2027 Mercedes GLC EV First Look: Shows the Future Can Still Feel Familiar

The upcoming all-electric 2027 Mercedes GLC SUV bears a striking resemblance to the current gas-powered model. Beyond its new illuminated grille, Mercedes has intentionally kept the two designs closely aligned, even though the electric version is larger and built on a longer wheelbase. The shift signals a move away from the futuristic styling of earlier EVs like the EQE and EQS, with Mercedes now aiming to blend its electric lineup more seamlessly with its traditional models.

Historical on the Outside, Futuristic Within

From the outside, the 2027 Mercedes GLC with EQ Technology could pass for its gas-powered sibling. Step inside, though, and the similarities stop. Leading the tech-heavy transformation is the optional next-generation MBUX Hyperscreen—a sweeping 39.1-inch single-pane display that spans nearly the entire dashboard. Mid-range trims will feature the “Superscreen” layout, which splits the dash into three displays: a 10.3-inch driver screen, a 14.0-inch central unit, and a 14.0-inch passenger display. Entry-level models simplify things further with a non-touchscreen passenger panel, effectively a built-in digital photo frame for owner-uploaded images.

Overhead, passengers can take in the view through a panoramic glass roof—or instantly dim it using liquid crystals that turn the surface semi-opaque at the touch of a button. Mercedes offers three versions of the roof, with the top-tier option featuring nine LCD panels and 162 illuminated three-pointed stars that sync with the GLC’s ambient lighting. Regardless of trim, each version is engineered to maximize natural light while keeping heat and cold at bay.

Technology takes center stage in the new 2027 Mercedes GLC cabin. Options include a 4D Burmester audio system that uses seat vibrations to let passengers feel the music as well as hear it, and ambient lighting that can pulse to the beat or flash alerts tied to driver-assistance features. Powering it all is the new AI-driven Mercedes MB.OS platform, first introduced in the CLA-Class sedan. The system supports facial recognition for personalized logins, secure remote payments via Mercedes Pay+, video streaming, and even Microsoft Teams videoconferencing—while also keeping the SUV current through over-the-air updates.

A Cabin Without Carnage

Mercedes is introducing an industry first with the option of an interior certified by The Vegan Society. While cloth upholstery in the base 2027 Mercedes GLC and synthetic leather in most trims are already animal-free, the dedicated Vegan package ensures that every material—right down to adhesives, dyes, and carpets—is free of animal-derived components. In practice, it looks and feels nearly identical to the synthetic leather and suede used elsewhere in the lineup. For buyers who prefer traditional materials, genuine leather will still be available on higher trims and with the AMG Line package.

Despite its tech-forward cabin, the electric 2027 Mercedes GLC stays true to the dimensions and feel of its gasoline counterpart. The EV version is roughly 5.0 inches longer, with a 3.3-inch longer wheelbase to accommodate the battery, while also adding modestly to interior space—0.5 inch more front legroom and 1.9 inches in the rear. Width remains identical, and overall height increases by just 0.1 inch, though headroom was never an issue in the conventional GLC anyway.

Cargo capacity appears roughly on par with the gas-powered 2027 Mercedes GLC, though official U.S. specifications are still pending. The trunk features an adjustable floor that can sit flush for a flat loading surface or lower to accommodate taller items, along with a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat. The electric GLC also adds a front trunk—or frunk—offering 4.5 cubic feet of storage, accessible simply by pressing the Mercedes emblem on the hood.

Wattage and Workings

The electric 2027 Mercedes GLC will launch in the GLC 400 4Matic configuration, featuring two motors that deliver a combined 483 hp and 596 lb-ft of torque—enough to propel the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, according to Mercedes. Engineers confirmed that a three- or four-motor setup was unnecessary, as two motors provide ample power. Efficiency is enhanced by a front motor that disconnects from the drive axle when not in use, while the rear motor employs an integrated two-speed transmission to balance acceleration and efficiency. The GLC 400 also offers four-wheel steering, improving high-speed stability and reducing the turning circle to a compact 36.7 feet.

Following the 2027 Mercedes GLC 400, Mercedes will offer a single-motor GLC 300, producing 369 hp and 372 lb-ft of torque solely to the rear axle, with an estimated 0–60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. While it lacks the GLC 400’s four-wheel steering and optional S-Class-derived air suspension, the GLC 300 retains the same towing capacity of approximately 5,300 pounds.

Battery and Charging

Both the 2027 Mercedes GLC 400 and GLC 300 draw energy from a 94 kWh usable nickel-manganese-cobalt battery. The 800-volt architecture supports charging at up to 330 kW, which Mercedes says can add as much as 185 miles of range in 10 minutes and take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes. The GLC 400 carries a WLTP-estimated range of 700 kilometers (435 miles), though EPA figures are typically lower; early projections suggest the dual-motor model may achieve slightly over 300 miles per charge. The single-motor GLC 300 could potentially reach 350 miles, a number enthusiasts will hope to see. Both models also support bi-directional charging, allowing the SUV to power devices—or even a home—from its battery.

Mercedes has addressed a common criticism of its EVs: the lack of true one-pedal driving. The 2027 Mercedes GLC introduces the new “One Box” braking system, which combines electric and hydraulic braking to enable full-stop one-pedal operation. While the friction brakes will still engage when necessary, Mercedes estimates that 99 percent of braking events will be handled by regeneration alone. Drivers can choose from three levels of regenerative braking or select the “D Auto” mode, which uses map data to decide when to coast and when to harvest energy.

Space, Grace, and Buzzy Bass

We had a chance to ride in a 2027 Mercedes GLC 400 4Matic around Stuttgart, equipped with the optional air suspension. The overall impression was one of space and refinement: minimal road noise and only a touch of wind noise—especially notable in an EV, where there’s no engine hum to mask sounds. The vehicle offers multiple drive modes, including a Terrain mode with a “transparent bonnet” camera that shows what’s immediately ahead. Our ride also featured the four synthetic sound modes—Silver Waves, Vivid Flux, Serene Breeze, and Fractal Fusion. While such soundscapes can seem gimmicky, combined with the vibrating seats, they created a surprisingly immersive experience that left us smiling.

The 2027 Mercedes GLC with EQ Technology is expected to reach the U.S. in 2026 as a 2027 model. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the 2026 gas GLC starts just under $51,000, with the plug-in hybrid GLC 350e 4Matic around $61,500. Accounting for an estimated $10,000–$20,000 premium for the electric models and potential tariff adjustments, the GLC 400 with EQ Technology will likely start near $75,000, while the single-motor versions could fall into the low $60,000s. As Mercedes-Benz bestselling model in the U.S., the GLC’s understated EV styling positions it well for strong sales in the growing electric SUV market.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology Specifications