Mercedes is doing what every premium brand now does in China, stretching a familiar shape to suit a very specific brief. It has unveiled the long-wheelbase version of the new GLC EQ at the Beijing Auto Show, positioning it against the also new BMW iX3 LWB. The new electric SUV has a six-seater layout and borrows chassis tech from the brand’s flagship sedan.

Its overall length now sits at 4,950 mm (194.9 inches), paired with a 3,027 mm (119.2 inches) wheelbase. That makes it 105 mm (4.1 inches) longer than the standard global model, with 55 mm (2.1 inches of that added between the axles. It also edges past the EQE SUV by 87 mm (3.4 inches) and stretches 64 mm (2.5 inches) beyond the BMW iX3 LWB

More: BMW’s China-Only EVs Solve A Problem Tesla Owners Keep Running Into

The added length is easy to spot. Rear doors are longer, the quarter glass stretches further back, and the tail sits a touch more upright as a result. Otherwise, it keeps close to the standard GLC EQ, right down to the star-pattern LED lighting and the now-familiar illuminated grille.

Inside, Mercedes has not held back on screen real estate. A 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen spans the dashboard, as expected at this end of the market, but the more relevant change sits further back. The GLC L EV can be configured with three rows and six seats, giving it a practical edge over the BMW. Second-row passengers get individual captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, and massage, which should make the middle row the place to be.

Different Specs

The GLC L EV will be initially available with dual electric motors generating 416 hp (310 kW / 421 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. That is down on the global dual-motor GLC EV, which delivers 483 hp (360 kW / 489 PS), though few buyers in this segment are likely to notice the shortfall in daily use.

More: Mercedes’ Future EVs May Be More Chinese Than You Think

Interestingly, the Chinese-spec SUV has a smaller battery pack with a capacity of 85.5 kWh instead of 94 kW. Even so, Mercedes quotes a CLTC range of more than 700 km (435 miles). The reduced capacity likely comes down to a mix of weight targets, local sourcing, and the realities of packaging a third row into what began as a five-seat platform.

Chassis Technology From The S-Class

The GLC L EV rides on a stretched version of Mercedes’ MB.EA platform, complete with an 800V architecture shared with the new electric C-Class. For China, it also borrows more than just space. Option the Agility & Comfort Package and you get S-Class hardware, including Airmatic air suspension and rear-axle steering, for greater comfort and maneuverability.

More: Mercedes’ EV Push In America Has Nothing To Do With What American Buyers Want

The GLC L EV is slated to arrive in Chinese showrooms in the fourth quarter of the year. Pricing will follow closer to launch.

Mercedes-Benz is not stepping back from electric vehicles, despite competitors scaling back amid slower adoption rates. The news comes as US demand for EVs cools following the rollback of federal tax credits.

Instead, during the next three years, Mercedes will introduce a number of new electric models to the United States, including three AMG performance EVs and battery-powered versions of popular models such as the GLC crossover, E-Class and the C-Class sedan that was previewed today.

The Global Need To Go Electric

The update to Mercedes’ plans came from Adam Chamberlain, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, speaking to AutoNews, who explained the company’s position. Mercedes is sticking to its EV plans due to the requirement from global markets, said Chamberlain. Strict international regulations, especially in China and Europe, mean that for a brand selling worldwide, it is impossible to turn its back on EVs.

Also: Mercedes Heard ‘Too Many Screens’ And Built A New C-Class EV That’s One Giant Screen

However, unlike other manufacturers, they won’t be pushing electrification on consumers, hoping they’ll switch. Instead, Mercedes has moved to flexible vehicle platforms. Rather than their initial approach of offering a separate line of EVs, Merc’s current plan is to design cars compatible with gasoline engines, hybrids, or full battery-electric power.

American Demand For EVs Remains

Mercedes predicts pockets of demand among US consumers for EVs in the foreseeable future, despite the loss of federal incentives. While the company predicts EVs to constitute approximately 5 percent of its retail sales in the U.S. this year, that’s partly down to limited production and strong demand from Europe and China.

On the national scale, approximately 14 percent of consumers indicate that they would give serious consideration to an EV next time. In California, it grows to 28 percent. So, there is demand, but it is unevenly distributed. In fact, according to the report, Mercedes US have only been able to allocate around 200 electric CLA’s for customers, all units of which have been spoken for.

Read: Mercedes’ Future EVs May Be More Chinese Than You Think

Chamberlain thinks the U.S. EV sales would rise to 10 to 15 percent in the year 2021, with the supply increasing and more mainstream electric models coming into the market, such as battery versions of the GLC and C-Class. Nevertheless, profitability is still its focus. He made sure it was evident that Mercedes is not going to produce tens of thousands of vehicles without confirmed demand in its bid to achieve market share.