Mercedes-Benz begins sales in China of a long-wheelbase variant of the new electric GLC

Just as it did with the electric CLA, Mercedes-Benz has just launched in the Chinese market a long-wheelbase variant of the new electric GLC. The German manufacturer thus aims to adapt to the tastes and needs of customers in this Asian country, who place considerable value on having more legroom in the rear seats.

This new variant is available in three configurations to choose from, two five-seaters (Huiyin and Liujin) and one six-seater (Xingbo), with prices starting from 299,900 yuan. At the current exchange rate, this amounts to roughly 39,000 euros.

The wheelbase of this new variant for the Chinese market has been increased by 5.5 centimetres, reaching 3.03 metres. This change improves interior space, especially in the rear seats, and introduces a six-seat layout with a third row. In this way, the German manufacturer seeks to attract families and customers who value comfort on long journeys.

Notable technical specifications

Technically, the new GLC is the first vehicle from the brand built on the new MB.EA platform –Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture-, which supports an 800-volt architecture. It also features an 85.5 kWh NMC battery manufactured by CATL, thanks to which it can travel up to 703 kilometres under the Chinese CLTC homologation cycle. When recharging, this new electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz can increase its state of charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes.

In addition to the adaptation of the wheelbase, Mercedes-Benz has also carried out in this variant significant digital localisation work. The driver assistance system comes from Momenta, a Chinese company in which the German brand holds a stake, and is optimised for urban environments and motorways in the country. Meanwhile, the voice assistant integrates ByteDance’s Doubao artificial intelligence model, capable of recognising regional variants such as Cantonese. The cabin stands out for its large 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen.

Finally, it should be noted that, unlike the CLA L, which does not appear to have got off to a good start in the Chinese market, the electric GLC L combines its longer wheelbase with greater integration of Chinese technologies in software and driver assistance systems. It remains to be seen, however, whether this will be enough to attract the Chinese buyer.