2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC400 Electric: The Ultimate BMW iX3 Competitor

The latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz lineup is the new electric Mercedes-Benz GLC, now available for ordering and set to be in local showrooms alongside the existing petrol and plug-in hybrid GLCs starting October 2026.

Priced at $112,200 before on-road costs, the new mid-size electric SUV comes in a single GLC400 variant with dual-motor all-wheel drive. However, a special Launch Edition will be offered by Mercedes-Benz Australia at $110,000 plus on-roads, providing a slightly lower cost without additional equipment.

Standard features of the GLC400 include a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, head-up display, open-pore birch wood trim, Digital Light headlights with micro-LED technology, and 21-inch alloy wheels.

A unique feature of the GLC400 is the panoramic fixed-glass roof with nine segments that can transition from clear to opaque using Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal technology. The SUV also boasts ‘Artico’ leatherette seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The Night Package, which includes high-gloss black exterior accents and a dark chrome grille, is standard but can be removed as a no-cost option. Safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and safe exit warning are also included.

Optional packages for the GLC400 include the Luxury Package, adding heated, ventilated, and massaging front sport seats, heated rear seats, an illuminated star pattern in the panoramic roof, a Burmester 4D surround sound system, and the MBUX Hyperscreen with additional safety technology.

Another available package, the Agility and Comfort Package, introduces Airmatic air suspension and rear-axle steering. Additionally, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs can be added as an option.

The GLC electric is built on a dedicated electric vehicle architecture, offering a longer wheelbase, increased headroom, and legroom compared to its combustion-powered counterparts. The rear boot space is 570L, expanding to 1740L with folded rear seats, along with a 128L storage compartment under the bonnet.

Equipped with dual-motor all-wheel drive, the GLC400 delivers 360kW/800Nm, features a two-speed gearbox on the rear axle, and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds.

Powered by a 94.4kWh battery, the GLC400 provides 630km of range on the WLTP cycle, supporting AC charging up to 22kW and DC fast charging up to 330kW. Mercedes-Benz claims up to 300km of range can be added within 10 minutes at 800V fast-charging stations, with an energy consumption of 17.1kWh/100km.

Competing with the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, the GLC400 offers slightly higher outputs but a shorter range. The iX3, priced at $109,900 before on-road costs, boasts 345kW/645Nm and 805km of WLTP range with a DC fast-charge rate of up to 400kW.

Mercedes-Benz has plans for additional GLC EV models in Australia, including the single-motor rear-wheel drive GLC250 and the all-wheel drive GLC300. Rivals in the Australian market for the GLC and iX3 EVs include the Audi Q6 e-tron, Volvo EX60, Lexus RZ, Polestar 4, and Cadillac Lyriq.

For more information on the Mercedes-Benz GLC and its variants, explore the Mercedes-Benz GLC showroom.