Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ Technology Review 2025

Despite many car buyers not yet having their first EV, several manufacturers are already launching their second generation of electric models. Reflecting the lessons learned from the initial wave, many of the latest assortment have ditched their forebears’ more radical styling in favour of themes that pay homage to familiar, older models — hence the enormous grille on the new Mercedes GLC with EQ Technology.

While its name doesn’t trip off the tongue as easily as that of the Mercedes EQC — the model the electric GLC effectively replaces after a brief hiatus — the upmarket German brand is banking on the newcomer’s unmissable frontal styling being seared into the collective consciousness in a way its predecessor failed to.

Why? As electric drive systems dilute the mechanical character of cars developed over years by familiar engine notes, more overt methods of reinforcing brand recognition are required, hence the grille. That’s fine during the day but its potentially redundant after dark. Erm, not if you specify your new electric Mercedes GLC with the 942-pixel backlighting, incorporating an illuminated three-pointed star logo — only the entry-level Sport trim does without it. Presumably the ‘G’ of GLC now stands for glitz, not gelaenderwagen…

It’s hard to imagine an approach to a common issue that’s been tackled so differently by rival manufacturers as the electric GLC and the Neue Klasse BMW iX3. Both of these electric family SUVs were revealed just a couple of days apart and are aimed at the same group of would-be buyers, yet are startling opposed stylistically.

Conspiracy theorists may suspect that’s somehow strategic, leaving the likes of the Audi Q6 e-tron and the forthcoming Volvo EX60 to occupy the safer, less daring middle ground for more conservative customers. While it isn’t deliberate, it will nonetheless be interesting to see how these approaches play out in the market. Presumably those who wish to fly totally under the radar will find themselves swayed by the recently refreshed Genesis Electrified GV70.

Setting aside the GLC with EQ Technology’s divisive prow, the remainder of this five-seater’s bodywork doesn’t look too far removed from today’s combustion-engined Mercedes GLC range, although it’s larger at up to 4858mm long, providing more interior space. It’s also suspiciously close in dimensions to the blancmange-like Mercedes EQE SUV, suggesting that car’s replacement will also grow.

Size, it seems, really does matter and that’s showcased within the slick interior of the electric Mercedes GLC, particularly on AMG Line Premium models and above fitted with the latest MBUX Hyperscreen arrangement. Here’s it’s a more slender, seamless horizontal panel stretching from airvent-to-airvent and measuring 39.1 inches.

That enormous touchscreen real estate incorporates a section for the front passenger’s benefit although we note to the driver’s detriment that physical controls for operating various climate functions are absent — it’s a screen-only arrangement which isn’t as easy to use on the move.

We will know more about how the GLC EQ drives at a later date, although how it behaves is likely to be down to the choice of suspension. Available as a £2500 optional extra, Airmatic air-sprung system, similar to that of the Mercedes S-Class luxury saloon, will be available, providing additional manoeuvrability benefits courtesy of its integral rear-wheel steering capabilities.

Beneath the electric Mercedes GLC’s bodywork is are new EV-specific underpinnings, the whole operation of which is overseen by AI-controlled superbrain computing technology. The result is that among its arsenal of features are natural-feeling brakes that recuperate energy into the battery 99% of the time and the ability to pre-book compatible public charging points while you’re en route.

Talking of charging, the GLC with EQ Technology’s sub-floor lithium-ion battery has a useable capacity of 94kWh, with the ability to be recharged at using a public ultra-rapid DC facility at speeds of up 330kW. That means a 10-80% recharge could be accomplished in as little as 22 minutes.

Recharging times using a conventional 7.4kW AC domestic wallbox will be confirmed at a later date, but Mercedes has confirmed that the GLC EQ’s system is bidirectional enabling external devices to be plugged-in to it Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) adaptor, as well as being a potential residential power source using its Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) tech.

Note the Mercedes’ battery capacity is 14.7kW shy of the BMW iX3’s, which explains much of the difference in the official driving range figure — a potential best of 406 miles for the electric GLC compared with the 500 miles of its key rival.

Another reason is provided by the power output of the two electric motors — one each mounted front and rear to provide four-wheel drive — being 489PS, some 20PS higher than the iX3 achieves. The result? A rapid 4.3-second 0-62mph acceleration time and an electronically pegged top speed of 130mph. That’s for the sole electric Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic with EQ Technology that will be available from launch, with four other options available in the fullness of time. 

Despite the 4Matic’s motor-at-each-end arrangement, there’s still space beneath the electric GLC’s bonnet for a 128-litre storage space, ample for more than just a coiled charging cable. That’s in addition to the 520 litres of boot space behind the rear seats, which expands to a total capacity of 1690 litres when the 40/20/40-split second row is folded over. 

Prices for the Mercedes GLC with EQ Technology start at £60,350 for the GLC 400 4Matic Sport, making it more expensive than the £58,755 for the cheapest BMW iX3, although it's better value than the £64,950 the entry-level Mercedes EQC was when that model was taken off sale.

For the AMG Line version you're looking at £63,350, while the AMG Line Premium is £68,350. If you fancy an even higher level of standard equipment, the GLC 400 4Matic AMG Line Premium Plus costs £70,850, while the line-up is topped by a limited availability Premier Edition trim at £73,350.

Order books opened in October 2025 with the first customer deliveries set to get under way in spring 2026.

Keep this page bookmarked to read our comprehensive full Mercedes GLC with EQ Technology review in the months ahead.