The first BEV for the Japanese market, the Electric GLC, has arrived. It is offered in 2 models, with rear-wheel drive and 4WD, respectively, and features a 2-speed transmission, a claimed range of 642 km and support for 800V high-voltage charging, according to reports.
Mercedes-Benz Japan announced the Electric GLC on 28 October 2026 as the first BEV model of the premium midsize GLC SUV. It uses the MB.EA-M platform designed exclusively for BEVs, with a design distinct from conventional engine-powered vehicles intended to expand and improve the efficiency of the interior space.
The Electric GLC is available in 2 variants: the rear-wheel-drive GLC250 Electric and the GLC300 4MATIC Electric, which drives both the front and rear wheels. Both are equipped with a 2-speed transmission in the rear drive unit. The design is intended to balance acceleration from a standstill with high-speed driving, with first gear used for initial acceleration and urban driving, and second gear designed to improve stability and efficiency on long-distance journeys.
The battery capacity is 85.5 kWh, with a claimed range of 642 km for the rear-wheel-drive model and 618 km for the 4WD model. The vehicle features regenerative braking of up to 300 kW, reduced power consumption in cold climates through a multisource heat pump, an 800V high-voltage architecture and support for CHAdeMO rapid charging at 100 kW.
The interior comes standard with the MBUX Superscreen, with larger displays including the MBUX Hyperscreen measuring up to 39.1 inches. Other features include integrated control centred on MB.OS and a generative AI-powered virtual assistant. Prices are reported to range from approximately ¥9.13 million to ¥9.51 million, including consumption tax for imported vehicles and excluding subsidies.