All vehicles must endure rigorous testing before they can be sold to the public. Crash performance must be evaluated, electrical systems need to be proven, and even driving dynamics have to be checked and rechecked to ensure everything functions as it should. Engineers also battle against squeaks and rattles, they verify the corrosion resistance of the body, test driveline strength, and even subject vehicles to baking desert heat and sub-zero temperatures.
And, that’s exactly what Mercedes-Benz has been doing with its redesigned GLC SUV. It has been putting this electrified utility vehicle through its paces near the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, and the automaker even released some photos – and product details – to prove it.
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A Multi-Powertrain Strategy
Globally, the GLC is the German luxury automaker’s best-selling SUV family, and to continue that showroom success, the company is working on the new GLC with EQ Technology. Designed as an electric vehicle first and foremost, this SUV will, nonetheless, also offer an array of different powertrains to meet the diverse needs of customers around the world.
“Our new electric GLC is a car without compromises – and we test it just as uncompromisingly,” said Christoph Starzynski, vice president of overall vehicle development and integration at Mercedes-Benz in a media release shared by the automaker. “During winter testing in Sweden, our new, all-electric GLC demonstrated its reliability and robustness even under extreme conditions. It represents innovation and quality – a fact we have proven in the Scandinavian winter,” he added.
A Few Technical Details
Aside from a few “spy” photos published by the automaker, Mercedes-Benz also shared some interesting details about the new all-electric GLC. This SUV will feature a state-of-the-art battery that features an 800-volt architecture for excellent performance. Accordingly, this pack is expected to DC fast charge at more than 320 kilowatts, a stellar showing for any vehicle.
Internally, this battery features anodes that contain silicon oxide blended into the graphite. This should provide greater energy density for a longer range, and lighter weight, though a range estimate for the new GLC has not been shared. It’s likely too early for Mercedes-Benz to have any finalized numbers, plus any estimates are almost certain to vary greatly depending on the market this SUV is sold in. EPA testing, for instance, is far more rigorous than the WLTP regimen.
It Will Come With A Heat Pump, Too
Further bolstering this EV’s range, the new GLC will come standard with a heat pump, a much more efficient design that uses one-third as much power as a resistive heater. This HVAC system can also utilize waste heat from the drive units, battery pack, and even the ambient air.
Speaking of the powertrain, this vehicle will offer Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system to ensure traction in every weather condition. The vehicle’s new rear-drive unit was also developed entirely by Mercedes-Benz, and features a two-speed transmission for greater performance. Aside from that, the redesigned GLC SUV also gains a new braking system. Engineers have combined the ESP control module, master cylinder, and booster into one space-saving unit.
Stay Tuned For More Details
It’s unclear when Mercedes-Benz will officially unveil its new GLC utility vehicle, but hopefully, this all-electric SUV will be revealed sooner rather than later, because based on the spy photos shared by the automaker, the vehicle looks quite attractive.
We can see this vehicle features a traditional two-box design, no surprises there. Like other Mercedes-Benz EVs, the new GLC has podded side-view mirrors that are mounted to the doors. The exterior door handles also appear to be retractable for a clean look and likely slightly improved aerodynamics. Overall, this SUV looks handsome and has quite attractive proportions.
