Mercedes-Benz Thailand plans to manufacture the GLC electric locally, using domestically sourced components to strengthen the country’s auto supply chain and bolster its electric vehicle (EV) production. The move aligns with the Thai government’s new EV excise tax structure, designed to encourage automakers to invest in local EV production and increase the use of locally made parts, reducing reliance on imported vehicles. The SUV is the first model developed on the manufacturer’s MB.EA-Medium version of the Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture.
Launch timing and pricing
The GLC electric will make its official debut at the 2026 Thailand International Motor Expo at the end of this year. Christian Schell, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Thailand, expects strong demand for the vehicle. He said the first deliveries to customers in the Kingdom are expected between the first and second quarters of next year.
The GLC 300 will be the variant produced in Thailand. It uses an 85 kWh battery, unlike the 94 kWh unit found in the GLC 400. The Thailand launch version is expected to start at less than 3.7 million baht, or roughly RM451,800.
Specs and market details
Power figures for the GLC 300 electric reach 421 PS (310 kW) with 800 Nm of torque. The four-wheel-drive SUV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 210 km/h. The 85 kWh NMC battery supports up to 320 kW of DC fast charging, allowing it to go from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes.
The GLC 300 4Matic will also be heading to Malaysia, as highlighted during the preview in Singapore earlier this month. It will be offered in two variants with estimated pricing of RM389,000 for the Avantgarde and RM399,000 for the AMG Line Plus. The electric SUV will go the CKD route in Malaysia, but will arrive first as a CBU full import, with local assembly in Pekan, Pahang happening later. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has indicated there are no plans to export the vehicle from the region.
The focus on the GLC 300 for Thailand follows a similar strategy used for the electric CLA in the country, utilizing a locally-produced battery.
