- Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class spied ahead of 2026 U.S. launch
- New EV will replace EQC electric compact crossover sold overseas
- High-performance AMG variant planned
Mercedes-Benz has been spotted testing a prototype for an electric compact crossover that will end up replacing the EQC. It’s due in 2026, likely as a 2027 model for the U.S., and will arrive together with an electric C-Class.
The EQC is the compact crossover whose 2020 debut marked the arrival of Mercedes’ EQ sub-brand for electric vehicles. However, its basis on a platform originally developed for gas-powered vehicles meant its EV credentials were lacking compared to the competition, in particular the Tesla Model Y, and Mercedes ultimately flipped on its decision to offer it in the U.S.
2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC
That won’t be the case for the EQC’s successor, which will be called a GLC-Class with EQ Technology, or something to that effect, to reflect its positioning alongside the gas-powered GLC-Class range. Under Mercedes’ latest naming strategy, EVs will use a “with EQ Technology” designation while hybrids will use “with EQ Hybrid Technology.”
The GLC-Class EV prototypes can be seen together with the gas-powered GLC-Class in some of the shots, revealing the similar size of the vehicles but also the contrasting design. The EV’s roofline slopes more toward the rear and its front end is unique, featuring a slightly more rounded look overall compared to the regular GLC-Class. Mercedes has abandoned a plan to make its EVs look distinct to comparable gas-powered models.
2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class EV spy shots – Photo via Baldauf
Underpinning the vehicle will be Mercedes’ new MB.EA dedicated EV platform. It isn’t clear what performance targets are planned, but the GLC-Class EV should have a range of more than 300 miles in at least one variant. A high-performance AMG variant is also planned.
The MB.EA platform was announced in 2021 together with an MMA platform that Mercedes will use for vehicles smaller than the C-Class and GLC-Class segments. The MMA platform supports both hybrid and electric powertrains, and we’ll see it debut this year in a redesigned CLA-Class. The new CLA-Class will reach the U.S. as a 2026 model.
Teaser for 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
Both the MB.EA and MMA platforms will have 800-volt electrical systems, which will enable high charging rates. Mercedes has confirmed the ability to add 186 miles in 10 minutes when starting at 10% state of charge. The cars will also be able to recharge from 10% to 80% in under 22 minutes.
Mercedes also has dedicated EV platforms for future vans and AMG vehicles. An AMG.EA platform is set to debut around the end of next year in an electric replacement for the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, while a Van.EA platform will debut in 2026 in a new midsize van family.
