New Mercedes GLC with EQ Know-how prototype assessment: the right EV to struggle again towards BMW

We’re driving the lastly undisguised GLC 400. We’re sitting in air-conditioned therapeutic massage seats, browsing the dunes in close to silence. The GLC kicks up large fountains of sand, and its benefit right here is evident: the twin electrical motors.

With 482bhp (360kW) and 800Nm of torque, there’s critical muscle to haul this 2.5-tonne SUV over this unconventional terrain. However the actual win is the moment response; not like a petroleum 4×4 the place you need to maintain the ability on continually, right here you’ll be able to loosen up, making use of exact energy precisely when wanted.

Flip the dash-spanning Hyperscreen into ‘Terrain Mode’ and the non-obligatory air suspension, which incorporates rear-axle steering, jacks the automobile up by 25mm. Want extra? One other 25mm is offered on the contact of a button. This, mixed with an ‘ESP off’ mode, turns the dunes into a large sandpit. Whereas we’ll have to attend slightly longer to drive the automobile on the highway, we are able to’t deny it’s numerous enjoyable.

The brand new GLC can be critically sensible. It’s grown to 4.85 metres lengthy and contains a large 128-litre frunk (excellent for tow ropes or sandy boots), a 570-litre boot, and an additional 80mm within the wheelbase – a lot to the delight of these sitting within the again.

Frightened about vary? Do not be. Even with the air-con blasting within the desert warmth, the 94kWh battery claims as much as 406 miles on a cost, and with a fast 330kW charging functionality, a ten to 80 per cent high up is feasible in simply over 20 minutes.

Mercedes has lastly rolled the cube on value, too: the GLC 400 will begin from £60,350. That’s about 10 per cent greater than the combustion-engined mannequin, which is able to stay on sale alongside the EV providing a alternative of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

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