2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC400 EV achieves 356-mile highway range and 3.7-second 0–60 mph in instrumented test
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC400 4Matic EV marks a shift away from the brand's previous EQ-badged electric vehicles toward models that closely resemble their gasoline counterparts in size and naming. However, rather than sharing an architecture with the internal combustion or plug-in hybrid GLC variants, the electric GLC400 rides on a dedicated EV platform shared with the upcoming electric C-Class.
Powered by a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup with permanent-magnet motors front and rear, the GLC400 produces a combined 483 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It uses a single-speed fixed ratio up front and a two-speed automatic transmission, drawing energy from a 94.0-kWh NMC lithium-ion battery. In performance testing, the 5,614-pound SUV sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and completed the quarter mile in 12.1 seconds at 115.7 mph. While faster than the 5.6-second gas-powered GLC300, it trails the Rivian R2 Performance (3.4 seconds) and edges out the Volvo EX60 P10 AWD (3.9 seconds). Braking from 60 to 0 mph took 113 feet, with 0.84 g of lateral acceleration and a figure-eight lap of 25.6 seconds at an average of 0.76 g.
Range and charging are standout strengths. While the EPA rates the GLC400 at 350 miles (with ratings of 123/115/119 mpg-e city/highway/combined), it achieved 356 miles in the 70-mph road-trip range test, outperforming competitors like the Volvo EX60 P10 and Rivian R2 Performance through high efficiency. During fast-charging tests, the vehicle added 198 miles of range in 15 minutes and 312 miles in 30 minutes. On the road, an optional air suspension, available rear-wheel steering, and well-tuned steering deliver a plush, quiet ride and strong urban maneuverability, though a minor lack of refinement was noted around 4 to 5 mph in strong recuperation (one-pedal) mode.
Inside and out, technology dominates the experience. An optional 39.1-inch pillar-to-pillar Hyperscreen replaces the standard three-screen layout, coordinating its background visuals with the cabin's ambient lighting and gauge details, though the massive display can feel somewhat cold and mechanical. Other tech features include selectable acceleration sounds, an optional dimmable glass roof illuminated by 162 glowing Mercedes stars, and an upright front grille housing 942 illuminated polycarbonate panels. Ergonomic drawbacks include a wide side sill—similar to that of the CLA250 EV—that makes entry and exit awkward.
Pricing is the primary hurdle. While the base price starts at $64,950, adding desirable options such as air suspension, rear-wheel steering, genuine leather, and ventilated front seats pushes the MSRP toward $80,000, with the tested vehicle reaching $85,450.
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