Good grief, the new Mercedes GLC has a MASSIVE illuminated grille

You’ve already seen the grille of the new Mercedes GLC, because Merc used a close-up to warn the internet that it was about to launch a new version of its best-selling model. Now though, the rest of the car has been revealed, and we can finally see said grille in context.

And yep, it’s absolutely massive. Illuminated too if you tick the right boxes on the configurator, with 942 little dots that can be animated to both greet and bid farewell to its driver. Because we hate it when our cars don’t say goodbye. The three-pointed star up front also lights up.

We’re told that this new look “preserves the essence of Mercedes-Benz” by ditching the swoopy pebble look of the EQC (and other doomed EQ cars) and drawing on inspiration from Merc’s past. This is supposed to be a modern take on the face of the 600 Pullman, the W108 and the W126. Expect to see it spread across the range.

So, what else is new for the GLC? Well, it’s being launched as an EV. The aforementioned EQC is dead and in its place is the ‘GLC with EQ Technology’. We’re told that this car was “built electric-first”, but that there will also be “a diverse portfolio of drive systems for every customer requirement”. That means hybrids, petrols and potentially even a diesel will follow for some markets. It’s much the same approach as Merc has taken with the new CLA, with boss Ola Källenius telling TG that it’s now “building to create flexibility in uncertain times”.

“I wish I had a crystal ball, but I don’t,” said the Swede.

So, at launch we’re being treated to a GLC 400 4Matic, which means two electric motors punching out 483bhp with drive at all four wheels (although the front motor is disconnected when not required). There’s a two-speed gearbox at the rear to improve efficiency, while a 94kWh usable lithium-ion battery allows for a mighty WLTP range of 443 miles on a single charge. That makes it one of the rangiest electric cars on sale, but does still put it some way behind the 500 miles WLTP of the new BMW iX3. 

Much like the BMW, it’s all based on an 800-volt system, so it’ll recharge rapidly at 330kW with an ability to add 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Plus, if you’re using Merc’s own charging parks, you’re able to reserve a plug from the car. There’s also optional air suspension from the S-Class which uses Google Maps data to keep the car as low as possible for as long as possible, while optional rear-wheel steering with 4.5 degrees of angle reduces the turning circle to 11.2 metres. It’ll tow up to 2.4 tonnes, too.

Mercedes also reckons that, with up to 300kW of recuperation available during braking, over 99 per cent of your slowing down will be regenerative. And there’s a heat pump fitted as standard. Good news as we hurtle towards winter.

Oh, and even with that giant grille, the new GLC gets a drag coefficient of 0.26Cd. Surprisingly swoopy. The rest of the styling is much as you’d expect, and there’s an AMG Line available if you want it to look a little more sporting. These things are relative, of course. There are fancy LED lights front and rear, with the taillights getting the same star-like treatment as the new CLA.

On the inside there’s more leg and headroom than the current GLC thanks to a wheelbase that’s 84mm longer, while boot space is 570 litres with a further 128 litres in the frunk. 

Although let’s be honest, it’s not boot space that you’re here for is it, because you’ve probably seen the size of that infotainment screen? Heck, you could see it from space. Yep, top spec GLCs will get a new, seamless Hyperscreen that stretches for 39.1in across the dash. It uses ‘innovative matrix-backlight technology’ to be super sharp, and there are 11 different ‘styles’ that can be selected as background motifs. They also change the ambient lighting and dial displays.

A panoramic roof is standard fit, and there’s the option of adding switchable glass tech that means different zones can be switched to opaque or 162 stars can be illuminated above your head. That’s Mercedes-Benz spec stars, of course – look through the actual glass and you’ll probably be able to see more than 162 stars.

A fully vegan interior is another option and is certified by The Vegan Society, while Merc is making quite a large song and dance about how it has listened and brought buttons back to the steering wheel. If we’re not mistaken, there are two small physical scrollers and then a load of the same haptic switches as before. Doh!

Plus, we’re told that thanks to artificial intelligence provided by Microsoft and Google, “talking to the MBUX Virtual Assistant is like chatting with a friend”. Although given how much energy these AI systems use, you’d probably be better off running an old 6.2-litre AMG V8 and accepting that it won’t respond to your questions.