Mercedes-Benz has launched the GLC Electric in India at Rs. 7.85 million (US$ 83,060).

It is locally assembled in the country and is the entry-level model in the brand's electric SUV line-up. Although it shares its name with the combustion-powered GLC, the electric version is based on a separate electric platform with 400V architecture. It has a claimed WLTP range of 711 km and features a 39.1-inch single-piece screen, which company says is the largest of its kind fitted to a vehicle in India.

Company has confirmed that it has received over 1,000 bookings for the SUV. The model is reportedly sold out until March 2027, with deliveries scheduled to commence around Diwali.

Exterior design
The GLC Electric features a grille with 914 individual pixel lighting elements, which display different patterns when the vehicle is parked, switched on or switched off. The design draws inspiration from the vertical chrome grilles used on older company models, including the W114 and W108. The LED daytime running lights (DRLs) in the headlamps and tail-lamps also incorporate three-pointed star motifs.

The India-spec GLC 400 comes with the AMG styling package as standard, which includes 20-inch alloy wheels and AMG-specific front and rear bumpers. The bodywork features curved surfaces and flowing lines, while the amount of body cladding is limited. At the rear, a gloss-black panel extending across the tailgate houses the tail-lamps and the Mercedes-Benz logo.

In terms of dimensions, the GLC Electric is larger than its combustion-powered counterpart across all key measurements. It is 140mm longer, 23mm wider and 12mm taller. The wheelbase has increased by 84mm to 2,972mm. Brand is offering the GLC Electric in six exterior paint shades: Sheer Blue, Lavender Silver, Obsidian Black, Opalite White Bright, Patagonia Red Metallic and Alpine Grey Solid. The last three are Manufaktur options.

Interior and features
The GLC Electric's cabin features a 39.1-inch Hyperscreen that extends across the width of the dashboard. Rather than a conventional triple-screen arrangement, it consists of a single continuous panel without visible bezels or partitions. The cabin has limited physical controls, including for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The touchscreen interface displays high-definition graphics.

The interior features wood, metal and leather trim. The centre console gets black open-pore wood trim, while the air-conditioning vents have a knurled metallic finish. The speaker grilles for the 15-speaker 3D Burmester sound system also feature metallic detailing. The India-spec model comes with the AMG Line package, which includes a four-spoke steering wheel. The interior is available in three colour options: Black, Beech Brown and Ivory Beige.

Other equipment includes a panoramic glass roof with illuminated stars, two wireless chargers, ambient lighting, AI-enabled functions, a powered tailgate and power-folding rear seats. The SUV also gets Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), supported by eight cameras and five radars. Additional features include an automatic parking assist system, a 360-degree surround-view camera and nine airbags.

The panoramic glass roof does not have a conventional sunshade, although its opacity can be adjusted electronically. The 39.1-inch screen offers 11 preset themes for customising the display. The front seats have massage and heating functions but do not offer ventilation. The GLC Electric has a 570-litre boot and a 128-litre front boot (frunk).

Powertrain and specifications
The GLC Electric has been launched in India in the 400 4Matic configuration. It is equipped with a 94 kWh battery that powers two electric motors, one mounted on each axle, providing all-wheel drive. The combined output is 497 PS and 800 Nm of torque. Company claims a 0-100 kph acceleration time of 4.3 seconds. The SUV also features a two-speed gearbox, with one gear intended for acceleration and the other for improved efficiency.

The GLC 400 has a claimed WLTP range of 711 km. Company is offering a 22 kW AC charger as standard. When connected to a 330 kW DC fast charger, the battery can gain enough charge for a further 300 km of range in 10 minutes. The India-spec GLC 400 does not get rear-wheel steering or air suspension and instead uses passive dampers.

At launch, the GLC Electric does not have a direct rival in India. However, the BMW iX3 is scheduled to enter the Indian market next year. The GLC Electric is priced close to the combustion-powered GLC range, with a premium of Rs. 150,000 over the petrol variants and Rs. 50,000 over the diesel variants. Its larger dimensions and additional equipment distinguish it from the combustion-powered versions.