We’ve been seeing spy shots of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC electric for what feels like forever. It has been far longer than normal for a new model, because of delays involving electrics across the industry but also because Mercedes-Benz made a massive change midway through. The model was going to be called the EQC once again, and it was going to have the unique design that made EQ models stand out. A design that people didn’t seem to like, so Benz bailed on it.
Which is why this GLC EV looks vastly different. We’ve seen other GLC EVs testing with the new look, but this one appears to be the Mercedes-AMG GLC EV version, with slightly more aggressive bodywork. It’s also looking much closer to production-ready than other GLC EVs we’ve seen.
GLC EV Is Looking Like Any Other Benz SUV
The CarBuzz spy photographers captured it in Sweden near the end of the testing season that far north. You can see that there’s less snow and a touch more green than in the photos we’ve had the last few months.
From the side, Mercedes-Benz doesn’t seem to be doing anything special. The silhouette is typical modern Benz SUV, and this prototype doesn’t even have side skirts. It does have the flush-mount door handles we expect on modern EVs.
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Preliminary details have also been provided, including new materials introduced to improve energy density. It’s finally coming to America.
At the rear, though, this GLC prototype looks longer than the last-gen GLC. Some of that is probably due to the rear quarter window that’s completely hidden under a wrap, but the proportions at the rear – especially the long overhang versus the front – are less than graceful.
A big camouflaged bump on the hood is a bit of a surprise. AMG is clearly hiding something there, but what? An electric model isn’t likely to need a power bulge like a more powerful gas model sometimes needs to clear larger engine parts. A vent in the hood seems most likely, but that, too, is odd for an EV. There’s not much to vent in there, and a flush nose doesn’t leave much air to need to channel out of the non-existent engine bay. Plus, where’s the frunk going to go?
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Our spies say this looks more like an AMG now than before. We’ll have to trust their in-person eyes because there aren’t many AMG details visible in the photos. Maybe just the small canards that lead into the front arches, a feature we haven’t seen previously on this model.
The new GLC EV will be based on the Benz MB.EA platform. It includes an 800-volt electrical system for faster charging and higher efficiency. The models are also expected to have the latest Benz motors – axial flux motors for AMG models – and Benz’s silicon carbide inverters. Power is expected to range from 250-500 horsepower, with more likely for AMG models. An electric range of 600 miles (on the ambitious WLTP cycle) is possible for the new EV.
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We’re still expecting Benz to reveal the new GLC EV line this year, though it may not go on sale until 2026. Benz has already revealed the new CLA, with a star-filled grille and a nearly 500-mile WLTP range from just 85 kWh. Expect this GLC EV to share many of the new CLA’s interior and exterior details and tech.
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