Electric mobility has a new rhythm, and it hums through every bend and climb in the form of the 2026 Mercedes GLC EQ. When Mercedes-Benz offered a glimpse into the future with their upcoming all-electric luxury mid-size SUV, I knew the experience needed more than an ordinary city street. To truly uncover its potential, I took it somewhere that demands everything from a vehicle, Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu.
Often dubbed the “Mountains of Death” due to their notorious 70 continuous hairpin bends, Kolli Hills is where control, finesse, and performance come alive or fall apart. Rising 1300 meters above sea level, these hills test the composure of any vehicle with their fog-draped roads, tight switchbacks, and ever-changing terrain. With the 2026 GLC EQ, I found myself not just navigating the bends, but flowing through them.
But before recounting this electric dance through the Ghats, let’s understand what this next-generation GLC EQ is really made of.
Specifications at a Glance
No assumptions — just verified Mercedes data from the only source that matters: their official site.
| Specification | Detail |
| Powertrain | Dual electric motors (Front & Rear) |
| Total Power Output | 360 kW (489 hp) |
| Battery Capacity | 94.5 kWh NMC |
| Range (claimed) | Up to 650 km |
| Charging (DC Fast Charging) | Up to 320 kW |
| Platform | MB.EA (Electric-first architecture) |
| Drivetrain | 4Matic All-Wheel Drive |
| 0 to 100 km/h Acceleration | Estimated under 5 seconds |
| Rear-Wheel Steering | Yes (with 11.2 m turning radius) |
| Drive Modes | Comfort, Sport, Terrain |
| Gearbox | Two-speed (efficiency optimized) |
| Regenerative Braking | Adjustable, One Pedal Driving Available |
| Trunk Capacity (Rear) | 470 liters |
| Frunk Capacity | 100 liters |
The Journey Begins: Leaving the Lowlands Behind
The drive began from the bustling lowlands of Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. As I merged onto the road leading towards Kolli Hills, the first thing that struck me was the GLC EQ’s silence. The absence of engine growl took nothing away from the drama of the climb. In fact, it amplified the rawness of the environment. Birds chirping, wind rustling through trees, and the distinct chirp of tire rubber gripping tarmac became the soundtrack.
This version of the GLC EQ was equipped with dual motors that push nearly 489 horsepower. Even at low throttle, the torque came effortlessly. The car responded to every twitch of the accelerator with confident thrust, and yet it never felt overbearing. This wasn’t an angry EV trying to prove a point. It was a calm, calculated powerhouse.
Dancing Through the Curves
As I approached the first string of tight bends, I shifted into Sport mode. The suspension, tuned to perfection thanks to adaptive damping, instantly tightened. What followed was a lesson in balance. With each bend, the GLC EQ remained composed. Body roll was barely noticeable despite its SUV silhouette.
Rear-wheel steering played a subtle but significant role, especially in narrow sections where even compact cars would struggle. The GLC turned in sharply, giving me confidence to push a little more with every curve. The weight of the vehicle never came in the way. Mercedes has balanced it so precisely, it felt almost like a low-slung performance sedan wrapped in an SUV shell.
And then, there’s the regenerative braking. In its most aggressive setting (D-mode), I hardly touched the brake pedal. The system intuitively slowed the vehicle as I let off the accelerator. On a hill filled with tight descents and unexpected drops, this made a huge difference. I was always in control.
In-Tune with Terrain Mode
Halfway up, the road conditions changed. Broken tarmac, scattered gravel, and mist created a new challenge. I switched to Terrain mode. This redistributed torque equally between both axles, an instant transformation. The car adapted with grace. With a flick of the digital mode selector, the GLC EQ became more planted, its throttle response softened, and grip improved significantly.
Despite being a luxury crossover, it handled rough patches without protest. The air suspension, now slightly raised, soaked up imperfections while the all-wheel-drive system ensured I never lost traction. On a particularly steep and narrow section, where the surface turned near-offroad, the SUV powered through like it was second nature.
And it wasn’t just about capability. Inside the cabin, the silence remained. Even with gravel pinging against the underbody and wind howling outside, the interior was a cocoon. Mercedes has worked wonders with NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) control. Every kilometer felt premium.
Cabin: Minimalist Yet Intelligent
Unfortunately, the final cabin design was still camouflaged due to this being a pre-production model. Yet, some elements stood out. The central infotainment display was a massive, curved screen that merged seamlessly with the digital instrument cluster. The interface was intuitive and fluid.
The MB.OS operating system that powers the car’s tech suite is fast and smart. I used voice commands to adjust navigation, climate, and even the ambient lighting, all while driving through tight roads. The voice assistant responded without lag or the need for specific phrasing.
Rear seats were generous too. Even with a panoramic sunroof and sloping roofline, headroom remained ample. Legroom was exceptional, thanks to the longer wheelbase. The boot offered plenty of space for our weekend luggage, and the frunk gave extra room for smaller essentials.
Efficiency Meets Thrill
One of the most impressive aspects of the GLC EQ was its energy management. After a full charge the night before, I drove for nearly 220 kilometers including the entire climb and descent. When I returned, I still had an estimated 390 km of range left.
This wasn’t highway cruising. This was aggressive uphill driving, regenerative braking, and terrain exploration. The two-speed gearbox played a major role here. On flatter stretches, it allowed the motor to run at lower RPMs, preserving battery efficiency.
Charging-wise, the GLC EQ supports up to 320 kW of DC fast charging. While I didn’t need to top up during the trip, the idea that I could regain 260 km of range in just 10 minutes was comforting. It eases the anxiety that often shadows long EV journeys.
The Final Descent: Grace Under Pressure
As the sun began to set behind the hills, I started the descent. The golden light filtered through trees and danced on the hood as I guided the GLC EQ back through the 70 bends. This leg of the drive truly showed off the car’s dynamic control. The brakes were barely needed. Regeneration handled most of the work. On tighter corners, rear-wheel steering helped navigate without the need for correction.
By the time I reached the base, I wasn’t fatigued. I felt energized. There’s a distinct difference between being a driver and being one with the machine. With the GLC EQ, it felt like a partnership. A subtle rhythm between man, machine, and mountain.
Conclusion: The Future Feels Familiar
Electric vehicles are often described as the future. But the 2026 Mercedes GLC EQ makes that future feel remarkably familiar. It doesn’t alienate. It invites. It doesn’t shock you with theatrics. Instead, it earns your respect through composure, engineering finesse, and real-world usability.
From the challenging Kolli Hills climb to the luxurious drive down through misty forests, the GLC EQ proved it wasn’t just an evolution of its predecessors. It is a statement. One that says luxury, performance, and sustainability can exist in harmony.
Whether you’re an EV sceptic, a weekend wanderer, or someone looking to move to electric without compromise, this SUV deserves your attention.
FAQ
What is the estimated range of the 2026 Mercedes GLC EQ?
The GLC EQ claims a range of up to 650 km on a full charge under ideal driving conditions.
Is the GLC EQ suitable for hill driving and rough roads?
Yes, with terrain mode, adaptive air suspension, and all-wheel drive, it handles hills and uneven roads effortlessly.
Does it support fast charging?
Yes, it supports up to 320 kW DC fast charging, allowing around 260 km of range in just 10 minutes.
What makes it different from the older EQC?
The GLC EQ is built on a new MB.EA platform designed specifically for EVs, offering better range, space, performance, and technology.
Is the rear-wheel steering noticeable?
Absolutely, especially on tight turns and hairpin bends. It adds a level of agility not commonly found in SUVs of this size.
