It isn’t just BMW that is aiming to shake up the luxury electric vehicle (EV) as Mercedes-Benz has also released a groundbreaking model in the form of the GLC with EQ Technology. Mechanically unrelated to the gas-powered model, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology rides on a completely new bespoke EV platform that isn’t shared with a gas-powered model.
A Grille That Comes With A GLC
But before we get into the technical details, let us first talk about the design. While BMW’s new grille for its Neue Klasse EVs has shrunk, Mercedes-Benz has gone the exact opposite. The classic upright Mercedes grille has been reinvented, available with an optional illuminated design, featuring 942 squares illuminated by 140 LEDs.
Design-wise, it seems like you bought a ginormous grille that comes with a GLC. To be fair, the GLC does evoke a sort of space-age streamliner vibe. Whether you like it or not is up to you, but one thing’s for sure: this back-lit grille will leave a lasting impression in your rearview mirror. These are then flanked by slim LED headlights with a three-pointed star design for the daytime running lights.
Meanwhile, the side profile of the GLC with EQ Technology looks familiar, but you can tell it’s a completely different vehicle, due to the altered proportions. Flush door handles are the order of the day, while its tapered sloping roofline leads to a sporty rear end. This has been achieved through circular LED taillights with, you guessed it, the three-pointed star logo, which are visually connected by a black trim piece.
Bring The Cimema With You
As the forefront of Mercedes-Benz’s EV ambitions, the GLC with EQ Technology dons a completely new interior theme that’s never before seen in any of its models. The interior is finally dominated by a true full-width 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, as opposed to the failed EQS and EQE that are actually three different screens in one glass piece.
However, go for the lower spec models, and that’s exactly what you’ll be getting. Called the MBUX Superscreen, it consists of a 10.3-inch screen for the driver, along with two 14-inch screens, with the third one being for the front passenger. Go for an even lower trim, and you won’t be able to touch the third screen at all. How’s that for reminding you that you couldn’t afford the Hyperscreen?
Elsewhere, you do get premium and well-trimmed materials all around, with (thankfully) minimal gloss black surfaces. Everything else is either covered in leather (or at least a sustainable simulation of it), aluminum, wood, or any matte textured material. You also get a ton of LED ambient lighting, a panoramic glass roof with adjustable opacity, and an available Burmester sound system.
New EV-Dedicated MB.EA Platform
The new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology rides on a new MB.EA platform, enabling packaging advantages such as a front trunk and an 800-volt electrical architecture. All models will utilize a 94 kWh battery, which is good for an impressive 713 km of WLTP-rated range for the sole GLC 400 4Matic with 483 horsepower and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD). Four less powerful and thus, more efficient versions will follow suit.
The 800-volt architecture enables a max DC fast charging output of 330 kW, which can add 300 km of range in just 10 minutes.
Whereas the BMW iX3 is focused on being sporty, the GLC with EQ Technology undoubtedly focuses on comfort, because buyers can opt for the same Airmatic air suspension found in the flagship S-Class. This is also coupled with rear-wheel steering and intelligent suspension control that communicates with traffic infrastructure to determine upcoming road imperfections. Heck, the suspension is even connected to Google Maps, so that it can determine whether to raise the ride height for maximum suspension travel, or lower it for either improved handling or better highway aerodynamics.
Finally, Mercedes-Benz is also proud to highlight how strong its regenerative braking system is. In fact, it had a max 300 kW output, which is already similar to its maximum DC fast charging speed.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet revealed when the GLC with EQ Technology will go on sale. What we do know is that it’ll be one of the first wave of next-generation EVs from Mercedes that aim to bring back some of the brand’s luster as it faces extremely stiff EV competition from China.
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