A test drive of the Mercedes GLC 400 4MATIC electric SUV was conducted over a 5,500 km road trip across France. The vehicle is a high-end version of the GLC model, though two-wheel-drive variants are also available and may be more practical for extended testing periods. Compared to the larger Mercedes EQE SUV, the GLC is described as a "big baby"—a term suggesting it is sizable but still manageable in tight urban environments. It performed well in narrow streets in Aix-en-Provence and in cramped parking spaces. The interior space is generous, featuring a panoramic Sky Control roof that can be made opaque for privacy or light control. The trunk holds 570 liters, with an additional 1,000 liters available when the rear seats are folded down. There is also a front trunk under the hood with 120 liters of space, which can be accessed without using the car’s touchscreen, mobile app, or steering wheel controls.
Inside the vehicle, illuminated threshold strips and decorative wood inserts add a touch of luxury, though the lower parts of the interior are made of hard plastic. The standard AMG Line sport seats are trimmed in leather and offer adjustable settings, memory functions, and ventilation. The pneumatic suspension and sound insulation contribute to a comfortable ride. However, the seat massage function was found to be underwhelming, offering only a single program. The MBUX Hyperscreen is a large, high-definition display that controls most of the car’s functions. While it extends to the passenger seat, some questioned the practicality of this design. A dedicated screen for the instrumentation is useful, allowing drivers to monitor routes while using the main screen for other tasks.
The vehicle is powered by a 94 kWh battery, with an average consumption of 19.1 kWh per 100 km during the trip and 16 kWh per 100 km in the city. The 800V direct current system allows for fast charging at up to 330 kW, with a charging curve that remains stable even when the battery is above 50% charge. The on-board charger is 11 kW, with an optional 22 kW charger available for faster home charging. The vehicle can travel from Paris to Aix-en-Provence on a single charge, a strong performance for a vehicle weighing over two tons with a bike rack installed.
Driving assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, but the vehicle lacks hands-free driving capabilities. Some features, like sudden steering or resistance when changing lanes, were noted as issues. The automatic lane change feature was disabled due to its abrupt maneuvers. The sign-reading system had bugs that incorrectly displayed speed limits, which could lead to potential rear-end collisions. Mercedes acknowledged the issue and mentioned a future system update. The Park Assist package allows for automatic parking, though the maneuvers can be interrupted. The vehicle includes the Premium Plus Pack, which adds features like the 4D-Surround Burmester audio system, lighting enhancements, the Hyperscreen, hands-free access, flush door handles, the panoramic roof, and heated rear seats. The audio system includes vibration features in the front seats, which can be disabled via the touchscreen. The MB.OS system helps locate nearby fast charging stations, which proved useful during periods of high demand.
The Mercedes GLC 400 4MATIC starts at 71,900 euros, with standard equipment that includes various optional features and packs that can significantly increase the price. The test concluded that the electric SUV is comfortable and quiet, making it suitable for long trips. With fast charging capabilities, it allows for minimal downtime during breaks, enhancing its practicality for road trips and daily use.
Mercedes GLC 400 4MATIC Electric SUV Tested Over 5,000 km in France
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