The new Mercedes-Benz GLC: suspension; driving assistance systems; seating comfort; charging

• Sporty top model with 360 kW power at launch of the new model series
• System design focusing on efficiency and performance: high-performance power electronics with silicon carbide inverters,-volt technology, two-speed gearbox at the rear and disconnect unit at the front
• WLTP range of up to 713 kilometres; up to 303 kilometres range can be recharged in 10 minutes; battery featuring silicon oxide anodes and high energy density
• Exceptional acoustic and vibrational comfort
• AIRMATIC air suspension from S-Class with intelligent suspension control; levelling with voice control
• Reduced turning circle and enhanced driving stability with optional rear-axle steering
• One-Box braking system for a consistent, superior and transparent brake pedal feel; powerful recuperation for a “one-pedal feeling”
• Multi-source heat pump as standard combines efficiency with high thermal comfort
• Extensive equipment with driver assistance systems; DIGITAL LIGHT with micro-LED technology; new steering wheel with improved ergonomics
• Extended assistance functions support in the city from start to destination; introduction initially planned for China and the USA
• Centre airbag and PRE-SAFE® as standard; proven high-voltage protection system
• New high-end seats; more user-friendly ENERGIZING COMFORT programmes
• Integrated MB.CHARGE Public charging service with convenient reservation of charging stations; intelligent navigation; green charging; equipped for bidirectional charging

The powerful 360 kW GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology (provisional figures: energy consumption combined: 18.8-14.9 kWh/100 km | CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)^[1] is the first in the all-new electric model series to make its debut. It combines high efficiency with great driving pleasure and excellent performance. The top speed is 210 km/h, the preliminary range up to 713 kilometres²⁵. In addition to the GLC 400 4MATIC, four further impressive models will follow.

The electric architecture is one of the highlights of the all-electric SUV. From the start, a systemic approach was taken for the design of the new electric drivetrain. In addition to a consistent focus on efficiency and charging power, performance was also optimised in the new electric architecture.

Electric drive unit: powerful, efficient and exceptionally quiet

The drivetrain architecture includes a two-speed gearbox at the rear, combining dynamism with efficiency. The first gear has a short ratio of 11:1, enabling excellent acceleration right from the start, a high towing capacity and great efficiency even in urban traffic. The second gear (ratio 5:1) is designed for power delivery at high speeds and high efficiency on the motorway providing outstanding long-distance comfort. The top speed is also achieved in the second gear. The shift points depend on the driving situation and the selected driving programme.

Mercedes-Benz developed the electric drive unit, with its permanently excited synchronous machine (PSM) at the rear, entirely in-house. Battery-to-wheel efficiency over long distances is 93 percent.

The all-wheel drive models also feature a powerful drive unit at the front, which engages or disengages a disconnect unit (DCU) almost instantly when required. For particularly efficient energy utilisation, both drive units are equipped with high-performance power electronics with silicon carbide inverters.

In addition to an extremely rigid bodyshell, extensive sound insulation from the front structure to the rear section as well as decoupling elastomer mounts between suspension and body contribute to outstanding noise and vibration comfort. The drive units feature rotor magnets arranged in a double-V configuration, with stator windings using so-called chorded coils. Both measures deliver exceptionally quiet yet efficient propulsion.

Farewell to range anxiety: recharge up to 303 kilometres in just ten minutes

One of the highlights of the new electric architecture is the 800-volt system. It maximises efficiency and performance and can significantly reduce the charging time in conjunction with the new battery generation. A range of up to 300 kilometres^[2] can be recharged within 10 minutes according to WLTP. Fast DC charging is possible with up to 330 kW for the GLC 400 4MATIC. A so-called DC converter is installed on a country-specific basis. This enables charging at 400-volt fast charging stations.

