Mercedes-Benz GLC EV makes global debut: What’s it got and how does it stack up against arch-rival BMW iX3?

September 8, 2025September 9, 2025 John Mahoney 7650 Views GLC, Mercedes-Benz

The all-new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology has made its global debut on the eve of the Munich motor show.

The big news is it arrives with more power and better efficiency than its closest rival, the BMW iX3, that was unveiled just days earlier.

Set to land in Australia in the second half of 2026, Mercedes has revealed the GLC 400 will pump out an impressive 360kW of power, 15kW more than the launch-spec BMW iX3 50 xDrive.

The new Benz is also fractionally more efficient, averaging just 14.9kW/100km – 0.2kWh/100km better than the BMW.

Clawing back points for the Bavarian brand, the iX3 comes with a larger 108kWh battery pack that produces an 805km WLTP range on a single charge.

That’s a big improvement on the GLC that features a smaller 94kWh power pack for a lesser 713km range.

When it comes to top-ups, BMW says the iX3 benefits from the faster charging, with a rate of up to 400kW possible. As much as 350km of range can be added after a brief ten minutes.

With lower speeds, the Mercedes GLC, that also features 800V electrics, can only squeeze in 303km of range over the same period.

From launch, Mercedes has confirmed that all GLCs heading Down Under will come with a 400V converter that will work with the majority of our slower chargers but also reduce charging rates considerably.

When it comes to the space race, the advantage goes to Mercedes.

According to the Stuttgart brand, the GLC’s new architecture means the mid-size SUV gets a wheelbase that has been stretched by 84mm. That translates into front occupants that get 13mm more legroom and 46mm extra headroom.

In the second row, there’s an even more impressive 47mm bump to legroom, while headroom increases by 17mm.

Boot space is also better in the GLC, with the Benz getting a larger 570 litre boot and spacious 128L frunk – both better than the BMW iX3 (520L, 58L).

Within, the GLC follows the recent CLA by gaining a cabin that looks like it might have been borrowed from the flagship S-Class.

This time Benz has rolled out a massive 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen that it works with the car-maker’s AI-powered MB.OS superbrain.

Offering up to 11 different wallpapers and combined with ambient lighting, the new infotainment employs Benz’s latest fourth-gen MBUX that features AI from both Microsoft and Google to enhance accuracy.

Mercedes claims you can even chat about the weather, if you want.

Finally, the navigation has been upgraded to consider weather conditions, topography, route layout and traffic when plotting your journey, including where to stop at your preferred charger.

For the first time, Mercedes will offer a new Vegan Society-approved alternative to leather within the GLC, while bosses claim the luxury mid-size SUV will set new standards for high-quality materials.

Look up and the GLC will even entertain younger occupants with its Sky Control panoramic roof that at night illuminates up to 162 stars, something until now only Rolls-Royce owners could enjoy.

Boosting comfort while ramping up agility, the new Mercedes GLC gets the option of both air suspension and a 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering.

Venture off road and there’s a new traction-boosting Terrain mode for gravel roads and a new Land Rover-like Transparent Bonnet to enable you to peek through the ground to avoid any nasty scrapes with the scenery.

Mercedes says the GLC will come with sophisticated brake-by-wire tech that uses its regenerative braking (instead of discs and pads) for 99 per cent of all real-world scenarios – that’s one per cent more than the new iX3.

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While the BMW iX3 has favoured a more contemporary look that still references the past, the new Mercedes GLC design brings back the firm’s iconic chrome grille that along with the rest of the design will appeal more to its traditional base.

Timing for Australia has yet to be confirmed but the Mercedes GLC is expected to land in the second half of 2026 priced from around $100,000 plus on-roads.

As well as the iX3, it will line up against both the Porsche Macan Electric (from $128,400 plus on-roads) and the Audi Q6 e-tron ($115,500 plus on-roads).