Mercedes unveils its electric SUV, dubbed the electro-GLC, as its contribution to the future of vehicle technology.

In a significant move, Mercedes-Benz is set to debut its new electric SUV, the electric version of the GLC, at the IAA motor show in Munich. This latest offering is crucial for the German automaker, particularly in the Chinese market, where it has been facing challenges against local brands.

According to recent data, Mercedes currently sells a smaller proportion of electric cars compared to other German carmakers. Between April and July, only 7.7 percent of all cars sold by Mercedes were fully electric, while competitor BMW achieved around 18 percent. However, Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius is optimistic about the new electric GLC, believing it offers the best that electric mobility has to offer at the moment.

The new electric GLC is set to continue the success story of its combustion engine counterpart, which is the best-selling model at Mercedes-Benz. Källenius emphasizes the need for favorable framework conditions, such as charging infrastructure, to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, a goal he firmly stands by.

While both Mercedes and BMW are assessed to be on par technologically in their new electric models, the two companies have adopted different design approaches. BMW takes a more minimalistic approach, while Mercedes focuses on traditional brand values and creating a sense of comfort in the vehicle.

The new electric GLC boasts a high range of more than 700 kilometers and a short charging time of 15 minutes for about 400 kilometers of range. This advanced technology, coupled with software being a defining factor, positions the new electric GLC as a technologically advanced vehicle.

In an effort to boost sales, Mercedes hopes to sell significantly more electric vehicles with the new model. To achieve this, the company is producing a long version specifically for the Chinese market in Beijing. Meanwhile, the new electric GLC will be produced in Bremen.

Källenius, as head of the European Automaker Association ACEA, calls for more and faster investment in the prerequisites for electric mobility. He also voices concerns about the "combustion engine ban" planned by the EU for 2035, advocating for a rethink of the policy.

As for the price of the new electric GLC, no details have been provided yet. The combustion engine variant starts at approximately 54,000 euros, but it remains to be seen how the pricing will compare for the electric version.

In the competitive Chinese market, Mercedes may struggle to keep up without justifying higher prices, as local competition offers their electric vehicles significantly cheaper. The head of the Chinese Mercedes-Benz plant, where the longer version of the E-GLC for the Chinese market is to be produced, is not explicitly named in the available search results.

The new electric GLC is poised to make a significant impact in the electric vehicle market, particularly in the crucial Chinese market. With its advanced technology, comfort-focused design, and high range, Mercedes is confident that the new electric GLC will turn the tide for the company.

Mercedes unveils its electric SUV, dubbed the electro-GLC, as its contribution to the future of vehicle technology.