The new Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric and the upcoming BMW iX3 are poised to compete directly in the premium mid-size electric SUV segment. The GLC, from today on available in Belgium for ordering at €72,479, combines a luxurious interior, spacious design, and a WLTP range of up to 715 km.
Priced at a similar level to the ‘classic’ combustion engine GLC, Mercedes proves that electric vehicles no longer have to be more expensive in terms of purchase price. Translated to the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), this Mercedes could spare you up to +10,000 euros in four years, AI calculations show.
Stuttgart’s answer to the BMW iX3?
A 360 kW dual-motor setup powers it, featuring 800-volt charging that adds 300 km in just ten minutes. BMW’s next-generation iX3, built on its new “Neue Klasse” platform, promises slightly more range — up to 805 km — and even faster 400 kW charging. The BMW should start at €69,900.
Where the Mercedes emphasises comfort, craftsmanship, and practicality, the BMW aims for cutting-edge efficiency and technology. Both models signal a new era of long-range electric SUVs, offering buyers a credible premium alternative to traditional luxury combustion vehicles.
The first Mercedes GLC variant offered, the GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology, delivers 360 kW of power and boasts a range of up to 715 kilometres (WLTP). Thanks to its 800-volt architecture, the vehicle can add up to 303 kilometres of range in just ten minutes of fast charging.
Mercedes-Benz positions the electric GLC at a similar price level to its combustion counterpart, reinforcing its goal to make the switch to electric mobility easier for customers. Four additional electric models will follow, with two to be introduced throughout 2026.
Fighting prejudices
This price setting addresses the most common misconception of the man on the street about making the switch to electric driving: EVs tend to be significantly more expensive upfront in their purchase price. However, they were often already cheaper in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) than their ICE counterparts. But that’s a calculation most people aren’t aware of.
The total ownership cost of this new electric GLC is estimated at around €50,500, compared to €60,500 for the petrol-powered GLC 300 4MATIC over a four-year ownership period. That includes the purchase price, energy/fuel, maintenance, BIV, and annual taxes, minus the estimated residual value, and does not include insurance costs.
The savings primarily come from lower electricity, maintenance, and tax expenses, even under the new 2026 Flemish rule, which subjects EVs to a minimum registration tax of €61.50 and a yearly road tax based on 2 to 3 fiscal horsepower. Brussels and Wallonia already tax EVs today with a similar registration tax while sticking to a flat annual tax of around €100, regardless of power or price.
While resale values and electricity prices will influence the outcome, the numbers show that Mercedes’ new electric SUV already beats its combustion counterpart at the bottom line, while offering greater comfort and zero tailpipe emissions.
So what will you get for this price in the new electric GLC? Built on a dedicated electric platform, the new GLC combines performance and comfort with a new design language, featuring the brand’s illuminated, animated chrome grille that redefines the SUV’s face.
Dedicated 800-volt architecture
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC Electric combines performance, luxury, and practicality in a single package. With 360 kW of power and a range of up to 715 km (WLTP), it’s among the longest-ranging SUVs in its class.
It uses an 800-volt architecture and is built as a fully electric vehicle (not a retrofit) on a dedicated EV platform. Thanks to this 800-volt architecture, a quick ten-minute charge can add up to 303 km of driving range.
The longer wheelbase (+84 mm) provides more interior space, with a luggage capacity of up to 1,740 litres and a 128-litre front trunk, while maintaining a towing capacity of 2.4 tonnes.
Inside, the model offers an optional MBUX Hyperscreen, the largest display ever fitted in a Mercedes-Benz, and new vegan interior materials certified by The Vegan Society, a world first for an automaker.
The Vegan Society is a UK-based organization founded in 1944. It’s actually where the term ‘vegan’ originated. The group promotes veganism as a lifestyle and philosophy that avoids the use of animal products for food, clothing, or any other purpose. They also certify vegan products with their recognizable ‘Vegan Trademark.’
Belgian customers can choose between several equipment lines: Avantgarde Line, Advanced Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus, as well as AMG Line and Night Package options for sportier styling.
Top-selling model
Globally, the GLC has been confirmed as the top-selling model for Mercedes‑Benz Group AG. For example, in full-year 2022, Mercedes-Benz reported that the GLC was its best-selling model. By offering the EV at a price comparable to its combustion counterpart, Mercedes aims to make electric mobility mainstream while preserving the GLC’s core strengths.
Mercedes expects a lot from this new electric GLC, as expressed by Mathias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing.
“The GLC has been Mercedes-Benz’s most popular model for years and a global leader in its segment. With the fully electric GLC, we aim to continue that success. This car combines everyday practicality, long range, and iconic design, and now embodies our brand promise of ‘Welcome Home’ more than ever. “
“Mercedes-Benz has listened to customer feedback from around the world and developed a fully electric model that marks a turning point in the midsize SUV segment. Our goal is to make the transition to electric mobility easier, which is why we are offering the fully electric GLC at a price comparable to that of the combustion-engine models.”
