2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC Desires To Steal The BMW iX3’s Thunder

BMW simply launched its most necessary electrical car in latest reminiscence, the 2027 iX3, on the 2025 IAA Mobility present in Germany. Clearly, German rival Mercedes-Benz wants to reply in-kind with a aggressive electrical crossover. The (deep breath) 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Know-how will go wheel-to-wheel with the iX3, competing in the identical compact luxurious phase with next-generation EV expertise. However does it have the juice to take down BMW’s game-changing iX3?

Mercedes is ranging from a difficult place as a result of the corporate has solely launched European specs for the automobile, so we do not know how a lot it should price in the USA or what the vary can be on the EPA testing cycle. We will, nonetheless, draw some conclusions based mostly on the WLTP figures, evaluating them on to what BMW quoted for the iX3. Listed here are the important thing highlights: roughly 360 miles of vary (DrivingOnRoad estimate), 800-volt charging as much as 330 kW, 483 horsepower, an non-compulsory 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen with synthetic intelligence, and styling that not appears like a jellybean.

“The most important product-launch program in our firm’s historical past continues with the all-new GLC. We’re not simply introducing a brand new mannequin – we’re electrifying our prime vendor.”

– Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Administration, Mercedes-Benz Group AG

The Jellybean Is (Largely) Gone

You possibly can generally learn between the strains of an automaker’s press launch based mostly on what comes first within the copy. With the brand new GLC, it is all about design. You possibly can inform Mercedes is able to admit the aerodynamic EQS and its jellybean form was not well-received by prospects, which is why the GLC marks a “new period of distinctive design” for Mercedes-Benz.

The general form remains to be fairly easy, delivering a 0.26 drag coefficient, but it surely’s way more good-looking than the present EQ automobiles. Like its German counterpart, BMW, Mercedes is reinventing the grille with LED lights. It options 942 polycarbonate backlit dots that create the phantasm of metallic, and it include non-compulsory animation, together with an illuminated Mercedes star. On the again, two-piece tail-lights have a rocket-light look, and will also be animated throughout charging or when the GLC is locked/unlocked.

Mercedes mentions that 21-inch wheels can be found, however would not specify the usual wheel dimension. The corporate additionally fails to offer exterior measurements, however does notice that the wheelbase is 117 inches, 3.1 inches longer than the gasoline GLC. This could give the electrical GLC an additional half-inch of entrance legroom, and 1.9 inches of rear legroom, respectively, whereas headroom elevated by 1.8 inches up entrance and simply over a half-inch within the again. Cargo area is barely smaller behind the rear seats at 20.1 cubic toes (21.9 within the gasoline mannequin), however total area is as much as 61.4 cubes (in comparison with 56.3 cubes). That is additionally the primary Mercedes EV to incorporate a entrance trunk, which holds 3.5 cubic toes of no matter you bought.

Know-how Overload, Additional Display

A New Hyperscreen

Bear in mind when the pinnacle Mercedes designer declared “screens usually are not luxurious” throughout an interview? Nicely, neither does Mercedes. The 2027 GLC launches with an non-compulsory MBUX Hyperscreen that measures 39.1 inches throughout, principally taking over all the dashboard. It might appear to be one display, but it surely’s technically three separate shows behind an enormous piece of glass: a ten.25-inch gauge cluster, a 14.0-inch central touchscreen, and a 14.0-inch passenger show. In the event you do not go for the Hyperscreen, the passenger show is changed with a digital trim ingredient, which might present a private picture or one in all 12 preloaded pictures.

The brand new MBUX infotainment system is powered by the Unity Recreation Engine and options synthetic intelligence. Drivers can use AI with the MBUX Digital Assistant to get Google Maps instructions and have conversations that sound extra pure. Mercedes has additionally added the power to create folders, like a smartphone, letting homeowners arrange their streaming or gaming apps into one place.

New apps for MBUX embrace Conferences for Groups (everybody can be thrilled) and Disney+. Mercedes will supply non-compulsory Burmester 3D and 4D encompass sound programs with Dolby Atmos, which can be utilized with non-compulsory Lively Ambient Lightning sound visualization. Music, motion pictures, or TV exhibits can now set off mild modifications within the automobile, whereas the 4D system makes use of a physique sound transducer within the seat to make you are feeling the sound.

