Mercedes-Benz Unveils Electric GLC SUV Amidst Rising Chinese Competition

At the IAA Mobility show in Munich on September 8, 2025, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its latest electric vehicle, the GLC SUV, as the company addresses growing competition from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers.

Mercedes-Benz's Chief Technology Officer, Markus Schäfer, emphasized the company's confidence in its electromobility leadership while acknowledging the need to reduce production costs to remain competitive. "We have worked our way to the top in the area of electromobility, so we don't need to be afraid of China," Schäfer stated. He highlighted ongoing efforts to lower production expenses, particularly through collaboration with the company's Chinese development team.

The newly unveiled electric GLC SUV represents a significant advancement in Mercedes-Benz's electrification strategy. Key features include an illuminated grille with a smoked-glass lattice structure, a 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, and an 800-volt electrical architecture paired with a 94.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a WLTP range of up to 713 km (443 miles). The interior offers an optional "Vegan Package," certified by the UK's Vegan Society, making Mercedes-Benz the first automaker to offer a vegan interior certified by an independent organization.

The IAA Mobility show has become a focal point for the evolving dynamics between European and Chinese automakers. Chinese manufacturers like BYD, GAC, Changan, and Hongqi are aggressively expanding into the European market, nearly doubling their market share year-on-year to 4.8% as of July 2025. This expansion is driven by pressures in their domestic market and trade restrictions in the U.S.

European automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, are responding by unveiling new EV models to reclaim market share. The competition is intensified by factors such as stringent EU carbon emissions targets for 2035, softened demand in China, and costly U.S. tariffs.

Mercedes-Benz's unveiling of the electric GLC SUV signifies its commitment to innovation and competitiveness in the evolving EV market. The automotive industry is witnessing a dynamic shift as traditional European manufacturers and emerging Chinese brands vie for dominance in the electric vehicle sector.