Mercedes-Benz expands China EV lineup with GLC SUV

Mercedes-Benz launched its all-electric GLC SUV in Beijing on Wednesday, as the German premium carmaker steps up efforts to expand its electric and intelligent vehicle lineup tailored for Chinese customers.

The all-electric GLC SUV is being rolled out in three variants: two GLC 350 L 4MATIC variants and one GLC 400 L 4MATIC variant.

One of the GLC 350 L 4MATIC models is now on sale and available for immediate delivery at 339,800 yuan ($49,900), while the other GLC 350 L 4MATIC model and the GLC 400 L 4MATIC have opened for presale at 299,900 yuan and 388,800 yuan, respectively.

Built on Mercedes-Benz's MB.EA electric architecture, the new model is positioned as a premium all-electric SUV designed for Chinese customers.

It has a wheelbase of 3,027 millimeters, with the GLC 350 L 4MATIC models featuring a five-seat layout and the GLC 400 L 4MATIC offering a six-seat option.

Daniel Lescow, president and CEO of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co, said the all-electric GLC is one of the company's most important models in its product and technology push for the second half of 2026.

Lescow said Mercedes-Benz will continue to roll out advanced infotainment and assisted-driving technologies across both electric and gasoline-powered models, supported by at least one major over-the-air update each quarter.

The vehicle features a navigation-assisted driving system for urban roads and highways co-developed by Mercedes-Benz and Chinese autonomous driving company Momenta.

Mercedes-Benz said the system is designed for both urban and highway driving scenarios, allowing drivers to easily resume control when needed while also supporting emergency lane keeping and assisted parking.

The cockpit also comes with a virtual assistant whose development was led by Mercedes-Benz's China team. Powered by the Doubao large language model and 3D graphics technology, it can process complex voice commands and help users locate and use vehicle functions more easily.

For performance and efficiency, the all-electric GLC comes with front and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors, a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, a two-speed electric transmission and an 800-volt high-voltage platform.

Powered by a high-nickel ternary lithium battery, the SUV has a driving range of up to 703 kilometers under the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle. A 10-minute charge can add about 300 km of range, according to the company.

Mercedes-Benz also emphasized safety and durability, saying the model underwent nearly 5 million km of durability testing and more than 230 crash tests, including nearly 80 China-specific crash tests using more than 65 vehicles.