Mercedes Drew Inspiration from a 1960s Muscle Car for the Grille of Its New EV | Carscoops

Mercedes Drew Inspiration from a 1960s Muscle Car for the Grille of Its New EV | Carscoops

      The head of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius, shared some details while testing a prototype of the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ technology in a YouTube teaser video 15 hours ago.

      Mercedes has announced that the upcoming GLC EV will be equipped with air suspension and will offer a range of over 404 miles.

      According to CEO Ola Källenius, the grille is a modern interpretation of a classic Mercedes front design from the 1960s.

      This fast-charging electric SUV can tow 5,300 pounds and can gain 162 miles of range in just 10 minutes.

      With only two months until the debut of the electric GLC at the Munich Auto Show, Mercedes is ramping up their promotional efforts. Following the model releases of the CLA and the electric G-Class, Källenius took a camouflaged version of the compact SUV for a test drive and shared some intriguing specifications.

      One significant detail revealed is that the first version to be launched will be named the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ technology, continuing the somewhat awkward naming convention established by the electric G-Class. Källenius also mentioned that the 400 can add approximately 162 miles (260 km) of range in just 10 minutes, thanks to its capability to charge at over 320 kW.

      800v Architecture and Efficient Charging Options

      Mercedes also provided additional information, noting that a converter allows the 800-volt SUV to connect to more common 400-volt charging stations. Interestingly, this wasn’t feasible with initial examples of the new CLA sedan, though a solution is being developed.

      During a demonstration, Källenius executed a standing start in the GLC. While he didn't disclose specific power or performance metrics, he hinted at acceleration levels akin to those of the Mercedes-AMG GT, implying a sub-4-second time from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h).

      Design Elements Inspired by Classics

      Regarding the front-end design, Källenius believes that the GLC draws inspiration from older Mercedes models. He enthusiastically references the large grille of the classic 300SEL 6.3, indicating that similar design elements will be visible when the GLC is unveiled in September.

      “It’s a futuristic, tech-savvy interpretation of that iconic Mercedes style,” he comments on the new vehicle’s grille.

      The SEL serves not only as a design reference but also showcases the GLC’s towing capabilities. Mercedes claims that it can tow a braked trailer weighing 5,300 pounds (2,400 kg), surpassing the towing capacity of the Porsche Macan Electric by 880 pounds (400 kg).

      More Spacious Interior and Advanced Suspension

      Interior rearrangements have also been made. Mercedes confirmed that the GLC EQ’s wheelbase is 3.2 inches (80 mm) longer than the current combustion GLC’s 113.7-inch (2,890 mm) wheelbase, benefitting rear-seat passengers, and there is increased luggage space as well.

      The trunk has a capacity of 20.1 cu-ft (570 liters), which is an additional 0.7 cu-ft (20 liters) compared to the ICE SUV, and can expand to 61.5 cu-ft (1,740 liters) with the seats folded down. Additionally, there’s 4.5 cu-ft (128 liters) of front trunk space available.

      The new GLC will come with air springs for enhanced ride comfort, but this feature will only be available as part of an optional Agility & Comfort Package, which also includes 4.5 degrees of rear-axle steering. Both technologies are also offered in the Porsche Macan Electric, and a comparison between the two models is highly anticipated for next year.

Mercedes Drew Inspiration from a 1960s Muscle Car for the Grille of Its New EV | Carscoops

Other articles

Mercedes Drew Inspiration from a 1960s Muscle Car for the Grille of Its New EV | Carscoops

Ola Källenius, the head of Mercedes-Benz, revealed some details while test-driving a prototype of the GLC 400 4Matic equipped with EQ technology for a YouTube teaser video.