Mercedes GLC Electric - about to place an order...

[TheDeuce]

After going back and fourth between a Polestar 3 performance and BMW iX3, I'd somehow entirely overlooked the Merc GLC EV!

But there's a good lease deal via Synergy leasing for the ~500hp top spec 'premier' edition, which is fully loaded. The only extras I could add was met paint and the air suspension, I have added both.


Anyone else done any research on these? The tech/kit offered beats the others hands down and whilst it's likely to be slightly less dynamic than the other two, I don't mind swapping that for some extra gadgets and comfort in the Merc.

Full video review (not driven)


Before anyone mentions range... I am aware it's less than the iX3 - but it's more than enough

[raspy]

I think you ve made the right choice for you, especially by adding air suspension. It s what I would choose myself out of those 3 cars.

When I was at IAAA in September, there seemed to be a much bigger crowd of people wanting to check out the new electric GLC rather than the new iX3.

I didn’t get a chance to sit inside the GLC, but it did look a nicer and more luxurious interior to me than the IX3. Now that I did sit inside and it felt quite cheap, especially in the rear, for the money they are asking. I think that’s because Bmw are using even more recycled/sustainable materials on the iX3.

Edited by raspy on Wednesday 4th March 17:50

[TheDeuce]

raspy said:

I think you ve made the right choice for you, especially by adding air suspension. It s what I would choose myself out of those 3 cars.

When I was at IAAA in September, there seemed to be a much bigger crowd of people wanting to check out the new electric GLC rather than the new iX3.

I didn t get a chance to sit inside the GLC, but it did look a nicer and more luxurious interior to me than the IX3. Now that I did sit inside and it felt quite cheap, especially in the rear, for the money they are asking. I think that s because Bmw are using even more recycled/sustainable materials on the iX3.

Edited by raspy on Wednesday 4th March 17:50

Thanks. I feel the same way about the iX3. I'm sure it'll drive better than the Merc and it's a very impressive car in several ways - but the Merc feels more generous with kit/tech/luxury.

Also I think the Merc is seriously under the radar right now - it's their answer to BMW's first if it's Neue Klasse iX3 but somehow the iX3 has garnered all the attention!

I used to provide part of JLR's stand at the IAAA and Geneva, it made new car shopping a lot easier as I could have a proper look around them all on press day

[TheDeuce]

Well, decision made I think - I expect to place the order tomorrow, just waiting on confirmation of a couple of details.

My only slight frustration is that, despite the 'Premier Edition' being extremely well specced by default, there do appear to be some things locked away as 'digital extras' which may have to be paid for - but nobody at Mercedes seems 100% clear on what those things are or how much they might cost. I think all I'll need to add is MB.DRIVE 'ASSIST' pack for the active steering (plus some other bits), for the sake of allowing the car to drive itself on the motorways, and that's apparently around £1500. I don't love these subscription up-sells but I guess it's the way things are going, for German cars at least...

But generally the car seems like the perfect complete package for me, the price is pretty good at retail and very good on lease (which is what I'm going for) right now.

I still don't really understand why this car is getting so little attention. The GLC is Merc's top selling model and this new version is a huge step forward in tech/lux/comfort.

I'm quite excited now

[raspy]

TheDeuce said:

Well, decision made I think - I expect to place the order tomorrow, just waiting on confirmation of a couple of details.

My only slight frustration is that, despite the 'Premier Edition' being extremely well specced by default, there do appear to be some things locked away as 'digital extras' which may have to be paid for - but nobody at Mercedes seems 100% clear on what those things are or how much they might cost. I think all I'll need to add is MB.DRIVE 'ASSIST' pack for the active steering (plus some other bits), for the sake of allowing the car to drive itself on the motorways, and that's apparently around £1500. I don't love these subscription up-sells but I guess it's the way things are going, for German cars at least...

But generally the car seems like the perfect complete package for me, the price is pretty good at retail and very good on lease (which is what I'm going for) right now.

I still don't really understand why this car is getting so little attention. The GLC is Merc's top selling model and this new version is a huge step forward in tech/lux/comfort.

I'm quite excited now

Yeah that does sound frustrating. That's why the Chinese cars are doing so well, virtually everything is thrown in as standard at a very reasonable price.

I think the reason why the electric GLC is not getting as much attention as say the NK iX3 is partly because the GLC is being positioned by MB as an evolution of the existing GLC "model/image" whereas the NK iX3 is being positioned as a complete reinvention of BMW given it's the first car to launch on their new NK platform.

Enjoy!

