New Look for its EV Series as Mercedes Teases Upcoming GLC

Even as it puts a hold on sales of its EQ series, Mercedes plans to move forward with its rollout of new EVs and has offered up a first teaser image of the all-electric GLC set to debut at the Munich Motor Show next month. More from Headlight.News.

Mercedes-Benz is walking away from the “one-bow” design language it first introduced on its flagship EQS EV. An all-new look will make its debut at the upcoming IAA Mobility show in Munich next month in the form of the new GLC crossover.

The German automaker has offered up a first teaser image of the “premium compact crossover,” showing the distinctive new look of its front end, with a large chrome tri-star logo framed by a backlit, pixelated grille.

But the new design is just part of what Mercedes plans to spotlight in Munich. The midsize model, more formally known as the GLC with EQ Technology, is the first entry from what will be a “family” of vehicles powered by a new supercomputer-based operating system.

Sensual Purity

Mercedes attempted to reshape the EV when it rolled out the original EQS sedan four years ago. It was followed by the big EQS sedan, as well as the midsize EQE sedan and CUV models. But the one-bow theme received a mixed response from reviewers and potential buyers alike – in part due to the sacrifice it required in terms of rear seat space.

Mercedes has dubbed its new look ‘Sensual Purity,” and suggests it will bring a “fusion of design, technology and craftsmanship.”

For the moment, we’ll have to guess what that translates into, but the automaker says there will be two front end options. The basic design features a wide chrome, smoked-glass-effect lattice and integrated contour lightning. The lit version features 942 backlit pixelated dots which can be animated when the GLC starts up.

“Our new iconic grille is not just a new front for the GLC, it redefines the face of our brand. It is the perfect fusion of lasting design codes reinterpretedfor the future, making our cars instantly recognizable,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

New technology

For the moment, Mercedes is holding back on key details, including the GLC’s all-electric drivetrain. The automaker hinted previously that it is making progress with its motor drive technology and there’d be little surprise if the new crossover delivers better range than existing EQ models, certainly going further on every kilowatt-hour of juice stored in its lithium-ion battery pack.

According to some sources, the GLC will make 483 horsepower in top trim. Range of over 300 miles seems a certainty, as well. Significantly, the new EV now uses an 800-volt electrical architecture which offers several advantages, including faster charging. Those sources indicate the crossover will be able to add as much as 160 miles of range in about 10 minutes when plugging into the highest power public DC quick chargers.

Mercedes also has indicated it’s ready to begin mass production of a new generation of electric motors developed by Yasa, the British start-up it acquired several years ago. Those axial flux motors will, at least initially, be used on AMG packages. That could include a subsequent high-performance version of the GLC.

For now, we do know that GLC will feature a next-generation version of the MB.OS operating system. The automaker claims there’s a new “supercomputer” operating the crossover’s extensive array of technologies. That will include “an optional all-new seamless MBUX Hyperscreen.”

More Mercedes News

• Mercedes Pauses U.S. EQ Orders as Sales Slide
• First Look: Mercedes Vision V
• 2025 Mercedes EQS Gets Styling Tweaks, Beefier Battery

Charging up EV sales

In current form, the GLC is Mercedes’ best-selling model worldwide. It’s today offered with a variety of different powertrain options but this will mark its first appearance in all-electric form.

The battery crossover will be of particular importance to the German marque. Demand for the EQS and EQE models has tumbled. In the U.S., dealers are saddled with more than 115 days’ supply, about twice the industry norm. Mercedes last month confirmed it has put a hold on orders for both EVs in the U.S.

Going forward, the two models are set to get a major redesign, though precise timing is unclear. Meanwhile, the EQ nomenclature is changing. Future Mercedes EVs will revert back to more conventional badges, adding the phrase “with EQ Technology.

We’ll get a first clear look at the new Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology in Munich at the IAA on September 7^th.