The GLC 400 4MATIC uses a lithium-ion battery with a usable energy content of 94 kWh. The cells have anodes in which silicon oxide is mixed with graphite. The volumetric energy density of the cell chemistry is 680 Wh/l. The proportion of cobalt has been further reduced. The new battery generation has not only been optimised for efficiency, performance, costs and scalability, but was also developed with maintenance and repair in mind. The electronics/electrical unit is accessible and replaceable from below in the workshop. This enables quick diagnosis and, if required, targeted replacement of electronic components – without dismantling the entire battery unit. Additionally, the battery cover is screwed rather than glued. This design results in a clear advantage: The battery remains modular and service-friendly – a decisive factor for the long-term operation of electrified vehicle fleets.

The high-voltage battery used in the new GLC is based on an intelligent modular and highly integrated battery architecture that was introduced with the new CLA. This architecture developed by Mercedes‑Benz allows the flexible deployment of high-voltage batteries for different vehicle types. This consistent modularisation reduces validation effort and creates significant synergies in development, validation and logistics. Another advantage is that the modular battery architecture enables highly flexible manufacturing. High-voltage batteries for the CLA and GLC and future high-voltage batteries based on this architecture can be manufactured on the same production line.

The GLC: the highest level of electrical excellence

The optional technology package includes AIRMATIC air suspension with intelligent suspension control and rear-axle steering. The intelligent suspension control includes a new Car-to-X function^[3], which provides significantly more comfort on the long speed bumps which are particularly common in southern Europe. If the accelerator is pressed for too long, the body can oscillate harshly and the bump stops are reached abruptly. However, if the new Car-to-X function is activated, the GLC adjusts the damping electrically just before the respective thresholds. The increase in comfort is particularly noticeable by the rear-seat passengers. Mercedes‑Benz has developed the function itself and applied for a patent.

The damping adjustment is based on Car-to-X information from a Mercedes‑Benz vehicle driving ahead, which is transmitted in real time via the mobile network to the Mercedes‑Benz Cloud and anonymised. Car-to-X denotes communication between vehicles and with traffic infrastructure. By leveraging the sensors of other cars, the technology significantly extends the coverage of the vehicle’s own radar and camera systems, effectively allowing the vehicle to “look around the corner”.

AIRMATIC air suspension also operates intelligently in another regard: for greater efficiency, its ride-height control uses Google Maps data to keep the vehicle as low as possible for as long as possible, reducing aerodynamic drag and thus energy consumption. Conventional ride-height systems respond solely to speed, raising the vehicle whenever, for instance, a construction zone, traffic jam or tunnel causes the driver to slow down. The latest AIRMATIC system in the new GLC, however, “knows” that the car is still on the motorway and continuously maintains the low ride-height setting.

The functional scope of AIRMATIC also includes the ability for the driver to raise the vehicle for increased ground clearance if required. For the first time, this is also possible via voice control for more operating convenience and safety. One possible command is “Raise vehicle level”.

With the optional rear-axle steering, the turning circle is reduced by 90 centimetres to 11.2 metres. The steering angle at the rear axle is up to 4.5 degrees. Additionally, fewer turns of the steering wheel are needed from lock to lock. At speeds below 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer opposite to the front wheels – by up to 4.5 degrees against the front-axle angle when parking. The wheelbase is virtually shortened for nimbler, more agile handling. Above 60 km/h, the rear wheels turn by up to 2.5 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels, virtually lengthening the wheelbase and delivering enhanced stability and safety at speed, in quick lane changes or sudden evasive manoeuvres.

The suspension of the new GLC is based on a four-link axle at the front and a multi-link rear axle suspended on a centre pivot.

Confident brake-pedal feel and excellent recuperation performance

The GLC features a new One-Box braking system. It ensures a consistent, confident and transparent brake-pedal feel at all times, regardless of whether braking is performed by recuperation or friction braking. The brake system combines the previously separate components of brake booster, master cylinder and ESP® control in a single compact module.

For reasons of efficiency, almost all braking is carried out via recuperation. Recuperation power is up to approximately 300 kW, allowing the GLC to brake electrically to a standstill and recover kinetic energy. Drivers have four recuperation levels available: D- (maximum recuperation level), D (standard recuperation), D+ (no recuperation) and D Auto (intelligent recuperation). Recuperation via the brake pedal is always active.

