The all-new Mercedes-Benz all-electric GLC made its debut in Munich, equipped with 800V fast charging, a borderless Superscreen, and more. The Chinese version will be fitted with the Doubao system, and its pricing is planned to align with that of the fuel-powered model (320,000 – 360,000 RMB).
On the afternoon of September 7th (Munich time), on the eve of the Munich Motor Show, Electric Planet was invited to an exclusive interview at the Mercedes-Benz Open Space. The interviewees were Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Chief Technology Officer, and Drummond Jacoy, Senior Executive Vice President of Mercedes-Benz (China) Investments Ltd. and Head of Mercedes-Benz Research & Development and Procurement in China.
Three Core Questions:
- What are the core competitiveness of the all-new all-electric Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV launched in Munich last night?
- Will Mercedes-Benz launch China-exclusive models that are only sold in the Chinese market?
- Facing the rapid iteration and high competitive intensity of China’s market in the smart “three electric systems” (battery, motor, electronic control) sector, is Mercedes-Benz fully prepared?
Below is the core information from the interview.
I. Comprehensive Intelligence
The all-new all-electric GLC, which made its global debut at the Mercedes-Benz Open Space in Munich last night, was undoubtedly the focus of this interview.
For us coming from China, our primary concern was its intelligent core and core competitiveness in the all-electric sector.
Prior to this, the biggest news about Mercedes-Benz’s all-electric models was its AMG GT XX concept car – which set a global record of driving 5,479 kilometers in 24 hours.
This record demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s comprehensive technical capabilities in energy consumption, ultra-fast charging, and ultra-stable high-power motors.
And such comprehensive technical capabilities, when reflected in mass-produced products, in addition to the fact that the all-new pure electric GLC SUV will directly feature parameters such as 800V and 330kW DC fast charging, have actually also helped Mercedes-Benz achieve the miniaturization and intelligentization of key components as well as a better spatial experience.
Markus Schäfer specifically mentioned today that the all-electric GLC SUV will be equipped with rear-axle steering and a 128L front trunk (frunk).
For comparison, the frunk volume of Tesla’s flagship six-seat all-electric SUV Model X is 183L, while that of the Tesla Model Y is 117L.
Regarding intelligence, Xue Fuming said that the all-electric GLC SUV is a software-defined car and the second vehicle under the new MB.OS architecture.
Therefore, this vehicle will be equipped with an L2++ end-to-end intelligent assisted driving system, powered by the 8295 chip, and feature an unprecedented “Superscreen” that spans “from A-pillar to A-pillar”.
Regarding the end-to-end navigation-assisted driving function, Mercedes-Benz stated at last night’s debut: “As long as local regulations in your region permit, Mercedes-Benz can make this function available.”
As for the Superscreen, our on-site observation showed that its overall visual experience is significantly better than the screen in the previous EQS model.
What makes it particularly special is that the all-new seamless MBUX Hyperscreen this time is a single full piece of screen with no black bezels at all in the middle.
Schäfer believes that it not only provides drivers with excellent visibility for driving-related information, but also offers front-seat passengers richer entertainment and interactive experiences.
Beyond intelligent driving, Markus Schäfer also specifically mentioned intelligent cabin capabilities such as voice control. He revealed that the all-electric GLC SUV will integrate the AI capabilities of ChatGPT, while in China, it will be equipped with the Doubao system.
Combined with features such as rear-axle steering, the 128L frunk, the use of genuine leather and solid wood interior materials, and the new interpretation of the classic grille, Markus Schäfer noted that the all-electric GLC SUV represents a perfect combination of intelligence and traditional Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.
When asked about the pricing strategy for the all-electric GLC SUV later, Markus Schäfer stated that it will adopt the same strategy as Mercedes-Benz’s fuel-powered models, aiming for “mutual complementarity and synergy”.
ChinaEVHome checked the current dealer reference prices of the fuel-powered GLC in China, which range from approximately RMB 320,000 to RMB 360,000. If the final dealer retail price falls within this range, the all-new all-electric GLC will be highly competitive.
