2026 vs 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC: What Changes With the Electric GLC 400?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been the go-to midsize luxury SUV for drivers who want room for the family, a quiet cabin and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. For the 2027 model year, the GLC family grows in a new direction. The all-new electric GLC 400 4MATIC joins the lineup next to the 2026 GLC 300, which runs on gas with mild hybrid help, and the 2026 GLC 350e plug-in hybrid.

That gives shoppers three ways to power the same five-seat SUV, each with its own output, charging, cabin tech and cargo space. This guide puts the numbers side by side so you can see which GLC fits the way you drive.

At a Glance: 2026 GLC vs. 2027 Electric GLC

In the 2026 column, the first value is the GLC 300 and the second is the GLC 350e.

Performance: Three Ways to Drive a GLC

The GLC 300 uses a 2.0 L 4-cylinder turbo engine with mild hybrid drive. It makes 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and works with the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Rated fuel consumption is 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.7 L/100 km on the highway.

The GLC 350e adds plug-in hybrid technology to the same 2.0 L 4-cylinder turbo. Combined output rises to 313 hp and 406 lb-ft, and the SUV can travel up to 87 km on electricity alone. That covers many daily commutes without using fuel, while the gas engine stays ready for longer trips.

The 2027 GLC 400 4MATIC goes fully electric. Two permanently excited synchronous motors drive all four wheels through fully variable 4MATIC with Torque Shift. Combined output reaches 483 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, and the SUV runs from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.

All three come standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes.

Charging and Range

The GLC 350e charges at up to 9.6 kW on a Level 2 charger and goes from 10% to 100% in about 2.75 hours. With optional 60 kW DC fast charging, it can go from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes.

The GLC 400 uses a 94 kWh lithium-ion battery and a new 800-volt electrical system. Here are its key charging numbers:

• Estimated range of up to 563 km, based on Natural Resources Canada guidelines
• DC fast charging at up to 330 kW on an 800-volt station, 10% to 80% in 22 minutes
• 9.6 kW AC charging, 0% to 100% in 12.5 hours
• North American Charging Standard (NACS) DC port, with a Mercedes-Benz CCS1 DC fast-charging adapter included

Space, Comfort and Cargo

The electric GLC rides on a 2,972 mm wheelbase. That is 84 mm longer than the 2,888 mm wheelbase of the GLC 300 and GLC 350e, and overall length grows to 4,845 mm. Inside, front headroom measures 1,094 mm, compared with 1,048 mm in the GLC 300. Rear headroom rises from 1,007 mm to 1,024 mm.

For pure cargo volume, the GLC 300 leads with 620 L behind the rear seats and 1,680 L with them folded. The GLC 400 holds 570 L behind the rear seats and 1,220 L folded. It also adds a 128 L front trunk with cargo dividers, a handy spot for charging cables. An EASY-PACK power tailgate and HANDS-FREE ACCESS foot-activated release come standard. The GLC 350e gives up some space for its battery, with 470 L and 1,530 L.

Ride comfort gets attention across the range. The GLC 350e includes self-levelling rear air suspension as standard. The GLC 400 offers an optional Agility & Comfort Package with AIRMATIC air suspension, an Adaptive Damping System and 4.5-degree rear axle steering for tighter manoeuvres.

Interior Technology

The 2026 GLC models use an 11.9-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 3rd Generation MBUX with “Hey Mercedes” voice control. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto and over-the-air updates are standard, and the Pinnacle Trim Package adds a Head-Up Display.

The 2027 GLC 400 moves to the next generation of Mercedes-Benz software. Standard and optional highlights include:

• 4th Generation MBUX with the MBUX Virtual Assistant
• 14-inch touchscreen and 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with a fixed-glass panoramic sunroof
• Optional MBUX Hyperscreen, measuring 39.1 inches, the largest continuous screen in a Mercedes-Benz to date
• Optional Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System with 19 speakers and 750 W

Safety equipment grows as well. The GLC 400 carries nine air bags as standard, compared with seven in the 2026 GLC 300 and GLC 350e, along with Blind Spot Assist Plus and Exit Warning.

Which GLC Is Right for You?

Choose the GLC 300 if you want the largest cargo area in the family and a familiar gas engine with no charging routine. Its 255 hp turbo and 9-speed automatic make it an easy daily driver.

Choose the GLC 350e if most of your driving fits within its 87 km electric range and you can plug in at home. You get quiet electric commuting during the week and the gas engine for weekend road trips, plus 313 hp and the stronger 4,409 lbs (2,000 kg) towing rating.

Choose the 2027 GLC 400 if you want the most power, the most tech and the fastest charging in the GLC family. With 483 hp, up to 563 km of estimated range and 22-minute fast charging from 10% to 80%, it brings the GLC fully into the electric era without giving up its everyday practicality.

Compare Every GLC at Mercedes-Benz Brampton

The clearest way to feel the difference between mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric power is from the driver’s seat. Book a test drive at Mercedes-Benz Brampton in Brampton, and our team will walk you through the GLC 300, the GLC 350e and the 2027 electric GLC 400 so you can choose the one that matches your driving.