I loved the Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC electric, but it might just be too sensible for some

Introduction

I’ve been mightily impressed with the recent crop of electric cars I’ve had from Mercedes-Benz. The GLC 400 4MATIC electric is no different: this sizeable premium electric SUV offers lots of space and the ever-impressive array of interior tech that’s a standout feature across the current Merc range. However, it’s also a sensible option that didn’t provide me with quite the same levels of excitement as key rivals including the excellent BMW iX3 or Porsche Macan Electric.

Nevertheless the electric GLC has great foundations, sitting on the same MB.EA dedicated EV platform (albeit in a midsize format) as the Mercedes-Benz CLA I’ve raved about previously. That means there’s lots of tech and engineering which makes the SUV feel bang up to date. There’s lots of shove too, thanks to a twin-motor powertrain and all-wheel drive, with over 400 miles of range for good measure. Rapid charging pitstops sounded promising thanks to the 800-volt system, offering re-juicing up to 330kW.

The car I tested was the GLC 400 4MATIC electric Premier Edition, which had a base price of £73,350 but, after extras, came in at £77,850 on the road. US pricing is still TBC, with the base model expected to land at $60,000 before incentives; expect the equivalent trim to be closer to $80,000.

A big chunk of the extra change went on the £2,500 Refinement Package, which adds in air suspension and rear axle steering. Based on my experiences on UK roads, I’d say the extra cost would be worth it as the GLC 400 felt wonderful to drive. And, as for the interior and tech goodies – they were top of the bill too.

The styling

Having enjoyed the seven-seat Mercedes-Benz GLB 250+ electric recently, the GLC electric felt a little like more of the same. Up front, the chunky grille is perhaps the most imposing feature. Nicely sculpted headlights and air intakes around it all added to a very distinguished overall look. Get the one with illumination and it even throws in a party trick lighting signature on startup and shut down, which I thought was rather good.

Elsewhere, the GLC 400 electric features lots of smooth and cleverly sculpted panels that make it attractive but, sadly, a little pedestrian. The stance is good though, with my car being further embellished with 21in AMG multi-spoke alloys. I thought the rear end looked good, mind, with a roofline that sloped down to the rear window, topped with a spoiler and a sleek taillight array adding to the dramatic vibe. In-between, trim flourishes along the roof rails and sill line helped zing things up a smidge.

Really though, it was the interior that was the big draw. It’s all a bit showy, especially with the dominance of the screens across the dashboard. However, there’s no doubting the comfort levels provided by the sumptuous seating both front and rear. Adding appeal for family-focused buyers is the 570-litres of storage in the boot, supplemented by a 128-litre frunk. Overall, the feeling of roominess and luxury inside was a big pull factor for me.

The drive

One of the best things about the Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC electric is just how manageable it felt after driving even larger products from the current portfolio. At over 4.85 metres, the GLC 400 is still a bulky thing, but the package isn’t intimidating and driving it couldn’t have been easier. My car was also helped by the air suspension, which took the edge off just about any kind of road surface I encountered.

While the Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 electric doesn’t really look like a performance machine, I found it to be very peppy when the power was needed. The powertrain setup was more than capable too, with 489bhp providing plenty of muscle. Considering its size and weight of over 2,600 kilograms, the SUV was also fast moving: a 0-62mph time of just 4.3 seconds proved plenty, as I’m sure would the 130mph top speed.

Key to the performance and handling was that twin motor setup, but the braking arrangement was also impressive, especially the D Auto option that assisted with regenerative braking. It took me a while to settle in to the best option for my needs, but once I’d had a play with the controls, I found the Comfort setting ideally suited for my mixed driving scenario time behind the wheel.

That Refinement Package option also helped with parking as it features mild rear-wheel steering. It made the GLC surprisingly agile in city traffic and when it was being edged into tight spaces. Another core benefit of this SUV was the maximum charge rate of 330kWh, which would make pit stops at a suitable charger brief and very expensive in equal measure. However, thanks to the realistic range of 395 miles and great levels of efficiency, I survived by doing longer runs in one go and then home charging overnight. No complaints there.

The technology

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t reigned in its infotainment systems on current cars and the array of screens on my GLC 400 echoed what I’d already experienced on my other recent testers. Sure, it’s a little bit over the top for some tastes, but I’ve been more than happy with the latest MBUX setup because the colour, graphics and overall clarity are wonderful.

Better still, everything seems to work as expected too, with the voice control in these cars proving to be right up my street. I was spoilt for choice when it came to screen space, with the 39.1in MBUX Hyperscreen occupying, well, the whole of the dashboard. There was even a head-up display that featured augmented detailing during navigation too. However, I found it was necessary to work with the settings for nighttime use as the glow from the screen and the otherwise excellent ambient lighting, could be a bit distracting.

I, and my fellow passengers, were also literally dazzled by the excellent Sky Control panoramic glass roof. It featured an illuminated star pattern visible at night, and I’d not seen anything that impressive in a headliner area since I was behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce a few years ago. Blingy, yes, but it was done well enough to feel premium rather than tacky.

Another brilliant feature was the Burmester 4D Surround Sound audio system, which really hit the spot thanks to 19 speakers and, apparently, four ‘exciters’ in the front seats. It provided excellent quality audio, which helped back up the overall opulence of the interior. Naturally, Apple CarPlay and Android Audio were present, plus there were twin wireless charging pads in the front. Nods towards wintertime convenience were also featured, including heated front and rear seats, steering wheel and even heated windscreen wiper blades.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric verdict

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 electric is up there with the best of them when it comes to providing premium vibes in a bumper SUV package. It’s a practical option for families who need space and anyone who loves their tech should be hugely impressed with the dependable infotainment setup.

While the exterior looks are less exciting, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 electric drives like a dream and feels well suited to any location where the roads are less than satisfactory. Opt for the pricey but effective air suspension bundle and, amazingly, it gets even comfier.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric technical specifications