Mercedes-Benz GLC EV: Unveiled at Munich Motor Show, A New Exploration of Design and Performance

In the era of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, Mercedes-Benz’s design was undoubtedly iconic in the industry. Whether it was the exterior styling or interior ambiance, it always managed to create an unparalleled sense of luxury. However, as we enter the new energy vehicle (NEV) era, the design of Mercedes-Benz models has repeatedly challenged consumers’ mainstream aesthetic perceptions. On September 8, 2025, Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC EV at the Munich Motor Show. This new model has sparked widespread attention and discussion, from its exterior to performance.

Starting with the exterior, the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV adopts a hidden door handle layout to incorporate more NEV design elements, though the opening of the door handles is relatively small. At the rear, it is equipped with a brand-new style of through-type taillights, with two semicircular design elements on each side of the light assembly. While opinions on the vehicle’s overall visual appeal may vary, its high recognition is beyond doubt. The most eye-catching design of the new car lies in its front face – the front grille integrated with 942 illuminated pixel dots. At first glance, it looks like the grille is inlaid with diamonds, exuding a distinct "luxurious and eye-catching" vibe. The car’s logo supports an illumination function, and a glowing light strip surrounds the outer edge of the front grille, further enhancing the sense of technology unique to NEVs. What makes it even more unique is that the internal structure of the car’s headlights also incorporates Mercedes-Benz logo elements; a single glance at the front face reveals three Mercedes-Benz "three-pointed star emblems," fully demonstrating the brand’s confidence. In addition, the air intakes on both sides of the vehicle are quite large in size. It is clear that the designers intended to create a stronger sense of sportiness, but this design has also sparked controversy. Some netizens believe that the front-end design is overly radical, and even bears a somewhat "budget-friendly utility vehicle" (a Chinese internet slang term originally referring to simple low-speed mobility vehicles for the elderly, here referring to models with mediocre design) - like knockoff vibe.

In terms of the interior, the center console of the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV is fitted with a seamless, through-type MBUX large connected display, measuring 39.1 inches in size. Almost every corner of the visual field is occupied by the screen, creating a strong tech atmosphere. On both the left and right sides of the screen, there are classic circular air vents with a "gun barrel" design, while symmetric rectangular air vents are located below the center of the infotainment screen, balancing aesthetics and practicality. The central control function area not only features a wireless phone charging pad but also retains some physical buttons. Amidst the current trend of touch-based operations, this provides users with a more convenient operational option.

To enhance the in-car space performance, the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV has been optimized in terms of body dimensions. Its wheelbase has been extended by 80mm compared to its ICE counterpart, resulting in a more spacious internal seating space. The storage capacity has also been significantly improved: the trunk capacity has increased by 20 liters to reach 570 liters, and the vehicle also has a 128-liter frunk (front trunk). This is more than sufficient to meet the storage needs of daily commuting and long-distance trips.

In terms of powertrain and platform, the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV is built on the MB.EA platform and features an 800V high-voltage architecture. It will be available in both single-motor and dual-motor versions, with corresponding maximum horsepower of 272 hp and 489 hp respectively. Its range and charging performance are equally impressive. It is reported that the vehicle will have a pure electric range of 650 kilometers and support 320KW high-power fast charging – it only takes 10 minutes of charging to replenish 260 kilometers of range, effectively alleviating users’ range anxiety. In addition, the new car also plans to launch an AMG high-performance version, which will have a maximum horsepower of up to 608 hp and an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h (approximately 0-62 mph) of less than 4 seconds, providing more options for consumers who pursue driving performance.

In terms of configurations, the Mercedes-Benz GLC EV will be equipped with advanced features such as an air suspension and rear-wheel steering, further enhancing the vehicle’s riding comfort and handling. However, details regarding the vehicle’s performance in other aspects are still pending the official release of more information.