Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric Review: Luxury, Power, and Range Tested
Mercedes-Benz reports a 61% surge in global electric vehicle sales, highlighted by the launch of the new electric GLC. Featuring advanced luxury, a 489-hp dual-motor setup, and a 500 km real-world range, it competes directly with BMW and Audi in the high-end Israeli market.
Mercedes-Benz has released its Q3 reports, showing a global sales surge of approximately 61% for the German brand's electric and electrified vehicles compared to the same quarter last year. Combined with plug-in hybrids, nearly a quarter of the company's new vehicles now plug into an electrical outlet.
Buyers purchasing a status vehicle priced at two to three times that of a standard car are rarely troubled by adding a few hundred shekels a month to their fuel bill. However, customers in this segment do not buy a 500,000 NIS electrified vehicle to save on expenses, but rather to enjoy a quiet, emission-free driving experience and to project values such as innovation and environmental care to employees, shareholders, and neighbors.
Mercedes is currently reaping substantial rewards in Europe and the United States thanks to this trend, driven in part by the new electric GLC recently launched.
Exterior Design
Unlike the futuristic design of its competitor, the BMW iX3, Mercedes designers chose to maintain the familiar styling of the GLC series, though it can hardly be called understated. The front end now features a massive, silver-plated grille sporting the iconic Mercedes star emblem in the size of a serving plate. At night, this grille is backlit by dozens of tiny LED lights resembling stars, complemented by a computerized front lighting array.
Interior and Comfort
Stepping into the cabin is effortless, featuring a relatively modest threshold height, large doors, and an optimal seating position with all-around camera support. The front seats are wide and comfortable, while the rear bench accommodates two to three passengers with generous legroom, befitting a vehicle with a wheelbase approaching 3 meters. The trunk offers a generous 570 liters of volume, with an additional 100 liters of storage under the front hood.
Engine and Battery
The GLC is available with several powertrain and battery options, all offering a range exceeding 600 km. We tested the top-tier GLC 400 variant, featuring dual motors producing 489 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The vehicle is equipped with a 94 kWh battery boasting an official range of up to 663 km. Real-world testing in peak summer conditions with the AC blasting still yielded a practical range of around 500 km under moderate driving.
Pricing and Competitors
Placing a Mercedes in the driveway is never cheap, with the base GLC starting at around 430,000 NIS, while the luxury dual-motor version we tested reaches 560,000 NIS. Competitors in the Israeli market include the BMW iX3, priced between 490,000 and 545,000 NIS with an output of 470 hp and up to 801 km of range, and the Audi Q6 e-tron AWD, priced at 540,000 NIS for the dual-motor version with 387 hp and up to 561 km of range.
