Before a new car comes to market, it undergoes many months, sometimes years, of rigorous testing around the globe. Sweden often plays a significant role in this process, with its cold northern regions offering the ideal combination of frigid temperatures and frozen surfaces.
It was there that I had the opportunity to test an upcoming new EV from Mercedes-Benz. The vehicle in question is the GLC equipped with EQ Technology, an all-electric version of one of the company’s most popular SUVs. With new batteries, new motors, and a higher-voltage charging system, it represents a major evolution and enhancement over the company’s existing EV offerings, such as the .
The question, however, is whether it is better to drive. This curiosity brought me to Sweden. I am generally quite comfortable driving on ice and snow, having lived in the northeast my entire life and ice racing for the past 20 years. However, when sitting behind the wheel of a priceless, hand-built prototype, I usually take a few extra minutes before really pushing my limits.
That apprehension vanished when I got behind the steering wheel of the electric GLC SUV. Within 30 seconds, my foot was flat on the floor, and both I and a wide-eyed development engineer were speeding down an ice-covered trail through a birch tree grove.
The new GLC’s traction and stability control systems are impressive. Where most cars would simply cut all power in a slippery situation, especially practical-minded ones like a typical crossover SUV, the GLC was much more accommodating. When the grip was low over sections of dark, glassy ice, the system reduced power application, preventing me from making an expensive dent in a snowbank.
When grip was available, the GLC quickly ramped back up to maximum acceleration, using the power of its dual electric motors and all-wheel drive to keep us moving smoothly and cleanly between the trees. These motors and the intelligence controlling them are part of Mercedes-Benz’s new platform, MB.EA. These are permanent magnet motors, with the front one featuring a physical disconnect to reduce drag when not needed.
The vehicle also features a new heat pump capable of absorbing thermal energy from ambient air as well as the car’s various internal systems. Mercedes engineers claim it warms the cabin twice as fast using half the energy compared to their current EVs. Indeed, the interior of the GLC was quite cozy despite the sub-freezing temperatures.
Unfortunately, I cannot comment on the vehicle’s range in those conditions. It is just a pre-production prototype, after all. Nonetheless, I expect a substantial improvement over the 307 miles the EQE SUV can achieve on a single charge. The batteries in the GLC use a revised chemistry intended to reduce reliance on while increasing energy density, meaning more miles per pound of battery.
Also aiding the range is a revised regenerative braking system. The GLC offers multiple rates of regen, including a one-pedal mode that will bring the SUV to a complete stop. When using the brake pedal, the sensation might feel slightly unusual.
This is because pressing the pedal doesn’t directly engage a physical braking system. Similar to a , the resistance is simulated. You aren’t feeling hydraulic pressure, just springs compressing.
While different, it isn’t a bad sensation. The objective is to provide a steady, consistent feel regardless of your actions or driving style. The car itself determines how much of the desired deceleration can be achieved through regenerative power. When more force is needed, it seamlessly engages the physical brakes for additional stopping power.
In practice, it performs excellently. The car stops smoothly and consistently, avoiding the occasional uneven braking that can occur when applying heavy pressure on the brake pedal in an EV. The lack of feedback when ABS engages is somewhat disappointing, but considering some drivers are startled by the feedback pulse, it may ultimately be beneficial.
When accelerating, the GLC again impresses with strong performance capable of satisfying performance enthusiasts. However, due to the low-grip conditions of the roads and trails I encountered, I cannot fully attest to its handling capabilities.
What I can confirm is that the optional air suspension performed exceptionally well over challenging road conditions. It absorbed impacts from ruts, washboards, and frost heaves with ease, even raising the suspension by an inch for better clearance over deeper snow and ice. On smoother roads, the GLC maintained the quiet, luxurious ambience expected from a high-end EV. While there was some road noise from the snow tires, it should make for a delightful cruiser on standard tires.
The only downside is the wait. The GLC is scheduled to make its formal debut in Germany in September, with production unlikely to start until well into 2026. Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced pricing for the electric GLC. Considering the current global situation, it is uncertain what the incentives and tariffs for foreign EVs will be, even those manufactured in the US like Mercedes-Benz’s current .
If priced appropriately, and assuming it looks favorable once those camouflage covers come off, it should be a hit. Personally, I am already eager for another opportunity to get behind the wheel and further acquaint myself with it.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/evs/mercedes-benz-glc-with-eq-technology-prototype-drive-better-when-chilled-230157718.html?src=rss
