Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ (2026 – ) | Expert Rating

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ (“GLC with EQ Technology”, to give it its full name) is a mid-sized electric SUV and the battery-powered sister model of the GLC SUV, which is the brand’s best-selling model worldwide.

The GLC EQ effectively replaces the previous Mercedes EQC, which was sold between 2019 and 2023. The new name reflects Mercedes’ latest plan to simplify its complex and confusing naming strategy, where ‘EQ’ names will be phased out and electric models will be aligned with their fossil fuel-powered equivalents.

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As such, the GLC EQ is a similar size to the petrol/diesel/hybrid GLC, which was launched in 2022. However, the two cars are completely different vehicles, with the EQ model being designed and constructed as a dedicated EV (rather than being adapted from a petrol model like the company’s smaller SUVs, the EQA and EQB), so we’re not sure if this is really reducing confusion.

The GLC EQ is the first model in a new range of Mercedes-Benz EVs, and showcases the company’s latest design and engineering directions, and is the marque’s answer to the highly-regarded BMW iX3. “It’s comfortable and quiet with a long electric range”, says Carwow’s Tom Wiltshire, “but can’t outshine the iX3” which “beats the GLC for price and for range.”

Beyond pricing – the cheapest version of the iX3 costs around £2k less than the entry-level GLC EQ at the time of wriiting, the Top Gear team labels the electric GLC as the new comfort benchmark for the mid-sized SUV class, while arguing that its iX3 is the better driver’s car.

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As of August 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 67%.

Key specifications

Image gallery

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of August 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ has not been assessed by Euro NCAP.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of August 2026, the Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ has not been assessed by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the GLC EQ is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing if and when it takes place. Check back again soon.

Running cost rating

The Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The SUV’s average battery range of 397 miles is competitive, as is the car’s electrical efficiency (the battery-powered equivalent on miles per gallon) of 4m/KWh, though the data reveals that close rivals like the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 are ever so slightly more efficient on average.

The standout of annual cost for the electric GLC is the estimated insurance premium, which sits in the highest bracket possible. The BMW iX3 is by no means cheap to insure, but the BMW’s insurance premiums sit in a cheaper bracket.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

The Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ is a brand-new model, so we won’t have enough reliability data to generate a reliability rating for some time.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the GLC EQ, we’ll publish the results here.

Warranty rating

New car warranty information for the Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ

Mercedes-Benz’s standard new car warranty is not much better than the bare minimum offered by car companies in the UK, running for three years, with no limit on mileage.

In addition to the standard new car warranty, there’s an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery components.

If you’re looking to buy a used car that is approaching the end of its warranty period, a used car warranty is usually a worthwhile investment. Check out The Car Expert’s guide to the best used car warranty providers, which will probably be cheaper than a warranty sold by a dealer.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ

As of August 2026, we are not aware of any DVSA vehicle safety recalls affecting the Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ. However, recall information is updated very regularly (even though the car has not yet gone on sale in the UK), so this may have changed.

You can check to see if your car has any outstanding recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Similar cars

If you’re looking at a new or used Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

Audi Q6 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Kia EV6 | Mini Countryman Electric | Nissan Ariya | Peugeot e-3008 | Polestar 2 | Porsche Macan Electric | Skoda Enyaq | Smart #3 | Tesla Model Y | Volkswagen ID.4 | Volvo EX60

More information

More news, reviews and information about the Mercedes-Benz GLC family at The Car Expert

Buy a Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ

If you’re looking to buy a new or used Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.

Lease a Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ

If you’re looking to lease a new Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.

Personal contract hire deals from Select Car Leasing. Find out more

Subscribe to a Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ

Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)