• Electric Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class spied ahead of 2026 U.S. launch
• New EV will replace EQC electric compact crossover sold overseas
• High-performance AMG variant planned

Mercedes-Benz has been spotted testing a prototype for an electric compact crossover that will end up replacing the EQC.

The EQC is the compact crossover whose 2020 debut marked the arrival of Mercedes’ EQ sub-brand for electric vehicles. However, its basis on a platform originally developed for gas-powered vehicles meant its EV credentials were lacking compared to the competition, in particular the Tesla Model Y, and Mercedes ultimately flipped on its decision to offer it in the U.S.

That won’t be the case for the EQC’s successor which may be called a GLC-Class EV or something to that effect to reflect its positioning alongside the gas-powered GLC-Class range. Mercedes in August confirmed the vehicle for an arrival in the U.S. in 2026, together with an electric C-Class, prototypes for which are also out testing. The timing points to the vehicles likely arriving as 2027 models.

The GLC-Class EV prototype can be seen together with the gas-powered GLC-Class in some of the shots, revealing the similar size of the vehicles but also the contrasting design. The EV’s roofline slopes more toward the rear and its front end is unique, featuring a sleeker, more rounded look overall compared to the regular GLC-Class. Look for styling cues to be borrowed from 2022’s Vision EQXX concept.

Underpinning the vehicle will be Mercedes’ new MB.EA dedicated EV platform. It isn’t clear what performance targets are planned, but the GLC-Class EV should have a range of more than 300 miles in at least one variant. A high-performance AMG variant is also planned.

The MB.EA platform was announced in 2021 together with an MMA platform that Mercedes will use for vehicles smaller than the C-Class and GLC-Class segments. The MMA platform supports both hybrid and electric powertrains, and we’ll see it debut next year in a redesigned CLA-Class. The new CLA-Class will reach the U.S. as a 2026 model.

Both the MB.EA and MMA platforms will have 800-volt electrical systems, which will enable high charging rates. Mercedes has hinted that adding well over 100 miles will be possible in less than 15 minutes of charging when using a DC fast charger.

Mercedes also has dedicated EV platforms for future vans and AMG vehicles. An AMG.EA platform is set to debut around the end of next year in an electric replacement for the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, while a Van.EA platform will debut in 2026 in a new midsize van family.