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The new GLC (provisional figures: energy consumption combined: 14.9-18.8 kWh/100 km | CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)[1] continues the timeless proportions of the Mercedes‑Benz midsize SUV with a thoroughly modern twist. The iconic grille defines the striking, self-confident front. The wheels are available up to 21 inches and give the vehicle a powerful stance. Pronounced wheel arches and a sculpted shoulder section emphasise the dynamic silhouette. Each line underscores the sporty proportions of the GLC and gives it an unmistakable aesthetic.
Iconic grille redefines the Mercedes‑Benz face
As a reinterpretation of one of the most iconic design elements in automotive history, the new grille marks an important milestone. At the same time, it redefines the face of the Mercedes‑Benz brand. From a functional feature of the combustion-vehicle era, the grille of the all-electric GLC has evolved into an illuminated high-tech artwork. The redesigned radiator grille preserves the essence of Mercedes‑Benz, conveying prestige and status through reduction, clean lines and technology. The new GLC is the first model to bear this iconic grille. Its features include a wide chromed frame, a smoked-glass-look mesh structure and integrated contour lighting.
An illuminated version is available as an option, featuring a total of 942 polycarbonate backlit dots. This optional high-tech pixel graphic can even be animated and brings the GLC to life. Additionally, the central star and the integrated surrounding contour of the iconic grille are illuminated. Depending on country-specific regulations, the central star is also partially or fully illuminated[2]
The standard full-LED headlights – DIGITAL LIGHT is available as an option – are integrated harmoniously into the front design. The iconic star logo and the “visor” look of the daytime running lights, marker lights and indicators impressively emphasise the design, day or night.
From the standard AVANTGARDE Line upwards, the chromed trim (including the side-window surrounds) and the generous panoramic roof accentuate the vehicle’s prestigious appeal. Roof rails and chromed trim on the exterior air intakes and sills complete the look. In combination with KEYLESS-GO with HANDS‑FREE ACCESS, the GLC features flush-fitting door handles.
Star-shaped taillights that communicate through animations
The rear view is characterised by its innovative two-part lights. Their captivating star motif catches the eye both day and night. As an option, in conjunction with the illuminated grille, these lights will animate when the vehicle is unlocked or charging. Another highlight is the two-piece roof spoiler with its black lip, which also adds visual height to the SUV.
The GLC combines a status-oriented exterior with the excellent aerodynamics typical of the brand (cd = 0.26). Sophisticated aerodynamic detail work means that optional extras only have a minor effect on aerodynamics.
Analogue luxury meets digital elegance with the all-new seamless MBUX HYPERSCREEN
The interior elevates the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of Sensual Purity to a new level: modern elegance meets digital sophistication paired with an immersive spatial experience. The seamlessly integrated trim sculpture combines the instrument panel and centre console into a harmonious whole and embodies analogue luxury. At the same time, it sets the stage for the majestically floating all-new seamless MBUX HYPERSCREEN (optional), which stretches across the entire width of the interior. With a screen size of 99.3 centimetres (39.1 inches), it brings the digital world of Mercedes‑Benz into the cockpit of the new GLC. The ambient lighting perfectly sets the scene for the floating effect and emphasises the futuristic impression.
Atmospherically appealing styles can be selected as background motifs via a dedicated app, amplifying the expansive screen’s distinctive effect. Mercedes-Benz UI designers have crafted these high-resolution welcome animations with meticulous attention to detail. The striking background images offer a wide range from calm to intense, from cool to warm and from technical to emotional. This allows users to create a personalised vehicle ambiance. The colouring of the instrument cluster including dials and gauges as well as the ambient lighting are coordinated with these emotional motifs. The background motifs are also displayed on the new standard-fit MBUX SUPERSCREEN with individual displays.
Ambient lighting takes centre stage in the new GLC. A light strip on the uppermost level of the instrument panel frames the interior and illuminates the generous expanse of space. It also unites the instrument panel with the doors in a seamless, luxurious ensemble. The optional ambient lighting for the SKY CONTROL panoramic roof with switchable glass surface also contributes to the harmonious, luxurious overall experience. Its pattern is integrated into the overall design concept, ensuring the stars are colour-matched accordingly.