In D-, drivers can enjoy a “one-pedal feeling”. When they take their foot off the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerates purely electrically and with up to 3 m/s² with sufficiently strength that the hydraulic brake system is not needed in over 99 percent of cases. The strong deceleration means more recovered energy and thus ultimately a longer range. Even in winter road conditions, recuperation is possible.

Standard multi-source heat pump: high thermal comfort in summer and winter

Even in winter, the electric GLC provides impressive thermal comfort. The upcoming model has a standard air-source heat pump, which provides cabin heating using around one third of the electrical energy that a comparable electric auxiliary heater would require under the same conditions.

As a multi-source model, the heat pump can draw upon three energy sources in parallel: waste heat from the electric drive unit, the battery and ambient air. The heat pump forms part of the climate-control system, which cools in summer and heats in winter.

The all-new GLC protects what matters most: safety and comfort in perfect harmony

The all-new electric GLC models in Europe come as standard with extensive safety equipment and the Distance Assist DISTRONIC. Depending on equipment and market, technical details include up to ten cameras, five radar sensors, twelve ultrasonic sensors and a water-cooled high-performance computer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.

Mercedes-Benz bundles additional comfort assistance functions^[4] under the name MB.DRIVE. The following Digital Extras^[5] are available or planned:

• MB.DRIVE ASSIST: Available as an option from market launch in Europe, it offers significantly more comfort by complementing Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Steering Assist, giving the GLC a state-of-the-art SAE Level 2 driving assistance system. Steering Assist helps to keep the vehicle centred in its lane and by operating the indicator stalk, Lane Change Assist can also facilitate lane changes.

• MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS: Planned for later release and will provide extended assistance functions depending on market. This includes the further enhanced Lane Change Assist Plus, which enables assistance during lane changes in the city as well, by activating the turn signal lever.

• MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO: Enables a seamless and safe point-to-point driving experience – even in dense urban traffic. Due to its modular design, MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO is technically possible in the GLC worldwide but cannot yet be approved in all markets for regulatory reasons. Market launch is initially planned for the USA model and the Chinese variant, where the regulatory frameworks permit.

• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST^[6]: Detects parking spaces on both sides of the vehicle at a particularly early point and enables angled parking for the first time. It also recognises spaces not marked solely by white lines. Plus, it is now possible to leave a parking space automatically even after the car was parked manually. The Digital Extra reverse manoeuvring function is making its debut in the GLC. Under certain conditions, it is possible to automatically drive a part of the last distance travelled in reverse. While this assistant is active, the image from the reversing camera and a graphic representation of the planned path are displayed on the main screen. This is particularly useful in traffic situations where a turning manoeuvre is not possible.

• MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360^[7]: In addition to the scope of MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST, the 360-degree camera delivers new and enhanced surround-view displays. The Digital Extra rim protection warning will be available in the GLC. When manoeuvring, this will display a distance warning in the top view to protect the wheels from damage. In addition, a transparent vehicle display is available in the off-road menu, which offers an even better off-road view.

Brighter and more efficient: DIGITAL LIGHT with micro-LED technology

The new GLC features the next generation of DIGITAL LIGHT with micro-LED technology (“pixelated LED”) and a powerful chip. This increases the high-resolution illumination field by around 40 percent and enables a corresponding increase in brightness for the high beam as well as for road projections. At the same time, the lighting module consumes around 50 percent less energy than its predecessor. The headlamp units themselves also conserve resources. They retain the same user experience, yet their weight has been reduced by more than a quarter compared with the previous version. This is thanks to a more compact micro-LED design and the use of a single control unit. All software modules are integrated into the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and have been developed in-house.

Another key innovation is the dynamically swivelling high-beam spot function, which no longer shines simply straight ahead. The ULTRA RANGE high beam is incorporated into the cornering light and thus swivels dynamically with it. Thanks to combined camera information and map data, the cornering light reacts even more precisely to the flow of the road. The partial-high-beam now operates even more robustly, as detection of poorly lit road users has been further improved. This partial-high-beam function is available for the first time in the USA. Thanks to combined camera data and map information, the cornering light reacts even more precisely to the road’s layout.

