Mercedes has introduced an entry-level version of its electric-only GLC SUV, priced from £55,495 in ‘Sport’ guise with order books now open.
The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Mercedes GLC 250 Sport will slot in alongside the all-wheel-drive (AWD) GLC 400 4Matic, which is priced from £60,350.
The GLC 250 Sport has a maximum range of 389 miles, a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds, and a 130mph top speed. The pairing of a 349bhp electric motor with an 85kWh battery means that the GLC 250 Sport’s range and power are slightly down when compared to the 400 4Matic. The latter generates 482bhp courtesy of its twin-motor setup, while a larger 94kWh battery translates to 406 miles on a single charge.
Pricing for the GLC 250 Sport undercuts the base-spec, £56,860 Volvo EX60, which has a slightly shorter, 379-mile range. Under the skin, the Mercedes rides on 800V electrical architecture, which allows for ultra-rapid charging speeds of up to 320kW, translating into a 10%-80% top-up charge time of just 22 minutes.
The Mercedes GLC 250 isn’t just available in Sport trim. AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, and Premier Edition are also options.
Every version comes with 20-inch alloy wheels; heat and noise-insulating privacy glass; a panoramic sunroof; auto-dipping LED headlights; heated seats; two-zone climate control; wireless phone charging; a reversing camera and parking assist system. There’s also a suite of driver assistance, including adaptive cruise control and active lane keeping assist.
Sport grade makes do with the MBUX Superscreen, which places a 10.3-inch instrument cluster, 14-inch central display, and a 14-inch decorative passenger display behind glass. From AMG Line upwards, every version comes with the Hyperscreen – a 39.1-inch single-piece display spanning the width of the dashboard.
AMG Line also ushers in the divisive illuminated grille with 942 backlit dots as well as illuminated “stars” in the panoramic roof. It also brings AMG styling touches, adaptive micro-LED headlights, sports seats, keyless go with flush-fit door handles, plus a 360-degree camera and a Burmester sound system.
AMG Line Premium Plus further upgrades the stereo and adds massage seats and a projection function for the headlights. Higher grades also bring heated rear seats, more driver assistance, a head-up display and 21-inch wheels. The line-up tops out at £73,350 for the Premier Edition.
An optional Refinement package adds rear-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension that can be primed using data shared from other Mercedes cars on the road. And a Sustainability package is a free option on Sport grade and brings a Vegan Society-approved vegan interior.
The Mercedes GLC is part of Stuttgart’s new, heavily revised EV range, which includes the award-winning CLA, the GLB SUV, an all-electric C-Class, the wild, 1169bhp AMG GT, and a new A-Class scheduled for 2028.
