Remove Before Race · Video summary
New GLC 400 4matic First Drive: The Best Mercedes SUV?
The new Mercedes GLC electric SUV offers a revolutionary interior and smooth, refined driving experience, marking a significant departure from previous EQ models.
Watch on YouTube ↗Key takeaways
- 🚀The new MBEA platform features 800-volt architecture enabling ultra-fast charging, delivering up to 185 miles of range in just 10 minutes.01:37
- 🎯The GLC electric utilizes a two-speed gearbox on its rear permanently synchronous motor, contributing to significantly better and more sustained acceleration compared to competitors.02:36
- ⚡The braking system is highly efficient, with 99% of braking handled electrically through recuperation, enabling true one-pedal driving in 'D minus' mode.03:50
- 🌟The optional Airmatic suspension, derived from the S-Class, offers predictive damping through 'car-to-x' communication and navigation data for an exceptionally smooth ride.04:14
- 💻The car's computing power is immense, with four liquid-cooled supercomputers processing data from an extensive sensor suite (12 ultrasonic, 10 cameras, multiple radars) for advanced driving assistance and future autonomous capabilities.04:39
- 💪Despite its electric nature, the GLC boasts a 2.4-ton towing capacity, significantly outperforming rivals like the iX3.05:09
Chapters
- 0:00🚗 Introduction to the New Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric
- 1:37⚡ New Electric Platform and Battery Technology
- 2:28⚙️ Motor and Drivetrain Specifications
- 3:11💨 Performance Figures: GLC 400 and GLC 300
- 3:50🛑 Advanced Braking and Suspension Systems
- 4:39🧠 Computing Power and Sensor Suite
- 5:26🤔 Design Evolution and Retro Influence
- 6:29💡 Exterior Design Details
- 9:28💰 Pricing and UK Market Concerns
- 10:29🆚 Comparison with BMW iX3 Pricing and Options
- 11:59🌟 Interior Design: A Revolutionary Screen Experience
- 13:13🎨 Interior Aesthetics and Materials
- 14:14💻 MB.OS and User Interface Features
- 15:23🔥 Interactive Ambiance: Fireplace and Aquarium Themes
- 16:30📱 Navigation and App Integration
- 18:32🤖 AI-Powered Voice Assistant
- 18:59☁️ Sky Control Roof and Storage Solutions
- 20:08💺 Seating and Rear Passenger Space
- 21:10🛣️ On-Road Driving Experience: Smoothness and Quietness
- 22:42📈 Acceleration and Performance
- 23:50🎶 Sound Experience Options
- 25:48🧘 Handling and Agility
- 26:46☁️🚗 Comfort Suspension vs. Airmatic
- 27:46🛣️🚗 Motorway Driving and Autonomous Features
- 29:22📍 Augmented Reality Navigation
- 30:16🔌 Comparison with CLA and Plug-in Hybrids
- 31:31🅿️ Advanced Self-Parking System
- 32:58♻️ Regenerative Braking and One-Pedal Driving
- 33:55❓ GLC Electric vs. BMW iX3
- 34:29✨ Anticipation for Future Models
- 34:53🏆 Conclusion: Best Mercedes SUV?
The digest
This video provides an in-depth first drive of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC electric SUV. It explores the vehicle's revolutionary design, advanced electric powertrain, and sophisticated interior, positioning it as a potential best-in-class offering from Mercedes-Benz. The review is aimed at consumers considering premium electric SUVs and professionals interested in the latest automotive technology and design trends.
Revolutionizing the GLC: Design and Powertrain
The new GLC electric marks a significant departure from its predecessors, not just in its electric powertrain but also in its design philosophy. The exterior adopts Mercedes-Benz's "iconic design" language, featuring a flatter front end and a distinctive grille, a noticeable shift from the brand's previous "EQ-ish" or "Tesla-ish" styling. This design change is presented as a response to market feedback, aiming for a more emotional and retro-inspired aesthetic.
The vehicle is built on the new MB.EA platform, an electric-first, modular architecture designed for scalability. Key technological advancements include:
- 800-volt architecture: Enables super-fast charging capabilities.
- 94 kWh NMC battery: Offers an updated chemistry for improved performance and a stated range of 405 miles.
- Fast Charging: Capable of 330 kW charging, adding approximately 185 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
- Dual Motors: All-wheel-drive (4MATIC) models feature permanently synchronous motors (PSM) on both front and rear axles. The rear motor has a two-speed gearbox, contributing to better and more sustained acceleration.
- Disconnect Unit (DCU): The front motor on 4MATIC models includes a DCU for improved efficiency by disconnecting when not needed.
- Silicon Carbide Inverters: Used on both axles to enhance efficiency.
The GLC 400 4MATIC boasts 489 horsepower and 800 Newton-meters of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. A less powerful, rear-wheel-drive GLC 300 is also mentioned, with 369 horsepower, 504 Newton-meters of torque, a 0-60 mph time of under 6 seconds, and an estimated range of 435 miles, slated for release in June.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 10-minute article, 9 more sections, and every new episode from Remove Before Race and the creators you follow.
- Advanced Braking and Suspension
- Computing Power and Sensor Suite
- Design Evolution: The Iconic Look
- Pricing and Ownership Considerations
- Interior Revolution: The MB.OS Experience
- On-Road Performance and Driving Dynamics
- Practical Implications and Takeaways
- Common Mistakes or Misconceptions Addressed:
- Action-Oriented Summary
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