[oop north]

I’m in the not for me camp and am getting an iX3. I did consider the glc but not for long - I couldn’t cope with all the stars in the front grille (and everywhere else!). I also like the across the base of the windscreen screen - looks great in person. Am also more of a bmw person though I would be very interested in learning more about the glc

I also sent a stroppy email to Mercedes at the weekend cos to unsubscribe from emails they wanted me to phone somebody or call into the local dealer (3rd option was emailing which I took). It really should’ve been possible just to click to cancel

[TheDeuce]

raspy said:

Yeah that does sound frustrating. That's why the Chinese cars are doing so well, virtually everything is thrown in as standard at a very reasonable price.

I think the reason why the electric GLC is not getting as much attention as say the NK iX3 is partly because the GLC is being positioned by MB as an evolution of the existing GLC "model/image" whereas the NK iX3 is being positioned as a complete reinvention of BMW given it's the first car to launch on their new NK platform.

Enjoy!

But but but... the new GLC is also the first cr on their new EV platform too! But they definitely haven't done as good of a job at making that as clear (or interesting) as BMW have managed.

My biggest frustration with German cars is the bewildering array of options, made worse now by extra subscriptions. It's not that I mind paying that way, I know I'm paying regardless of how they wish to sell this stuff, it's that I can't even work out 100% what is included or even what's available. Nobody at Merc seems confident either. I had the same thing years ago with a BMW, the sales people I spoke too seemed less clued up about some of the options than I was.

I'll be gutted if for any reason I can't upgrade to level 2 auto driving. The car has massage seats and it seems only reasonable the thing should take over the driving whilst I get a back rub

[TheDeuce]

oop north said:

I m in the not for me camp and am getting an iX3. I did consider the glc but not for long - I couldn t cope with all the stars in the front grille (and everywhere else!). I also like the across the base of the windscreen screen - looks great in person. Am also more of a bmw person though I would be very interested in learning more about the glc

I also sent a stroppy email to Mercedes at the weekend cos to unsubscribe from emails they wanted me to phone somebody or call into the local dealer (3rd option was emailing which I took). It really should ve been possible just to click to cancel

I was all sold on the ix3, it's a fantastic car for sure. I think the GLC is better value in terms of kit/tech though, and feels like a more special place to be sat - certainly more flamboyant than the Beemer. I would normally say that BMW's are the better to drive vs an equivalent Merc, although in this instance the ix3 has skipped the air-suspension, whereas the new GLC has borrowed the air system from the S-class, so who knows... I think it's a huge step up from previous generation GLC's.

If you watch the video I posted in the OP it's a pretty solid breakdown, also worth a deep dive of the standard kit the Premier Edition gets, it's quite the list and has a few surprises you wouldn't expect for a car that's supposed to be a lowly C-Class level Merc.

[DJP31]

TheDeuce said:

Well, decision made I think - I expect to place the order tomorrow, just waiting on confirmation of a couple of details.

My only slight frustration is that, despite the 'Premier Edition' being extremely well specced by default, there do appear to be some things locked away as 'digital extras' which may have to be paid for - but nobody at Mercedes seems 100% clear on what those things are or how much they might cost. I think all I'll need to add is MB.DRIVE 'ASSIST' pack for the active steering (plus some other bits), for the sake of allowing the car to drive itself on the motorways, and that's apparently around £1500. I don't love these subscription up-sells but I guess it's the way things are going, for German cars at least...

I'm quite excited now

Depending on how much importance you place on being able to add this, I'd be pushing for something in writing. These things should be as easy as flicking a switch but that often appears not to be the case.

I haven't looked at size/price comparisons but did the Lotus Eletre figure on the shortlist?

[TheDeuce]

DJP31 said:

TheDeuce said:

Well, decision made I think - I expect to place the order tomorrow, just waiting on confirmation of a couple of details.

My only slight frustration is that, despite the 'Premier Edition' being extremely well specced by default, there do appear to be some things locked away as 'digital extras' which may have to be paid for - but nobody at Mercedes seems 100% clear on what those things are or how much they might cost. I think all I'll need to add is MB.DRIVE 'ASSIST' pack for the active steering (plus some other bits), for the sake of allowing the car to drive itself on the motorways, and that's apparently around £1500. I don't love these subscription up-sells but I guess it's the way things are going, for German cars at least...

I'm quite excited now

Depending on how much importance you place on being able to add this, I'd be pushing for something in writing. These things should be as easy as flicking a switch but that often appears not to be the case.

I haven't looked at size/price comparisons but did the Lotus Eletre figure on the shortlist?

Email chain with the leasing company and Merc tech team underway to get it confirmed!...

