New Mercedes GLC electric

The National Times - New Mercedes GLC electric

The new fully electric Mercedes‑GLC is scheduled to appear in 2026 as a dedicated EV platform rather than an electrified version of the existing GLC. The initial GLC 400 4MATIC model uses two motors and a 94‑kWh battery, promising up to 406 miles of WLTP range. British order books opened in late‑2025 with deliveries due in mid‑2026. The recommended retail price ranges from £60 350 to £73 350 (about €70 000–86 000).

Technical highlights:
- Dual‑motor all‑wheel drive with 482–489 hp.
94‑kWh battery; WLTP range up to 406 miles; some reports mention 443 miles.
- Fast‑charging at 330 kW, taking 22 minutes from 10–80 %; AC charging at 11 kW (22 kW optional).
4.3 s 0–100 km/h and top speed 210 km/h.
- Interior features include the MBUX Hyperscreen (up to 39 inches), one‑box braking with high recuperation, air suspension with rear‑axle steering and Car‑to‑X connectivity, vegan materials and a spacious boot with 570 litres plus a 138‑litre frunk.

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Range assessment:
The headline 406‑mile range is based on WLTP testing; real‑world figures are likely closer to 350–400 miles. Rivals like BMW’s iX3 boast similar or higher ranges, and price–range comparisons will be crucial.

Pricing:
Starting at around £60 350, the electric GLC sits firmly in the premium class. Commentators argue that the price reflects luxury features such as expansive screens and elaborate driver assistance while lacking more advanced self‑driving capabilities.

Public opinion:
Enthusiasts appreciate the generous range, powerful performance and luxurious interior. Critics question the value of huge screens and numerous assistance systems, criticise the bold front‑end design and note that full autonomous driving is missing.

Conclusion:
The new all‑electric GLC delivers impressive specifications and luxury, but its high price and real‑world efficiency remain to be proven. It will appeal to buyers seeking a spacious premium EV SUV, yet some observers call for more emphasis on efficiency and usability.

Small, efficient and revolutionary: The IPOP electric car from Alsace

In early May 2026, the French start‑up IPOP Automobiles unveiled a prototype of its mini electric car at the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse. Nicknamed IPOP, the vehicle breaks with conventions: instead of a central motor, each wheel houses its own electric motor. The company promises that nearly all components are manufactured in France, with battery cells from China being the only exception.Visually, the IPOP resembles a hybrid of a beach buggy and a golf cart. It can be configured as a two‑ or four‑seat vehicle, with open or enclosed bodywork, and with either two‑ or four‑wheel drive. Inventor Christophe Winkelmuller believes that wheel‑hub motors are the next big leap in vehicle electrification, comparable to the battery revolution of the past decade. By eliminating bulky drivetrains, the wheel motors are intended to save space and increase efficiency.

Toyota bZ7: Luxury EVs in China

The Toyota bZ7 is shaking up China’s electric luxury car segment. Developed jointly by Toyota and GAC, the five‑meter sedan is built exclusively for the Chinese market and measures roughly 5,130 mm long and 1,965 mm wide, similar to a Tesla Model S. Pricing starts at about 147,800 yuan (approximately US$21,500) and runs up to 199,800 yuan across five trim levels.The bZ7 showcases cutting‑edge technology. Its cockpit features Huawei’s HarmonyOS 5.0 interface on a 15.6‑inch touchscreen, complemented by an 8.8‑inch digital cluster and a 27‑inch head‑up display. Voice control recognizes multiple zones and commands, yet physical buttons remain for key functions. Momenta provides the R6 ADAS suite, combining LiDAR and 26 other sensors to deliver highway and urban navigation on autopilot plus automated parking without subscription fees.Passengers enjoy ventilated, heated and massaging seats, while the front seats use a zero‑gravity design for comfort. Dual‑chamber air suspension and a road‑preview system give a refined ride.

The National Times - New Mercedes GLC electric