Intuitive operation: the new steering wheel brings back the rocker and roller

The new steering wheel of the GLC offers improved ergonomics and even better intuitive control thanks to the combination of haptic and capacitive elements. In response to numerous customer requests, Mercedes‑Benz has reintroduced a rocker switch for the speed limiter and DISTRONIC, along with a roller switch for volume control. The capacitive switch panels are seamlessly integrated and provide haptic tactile aids for better orientation. In addition, some functions have been removed from the control panel for a better overview and ease of use. As a result, the finger pad to control the driver display has been made significantly larger and is therefore easier to use.

Extensive safety equipment as standard

The safety concept for the new GLC is based on an intelligently engineered bodyshell with an exceptionally rigid passenger cell. Crash structures made from a variety of steel alloys are designed to deform in a controlled manner, while the restraint systems – seat belts and up to eleven airbags – are precisely calibrated to this structure. In the event of a collision, systems for situation-specific occupant protection can be activated. These include the centre airbag, which is now standard equipment worldwide. It serves to avoid injuries caused by interaction between the driver and passenger in the event of a side-on collision. A knee bag is now also available for the passenger.

With PRE-SAFE®, Mercedes‑Benz vehicles can react to hazards before an accident occurs. This anticipatory safety system is standard on the new GLC in numerous markets, including Europe. Standard functions include closing the windows and sunroof in critical situations before a potential impact, pre-tensioning the seat belts with reversible belt tensioners, or, if the passenger seat is equipped with memory, moving it into a more upright position.

Proven multi-stage, high-voltage protection system and advanced high-voltage-battery early warning system

In an electric vehicle, Mercedes-Benz pays particular attention to protecting the high-voltage system. All associated components, such as the battery, motors, high-voltage cables and connected components fulfil the strict Mercedes‑Benz requirements – which go above and beyond legal requirements.

In the new electric GLC, the battery housing is integrated into the vehicle structure as part of the crash concept. Moreover, Mercedes‑Benz has taken comprehensive precautions against a potential thermal event in the high-voltage battery. These include appropriate spacing between cells and the construction of the cells and cell modules themselves. The enhanced early-warning system not only alerts occupants but also initiates further vehicle protection measures – for example, side windows and ventilation flaps close automatically. A new sensor positioned centrally in the high-voltage battery now monitors the modules even when they are switched off.

In the all-new GLC, Mercedes-Benz has also employed its safety concept with elements of high-voltage safety. This ensures that, after an accident, no danger arises from electrical components to occupants, first responders or rescue personnel. This concept has already proven itself in Mercedes-Benz’s other electric models – validated by Mercedes‑Benz Accident Research. It includes, for instance, that the high-voltage system automatically disconnects in the event of a serious collision. A distinction is made between reversible and irreversible shutdowns.

Reversible deactivation occurs in minor accidents in which no pyrotechnic restraint systems such as airbags are activated. Restarting is possible once the high-voltage monitoring systems in the vehicle can confirm that all components are functioning properly. Only in serious accidents in which additional restraint systems for the occupants are also activated is the high-voltage system irreversibly shut down. It can then only be reactivated in a specialist workshop.

During an automatic shutdown, the controlled discharge of components ensures they pose no hazard. For rescue personnel, designated separation points allow for manual de-energisation of the high-voltage system.

New high-end seats for even greater comfort

The new seats transform every journey into a relaxing experience and ensure that driver and passengers arrive refreshed, even after many kilometres. All available seats are certified with the German AGR seal from “Aktion Gesunder Rücken” (Organisation for Healthy Backs). Whereas the predecessor’s longitudinal seat adjustment was only partly electric, all GLC models with EQ Technology now offer fully electric adjustment for greater convenience. Memory-function seat adjustment is available as an option and front-seat heating is standard. Comfort and sports seats are now more clearly differentiated: the sports seat in integral-seat style features higher side-bolsters for enhanced lateral support.

