THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ GLC EV IS SO COOL IT TESTS PERFECTLY IN COLD WEATHER
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been the brand’s best-selling SUV, and now, it’s making history once again. Enter the all-electric GLC, a model that doesn’t just embrace the future but charges headfirst into it - literally. Designed as a full battery-electric vehicle (BEV), this latest iteration pushes boundaries in range, efficiency, and charging speed while maintaining the versatility and premium feel that define the GLC lineup. But before it hits the roads, it had to prove itself in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Camouflaged prototypes recently tackled the frozen wilderness of northern Sweden, enduring extreme sub-zero conditions and navigating snow-covered roads with unwavering confidence.
“Our new electric GLC is a car without compromises - and we test it just as uncompromisingly. During winter testing in Sweden, our all-electric GLC proved its reliability and robustness under extreme conditions. It represents innovation and quality - a fact we have validated in the Scandinavian winter.” – Christoph Starzynski, Vice President Overall Vehicle Development & Integration, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
The new GLC EV doesn’t just survive the cold - it thrives in it. With advanced 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the system constantly analyses wheel spin and distributes torque accordingly. Thanks to independently controlled electric motors, traction remains optimal even on the iciest roads. The front-axle drive unit features a Disconnect Unit (DCU), allowing it to engage or disengage seamlessly for maximum efficiency. Mercedes-Benz’s newly developed rear electric drive unit delivers impressive power, while silicon carbide-based power electronics enhance energy efficiency. The braking system has also been overhauled, integrating the brake booster, master cylinder, and ESP® control into a compact module that ensures a precise, confident pedal feel in any situation.
More importantly, intelligent energy recuperation helps maximize range while maintaining seamless braking performance. Even in brutal Arctic temperatures, the GLC EV maintains impressive range, thanks to its cutting-edge battery and drivetrain technologies. An 800-volt architecture optimizes efficiency and slashes charging times, while a two-speed transmission on the primary rear axle ensures a balance between performance and energy conservation. The flagship battery variant supports sustained DC fast charging at over 320 kW, significantly reducing downtime. Advanced silicon oxide-blended anodes allow for greater energy density, resulting in longer range and reduced battery weight - enhancing both performance and practicality. Inside, the GLC EV prioritizes comfort without sacrificing efficiency. A state-of-the-art air-side heat pump harnesses waste heat from the electric drive unit, battery, and ambient air, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional electric heaters. This intelligent thermal management system not only keeps passengers cozy but also preconditions the high-voltage battery for optimal charging performance - even in the heart of winter.
Extreme testing is a Mercedes-Benz tradition, and the Arctic Circle remains a critical battleground. In Arjeplog, Sweden, prototypes endure temperatures as low as -25°C while navigating snow-covered roads, frozen lakes, and steep inclines up to 20%. The dedicated test facility features specialized tracks designed to push vehicles to their limits, ensuring every system functions flawlessly in the harshest conditions. For electric vehicles, winter testing goes beyond standard durability trials. Additional tests focus on cold-start power output, real-world range, charging behavior in sub-zero temperatures, and fine-tuning of the ESP and regenerative braking systems. The Arjeplog facility also offers a full spectrum of charging options, from household outlets to high-speed fast chargers, ensuring the GLC EV excels in any scenario. Mercedes-Benz’s rigorous development process includes digital simulations, bench testing, and real-world validation, culminating in a final test phase that guarantees every component meets the brand’s uncompromising standards. The result? A GLC EV that isn’t just ready for the road - it’s ready for anything.
Take a look at the YouTube video that doesn't really show much, but it does explain everything you need to know about this new EV and the plans for the range's future by the top chaps at Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz GLC EV Signals Company's Strategy Shift | UON News EV
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