Mercedes GLC EV Erlkönig – New grille officially unveiled, presentation at the IAA
The all-electric GLC from Mercedes-Benz makes its rounds as a prototype and offers a preview of the future model. All information and pictures can be found here!
The successor to the EQC, which was discontinued in spring 2023, is on its way. But now without the EQ name, instead the SUV with the somewhat unwieldy name GLC is to debut with EQ technology. We have all the pictures and information about the new mid-range electric SUV.
- Market launch probably at the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026
- New Mercedes design language "Sensual Clarity"
- Based on the electric C-Class, which is also scheduled to come in 2025
- 800 volt technology with up to 500 hp
- Probably 100 kWh battery
- Parallel to the combustion engine GLC
- Premiere on September 7 at the IAA Munich 2025
Mercedes GLC EV – Exterior design
The new electric GLC is also to introduce a new Mercedes design language called "Sensual Clarity". One of the central elements of the new design, which is to be successively rolled out to other models, is the large chrome grille that Mercedes has now unveiled.
The new grille consists of three components: a wide chrome-plated frame, a grille structure in a smoked glass look and integrated contour lighting. There is also an optional version that is illuminated via 942 backlit dots. This can then also play animations and bring the car to life in pixel graphics. Without this option, only the frame and the star are illuminated.
Commenting on the design, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Mercedes-Benz, said: "Our new iconic grille is not just a new front for the GLC – it redefines the face of our brand. It is the perfect fusion of timeless design codes reinterpreted for the future and makes our vehicles instantly recognisable."
In addition to the official teaser for the grill, we have to resort to the images of the prototypes to decipher the new design. According to the pictures, the entire front was remodeled for the new SUV and not just the grille.
The new headlights are reminiscent of the EQE, while the grille appears covered to get less air resistance as an electric car. Other air intakes are also not visible and the front as a whole now sits higher.
The GLC EV is also reminiscent of its bigger brother, the EQE SUV, in the profile view from the side. The lowerable door handles can also be found on other Mercedes models.
At the rear, there is also a modified light design and new design lines. The Mercedes star in the taillights is already known to us from the pictures of the upcoming Mercedes CLA.
Mercedes GLC EV – battery and range
It is still unclear exactly what the equipment under the hood of the new GLC EV will look like. All we know is that it is based on the new MB. EA platform, which is equipped with state-of-the-art 800 volt technology. In terms of performance, the GLC EV models are likely to land between 250 and 500 hp with optional all-wheel drive. The capacity of the battery should not exceed 100 kWh, after all, the current EQS "only" relies on a 110 kWh battery.
How the battery will perform then is not yet clear, we have to wait for further official announcements.
Mercedes GLC EV – Presentation and sales launch
The all-electric GLC is planned for 2025 and is to play in the mid-range SUV segment in parallel with the electric C-Class. In terms of price, the GLC could start at 70,000 euros to compete with the Tesla Model Y or the Audi Q4 e-tron. The presentation is planned for September 7, 2025 at the IAA in Munich. It is still unclear when exactly the market launch will come. It is also possible that the GLC EV will not come until 2026. We will keep you updated as soon as we have more information.