2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC previewed ahead of September reveal: Electric SUV set for Benz’s most advanced EV tech yet!
Ahead of its public unwrapping on September 8 at the Munich motor show and its Australian on-sale in the second half of 2026, Mercedes-Benz has released the first undisguised pic of its 2026 Mercedes GLC.
Sadly, instead of a glimpse of the whole car, we’ve only been treated to a small peek of its over-sized, fully illuminated front grille (see below).
Looking like it incorporates hundreds of small LEDs and a white illuminated silver star, the big takeaway is that despite the illumination, one of Benz’s most advanced EVs yet gets a surprisingly traditional upright grille.
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The grille is the latest GLC tease from Mercedes-Benz, which has previously shown it testing in disguise in Sweden and global boss Ola Kallenius taking it for drive, including towing (something our man Stephen Corby won’t be happy about).
Following on from the state-of-the-art CLA sedan and recently unveiled CLA Shooting Brake, the new GLC mid-size SUV shares the smaller car’s advanced EV tech.
In the earlier teaser with a camouflaged car, Källenius revealed its BMW iX3 rival will have a range of up to 650km and be capable of recharging at up to 320kW, thanks to its 800-volt electrics.
Where 800-volt fast-chargers aren’t abundant, like in Australia, Benz will offer a 400-volt converter, although that pulls charging speeds down to around 100kW.
With the most powerful charger, Benz’s boss says that up to 260km of range can be added in just 10 minutes.
That’s a little way off the 325km of range added in a CLA that shares the same platform but still near the top of its class.
Offered alongside the EV version (that is denoted by the ‘GLC with EQ Technology’ badging) will be a mild-hybrid combustion version of the GLC that will feature a small turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder combined with a dual-clutch transmission, electric motor and small battery.
The mild-hybrid will come with front- or all-wheel drive with choices of 100kW and 200Nm, 120kW and 250Nm and 140kW and 300Nm in the flagship.
Helping it compete with the very best in its class for ride and handling, the GLC includes the brand’s latest Airmatic air suspension, plus a new rear-axle steering that can pivot the rear wheels by up to 4.5 degrees for greater agility.
Bigger in all dimensions, compared to the current GLC, the new all-electric SUV rides on the car-maker’s latest MMA architecture and will feature the firm’s most advanced driver assist tech.
However, it will fall short of offering S-Class-style full Level 3 (hands- and eyes-off the road) cruise control.
Space within should be generous, thanks to a wheelbase stretched by up to 80mm compared to the last model, while boot space has grown to 570 litres, with a further 128 litres of stowage found in the new frunk on the EV version.
From launch, the GLC will also be able to tow up to 2400kg – 400kg more than the equivalent Porsche Macan EV.
The fastest versions should also not leave you wanting off the line, with acceleration claimed to be on par with the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car, suggesting, a 0-100km/h sprint of around four seconds.
More teases of its all-new look are expected ahead of the 2026 Mercedes GLC’s launch at the IAA.