“Of course, how to respond to competition in the Chinese market and finalize the pricing is the responsibility of the CEO of Mercedes-Benz China. I won’t overstep my authority here,” Schäfer added.
II. Mercedes-Benz’s Uncompromising Principle
Currently, the Chinese market is the most competitive in the world, especially in the new energy vehicle sector.
To cope with such high-intensity competition, some long-established premium brands have recently begun launching special models exclusively for the Chinese market, “essentially abandoning the global vehicle strategy”. Will Mercedes-Benz follow this path?
Faced with this tricky question, Markus Schäfer gave an unhesitant negative answer.
Markus Schäfer emphasized that what is crucial for Mercedes-Benz is the trust of car owners in the brand. Car owners want an authentic Mercedes-Benz – only then will they trust the vehicle and the brand itself.
Of course, Mercedes-Benz will also quickly adapt to local needs, which is why it has established R&D centers in Beijing and Shanghai, China.
Currently, Mercedes-Benz’s R&D team in China has more than 2,000 engineers working around the clock.
III. “Within One Week”
Responding to rapidly changing market demands while upholding Mercedes-Benz’s standards and principles – this was the core message that Markus Schäfer and Jacoy intended to convey.
But given the competitive intensity of the Chinese market, especially the rapid iteration of software and hardware, is Mercedes-Benz fully prepared?
In answering our question, Markus Schäfer stated that he fully agrees with Electric Planet’s view: the iteration speed of products and technologies in the Chinese market is the fastest in the world.
Mercedes-Benz has already recognized this and taken a series of measures, including establishing R&D centers in Beijing and Shanghai and expanding the size of its R&D team in China.
He highlighted two specific initiatives:
- Delegation of Authority
Mercedes-Benz has delegated more authority to its local R&D team in China, enabling them to develop more functions tailored to the Chinese market. At the same time, it is implementing a strategy of “Developing for China, Contributing to the World” – rolling out technologies developed in China to global markets.
For example, the Chinese R&D team is allowed to collaborate with local partners to launch new functions at a faster iteration pace.
“Of course, all of this must be based on meeting Mercedes-Benz’s standards,” Schäfer added.
- Gathering Local Elite Talent
Previously, Mercedes-Benz’s R&D team in China included many German engineers.
Today, however, over 98% of the team consists of elite talents from China.
“In other words, we are bringing together the best local minds for R&D work,” Schäfer explained.
The head of Mercedes-Benz China specifically gave an example: the next-generation rear-seat entertainment system of Mercedes-Benz is being developed by the Chinese R&D team and will be rolled out in vehicles globally.
“Within one week!”
Drummond Jacoy supplemented that Mercedes-Benz’s current vehicle software now supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, integrating all infotainment systems, intelligent driving assistance systems, and more. At the same time, it has the capability to complete one software iteration within a week.
At the end of the interview, Markus Schäfer added three more key points:
- The AMG GT XX concept car proves that Mercedes-Benz is making significant strides in all-electric technology. “We are fully prepared for the future of performance on the AMG platform – please stay tuned.”
- Mercedes-Benz already has strong capabilities in Level 3 intelligent driving, and the technology is ready for “on-road use”.
At this year’s Munich Motor Show, they have installed this system in an EQS and will offer public test drives – “which are, of course, in high demand”. - Mercedes-Benz’s solid-state batteries have already undergone road testing.
They installed a solid-state battery in an EQS, drove it from Munich to Sweden (a distance of approximately 1,200 kilometers), and still had over 100 kilometers of range remaining upon arrival.
Markus Schäfer concluded by saying that Mercedes-Benz has made remarkable progress in all technical fields related to all-electric vehicles. The company is also fortunate to have built a strong R&D team in China, while its global R&D team is equally outstanding. “We will learn from each other’s strengths and complement each other’s weaknesses. In the future, whichever R&D team develops better technology, we will promote that technology.”
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