Germans pick best electric SUV: Mercedes-Benz GLC takes top spot

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC EQ has been crowned the best electric SUV in a rigorous test conducted by Delfi, a Lithuanian publication. The comparison featured four premium mid-size electric SUVs, all equipped with all-wheel drive and system power ranging from 340 to 380 kW.

All competing models utilized an 800V architecture, enabling rapid charging from 10% to 80% in just 22-25 minutes. Real-world driving ranges varied between 400 and 500 kilometers on a single charge. Journalists praised the thoughtful design of the charging process across all four vehicles.

The test notably included two newcomers, the new generation BMW iX3 and the all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC, alongside established models like the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro and Porsche Macan 4S, which share a common platform. Tesla, Ford, and Polestar were invited but declined to participate.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4MATIC EQ stood out with a braking distance of 32.1 meters from 100 km/h, significantly better than its competitors. Testers also lauded its adaptive high-beam lights, superior comfort due to its air suspension, and informative steering feedback. Despite being the heaviest at 2,544 kg, its stability was unaffected.

Efficiency was another strong point, with the GLC consuming 23.8 kWh/100 km, the lowest among the group. It also achieved a peak charging power of 304 kW and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, matching the Porsche Macan. Practicality was enhanced by a 128-liter front trunk and a towing capacity of up to 2.4 tons. The BMW iX3, while offering the largest battery (108.7 kWh) and the longest range (502 km), had the slowest charging time.