2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ Is About To Become A 7-Seater

The GLC has been stretched before, but this ungainly Merc would be the first seven-seater for the model and its size shows exactly where Benz intends to sell it.

This long-wheelbase GLC model was spotted testing in Germany. The fully-wrapped face and the tall grille non-opening behind it makes it clear that this is the electric GLC, now called the GLC with EQ technology as Mercedes-Benz moves away from its EQC SUV naming structure.

Mercedes-Benz's test drivers have helpfully parked this prototype right in front of a standard new GLC EQ SUV, and that makes the changes extremely obvious. Sometimes it's like they want us to get these images. The first is the massive rear door. It's significantly longer than the rear door on the standard-wheelbase model. The new door is also shaped differently, and that extends into the roofline as well.

2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC Close View
To help make sure that passengers can actually sit back there, Mercedes-Benz has flattened the curve of the roof. That makes sure there's headroom, even if it takes away some of the style of the two-row SUV. A set of roof rails that are not just extra long but are also much taller than standard are the other sign of what you're looking at.

You've probably never seen it before, but Mercedes-Benz has been selling a long-wheelbase GLC almost as long as the standard-length model. The first-generation launched in 2018, and at 187.6 inches it was 4.3 inches longer than standard. The second-generation GLC L was also 3.4-inches longer.

Both of those GLC models were made just for the Chinese market. More second row space is valued there, and a host of LWB vehicles are made just for China from a variety of brands. Despite it already building a GLC L, our spies say that this one will become the first to get a third row with seven-passenger capability. That might make the SUV's extension a little more than the 4.3-inches we've seen before.

Though Mercedes-Benz hasn't sold the long-wheelbase model outside of China before now, there is a chance this version could come to the US. The US also loves a three-row SUV, with many models this size offering that feature. Benz even offers the smaller GLB with a third row option, though that vehicle doesn't get a longer wheelbase to match.

Mercedes-Benz revealed the 2027 GLC EQ in September. The SUV will launch with a 473 horsepower electric motor, and we estimate around 360 miles of maximum range based on the WLTP figure. Expect the same high-tech interior on the L, with the 2027 GLC offering a massive 39.1-inch hyperscreen. That new system uses the Unity Game Engine and includes MBUX Virtual Assistant with AI. It also has Disney+ streaming for those poor passengers relegated to the third-row.