Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has previewed the all-new electric GLC in Singapore, bringing its best-selling SUV into the brand’s next-generation EV era – and Malaysia could be one of the markets to receive it next.
The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz GLC is shaping up to be one of the brand’s most important upcoming EVs, combining the familiar GLC nameplate with an entirely new electric architecture.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has given an early preview of the model in Singapore, but has yet to announce Malaysian pricing or a confirmed launch date.
Globally, the new electric GLC will be offered in GLC 300 4MATIC electric AVANTGARDE and GLC 300 4MATIC electric AMG Line Plus forms.
For Malaysia, the most important numbers are already clear: 310 kW of power, up to 616 km of WLTP range and 800-volt charging technology capable of adding up to 255 km of range in 10 minutes.
616km range and 320kW DC charging
The GLC 300 4MATIC electric uses an 85 kWh usable lithium-ion battery and delivers up to 310 kW. Mercedes-Benz quotes a maximum WLTP range of 616 km, while DC fast charging is supported at up to 320 kW. The 800V electrical architecture allows the SUV to recover up to 255 km of WLTP range in 10 minutes under suitable charging conditions. AC charging is supported at up to 22 kW.
The electric GLC also uses a two-speed gearbox at the rear, with the first ratio designed to provide strong low-speed acceleration and the second optimised for higher-speed efficiency. The all-wheel-drive system can engage or disengage the front electric motor when required, allowing the vehicle to prioritise efficiency when four-wheel drive is not needed.
Bigger than the combustion GLC
Despite retaining the familiar GLC proportions, the new electric SUV is larger where it matters. Its 2,972mm wheelbase is 80mm longer than the combustion-engined GLC, increasing front and rear legroom while also adding headroom.
Boot capacity stands at 570 litres, increasing to 1,740 litres with the rear seats folded. There is also a 128-litre front luggage compartment, giving the electric GLC additional storage space over its combustion counterpart.
The grille is now a technology statement
The most obvious visual change is at the front. Rather than the conventional grille used on a combustion-powered Mercedes-Benz, the electric GLC gets a new illuminated interpretation featuring a wide chrome frame, smoked-glass-look mesh and integrated lighting.
It contains 942 individually backlit polycarbonate dots, while the Mercedes-Benz star and surrounding contour are also illuminated. At the rear, two-piece taillights feature the brand’s star motif and animated lighting sequences when the vehicle is unlocked or charging. Aerodynamics have also been a major focus, with the electric GLC achieving a drag coefficient of 0.26.
39.1-inch MBUX HYPERSCREEN dominates the cabin
Inside, the biggest talking point is Mercedes-Benz’s new 99.3cm, or 39.1-inch, MBUX Hyperscreen. The display stretches across the dashboard and forms part of the fourth-generation MBUX system, which runs on the company’s MB.OS operating system.
The system uses AI technology from both Microsoft and Google, including a new MBUX Virtual Assistant capable of maintaining context across multiple questions.
The assistant can handle navigation, general knowledge and vehicle-related questions, while Google Maps-based technology provides navigation and location information. Mercedes-Benz is also positioning the system as something that can evolve over time, with over-the-air software updates allowing new functions and apps to be added after the vehicle has been delivered.
A panoramic roof that can turn opaque
Another standout feature is the SKY CONTROL panoramic roof. Instead of simply opening or closing a conventional sunshade, the glass roof can switch between transparent and opaque states. It is divided into nine individually adjustable sections, allowing occupants to control how much light enters the cabin.
The roof also features 162 illuminated stars, which can be displayed in up to 64 colours as part of the vehicle’s ambient lighting system.
More than just a road-going SUV
The electric GLC also gets a TERRAIN driving mode alongside ECO, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL. When TERRAIN mode is selected, the 4MATIC system automatically engages the front axle and adjusts the drivetrain, steering and braking characteristics for dirt and gravel surfaces.
A “transparent bonnet” function can also provide a virtual view of the area directly in front of the SUV, using cameras to help drivers see obstacles and select a suitable path.
Advanced driver assistance
The new GLC comes with Mercedes-Benz’s latest driver assistance systems, including Distance Assist DISTRONIC and the MB.DRIVE suite. MB.DRIVE ASSIST combines adaptive cruise control with steering assistance, while Lane Change Assist can help with lane changes when the driver operates the indicator.
A 360-degree camera system is also available through MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360.
So, when is it coming to Malaysia?
For now, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has not announced a Malaysian launch date or pricing for the all-new electric GLC in the supplied announcement.
However, the Singapore preview is significant because Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is already positioning the model for the region and describing it as the next chapter for one of its most important SUV nameplates.
The current GLC is already an established model in Malaysia, while the new electric version would give Mercedes-Benz a direct premium electric SUV offering with a combination of 616km WLTP range, 320kW DC charging, 310kW output and a much more software-focused cabin.
More details, including Malaysian specifications, pricing and the launch timeline, will therefore be the key things to watch next.
For now, the numbers suggest the electric GLC is being positioned as much more than simply an electric replacement for the existing GLC – it is effectively a new-generation Mercedes-Benz SUV built around EV architecture, software and ultra-fast charging.
