Benz announces more GLC EV variants: BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 have a fight on their hands
More affordable variants of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC have been revealed ahead of the mid-size SUV’s Australian debut in the fourth quarter of 2026 (October to December).
That means the all-new Benz SUV will better be able to fight prestife rivals such as the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60, which are also going to be offered in multiple variants.
Mercedes-Benz has already confirmed that the first model to arrive Down Under will be the flagship GLC400 4Matic with EQ Technology, which is tipped to be priced from around $110,000 before on-road costs.
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That car comes with dual motors producing 360kW of power and 800Nm of torque and is matched with a large 94kWh (usable) battery for a range of up to 715km.
However, the German premium brand has now confirmed that another all-wheel-drive GLC300 4Matic with EQ Technology may also be offered by mid-2027.
Producing 310kW of power, the GLC300 delivers the same impressive 800Nm torque peak as the more expensive GLC400 but employs a less energy-dense 85kWh (usable) battery pack.
While the range drops to 616km, the smaller battery can stilln be topped up at 320kW (versus 330kW for the 94kWh version), with a 10 to 80 per cent recharge taking an identical 22 minutes. It can also add up to 255km of range in 10 minutes – slightly less than the 305km achievable in the GLC400.
The GLC300 is fractionally slower, completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.7 seconds – 0.4 seconds slower than the GLC400. However, it can still tow up to 2400kg, matching its sibling.
In some markets, a rear-wheel-drive, single-motor GLC250 with EQ Technology will also be offered. It features a 260kW electric motor, shares the same 85kWh battery and can travel up to 650km on a single charge.
With less power, the 0-100km/h time stretches to 5.9 seconds, although the maximum towing capacity only falls to 2200kg, while charging speeds remain identical to the all-wheel-drive models.
While the GLC400 4Matic comes with a massive 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen as standard, running the latest MB.OS operating system and integrating AI from Microsoft Bing, Google Gemini and ChatGPT, the largest display will be optional on the cheaper models.
Other cost options include Mercedes-Benz’s latest intelligent Airmatic suspension and its 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering.
In Germany, pricing for the new GLC300 4Matic is around four per cent lower than the GLC400, while the entry-level GLC250 is around nine per cent more affordable.
When it lands Down Under, the savings could be even greater, as the GLC250 is expected to slip under the current Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold. It is tipped to cost less than $91,387, which would also unlock Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemptions for buyers using novated leases.
Later next year, Mercedes-AMG will unveil a high-performance version that is rumoured to feature an advanced triple-motor powertrain producing more than 671kW of power.
Sharing the same 800-volt MB.EA architecture as the inbound C-Class, and despite commanding a price premium over the mid-size sedan, the GLC is expected to become the brand’s best-selling EV.
To ensure GLC sales don’t slide during the transition to all-electric power, Mercedes-Benz has already announced that the mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid GLC variants will remain on-sale.