Large decorative sculpture merges centre console and instrument panel
With a dynamic sweep, a large trim piece connects the centre console with the instrument panel, merging the two into one. The floating effect is further emphasised by the cleverly integrated ambient lighting on the lower edge of the trim piece. Depending on the specification, the centre console houses up to two charging trays for inductive and rapid smartphone charging. Behind them is the newly designed control strip with hard keys, including one for the hazard warning lights. Also responding to customer requests, the cupholders are now spatially separated from the charging trays. The galvanised air vents with a tech aesthetic, blending analogue and digital worlds. When the temperature is adjusted in the climate control, this is indicated through a brief colour change of the ambient lighting and in the air vents.
The speaker grilles integrate seamlessly into the design and are finished to a high standard. For the first time, Mercedes‑Benz has employed a horizontal line graphic with 3D relief and two-tone finish on these grilles. In the Burmester® 3D sound system, the grilles are even made of stainless steel. The switch for electric seat adjustment in the doors, the iconic miniature, has been refined and offers impressive ergonomics and aesthetics. The same applies to the high-quality covered rear surfaces of the headrests in the integral seats.
Driving style meets lifestyle: first-ever vegan-certified interior and other colour/material combinations
The all-new electric GLC offers a selection of exquisite materials that create a uniquely high-quality interior in this class. Additionally, Mercedes‑Benz is setting a new standard in the use of vegan materials. The company is the world’s first car manufacturer to offer vegan interior equipment certified by an independent organisation. The globally renowned The Vegan Society has evaluated and certified as vegan all soft-touch surface materials in the optional Vegan Package for the interior of the electric GLC – from the seat upholstery to headliner, from pillar and door panels to carpeting. Customers can be assured that the tested surfaces made from the high-quality ARTICO man-made leather and textiles contain no animal-derived products.
The Vegan Society has also confirmed that at any stage of production or processing, no ingredients or animal-derived additives in processed or unprocessed form have been added or used. The certified Vegan Package will be introduced as an interior option with the new GLC with EQ Technology. Starting with the vehicle’s sales release, the package will be labelled with The Vegan Society’s well-known Vegan Trademark in the Mercedes-Benz vehicle configurator (further information is available here).
In addition to the vegan-certified interior, a broad selection of other high-quality interior materials is available in the GLC. Even the basic equipment includes the new leather grain Softtorino, with its sumptuous first-class feel. In the AMG Line Sport Seat Package, the door beltlines and the area beneath the windscreen are finished in an elegant Nappa-leather look and feature fine decorative stitching. The carefully coordinated colour concept comprises three elegant standard shades: deep black, stylish ivory beige with the multifunction steering wheel and warm beech brown. As a special highlight, exclusive Nappa leather is available in sophisticated tagua brown. The following is a selection of the surface finishes available for trim elements:
- Anthracite-coloured trim element in an anodised finish
- Shiny metallic blended fabric in silver or silver/black
- Natural fibres with white honeycomb open-pore decor
- Birch fineline decor in brown or a light grey-brown
- Characteristic Mercedes-Benz “ship deck” in black with aluminium inlays
- AMG carbon fibre
A broad selection paired with a high-quality feel also applies to the seats. Both seat versions – comfort and sport – are manufactured using a sophisticated one-piece method and feature double stitching in the seat insert. For this purpose, the designers selected high-contrast yarns. The new and exclusive-looking “Twisted Diamond” design combines elegant diamond perforation with contrasting stitching to emphasise its handcrafted character. The centres of the door panels pick up on this graphic design with contrasting coloured stitching. The “Twisted Diamond” design is only available with sports seats in Nappa leather in tagua brown. The AMG Line leather seats are equally meticulously crafted and come with moccasin stitching on the side bolsters.
[1] Figures are preliminary and were determined internally in accordance with the “WLTP test procedure” certification method. At present, there has been neither an EC type approval nor a certificate of conformity with official values. There may be discrepancies between the figures provided and the official values.
[2] In the USA, Canada, China and the Gulf states, the central star is fully illuminated. In western Europe and ECE as well as the rest of the world, the central star is partially illuminated (minus ring). Illumination is not available in South Korea and Taiwan.