All-Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC 400e to Debut in 2026 with 800V Platform and 650km Range

Mercedes-Benz is getting ready to electrify one of its best-selling SUVs — the GLC — and it's doing so with a clean break from the "EQ" naming strategy. The upcoming GLC 400e, set to launch in spring 2026, marks a major shift in the automaker’s EV roadmap by introducing an electric variant of a familiar nameplate, rather than spinning off a separate electric sub-brand.

From EQC to GLC 400e: A New Chapter

The brand’s first EV crossover, the EQC, never made it to the U.S., and the EQB remained a niche option. But the new GLC EV is built to compete on a global scale — and it’s doing so on a dedicated 800V electric vehicle platform, not shared with either the combustion GLC or the upcoming CLA EV.

Sleek Design Meets More Space

Despite its sleeker silhouette, lower rear roofline, and a longer wheelbase (by 84 mm), the GLC 400e promises more passenger space and headroom than its gas counterpart. The trunk space is 560 liters, a bit less than the 620 liters in the gasoline GLC, but Mercedes makes up for it with a 99-liter frunk — a first for the brand.

Performance & Powertrain Highlights

Dual-motor AWD system

94.5 kWh NMC battery pack

650 km (WLTP) range / ~515 km (EPA est.)

483 hp (360 kW)

Two-speed transmission for improved high-speed efficiency

Rear-wheel drive and LFP battery versions planned later

Ultra-Fast Charging & Tesla Compatibility

With its 800V system, the GLC EV can charge at up to 320 kW, adding 260 km in just 10 minutes. U.S. versions will ship with the NACS (Tesla) charging port, enabling access to the Supercharger network. However, since Superchargers operate on a 400V system, charging speeds may be lower in the U.S. than in Europe.

Competitive Targets, Premium Pricing

With performance rivaling the Porsche Macan EV, the GLC 400e is aimed squarely at the premium EV SUV segment. But there's a catch — being imported from Germany, it will be subject to a 25% U.S. import tariff, which could drive up the price significantly. Then again, Mercedes has never been about bargain pricing.

What’s Next?

While full specs, pricing, and interior images are still under wraps, one thing is clear: Mercedes-Benz is getting serious about mainstream electric SUVs, and the GLC 400e is likely to be a cornerstone of that effort.