Video Review
Mercedes-Benz is stepping firmly into its electric future with the upcoming 2026 GLC EV. This isn’t just another update, it’s the very first fully electric version of their best-selling SUV, and arguably one of the most important launches in their lineup. Sleek, confident, and unmistakably Mercedes, the GLC EV brings that aspirational vibe back in a big way. We had the chance to get an early look in Stuttgart, and here’s what stood out.
Performance
At launch, the GLC EV will roll out in a dual-motor 4Matic configuration, with a single-motor option arriving shortly after. The standout trim, the GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology, delivers a punchy 483 hp (360 kW) and hits a top speed of 210 km/h.
Borrowing some clever features straight from the S-Class, the SUV comes with air suspension and rear-axle steering. The air suspension fine-tunes itself for everything from long-distance comfort to sharp handling, while the rear steering gives the car surprising agility, turning the wheels up to 4.5 degrees.
Five drive modes are on offer, Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual, and Terrain, and regenerative braking is so strong that Mercedes claims the system will cover 99% of your braking needs without the discs ever touching.
But it doesn’t stop at mechanics. The GLC EV runs on MB.OS, the brand’s new operating system. Think of it as the car’s digital brain: from driver assists to battery management, everything is controlled and optimised here. Powered by an AI-driven “superbrain” capable of 254 trillion operations per second, it learns your habits, adjusts automatically, and continuously improves thanks to over-the-air updates.
Range and Charging
Underpinning the GLC EV is a brand-new electric architecture known as MBEA, which will become the foundation for all of Mercedes’ EVs moving forward. Key highlights:
Efficiency sits between 14.9–18.8 kW/100 km, which we’re keen to test in the real world. Battery pre-conditioning kicks in automatically when navigating to a charging station, and for the first time in a Merc SUV, you’ll find one-pedal driving with four adjustable regeneration levels. A next-gen heat pump helps keep things efficient in varying climates.
Design and Interior
From the outside, the GLC EV makes a statement with its illuminated star-and-crest grille. The design blends a honeycomb pattern, a subtle nod to Mercedes’ very first grille back in 1901, with 140 LEDs forming nearly 1,000 dots, creating a light signature unlike anything else on the road. Pop the hood by pressing the crest, and instead of an engine, you’ll find a 128-litre frunk.
Inside, things are just as forward-thinking. The cabin is minimalist yet warm, with seating available in Nappa leather or a Vegan Society-certified material, a world first. Above, a panoramic glass roof with heat-rejecting coating keeps the cabin airy without roasting passengers.
Tech-wise, there are three display options, topping out with the MBX Hyperscreen, a single, 39-inch slab of glass spanning pillar-to-pillar. It’s powered by a Nvidia supercomputer, ensuring everything runs seamlessly without feeling overwhelming.
Cost Considerations
Irish pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but first deliveries are slated for early 2026. Expect more details as the launch draws nearer.
Verdict
Photos don’t do the 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC EV justice. In person, it’s a beautifully proportioned SUV that straddles the line between compact and mid-size with ease. Mercedes has clearly thrown everything it has at this car: performance, range, design, and software all feel cutting-edge. If this is where the brand’s electrification journey is heading, the future looks very bright indeed.