Sound Expertise

Along with the 3D and 4D audio, Mercedes is as soon as once more leaning into EVs that make noise whenever you hit the accelerator. The GLC with EQ Know-how provides a holistic “Sound Expertise” with 4 acquainted modes: Silver Waves, Vivid Flux, Serene Breeze, and Roaring Pulse (AMG Line solely). It additionally provides two new sound modes with the next descriptions:

• Fractal Fusion: Nineteen Eighties retro arcade recreation tones with synthwaves and vibrant textures
• Granular Fuzz: guitar riffs, orchestral soundtracks, samples from nature, and digital results

Mercedes says the sounds are triggered upon startup, and every one will get its personal distinctive locking and unlocking tone and charging alert to substantiate a connection. These sounds on the inside are separate from the legally required Acoustic Automobile Alerting System for pedestrian security, which has two ranges: discreet and characterful.

The Most Luxurious GLC Ever

That is clearly essentially the most luxurious GLC to-date, and Mercedes has crammed some spectacular new options into it. There’s a one-piece panoramic roof, which comes commonplace with infrared coating to replicate the solar. Prospects can add non-compulsory Sky Management, which might flip the glass opaque utilizing polymer-dispersed liquid crystal PDLC expertise. There are 9 segments that may be chosen, and be switched from clear to opaque. There’s additionally an choice to indicate 162 stars in one in all 64 colours at evening, which isn’t too dissimilar from a Rolls-Royce star headliner.

Each seat within the GLC will get a seal from the German Group for Wholesome Backs. Reminiscence adjustment and heating are commonplace, whereas sport seats can be found with increased aspect bolsters. Each are constructed from 30% recycled content material. An Energizing Consolation characteristic will be activated as a part of an MB Wellbeing Energizing Package deal, which rolls in animations and sounds on the Hyperscreen.

These are mixed with actions and therapeutic massage features from the seats for a full leisure expertise. You possibly can select a 10-minute program — Contemporary Breeze, Heat & Cozy, Vitality, Good Vibes, and Chill out – or take a 15-minute energy nap. Different enjoyable options embrace “emotional modes” resembling a campfire on the display.

Improved EV Tech, However Is It Sufficient?

800-Volt Know-how

For an EV occurring sale subsequent 12 months, the GLC must be future-proof, which is why it options 800-volt expertise with silicon carbide inverters, not the 400-volt tech from present Mercedes EQ fashions. Mercedes has printed the next European specs: a 713-kilometer WLTP vary (443 miles) from a 94-kWh usable battery, 330 kW peak cost velocity, 303 kilometers (188 miles) added in 10 minutes of charging, a 5,291-pound towing capability, and one-box braking that is accomplished nearly totally by regeneration.

As we talked about within the opening, a direct comparability is difficult as a result of we should not have US specs, however the GLC is nearly actually behind the iX3 in each class apart from towing.

If we solely go on BMW’s WLTP numbers, the iX3 has the GLC outclassed. It claims an 805-kilometer vary (albeit with a bigger 108 kWh battery), 400 kW peak charging velocity, 372 kilometers (231 miles) added in 10 minutes, however solely 4,400 kilos of towing capability. Until you have got a extremely heavy Jet Ski, the BMW emerges because the early hypothetical winner of this on-paper comparability.

EQ Is Non-obligatory

Mercedes seems to be taking the identical method with the GLC because it did with the G-Glass, making the electrical mannequin a trim throughout the vary fairly than a definite EQ car just like the EQE or EQS. The GLC 400 MATIC with EQ Know-how would be the first and solely electrical GLC variant to launch within the US market, however that does not imply others won’t be part of it sooner or later.

This model makes use of two electrical motors producing 483 hp, together with a two-speed transmission within the again and a disconnect unit within the entrance. Mercedes would not quote any acceleration instances, however says the 130-mph prime velocity is achieved in second gear and that the shift level is decided based mostly on the driving state of affairs and drive mode. Consumers can go for an Agility & Consolation Package deal with Airmatic suspension and clever suspension management from the S-Class, plus rear-axle steering. It is value noting that is already obtainable on the gas-powered GLC, however not within the US market.

Like the brand new BMW iX3, the GLC will get a One Field braking system which delivers a constant brake pedal really feel always, regardless if the automobile is utilizing the friction brakes or recuperation. This can be a main enchancment, as Mercedes had probably the worst pedal really feel of any EV in the marketplace with a brake pedal that actually moved positions because the automobile slowed down. The automobile can now come to a whole cease utilizing recuperation solely, producing as much as 300 kW within the course of.

Pricing & US Availability

The 2027 GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Know-how arrives at US dealerships in “late 2026,” that means the BMW iX3 will already be on sale when it will get right here. BMW has promised the iX3 50 xDrive will begin “round $60,000,” however Mercedes is just saying that “pricing can be obtainable nearer to market launch.” There are nonetheless many particulars left to iron out, however it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how these extremely necessary EVs carry out for his or her respective manufacturers. Assuming Mercedes can worth the GLC in the same means, it might be aggressive, however BMW clearly has extra spectacular vary and charging specs.

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