposition If You Can Afford It

With a starting price of €71,900, the GLC remains an expensive car that will not be accessible to the majority. However, it is one of the best current propositions; European competition exists, but it will either be more expensive or less powerful. So, is this Mercedes unbeatable? Not necessarily when considering offers from China, but they will never be Mercedes. Because yes, the interest of this GLC is to bring together the best of over a century of automotive expertise, a strong and prestigious image, and the latest cutting-edge technologies. This new GLC is proud of its star and shows it clearly; the renewal of the range will go in the same direction. The manufacturer’s intention is clear: to repopulate global roads with thousands of stars.

What I Liked:

• Assertive Mercedes design
• Efficiency and real range
• Driving pleasure for an electric vehicle

What I Liked Less:

• Too much onboard technology, sometimes intrusive
• Necessity to refer to the options catalog