Lighting the Grille: Mercedes-Benz Fans Flames With First Look at New GLC EV
An electric GLC-Class SUV is on the way, and Mercedes-Benz is building hype around the new EV by releasing a photo of its grille. While the single shot shows only the new schnoz, the accompanying statement answers a few questions about the upcoming SUV, which will be known as the Mercedes-Benz GLC With EQ Technology.
Related: Mercedes-Benz Debuts All-Electric 2026 CLA With EQ Technology
But first, the grille. Mercedes said in a statement, “The chrome grille is one of the most visual representations of the brand’s DNA. When one sees a Mercedes‑Benz grille … there is no doubt as to the provenance of the vehicle it’s carried on.” Based on lines like that and repeated use of the phrase “new iconic grille,” expect this piece to appear on other upcoming electrified Mercedes vehicles in modified shapes and different sizes.
As on many other recent Mercs, the marque’s three-pointed star and the outline of the grille are illuminated by LEDs. The pixelated latticework features what it calls a “smoked-glass effect,” though the teaser image appears to show the optional illuminated panel with 942 individually lit segments. (The backlit star and grille surround will be standard.) Mercedes also says animations will be available for the lighted panel; perhaps it will display an expert Tetris move as the vehicle maneuvers into a tricky parking spot.
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GLC in Size and Shape, Pure EV Underneath
Unlike the electric G-Class that also uses the “With EQ Technology” naming convention, the upcoming GLC With EQ Technology is not merely an EV version of the existing internal combustion vehicle. Instead, it will ride on a dedicated EV platform distinct from the gas-powered GLC’s architecture and will likely offer single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations. Range should land north of 300 miles in order to be competitive with rivals.
And while it will be similar in size to today’s SUV, the GLC With EQ Technology will wear unique sheet metal that Mercedes says “[leads] the way with an elevated design language.” The GLC EV will also sport the automaker’s new Mercedes-Benz Operating System connected-car technology with an optional Hyperscreen full-width digital dashboard.
Counting Down to the Debut
We expect more details to trickle out on the new GLC With EQ Technology over the next few weeks. The full reveal will take place in Munich Sept. 7.
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