Both seat types incorporate secondary materials throughout their construction – the seat foam contains around 30 percent recycled content using the mass-balance approach. For the comfort seats, Mercedes‑Benz also offers a black man-made leather upholstery with a backing textile made from recycled PET bottles. These bottles go through a regranulation process and are spun into yarn and woven into a textile.

The MICROCUT microfibre fleece is manufactured entirely from recycled materials. PET bottles are processed into regranulated yarns, which are then converted in a complex microfibre process into a high-quality, robust fleece that looks and feels like suede. Even the floor covering is made from secondary material – Econyl yarn is produced from 100 percent recycled content.

ENERGIZING COMFORT: the new GLC offers wellness on every trip

Soothing sounds, energising massage, activating light – with the diverse ENERGIZING COMFORT programmes and the personalised recommendations of the ENERGIZING COACH, Mercedes-Benz offers an extensive wellness programme in the GLC. The display animations on the all-new seamless MBUX HYPERSCREEN and the sounds (3D and 4D) have been further refined, so that the full potential of ENERGIZING COMFORT is now unleashed. Commuting distances, traffic jams or waiting times are seamlessly transformed into unique moments for mental and physical recovery.

ENERGIZING seat kinetics support the body’s musculature with gentle movements in the tilt of the seat cushion and backrest. This function is available in higher specification levels in conjunction with electrically adjustable seats featuring the memory function.

The on-board relaxation programme includes a massage function that is generated by pulsating air chambers in the seat’s lumbar region. This massage programme is also available as a Digital Extra for all models after the GLC has been purchased. Alternatively, with the high-end seat, an extended relaxation massage function along the entire seatback is offered.

Additionally, the user interface and user experience have been revamped to ensure even more intuitive and user-friendly interaction. The newly designed ENERGIZING COMFORT programmes now appear as a dedicated app in the app grid and give users the option to deactivate the ENERGIZING sounds, allowing them to enjoy the programmes alongside their own music or podcasts.

These ten-minute ENERGIZING COMFORT programmes are available depending on equipment: Fresh Breeze (refreshment), Warm & Cozy (warmth), Energy (stimulation), Good Vibes (regeneration) and Relax (relaxation). In addition, the 15-minute Power Nap programme is offered.

Emotional Modes: for a moment of reflection

A crackling campfire, impressively staged on the large display of the all-new seamless MBUX HYPERSCREEN, or a lively aquarium with darting fish and circling sharks – in the GLC, for the first time, Emotional Modes can be selected when the vehicle is stationary. Here, too, it offers a holistic experience by activating vehicle functions relevant to the chosen Emotional Mode (for example, heating with the open-fire mode).

Digital customer experience: in-car payment now also available with facial recognition^[8]

Customers can directly activate and pay for Digital Extras such as the Entertainment Package^[9] or e-Vignettes^[10] in the Mercedes‑Benz Store through facial recognition in the new electric GLC. The native in-car payment function Mercedes pay+ enables biometric two-factor authentication for payments in the vehicle, eliminating the need for PIN or mobile device authorisation. Customer payment data is encrypted and protected by issuing transaction-specific cryptograms. Mercedes pay+ is powered by the proprietary payment solution Mercedes pay, which enables seamless, convenient and secure digital payments for the entire Mercedes‑Benz ecosystem.

Digital charging solutions networked with the electric vehicle

MB.CHARGE forms the umbrella for all digital charging solutions from Mercedes-Benz. The comprehensive charging ecosystem is designed to offer customers a seamlessly connected and convenient charging experience with the electric vehicles with the three-pointed star – on the road, at home and at work. For public charging, Mercedes-Benz is bundling the MB.CHARGE Public charging service^[11] with other digital functions that make charging even more convenient.