Yes I looked at the eletre and I'd have one, it's quite novel, the idea you could put a lotus badge on your drive in a practical car which probably won't break down because it's now made in China - not exactly a patriotic stance I know - but the Eletre does feel 'special', still. However, in the world of leasing it's in no small part about which cars compete at the time you order on price, and the GLC is currently an excellent price, the Eletre is 50% higher... The iX3 and polestar 3 performance, and in fact at a small stretch, the IX M70 were the shortlist on cost basis.

[oop north]

TheDeuce said:

I was all sold on the ix3, it's a fantastic car for sure. I think the GLC is better value in terms of kit/tech though, and feels like a more special place to be sat - certainly more flamboyant than the Beemer. I would normally say that BMW's are the better to drive vs an equivalent Merc, although in this instance the ix3 has skipped the air-suspension, whereas the new GLC has borrowed the air system from the S-class, so who knows... I think it's a huge step up from previous generation GLC's.

If you watch the video I posted in the OP it's a pretty solid breakdown, also worth a deep dive of the standard kit the Premier Edition gets, it's quite the list and has a few surprises you wouldn't expect for a car that's supposed to be a lowly C-Class level Merc.

I think your idea of flamboyant is my idea of garish

The premier once you add, paint, towbar, 22kW charging and the air suspension is about £79k, which is £12k more than I am paying for the iX3. Struggling to see how that can be described as better value! Cannot find any deal with Synergy on the GLC EV

That would have better stereo, air suspension and rear wheel steer than my car (all of which I have on the iX)

[TheDeuce]

oop north said:

TheDeuce said:

I was all sold on the ix3, it's a fantastic car for sure. I think the GLC is better value in terms of kit/tech though, and feels like a more special place to be sat - certainly more flamboyant than the Beemer. I would normally say that BMW's are the better to drive vs an equivalent Merc, although in this instance the ix3 has skipped the air-suspension, whereas the new GLC has borrowed the air system from the S-class, so who knows... I think it's a huge step up from previous generation GLC's.

If you watch the video I posted in the OP it's a pretty solid breakdown, also worth a deep dive of the standard kit the Premier Edition gets, it's quite the list and has a few surprises you wouldn't expect for a car that's supposed to be a lowly C-Class level Merc.

I think your idea of flamboyant is my idea of garish

The premier once you add, paint, towbar, 22kW charging and the air suspension is about £79k, which is £12k more than I am paying for the iX3. Struggling to see how that can be described as better value! Cannot find any deal with Synergy on the GLC EV

That would have better stereo, air suspension and rear wheel steer than my car (all of which I have on the iX)

You have sir suspension, rear steer and better stereo in the iX3..?

No need for 22kw charging or towbar here. Anyway, we're taking lease costs and the monthlies are the same give or take incl options.

[modeller]

The GLC is more upmarket vs iX3.
- electric steering column adjustment with memory
- air suspension
- rear wheel steering
- dimmable pan roof
- massage seats

- 2spd rear transmission for efficiency

Range probs 40miles less vs BMW.

GLC isn’t released yet and no independent UK reviews yet

[TheDeuce]

modeller said:

The GLC is more upmarket vs iX3.
- electric steering column adjustment with memory
- air suspension
- rear wheel steering
- dimmable pan roof
- massage seats

- 2spd rear transmission for efficiency

Range probs 40miles less vs BMW.

GLC isn t released yet and no independent UK reviews yet

By all accounts the burmister sound system is better than the current (in my current car and the iX3) BMW HK system too. I love good sound in my cars, it's the only place I can enjoy music at the correct volume

Also glad that the front seats are cooled and it has matrix headlights, but can't remember for sure if the iX3 has the same.

[SDK]

modeller said:

The GLC is more upmarket vs iX3.
- electric steering column adjustment with memory
- air suspension
- rear wheel steering
- dimmable pan roof
- massage seats

- 2spd rear transmission for efficiency

Range probs 40miles less vs BMW.

GLC isn t released yet and no independent UK reviews yet

I was looking last night at the GLC.
For sure it has more luxury and spec over the iX3, but it costs over £15k more than the iX3, and this is reflected in the Tusker pricing

• GLC400 SUV 4MATIC 94kWh 489 AMG Line Premium Plus = £930 per month [base colour]
• + Refinement Package (Air suspension, rear axle steering etc) £2.5k option increasing the price to £1010 per month

• BMW iX3 50 xDrive SUV 108.7kWh 469 M Sport Pro Technology Plus = £732 per month [base colour]

So the Mercedes is £200 a month more, or +£270 a month with the Refinement Package added.
That's a significant price difference and not really comparable cars

This pushes the GLC pricing over the cost of a BMW iX with air suspension, which is a car in a class above the GLC.

