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Mercedes Gave China’s GLC A Little Extra, And It Shows

  • China’s GLC EQ stretches an extra 2.1 inches in wheelbase.
  • It features dual motors with a 219 hp and 402 hp split.
  • Range could hit 500 miles using China’s local test cycle.

Mercedes-Benz isn’t waiting around when it comes to expanding its electric lineup in China. Less than six months after unveiling the all-new GLC with EQ Technology in Europe, the first images of the long-wheelbase version have surfaced, tailored specifically for the Chinese market.

Scheduled to launch as the GLC 350 L, this variant stretches the wheelbase to 3,027 mm (119 inches), compared to the 2,972 mm (115.2 inches) found in Western versions. The extra 55 mm, or about 2.1 inches, may not seem dramatic on paper, but in practice, it’s likely to matter quite a bit for those riding in the back.

Read: Star-Stricken Mercedes GLC EV Has A Grille Big Enough To Swallow A BMW iX3

Without a direct comparison, the extended-wheelbase GLC EQ looks much like the standard version. The longer rear doors are the most visible difference, with a small ‘L’ badge on the tailgate offering the only other clear indication of the added length. Otherwise, the SUV looks quite suave, though we’re still not entirely convinced by the oversized illuminated grille up front.

 Mercedes Gave China’s GLC A Little Extra, And It Shows

So far, early details from China haven’t confirmed the exact battery specifications for the local version. Globally, the GLC EQ is equipped with a 94 kWh lithium-ion pack, offering up to 443 miles (713 km) of range.

It’s likely that the Chinese model will carry the same setup, though local testing standards tend to be more generous. If that holds true, the official figure could land somewhere north of 500 miles (805 km) on a full charge.

According to data released by Chinese authorities, the GLC 350 L comes standard with a dual-motor setup. The front axle motor produces up to 219 hp (163 kW), while the rear one delivers a more substantial 402 hp (300 kW). By comparison, Europe’s sole announced version, the GLC 400 EQ, offers a combined output of 483 hp.

Mercedes-Benz has a lot riding on the GLC EQ’s performance in China. Competition from domestic EV makers is intensifying, and the German carmaker saw a 7 percent dip in Chinese sales in 2024. Full-year figures for 2025 haven’t been released yet, but expectations are for another decline. The GLC EQ’s success may play a key role in reversing that trend.

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New Mercedes GLC EQ Isn’t Stopping At Two Rows Anymore

  • Mercedes is testing a larger, three-row version of the GLC EQ.
  • The prototype shows a flatter roofline and extended rear doors.
  • Expect a similar interior with MBUX Superscreen and Hyperscreen.

Mercedes unveiled the GLC EQ at the Munich Motor Show this fall, but that’s not the end of the story. Quite the opposite as spy photographers have now snapped the first pictures of what appears to be a new three-row variant.

Spied parked alongside the regular model, the seven-seat crossover has a familiar design that closely echoes its smaller counterpart. However, we can see a flatter roof, updated rear doors, and a unique rear end.

More: Star-Stricken Mercedes GLC EV Has A Grille Big Enough To Swallow A BMW iX3

The latter has been extended and features a more upright rear window. The camouflage also suggests larger third-quarter glass and a reimagined D-pillar.

Besides the special touches, the model has starry headlights and plastic body cladding. We can also see a familiar grille and rear light bar with circular elements.

 New Mercedes GLC EQ Isn’t Stopping At Two Rows Anymore

Spy photographers didn’t get a look inside, but the model should have a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment system.

Buyers will also likely have the option to upgrade to the MBUX Superscreen, which adds a 14-inch front passenger display. If that isn’t enough screens, the available MBUX Hyperscreen features a 39.1-inch display that spans the width of the dashboard.

We can also expect a familiar powertrain that consists of a 94 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque.

This enables the regular model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.3 seconds, hit a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h), and have a WLTP range of 418 miles (673 km).

The three-row crossover is believed to be designed for China. However, that’s not entirely certain as the model would make sense in a number of markets.

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Can AMG Add Some Excitement To The Underwhelming GLC EV?

  • Mercedes-AMG is testing a performance variant of the new GLC EQ.
  • Our spy team snapped the compact AMG-tuned SUV inside and out.
  • Rumors suggest the EV could make close to 940 hp with three motors.

Mercedes went head-to-head with BMW at September’s Munich Auto Show, with both companies revealing compact electric SUVs, and the Bavarian iX3 definitely looked more dynamic in our view, despite the best efforts of the GLC’s huge new grille.

But AMG is working on its own GLC version that could deliver the stage presence the stock model lacked.

Related: Mercedes Is Preparing A 40-Car Blitz To Reshape Its Future

Our spy photo team caught a Mercedes-AMG GLC EQ prototype testing in Germany, managing to fire off shots of both the exterior and interior and, thus, highlighting some important details.

One is the wider track versus the non-AMG version, the fat forged alloy wheels being pushed to the outer edges of the bodywork to improve both the handling and the visual swagger.

What Visual Changes Will AMG Bring?

Helping push those wheels into the pavement is another AMG-specific detail, a pop-up rear spoiler mounted at the top of the rear hatch. It’s also likely that the spoiler will be paired with a rear diffuser in the production version, even if we can’t see one on this prototype.

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Also not fully visible on this test car is the AMG grille. We know it’ll be massive, probably carrying over the same basic outline as the new full-height grille that got its first outing on the regular GLC EQ in September, and has since been seen again on the gorgeous Vision Iconic GT concept that broke cover a few weeks after.

However, we’re still waiting to see what AMG has in mind for the grille’s center section and whether it will integrate its now-traditional vertical vanes.

Sporty Cabin, Supercar-Rivaling Power

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Less mystery shrouds the interior after spy photographers snuck up close to a parked GLC and fired off some shots revealing the presence of a set of heavily bolstered black and red bucket seats. Expect the door panels and center armrest to be trimmed to match by the time production starts, probably midway through 2026.

Of course, no AMG model would be complete without a gigantic injection of horsepower. Mercedes has so far only revealed one powertrain for the GLC, a 483 hp (490 PS / 360 kW) dual-motor setup for the GLC 400 4Matic that draws juice from a 94 kWh battery to deliver up to 443 miles (713 km) of WLTP range.

Not bad, but the AMG version will leave it for dust if (as rumored) it rocks up with three Yasa axial flux motors and as much as 938 hp (952 PS / 700 kW).

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