2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class EV

The Story

The GLC-Class EV is a compact luxury SUV with good range and a 483-horsepower electric drivetrain.

It looks a lot like the regular gasoline-powered GLC-class SUV, but the electric powertrain hiding under the sheetmetal sets the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-class EV on an entirely different journey. We’ve had a chance to drive the new compact electric crossover, and its ride is smooth, its powertrain is perky, and its luxury experience is intact.

Two models will be offered—the single-motor GLC300+ and the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive GLC400 4Matic—and both come with the same battery pack. Driving range for the GLC400 should be around 380 miles per charge, says Mercedes, but we don’t know yet what the range will be for the GLC300+. Both are spacious, upscale, and tech-forward, especially the models with the large 39.1-inch Hyperscreen that spans the full width of the dash.

Expert Tip: If you aren’t ready to leap into all-electric SUV ownership, Mercedes-Benz currently sells a plug-in hybrid version of the gas-powered GLC. We review that model separately.

Compare the 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class EV with the top vehicles in this segment with our new compare tool. The GLC-Class EV is a new addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It slots in under the mid-size EQE SUV, and its naming convention marks a move away from the EQ prefix that Benz has used on its EVs so far.

Car and Driver calculates your car’s value in three free and easy steps - using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles. The base GLC300+ gets a single electric motor that makes 369 horsepower and drives the rear wheels. All-wheel drive is available by upgrading to the dual-motor GLC400 4Matic, which offers a combined 483 horsepower.

A two-speed automatic transmission is onboard, but you don’t feel it shifting gears. Ride comfort is good, especially on the optional air-spring suspension system, which can also raise the GLC EV for more ground clearance should you decide to venture off-road. When we drove the GLC400, we found it to offer quick acceleration and a smooth ride.

In Comparison: The GLC-class EV’s primary rivals are the BMW iX3 and the Porsche Macan EV. The GLC beats the BMW, which recorded a 4.3-second 60-mph time in our testing, but the Macan EV 4S we tested managed to be quicker at 3.6 seconds to 60.

A trailer hitch is an optional extra, and Mercedes says that with it installed, the GLC400 model can tow up to 5291 pounds. The EPA rates the GLC400 to deliver between 331 and 350 miles of range. The company hasn’t revealed an estimated range for the single-motor GLC300+ model. In our real-world 75-mph highway range test, the GLC400 delivered an impressive 330 miles.

The GLC EV can charge its 94-kWh battery pack at up to 400-volt charging stations, which Mercedes-Benz claims results in adding 188 miles of charge in just 10 minutes. In our real-world charging test, we went from 10 percent to 90 percent in 28 minutes.

The GLC400 is rated by the EPA for between 106 and 123 MPGe city, and 98 and 115 MPGe highway. In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy test, it achieved 86 MPGe. We don’t yet have estimates for the GLC300+ powertrain. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV fuel efficiency. For more information about the GLC EV’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

First Row: Premium materials are used throughout the GLC EV’s cabin, but it feels like there are too many screens and lighting elements. The overall look inside, especially when equipped with the optional Hyperscreen dashboard setup, is overwhelmingly digital. That said, the front seat area is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of storage cubbies and supportive bucket seats.

Second Row: The GLC EV’s back seat is roomier than its gas-powered sibling. There’s plenty of legroom, and even tall adults should fit just fine. Cargo Capacity: The rear cargo bay is spacious too, at 20.1 cubic feet, which should be more than enough for a weekend’s worth of luggage or a family-sized grocery haul. If you need more space, there’s also a 4.5 cubic-foot front trunk.

Why It Matters

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC400 4Matic Electric Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon.

CarMotion Daily’s Take

Driving range for the GLC400 should be around 380 miles per charge, says Mercedes, but we don’t know yet what the range will be for the GLC300+. Watch this space over the coming weeks. Electric momentum is uneven across the industry, and moves like this reshape how buyers compare EV lineups. Range, charging speed, and price still dominate EV shopping — every new entry forces competitors to either match or reposition. Watch for EPA range certifications and DC fast-charge benchmarks once independent tests land. Pricing tiers, software updates, and any regional trim adjustments will tell us how serious the launch intent is.