Mercedes-Benz has uncovered its electric GLC ahead of its arrival early next year as a rival to the BMW iX3.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The unofficial successor to the EQC, the new model joins the combustion-powered GLC and “continues the GLC legacy in electric form”.

It’s dubbed the ‘GLC with EQ Technology’ but actually sits on a different platform and is “built electric-first, as the first model in a completely new vehicle family” that Mercedes says excels in performance, range, efficiency and charging speed. It’s also claimed to set new standards in its class for design, value, versatility and space, while also offering more legroom and headroom than its conventionally powered siblings as well as a 2.4-tonne towing capacity.

Boot space stands at 570 litres and, when the rear seats are folded down, this expands to 1,740 litres. Additionally, the ‘frunk’ gives an extra 128 litres of load capacity and can be opened partially electrically via touch control.

First to arrive will be the top-of-the-range GLC 400 4Matic with a dual-motor powertrain for 489hp of power and with up to 443 miles (713km) of range.

Four other versions will follow and Mercedes says it will offer a diverse portfolio of drive systems for every customer requirement.

Power for the GLC 400 4Matic comes from a 94kWh battery that enables charging at 330kW fast charging stations and is also equipped for bidirectional charging, enable it to store solar power and serve as a power supplier for home (V2H) or the power grid (V2G). A so-called DC converter will be installed on a country-specific basis and enables charging at 400V fast charging stations. A multi-source heat pump is standard and there’s a new One-Box braking system for a “steady, assured brake pedal feel, whether braking is achieved through energy recovery or conventional friction braking”.

The interior is dominated by a 39.1-inch Hyperscreen that stretches across the dash and is the largest screen in a Mercedes-Benz to-date. An optional Sky Control panoramic roof will be available with switchable glass and ambient lighting that illuminates 162 stars in the night sky.

Underneath it all is the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) that integrates and controls every aspect of the vehicle – from infotainment and automated driving to body comfort and charging – as an ‘AI-driven superbrain’ that can handle complexity akin to the human brain and ensures the GLC “thinks, learns and evolves with its driver”.

Design takes the brand into a new era with a new ‘Iconic’ giant illuminated grille.

Options include intelligent air suspension, seen in the S-Class, and 4.5-degree rear-axle steering for improved agility.