Style, luxury and prestige remain at the heart of Mercedes-Benz, qualities clearly reflected in the latest models to arrive on the Irish market: the spacious, family-orientated GLB, which comes in electric and hybrid electric versions, and the all-electric GLC SUV, classified by Mercedes-Benz as the first to embody new design language that will feature in future models.
Welcoming their introduction, Patrick Howlett, National Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Ireland commented: “The arrival of the new GLB and GLC BEV marks a defining moment for Mercedes-Benz in the Irish market. Both models bring together the latest technology, safety and design thinking, while offering customers a choice, with the GLB available in both all-electric and petrol-hybrid versions, and the current GLC also remaining available alongside the new all-electric model.”
GLB
With its added space – longer, wider, and slightly lower roofline – the GLB offers families added versatility thanks to adjustable second row allowing owner to configure its seven-seat layout around passengers or luggage as required.
Luggage capacity is 540/480 litres increasing to 1715/605 litres with rear seats folded, supplemented by a 127-litre frunk on electric models.
Additional features include faster interior heating, extensive driver/parking assistance systems, battery protection, and bi-directional charging capability.
Interior space is improved with better seating comfort, vegan trim and upholstery, and easier rear access. Safety systems include five ISOFIX rear mounting points with third-row compatibility. Exterior elements include an illuminated front star.
Available in electric and hybrid electric versions, with an electric range up to 624km, it comes in four all-electric and five hybrid electric variants priced from €59,355.
Models in the electric range are: GLB 200 (with 58kWh battery and 425km WLTP range); GLB 250 (with 71kWh battery and 521km range); GLB 250+ (with 85kWh battery and longest-in-line 624km range); GLB 350 4MATIC all-wheel drive (with 85kWh battery and 607km range), all with 10% – 80% charging time from 20 minutes.
Hybrid models are: GLB 180 (136bhp/200Nm), GLB 200 (163bhp/250Nm), GLB 200 4MATIC, GLB 220 (190bhp and 300Nm), and GLB 220 4MATIC.
GLC
A top-selling Mercedes-Benz model globally, the all-electric GLC – with its redesigned chromed grille, sleeker silhouette and more pronounced wheel arches – sits alongside diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid models currently available here.
Inside, a debut feature is the latest fourth generation MBUX infotainment system which comes with integrated Microsoft, Google AI, and Superscreen. Other equipment includes a panoramic glass roof, memory seats, driver assistance with multiple cameras and sensors, as well as a ‘starry-sky’ night lighting effect.
Priced from €72,085 and with a range of up to 664km, the GLC model choice comprises: GLC 250 (with 85kWh battery and 638km range); a 4-wheel drive GLC 300 4MATIC (with 606km range), and GLC 400 4MATIC (with larger 94kWh battery and 664km range).
All versions use an 800-volt system with 10% – 80% charging in 22 minutes and, according to Mercedes-Benz, the capacity to add over 300km range in around 10 minutes. Energy consumption is rated at 14.9kWh per 100km.
