It seems that inferior and less advanced electric cars are slowly being left behind. There is no doubt that this is a segment of cars that is moving forward very quickly, which is good for most, but not so much for those who bought their new electric car yesterday or today. Namely, many technologies in electric cars quickly become obsolete because car manufacturers constantly strive to develop newer models as quickly and better as possible or to improve existing ones. In accordance with the goal of maximizing the use of electric cars, Mercedes has started presenting models that use 800V technology. So the GLC with EQ technology has officially arrived.
This new model is the first representative of the new generation of the GLC model, which first arrives as the GLC 400 4MATIC, meaning in a better version with four-wheel drive. The GLC EQ is built on a new platform intended for medium-sized electric models. But don’t think that with its arrival on the market, the offer of well-known gasoline and diesel options of the current model ends. So now we have two lines of GLC models on offer, the just arrived GLC EQ model and the ‘regular’ GLC with petrol and diesel versions. They still remain on sale. In addition, at the end of this year or at the beginning of next year, they should also receive their redesigned versions that will be more similar to the GLC electric model presented to us today. The GLC EQ is also a replacement for the previous EQC. It should not be surprising that the GLC is still offered as in previous editions, because it is still the best-selling Mercedes model.
Let’s go back to the performance of the GLC EQ, which follows the latest design guidelines with a new front fascia that brings an illuminated edition with as many as 942 LED pixels that enable personalized light animations. Incidentally, this new mask is inspired by historical models such as the Mercedes Simplex from 1902 and the legendary 600 Pullman. It brings back a more upright and dominant look to the front end compared to earlier, rounded EQ models. Today’s cars are becoming digital toys, so the new model stands out because it brings an animated welcome and greeting with an orchestrated animation of the mask, rear lights and interior. The GLC EQ comes mounted on impressive wheels up to 21 inches in diameter, which are accentuated by pronounced fender edges.
Furthermore, in the passenger cabin we meet AGR certified seats and the largest screen, the MBUX Hyperscreen installed in Mercedes cars. It is a 39.1-inch, i.e. a model with a diagonal of almost one meter, with a resolution of 8K, which is part of the additional equipment. The basic model comes with the MBUX Superscreen, where three separate screens are hidden behind the unique glass. First there are the digital instruments for the driver (10.3 inches), then the central multimedia screen (from 14 inches) and an equally large additional screen for the passenger.
An important innovation is the new generation of the MB.OS operating system. It is said to be the only infotainment system that integrates AI from both technology giants – ChatGPT and Google Gemini. It is capable of performing 254 billion operations in just one second. MBUX Virtual Assistant better known as ‘Hey Mercedes’ understands the context of the conversation thanks to ChatGPT (knowledge), Google Cloud Automotive AI (navigation) and Car Expert (vehicle). So you can talk to a car like a human. Also, the system understands the context and allows you to ask sub-questions without repeating the initial topic. Of course, there are numerous applications available that make the stay in the car more pleasant and interesting.
If you want to further impress your fellow travelers, the roof can definitely help you with that. Yes, you read that right – the roof. Namely, the roof is no longer just a window to the sky, but an interactive design element. Brings adjustable transparency. The segmented panoramic roof, which Mercedes calls Sky Control, allows changing from a completely transparent to an opaque state in nine zones. In addition, 162 luminous stars integrated into the glass are offered as an option, which synchronize with the ambient lighting and bring a starry sky.
Currently, the only available version of the GLC EQ model is the 400 4Matic, which is powered by two electric motors with a system power of 360 kW / 490 HP. It comes with a two-stage rear gearbox with the first stage for explosive starting and urban efficiency, while the second stage is for driving on the highway, i.e. reaching maximum speeds. It is limited to 210 km/h. There is also a declared range of up to 714 km. Otherwise, on some models, the basic battery will be of 85.5 kWh, while this Longe Range used by the GLC 400 4Matic has a useful capacity of 94.4 kWh. GLC 250 EQ, GLC 300 4Matic EQ and GLC 300+ EQ models are expected later.
The digital vehicle key for a smartphone should be singled out from the interesting equipment. You can unlock, start and lock the GLC EQ without a classic key. With your digital key, you can easily transfer it to additional users.
The initial version of the GLC 400 4Matic model is the Avantgarde, which starts at a price of 69,900 euros. The next option is the AMG Line model, which costs 73,585 euros. AMG Line Plus, on the other hand, starts at 81,782 euros. The electric GLC 400 4Matic is a dangerous competitor to the BMW iX3 that arrived a few months ago.