Edited by SDK on Wednesday 11th March 08:20

[raspy]

SDK said:

modeller said:

The GLC is more upmarket vs iX3.
- electric steering column adjustment with memory
- air suspension
- rear wheel steering
- dimmable pan roof
- massage seats

- 2spd rear transmission for efficiency

Range probs 40miles less vs BMW.

GLC isn t released yet and no independent UK reviews yet

I was looking last night at the GLC.
For sure it has more luxury and spec over the iX3, but it costs over £15k more than the iX3, and this is reflected in the Tusker pricing

• GLC400 SUV 4MATIC 94kWh 489 AMG Line Premium Plus = £930 per month [base colour]
• + Refinement Package (Air suspension, rear axle steering etc) £2.5k option increasing the price to £1010 per month

• BMW iX3 50 xDrive SUV 108.7kWh 469 M Sport Pro Technology Plus = £732 per month [base colour]

So the Mercedes is £200 a month more, or +£270 a month with the Refinement Package added.
That's a significant price difference and not really comparable cars

This pushes the GLC pricing over the cost of a BMW iX with air suspension, which is a car in a class above the GLC.

Edited by SDK on Wednesday 11th March 08:20

Yikes. A grand a month for a GLC. No wonder it’s not getting much attention here.

[TheDeuce]

SDK said:

I was looking last night at the GLC.
For sure it has more luxury and spec over the iX3, but it costs over £15k more than the iX3, and this is reflected in the Tusker pricing

• GLC400 SUV 4MATIC 94kWh 489 AMG Line Premium Plus = £930 per month [base colour]
• + Refinement Package (Air suspension, rear axle steering etc) £2.5k option increasing the price to £1010 per month

• BMW iX3 50 xDrive SUV 108.7kWh 469 M Sport Pro Technology Plus = £732 per month [base colour]

So the Mercedes is £200 a month more, or +£270 a month with the Refinement Package added.
That's a significant price difference and not really comparable cars

This pushes the GLC pricing over the cost of a BMW iX with air suspension, which is a car in a class above the GLC.

Edited by SDK on Wednesday 11th March 08:20

There is considerable movement in lease and SS providers price between different cars, it's always like that.

My price on the GLC with metallic and refinement pack is £798 net, basically the same as the iX3 but with more kit.

I also prefer the looks inside and out. Not that there is anything wrong with the iX3, it's an excellent car and has it's own strengths! I fully expected it would be my next car before I found the GLC.

[MediumBuild]

BMW definitely are more on it in terms of using multiple channels to generate interest. Look at yesterday with the iX3 - took a stack of 'influencers' to HQ, then down to a very nice lunch outside Winchester, access to the cars and drive them there and back for the videos to be made.

Sync the release, ask them all to make sure they use the phrase 'game-changer' or 'changing the game' within their 15-20 min 'reviews' and drop them en-masse alongside traditional car mags and websites.

It works. Both cars look bloody good but only one is getting the attention.

[TheDeuce]

MediumBuild said:

BMW definitely are more on it in terms of using multiple channels to generate interest. Look at yesterday with the iX3 - took a stack of 'influencers' to HQ, then down to a very nice lunch outside Winchester, access to the cars and drive them there and back for the videos to be made.

Sync the release, ask them all to make sure they use the phrase 'game-changer' or 'changing the game' within their 15-20 min 'reviews' and drop them en-masse alongside traditional car mags and websites.

It works. Both cars look bloody good but only one is getting the attention.

Yep.

BMW are ahead on terms of reveal and road test readiness for the iX3 so I guess it's not easy to interfere with all that press. Mercedes big marketing push may be timed to come after noise around the iX3 has died down a little.

Not ideal for Merc but the reality is that BMW got the iX3 ready to show off earlier than they did. I'm just glad to see a properly interesting and progressive EV from Merc because, so far, BMW has been out in front with their EV development from day one. Competition is good and it's part of the reason the new prices for this new generation of German EV's aren't quite as bonkers as the last.

[MediumBuild]

TheDeuce said:

Yep.

BMW are ahead on terms of reveal and road test readiness for the iX3 so I guess it's not easy to interfere with all that press. Mercedes big marketing push may be timed to come after noise around the iX3 has died down a little.

Not ideal for Merc but the reality is that BMW got the iX3 ready to show off earlier than they did. I'm just glad to see a properly interesting and progressive EV from Merc because, so far, BMW has been out in front with their EV development from day one. Competition is good and it's part of the reason the new prices for this new generation of German EV's aren't quite as bonkers as the last.

100% - the more of these frankly excellent cars are released the more barriers are removed.