Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 Electric review, first drive: This EV could change your mind

We drove the Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric in Germany to get a taster of what is coming our way in India.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has become one of the company’s bestsellers globally, and India is no exception. So, with Mercedes-Benz accelerating its electrification programme, it was only a matter of time before the GLC joined the electric family.

Say hello, then, to the Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 Electric—the next big launch from Mercedes-Benz India. Bookings are set to open in the first week of October 2026, with the official launch scheduled for the end of the year.

But the big question is: should you go ahead and book one?

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: Design and dimensions

The GLC in its ICE avatar has always been a good-looking SUV, and the EV is no different. It is unmistakably a GLC, but there are enough touches to reveal its electric underpinnings. Take the grille, for instance. It is completely new and features a whopping 942 backlit dots that illuminate to highlight the front end. While all that illumination is nice, what we really like is that Mercedes has given the EV a face that still resembles an ICE-powered GLC, rather than making it look like it has a zipped-up mouth.

Better still, the design takes inspiration from the W112 S-Class, and the resemblance is quite evident. The grille is flanked by a pair of LED headlights featuring the familiar three-pointed Star motif in the DRLs. The bonnet, meanwhile, gets a small black Star badge. But this isn't merely about showing the world that you've arrived in life. Touch the badge and the bonnet pops open to reveal a rather large frunk. Touching the Mercedes badge used to be nothing short of treason; thankfully, those days are over.

The frunk can hold 128 litres of cargo and, if you happen to be a golf fanatic, Mercedes says it can swallow around 2,010 golf balls. Now that’s a very specific measure of practicality.

In profile, the GLC Electric looks rather sporty. The 20-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells nicely, while the wing mirrors house a plethora of cameras to aid the driver. At the rear, the GLC Electric gets a full-width light panel, with Star motifs once again making an appearance.

The spoiler on top of our AMG Line variant is larger than what you get on the standard models, and it certainly adds to the sporty look.

Last but not least, the GLC Electric is substantially larger than its ICE sibling. It is 142mm longer, 23mm wider and 9mm taller, while the wheelbase has been stretched by a significant 84mm. That extra length between the wheels should translate into more room for passengers inside.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: Interiors, features and the wow factor

If the exteriors are suave and classy, get ready to be blown away when you step inside the GLC Electric. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 39.1-inch, full-width display that seamlessly lights up to welcome you onboard. It serves as the instrument cluster, centre-console infotainment screen and information display, while also extending across to provide a dedicated screen for the front passenger.

The display is packed with rich graphics, adding a distinctly premium feel to the cabin. The passenger screen can also double up as an entertainment device, with games and apps available to keep them occupied. The steering wheel is equally well equipped, with a host of controls that are intuitive and fairly easy to get used to.

A special mention must go to the head-up display. Its navigation guidance is particularly clever, with arrows that increase in size as you approach a turn, making them easy to follow at a glance. I'm not usually a big fan of HUDs, but this one actually made me use it—especially while navigating the unfamiliar roads of Germany.

Sitting below the backlit AC vents is the centre console, which houses wireless charging pads. Further down are a set of classy physical knobs that control various functions. They look good, feel substantial and operate with excellent precision, reinforcing the sense of quality that you expect from Mercedes-Benz. Beyond this is a generous amount of storage space.

Mercedes-Benz is also offering a Burmester audio system with 15 speakers, and it sounds every bit as impressive as you'd expect. The system delivers a rich, immersive experience, with the cabin’s ambient modes adding another layer to it. Want some warmth? Select the campfire setting and the entire display comes alive with a virtual fire, while the audio system syncs with it to reproduce the crackling of flames. The panoramic glass roof joins in too, lighting up with backlit Stars to complete the experience. It might sound a little gimmicky, but it certainly adds to the occasion.

Space is available in abundance throughout the GLC Electric, while the front seats also get a massage function. After a long day behind the wheel, I can vouch for how welcome that feature can be. The rear seats are equally comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The flat floor further enhances the sense of space, making the cabin feel considerably more airy.

And then there is the boot. The GLC Electric offers 370 litres of cargo space, which can be expanded to a massive 1,740 litres with the rear seats folded. The floor is flat, there are very few intrusions and the loading lip is low, making it easy to load larger items. In other words, the GLC Electric may be packed with technology, but it hasn't forgotten the basics of everyday practicality.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: Electric motor, battery, range and performance

The GLC Electric to be launched in India is going to be the GLC 400 4MATIC version and that means it comes with an AWD system. The peak power output is rated at 360kW and peak torque offered is 800Nm. It also features a two-speed gearbox. Considering these number, it is not hard to believe that the GLC Electric can sprint to 100kmph in just 4.3 seconds.

When it comes to the range, the GLC Electric offers a massive 715km range in WLTP cycles. However, we believe that in the real world it can surely do 600km on a single charge. It also supports 330kW of DC fast charging that ensures a range of 305km with just 10 minute of charging. Otherwise it also supports 22kW of AC charging.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric: How is it to drive?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric comes alive silently at the press of a button. Shift into Drive, squeeze the accelerator and it effortlessly glides forward. The accelerator calibration is brilliant, offering a very natural response and allowing you to feel every bit of the drive. At city speeds, the GLC Electric feels sublime. It gets to 80kmph in no time and can sit there all day long, cocooning you in near silence. The excellent acoustics, aided by the glazed windows, keep the outside world firmly at bay.

But don't let the quiet and classy demeanour fool you. Switch to the faster drive modes, bury the accelerator and the GLC Electric transforms. The acceleration is neck-snapping, with the SUV gathering speed in the blink of an eye. At one point, we watched the digital speedometer climb from 60kmph to 82kmph and then to 120kmph in rapid succession. It is properly quick.

Interestingly, we also experienced what felt like a seamless gearshift at speeds above 140kmph—almost like a super-slick gearbox slotting into the next ratio. This could be the system switching between its two gears to optimise performance. Even at these speeds, wind and road noise remain impressively well controlled, with the glazed windows doing their bit to maintain the serene cabin environment.

What was equally impressive was the way the battery behaved at higher speeds. We did not see it deplete at an alarming rate. Instead, the regenerative braking system was constantly putting energy back into the battery, particularly when we lifted off and allowed the GLC Electric to coast.

As for ride quality, we will reserve final judgement for our time with the car on Indian roads. Our drive in Germany was largely restricted to silky-smooth village roads and high-speed Autobahns. Even so, the suspension struck a good balance, never feeling excessively soft or overly stiff. Around corners, the GLC Electric remained composed, with minimal body roll and plenty of confidence.

The steering is light, as you'd expect from a Mercedes-Benz SUV, but it offers decent feedback and makes the GLC easy to place on the road. If we had to nitpick, though, a little more weight and feedback through the steering wheel would certainly add to the driving experience.

When electric mobility first began gaining momentum in India, many manufacturers chose to make their EVs look dramatically different from their ICE counterparts. But that approach may not be what buyers are looking for. Increasingly, customers seem to prefer EVs that retain the familiar design and proportions of conventional cars, and this is where the GLC Electric makes a strong case for itself.

It looks unmistakably like a GLC, yet carries enough electric touches to set it apart. More importantly, it packs in plenty of technology, features and comfort, while the expected long range should give owners the confidence to use it as their only car. And then there is the price. We expect Mercedes-Benz India to position the GLC Electric in the Rs 80 lakh price bracket, which, if it happens, could make it a compelling proposition.

So, if you have been waiting for an EV that doesn't scream "I'm electric", the GLC Electric could be just the ticket. Now, get those cheque books ready!