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It’s due to release in 2026, and we got an early sneak peek at Mercedes’ test track.
Beneath this camouflage is the next Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology. Which implies it is the electrical one.
Credit: Mercedes-Benz
Below this camouflage is the next Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology. Which indicates it is the electrical one.
Credit: Mercedes-Benz
IMMENDINGEN, Germany– The Mercedes-Benz Testing and Technology Center in Immendingen, Germany, isn’t a top-secret center since of its place. It’s supersecret due to the fact that of what takes place on the 520 hectares of land. Its 62-kilometer track is where Mercedes engineers can establish and sharpen every brand-new car in conditions experienced all around the world. Experiencing those conditions in a model is why I existed on an aggravatingly rainy day.
After getting the trip in a brand-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, I settled into the driving seat of the brand new Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology– that’s the electrical one. Being a model, it was still using camouflage, and the interior was covered in black material, so I could not see whatever. I was guaranteed that the trip, dealing with, and efficiency are all arranged. The infotainment software application and interior information are still being completed.
The upcoming GLC is a little longer than its gasoline-powered equivalent to accommodate the 94.5 kWh battery pack. Mercedes is approximating 650 kilometers of variety on the positive WLTP screening cycle. Based on some rough mathematics, 330 miles on the EPA cycle appears about.
The electrical GLC is somewhat longer than the gasoline-powered SUV, so it can fit the brand-new battery pack.
Credit: Mercedes-Benz
800 V
The electrical system onboard is 800 V, and Mercedes is declaring an excellent DC fast-charging rate with a peak higher than 320 kW. While I much choose a 10 to 80 percent state of charge stat when comparing charging efficiency, Mercedes is forecasting 260 kilometers of variety(162 miles)included 10 minutes on the DC quickly battery charger.
A two-speed transmission assists with performance– and most likely autobahn efficiency– of the 483 hp (360 kW) powertrain, and it will tow 2.4 metric loads. The variation I drove on the test track was a dual-motor setup, which can totally shut off the front motor for enhanced performance.
Aside from assisting hold the battery pack, the electrical GLC’s 3.2 inches (82 mm) longer wheelbase indicates better rear legroom and 20.1 cubic feet (570 L) of storage in the trunk. There is likewise a 3.5 cubic foot (100 L) frunk, which is far more helpful than a hood you can’t open at all.
There is no push-button start on the GLC. If you take a look at completion of the column-mounted equipment stalk, you’ll see the little power button icon. That’s because, like some EVs from other makes, simply being in the vehicle powers up the car, so you merely require to put it into equipment to begin driving.
The additional wheelbase and more compact EV powertrain must equate to more interior area in the electrical variation.
Credit: Mercedes-Benz
There are a number of various regrowth modes that you can pick from the guiding wheel-mounted paddle shifters, however I was asked not to utilize the Auto setting since the last calibration may not be total. I chose the one-pedal mode for the majority of my drive.
Rolling as much as roundabouts and stop indications, the one-pedal mode was simple to adjust to. It’s not as aggressive in unfavorable G-forces as some systems, so it does not feel as similar to you’re riding around with a teen finding out to drive a manual transmission. I chose this experience over lots of other one-pedal setups. And the brake pedal no longer approaches the firewall software when one-pedal braking– a really irritating function of earlier Mercedes EQ designs.
Trips well
Another thing I quite choose in the GLC is the default Comfort setting for the suspension. Immendingen replicates roadways from all around the world– the United States two-lane roadway was remarkably comparable to a roadway near my home in Ohio– and there is a lot of chance to evaluate the various modes.
The Sport setting is great, with trip convenience managed and comfy while still being company. If you’re battle down a back roadway, I can see being captivated by the setting, though it’s no AMG cars. It’s likewise not as company as something like a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
With excellent variety, excellent quick charging, and a terrific trip, the GLC with EQ Technology must be a success.
Credit: Mercedes-Benz
The Comfort setting, nevertheless, is exceptional. As part of the program, we were welcomed to drive all the generations of Mercedes S-Class cars, and I had actually simply climbed up out of an existing W223-generation cars and truck before my model drive. The GLC wafts along the highway in similar method the S-Class does. It includes the air suspension from the S-Class, however having the very same hardware does not suggest it’s tuned the very same method.
It’s nearly astonishing how the heavy crossover cruises together with almost the exact same convenience level as the suspension in the Mercedes-Benz flagship. While I like the Cadillac Lyriq a lot, when it pertains to ride convenience in the chic setting, the GLC with EQ Technology is the clear winner.
It’s difficult to discover any gripes, though my time behind the wheel was restricted. Still, it was excellent to experience the model GLC on a range of various roadway surface areas in a brief duration; that’s what makes test centers incredible. It wasn’t adequate time to live with the car, discover all its characteristics, and render a strong last decision.
That stated, my preliminary impressions are strong. If Mercedes engineers can provide on the charging efficiency and get near its variety quotes, it must have a strong EV on its hands. If the last variation is as comfy to drive– and stylish when it requires to be– while having the ability to carry kids, groceries, and equipment like a household automobile should, the GLC with EQ Technology need to discover favor.
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