The All-New Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC: Redefining Sustainable Luxury

Mercedes-Benz

The All-New Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC: Redefining Sustainable Luxury

Published 7 September 2025

Sustainability at the core

The all-new electric Mercedes-Benz GLC sets a new standard for sustainable premium mobility, cutting its lifecycle carbon footprint by two-thirds compared to the current combustion-powered model. This impressive achievement is the result of a holistic approach that prioritises responsible material sourcing, green production and circular design principles. Mercedes-Benz already sources carbon-reduced aluminium for more than two-thirds of the vehicle’s aluminium requirements, including wheels, body panels and battery housing. By using recycled content and renewable energy in production, the carbon footprint of this material is reduced by at least 40 percent. The lithium-ion battery has also undergone significant development, with carbon footprint reductions of around 30 percent per cell, achieved through net carbon-neutral cell production and renewable-powered material processing. Inside, sustainability is seamlessly integrated into comfort and style. Seat foam contains up to 30 percent recycled material, while upholstery options such as ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT microfibre use post-consumer PET bottles transformed into high-quality textiles. Even the carpeting incorporates Econyl yarn made entirely from recycled content. Compared to its predecessor, the share of recycled thermoplastics in the GLC has more than doubled. These efforts extend to production at the Bremen plant, which operates on 100 percent green electricity and is net carbon-neutral. Together, these measures ensure the GLC does not simply carry passengers in comfort but carries forward Mercedes-Benz’s pledge to responsible luxury.

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Efficiency and range without compromise

At the heart of the GLC is a 94 kWh battery that delivers more than 600 kilometres of range according to WLTP standards. Ultra-fast charging allows up to 260 kilometres of range to be added in just ten minutes, making long journeys effortless. Complementing this capability is the One-Box braking system, which provides a consistent and assured pedal feel while maximising energy recuperation. In everyday driving, more than 99 percent of braking processes generate electricity rather than relying on friction, with recuperation performance reaching up to 300 kW. Four selectable recuperation modes, from maximum to intelligent automatic adaptation, let drivers tailor efficiency to their driving style. The GLC also excels in thermal management. Its standard multi-source heat pump uses waste heat from the drive unit, the battery and ambient air to maintain cabin comfort with minimal energy draw. Even in winter, this ensures both a warm interior and optimal battery conditioning for fast charging. Further efficiency gains come from bidirectional charging capability, allowing the vehicle to act as a power source for homes or the grid, while the MB.CHARGE Public service provides seamless access to one of the world’s largest charging networks. Supported by “Green Charging,” customers are assured that each charging process contributes to the growth of renewable energy.

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Comfort, innovation and intelligent assistance

True to its luxury DNA, the GLC translates efficiency into a refined and rewarding driving experience. Drawing on S-Class technology, the AIRMATIC air suspension paired with rear-axle steering ensures agility and composure across all conditions. Whether navigating city streets or crossing long motorway stretches, the GLC delivers both comfort and control. Inside, new ergonomically designed seats certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR) provide healthy posture and outstanding long-distance comfort. The redesigned steering wheel now incorporates both intuitive capacitive panels and the popular rocker and roller controls for DISTRONIC and audio volume, returning by customer demand. Technology seamlessly supports this comfort. The MBUX Hyperscreen, at 99.3 centimetres, the largest in a Mercedes-Benz, offers an immersive digital interface enhanced by warm ambient lighting and the SKY CONTROL panoramic roof. ENERGIZING COMFORT programmes elevate journeys with wellness-focused modes, now more flexible than ever thanks to an app-based system and the ability to integrate personal music or podcasts. The 3D and 4D animations of the Hyperscreen enhance these programmes, making every trip an immersive experience. Adding to safety and atmosphere, the next generation of DIGITAL LIGHT with micro-LED technology provides brighter illumination with 50 percent less energy consumption. Its ULTRA RANGE high beam dynamically adapts using camera and map data, ensuring optimal visibility with minimal waste.

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A vision of tomorrow’s driving

The GLC is more than an electric SUV, it is a glimpse into the future of intelligent mobility. At its core lies MB.OS, an AI-driven operating system that unites all vehicle domains, from infotainment to driver assistance. With processing power of 254 trillion operations per second, it learns, adapts and responds in real time, making the vehicle a true digital companion. The MB.DRIVE system, fed by up to ten external cameras, five radar units and twelve ultrasonic sensors, constantly interprets surroundings and informs the driver via MBUX Surround Navigation. The result is heightened confidence in semi-automated assistance and a smoother driving experience. Beyond its intelligence, the GLC maintains practicality and versatility. It offers increased legroom and headroom compared to its combustion sibling and boasts a 2.4-tonne towing capacity. With the world’s first vegan-certified interior package from The Vegan Society, customers are assured of a cabin free from animal-derived materials yet rich in luxury and tactility. These choices, combined with intuitive charging services such as pre-reservation of charging stations via MB.CHARGE, create a vehicle designed not only for today but for the next era of mobility. The all-new electric GLC represents the most complete expression yet of the Mercedes-Benz philosophy, combining responsibility with refinement, intelligence with intuition, and sustainability with signature luxury. It is more than a new model; it is a statement that the future of mobility can be both sustainable and deeply desirable.

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