MB.CHARGE Public: integrated digital charging service

With the digital extra MB.CHARGE Public (previously Mercedes me Charge), Mercedes-Benz bundles all public charging functions and offers customers numerous exclusive benefits. With just one charging contract^[12], they have access to one of the largest charging networks in the world and can charge in the usual user-friendly way – regardless of the charging-station operator. In the electric GLC, authentication at the charging stations takes place via the Mercedes‑Benz app, the MB.CHARGE Public RFID card or directly via Plug & Charge^[13] at participating operators. Each charging process is automatically billed via MB.CHARGE Public. Mercedes‑Benz also makes maximum cost transparency at public charging stations possible. Before charging, users can view the specific costs per kilowatt hour or per minute as well as the expected total costs for a full charge on the MBUX display or in the Mercedes-Benz app. In addition, MB.CHARGE Public offers different rates and packages with discounted charging conditions depending on the region.

Mercedes-Benz is continuously expanding the charging network through its own activities to grow public charging infrastructures worldwide. By the end of the decade, around 45,000 charging points will be installed by the global Mercedes-Benz Charging Network and the IONITY, IONNA and IONCHI joint ventures in Europe, North America and China. They will also be accessible via MB.CHARGE Public.  

Convenient reservation of charging stations and intelligent navigation

As the first car manufacturer to do so, Mercedes-Benz has introduced an integrated reservation function^[14] for charging stations. Mercedes‑Benz customers can exclusively reserve a charging bay at the company's own Mercedes‑Benz charging stations in advance via the integrated MB.CHARGE Public charging service. With active route guidance via Navigation with Electric Intelligence, the vehicle automatically makes the reservation 15 minutes before reaching the charging station. This function saves drivers waiting time and guarantees a bay reserved just for them. The reservation function is currently available at selected Mercedes‑Benz stations in Germany and the U.S. With the planned expansion of the Mercedes‑Benz charging network to at least eight other countries within a year, it will be available to more customers worldwide.

Mercedes-Benz Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most comfortable route – including charging stops – based on numerous factors. It reacts dynamically, for example, to traffic jams or changes in driving style. Mercedes‑Benz is also continuously refining the energy-usage forecast for Navigation with Electric Intelligence so that predicted wind conditions along the route will, in future, be accounted for even more precisely according to vehicle height.

When calculating a route, the system computes the energy requirement by considering topography, route profile, ambient temperature, speed and heating/cooling demand. Additional factors include traffic along the planned route, as well as available charging stations and their charging capacity as well as payment options. As a new feature, the energy prediction also considers additional weather information such as precipitation amounts and snow on the road. The calculation takes place in the cloud and is combined with onboard data.

The intelligent navigation detects when a charging stop is required and plans it automatically to optimise overall journey time – for instance, two shorter stops at higher power can sometimes be more advantageous than one longer stop. Moreover, Navigation with Electric Intelligence automatically adjusts the vehicle’s charging settings for maximum rapid-charging performance along the route – including pre-conditioning the high-voltage battery so that it reaches its ideal temperature for fast DC charging at exactly the right moment. Last-minute travellers can manually activate preconditioning.

Green Charging: reliance on renewable energies

“Green Charging”^[15] is an integral component of MB.CHARGE Public in Europe, Canada and the USA. If a station is not yet supplied with renewable energy, “Green Charging” employs renewable-energy certificates to ensure that an equivalent amount of clean electricity is fed into the grid for each charge. These certificates ensure that an equivalent amount of electricity from renewable energy sources is fed into the electricity grid for charging processes. These certificates are sourced from certified energy generation plants^[16] that are less than six years old^[17]. The green electricity certificates are, where possible, purchased and redeemed in the same country in which the customer is charging, thereby supporting the growth of renewable energy.

Ready for bidirectional charging

The electric GLC is prepared for the integration of electric vehicles with the power grid. When the vehicle is connected to a compatible bidirectional DC charging station, it can, for example, store solar energy for later use. More importantly, it can also act as a power supplier, either Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) or Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). The use of bidirectional charging may be subject to market-specific conditions in terms of legislation and the requirements of energy suppliers.