2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic Electric delivers effortless performance

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The Mercedes-Benz GLC has been the top-selling model in the German automaker’s lineup for many years. So at the top of the range for the new third-generation GLC, the GLC 400 4Matic Electric arrives with big shoes to fill. Its electric powertrain is more than up to the task of merely building out the GLC lineup with a wider range of options for shoppers in the U.S.; it earns a spot on the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems for 2026.

“The sleek GLC400 4Matic Electric is a rocket and instills a lot of confidence when passing on the expressway with almost 500 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It also is fast in another way: The SUV’s 800-volt architecture enables ultra-fast DC charging speeds that allow 10% to 80% charge in about 20 minutes,” points out juror Drew Winter.

Effortlessly electric

The GLC 4Matic Electric has two permanently excited synchronous motors, one at each axle. Engineered by Mercedes-Benz itself, the motors manage a battery-to-wheel efficiency of 93%, according to the automaker. Engineers credit silicon carbide inverters to help reach that figure. Additionally, they arranged motor magnets in a double-V configuration and used chorded coils for the stator windings. These methods help keep propulsion quiet.

In back, that motor goes through a two-speed automatic transmission before reaching the rear wheels. An 11:1 ratio first gear handles quick launches and easily manages city traffic, while a 5:1 ratio second gear helps at highway—and higher—speeds. The front motor, alternatively, uses a single gear, but disengages and reconnects to the front axle immediately based on driving needs. 

All these details show in the drive.

“Mercedes’ electric vehicle employs a two-speed rear motor, which is a rarity among BEVs but shows up in impressive miles-per-kWh efficiency, making it a quiet, efficient cruiser,” said juror Bob Gritzinger

It’s also quite capable. All combined, the GLC 400 delivers 483 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Even better, the lithium-ion battery pack holds enough energy to enjoy that power for 350 miles between charges. 

The 800V battery system utilizes silicon oxide anodes mixed with graphite to achieve a high energy density — 680 Wh/I, according to Mercedes-Benz. All told, you get 94 kWh of usable energy storage and impressive efficiency.

Recuperate and recharge

Part of the impressive range and efficiency stems from the GLC’s ability to recuperate up to 300 kW of power when decelerating. Mercedes-Benz states the GLC can handle 99% of all everyday driving without using the mechanical brakes. 

And the GLC offers multiple levels of how much decel you get from simply lifting off the accelerator. The driver chooses one of four recuperation settings: D- (maximum), D (standard), D+ (coasting), and D auto (intelligent recuperation). Even when set to D-, the driver still retains full control of slowing by simply managing how much pressure is applied to the accelerator. Driving smoothly with one pedal comes naturally.

Other energy saving benefits come from using a built-in heat pump to help maintain cabin temperature. It pulls heat from three different sources: waste heat from the electric drive unit, the battery, and ambient air. The system can help heat or cool the cabin, based on the needs of the occupants.

When it’s time to charge, the GLC accepts up to 330 kW of DC fast-charging power to achieve a 22-minute 10%-80% charge, according to Mercedes. At home, give it around 10 hours to completely charge a fully depleted battery at Level 2 rates.

Experiencing efficiency and performance

All of these traits culminate into an effortless driving experience. The GLC is simultaneously smooth, exhilarating, and tranquil. It makes short work of any left-lane squatters and other ne’er-do-wells on the road and otherwise remains perfectly calm and pleasant transportation. You need but 4.2 seconds to reach 60 mph from rest, according to the automaker’s specs. And, with enough space, the GLC will reach 130 mph.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz worked to consume less carbon in building the GLC, not just in the vehicle’s own emissions. One of the GLC assembly locations is Hall 9 of its Bremen Plant. There, production is net carbon neutral, as 100% of the plant’s electricity is supplied from green sources. 

From the moment a GLC is born to the many miles it intends to accumulate, its carbon footprint remains small. But the positive impact its propulsion system has is quite large indeed.