The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC triumphs in extreme sub-zero tests
If you’re going to lease a new all-electric SUV it’s nice to know it’s been put through its paces before it arrived at your door. That’s exactly what the latest addition to one particular model range has just been through, and it’s safe to say it passed with flying colours. Already the brand’s most popular SUV model, the brand-new all-electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC has recently completed Arctic testing ahead of its anticipated launch.
Heavily camouflaged prototypes of the new EV version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC faced sub-zero temperatures and conquered snow-covered roads during rigorous winter trials in the polar regions of Sweden.
Engineered as a battery electric vehicle , the new all-electric GLC incorporates the latest technology. In terms of performance, range, efficiency and charging speed, the electric GLC sets new benchmarks, whilst simultaneously delivering outstanding levels of versatility and practicality.
So, the daily school run/commute to work shouldn’t be a problem then.
If you’ve been researching your next lease car at Gateway2Lease you might already be considering an SUV such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC anyway.
The GLC has long reigned as Mercedes’ most popular SUV model and, in 2024, it was the brand’s best-selling series overall. In terms of style, practicality, and comfort the GLC range already offers everything you could want from a premium family SUV. The introduction of an all-electric version to the line-up further extends the diverse array of powertrain options Mercedes has to offer.
Powertrain aside, the latest addition to the GLC range obviously won’t differ too much from the rest of the range. Although we don’t know for certain, it’s highly likely that you’ll have the same choice of trim-levels and options regardless of the energy source propelling your GLC down the road.
Which means it probably makes more sense for us to look at the differences for now, the largest of which is the cutting-edge battery and drive technologies in the new all-electric GLC.
That new technology is one of the main reasons for the Arctic testing too.
The 800-volt architecture and sophisticated drive units featuring a two-speed transmission on the primary rear axle drive unit help to optimise both efficiency and performance, substantially reducing charging times. Due to the highly efficient concept of the battery-electric Mercedes-Benz, exceptionally cold temperatures could have potentially raised new challenges. Luckily for us – and Mercedes - the all-electric GLC rose to the occasion, delivering high efficiency and practical range even in blisteringly low temperatures.
Beyond their usable energy capacity, the new batteries differ in cell chemistry using anodes with silicon oxide blended into graphite. If you’re a battery expert that might make sense to you. For the rest of us, it translates to longer driving ranges and lighter batteries, enhancing vehicle efficiency and performance.
The new batteries also power an air-side heat pump that the forthcoming model will feature as standard.
As a multi-source system, the heat pump can simultaneously harness three energy sources: waste heat from the electric-drive unit, waste heat from the battery and ambient air. Not only does this new system require just one third of the power a comparable electric heater would require to warm the interior, but the heat pump is also part of the climate control system so it can cool you down in the summer as well. The same system is also utilised to precondition the battery to its optimal temperature prior to rapid charging.
Ultra fast charging available
A variety of these high-voltage batteries will be available for the new all-electric Mercedes GLC, with the range-topping battery variant supporting DC charging with sustained rates of more than 320kW for ultra-fast recharging times.
The winter testing programme also proved useful for demonstrating the all-electric Mercedes GLC’s confident handling and responsive all-wheel drive.
Mercedes has tweaked the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system for the electric drivetrain with a powerful front-axle drive unit which can be swiftly engaged or disengaged as needed. To ensure optimal traction and driving stability on snow and ice, sensors detect spinning wheels and distribute torque according to the operating strategy. Since both electric motors are controlled independently, optimal driving force is maintained as the car switches power between the front and rear drive units.
We don’t have a launch date for the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC yet, but if it’s already at the “running around in disguise for real-world testing” stage it’s a safe assumption that it will be available to lease sometime later this year.
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